History awaits Cabo Verde as the African nation prepares for its first-ever FIFA World Cup match against European champions Spain in their Group H opener at Atlanta Stadium on Monday at 9:30 PM IST. The encounter marks the first senior international meeting between the two nations and represents a landmark moment for Cabo Verde, one of the smallest countries by population ever to qualify for the World Cup.
Spain's Ambitions
For Spain, the tournament offers an opportunity to reassert themselves on football's biggest stage. The 2026 edition marks La Roja's 17th World Cup appearance, and they arrive in North America among the leading contenders after capturing the UEFA European Championship in 2024. Under coach Luis de la Fuente, Spain have been one of the most consistent sides in world football, remaining unbeaten in their last 30 matches since March 2024. Despite their recent success, the Spaniards will be eager to erase memories of disappointing World Cup campaigns, having failed to progress beyond the Round of 16 in each of the last three editions.
Cabo Verde's Challenge
On paper, the contest appears heavily tilted in Spain's favor. Ranked second in the FIFA rankings, they face a Cabo Verde side placed 67th in the world. However, the Blue Sharks have already shown they are capable of upsetting established football nations. Managed by Bubista, Cabo Verde secured a historic qualification by finishing ahead of African heavyweights Cameroon during the qualifying campaign. Their confidence has been further boosted by impressive recent results, including 3-0 victories over Serbia and Bermuda in warm-up matches.
Lamine Yamal's Fitness
Spain have also received encouraging news regarding teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. The Barcelona star, who missed the closing stages of the club season because of a hamstring injury, has recovered and is available for selection. While he may not be included in the starting lineup, head coach De la Fuente confirmed that the youngster is fully fit and ready to contribute if called upon.
Match Details
What time will the Spain vs Cabo Verde match start?
The Spain vs Cabo Verde match will kick off today at 9:30 PM IST on Monday.
Where will the match be played?
The Spain vs Cabo Verde match will be played at Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta, USA.
Predicted XIs
Spain (4-3-3)
Unai Simon; Marcos Llorente, Pau Cubarsí, Aymeric Laporte, Eric Cucurella; Fabian Ruiz, Rodri, Pedri; Ferran Torres, Mikel Oyarzabal, Alex Baena.
Cabo Verde (4-2-3-1)
Josimar Dias "Vozinha"; Steven Moreira, Logan Costa, Roberto Lopes "Pico", Joao Paulo; Yannick Semedo, Kevin Pina; Ryan Mendes, Jamiro Monteiro, Lopes Cabral; Dailon Livramento.
Head-to-Head Records
Spain and Cabo Verde have no head-to-head records in international football as they have never faced each other before. Today's Group H opener marks the historic first-ever meeting between the two nations across all senior formats.
Squad News
Spain 26-Man Squad (Coach: Luis de la Fuente)
Goalkeepers: Unai Simon (Athletic Club), David Raya (Arsenal), Alex Remiro (Real Sociedad).
Defenders: Pedro Porro (Tottenham), Marcos Llorente (Atlético Madrid), Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona), Marc Pubill (Atlético Madrid), Aymeric Laporte (Athletic Club), Eric García (Barcelona), Alejandro Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen), Marc Cucurella (Chelsea).
Midfielders: Rodri (Manchester City), Martín Zubimendi (Arsenal), Gavi (Barcelona), Pedri (Barcelona), Fabián Ruiz (PSG), Mikel Merino (Arsenal), Álex Baena (Atlético Madrid).
Forwards: Dani Olmo (Barcelona), Lamine Yamal (Barcelona), Nico Williams (Athletic Club), Yéremy Pino (Crystal Palace), Ferran Torres (Barcelona), Borja Iglesias (Celta Vigo), Víctor Muñoz (Osasuna), Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad).
Cabo Verde 26-Man Squad (Coach: Pedro “Bubista” Brito)
Goalkeepers: Josimar Dias "Vozinha" (Chaves), Márcio da Rosa (Montana), Carlos Santos (San Diego).
Defenders: Steven Moreira (Columbus Crew), Wagner Pina (Trabzonspor), João Paulo Fernandes (FCSB), Sidny Lopes Cabral (Benfica), Logan Costa (Villarreal), Roberto Lopes "Pico" (Shamrock Rovers), Kelvin Pires (SJK), Ianique Tavares "Stopira" (Torreense), Edilson Borges "Diney" (Al Bataeh).
Midfielders: Jamiro Monteiro (PEC Zwolle), Telmo Arcanjo (Vitória de Guimarães), Yannick Semedo (Farense), Laros Duarte (Puskás Akadémia), Deroy Duarte (Ludogorets Razgrad), Kevin Pina (Krasnodar).
Forwards: Ryan Mendes (Iğdır), Willy Semedo (Omonia), Garry Rodrigues (Apollon Limassol), Jovane Cabral (Estrela Amadora), Nuno Da Costa (İstanbul Başakşehir), Dailon Livramento (Casa Pia), Gilson Benchimol (Akron Tolyatti), Hélio Varela (Maccabi Tel Aviv).
Where to Watch
The Spain vs Cabo Verde match will be streamed live on the ZEE5 website and application and telecast live on Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2, and Unite8 Sports 2 HD. Fans in India can watch the match on these platforms.
