Spain, the reigning UEFA Euro 2024 champions, begin their 2026 World Cup campaign on Monday with a Group H meeting against Cabo Verde at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
There was encouraging news for La Roja ahead of kickoff, with coach Luis de la Fuente confirming that Barcelona standout Lamine Yamal is fit and available after concerns over the injury that kept him out at the end of the club season. “Lamine is in perfect condition, training very well like the rest of the teammates who have had some issues,” de la Fuente said. “I can tell you that all the players are available for the debut.”
Spain arrive at the tournament as one of the favorites to go deep. De la Fuente’s side moved through qualifying without a defeat, winning their first five matches without allowing a goal before closing the group with a 2-2 draw against Turkiye.
How to watch Spain vs. Cabo Verde
The Spanish national team also carries significant World Cup pedigree. Spain are one of just eight countries to have won the competition and remain the most recent nation to claim a first world title. That breakthrough came in 2010, when Andres Iniesta scored the extra-time winner in a 1-0 victory over the Netherlands in the final.
Spain vs. Cabo Verde predicted starting lineups
Cabo Verde, meanwhile, enter the tournament as one of its most compelling underdog stories. With a population of just over 500,000, they are the third-smallest nation ever to qualify for a World Cup, behind Iceland and Curaçao.
Both teams are part of Group H, which also includes Saudi Arabia and Uruguay. Monday’s match gives Spain a chance to make an early statement, while Cabo Verde will look to build on a historic achievement with what would be a memorable result on the global stage.
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Spain vs. Cabo Verde pick, prediction
Spain are expected to win and also with a big margin against a team that should rely on the opening game for their dreams in the tournament. : Spain 5, Cabo Verde 0.
Check out our World Cup expert predictions.
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Golazo 48 Nations is your all-access destination for the World Cup, with wall-to-wall coverage across the CBS Sports Golazo Network. From the first whistle to the final recap, the entire Golazo crew will guide fans through every moment of the tournament.
Each day begins with , setting the stage with the latest news, storylines, and previews ahead of kickoff. From there, and deliver reaction and analysis as the action unfolds. Fans can also tune in for coverage of USMNT matches with the team, as well as reaction to other marquee matchups.
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