Spain vs Cape Verde preview
Match details
- 2026 FIFA World Cup
- Matchday 1 – Monday, June 15, 2026
- Kick Off Time – 7pm
Stadium – Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atalanta – USA
Why this match matters
They come as the reigning champions of Europe and are ranked second in the latest FIFA Rankings behind World Champions Argentina. And Spain is not joking; they’re on an unbeaten run of 33 matches that goes back to their loss in a penalty shootout to Portugal in June last year.
Spain is the odds-on favourite to win the tournament, with most top sports betting sites around the globe having priced them between 4.00 and 4.50 to win their second FIFA World Cup after claiming their maiden victory on African soil in South Africa 2010.
This side, coached by 64-year-old Spanish tactician Luis de la Fuente, is heavily armed with one of the most technically gifted young squads on the planet, led by Barcelona’s wonderkid Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao), who will provide the matching threats. Other influential players include 2024 Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, Pedri, who is back to his best after the injury and Real Sociedad’s striker Mikel Oyarzabal, who has scored 15 goals for club and country this year.
They open their Group H chapter in Atlanta against an opponent who is making their first appearance at the World Cup alongside Curacao, Jordan and Uzbekistan.
This time, the route is somewhat longer with an extra round of 32 added, but first things first, they have to see how to get out of the group that has Uruguay, Cape Verde and a Saudi Arabia side that shocked Argentina in their opening match in Qatar. But this opening fixture against a debutant is the kind of match where they should send a statement of intent.
Cabo Verde are odds 2000 to win the World Cup, but while this is far-fetched, they shouldn’t be underrated in this game after beating Cameroon to qualification in the African qualifiers.
Spain vs Cape Verde head-to-head stats – no previous meetings
Spain’s recent form
DDWDW
Spain’s last five matches
June 4, 2026 – Spain 1-1 Iraq
March 31, 2026 – Spain 0-0 Egypt
March 27, 2026 – Spain 3-0 Serbia
November 18, 2025 – Spain 2-2 Turkey
October 14, 2025 – Spain 4-0 Bulgaria
Goals scored – 10
Goals conceded – 3
Key trends from recent matches
Spain is enjoying a run of nine games without a loss, during which they have won six and drawn three. Their last defeat came in June last year when they suffered a penalty-shootout defeat to Portugal in the final of the UEFA Nations League. In their last nine matches, the team has scored 25 goals, averaging close to three per match and has conceded only three in the last nine, highlighting their defensive discipline and quality.
While they have managed to score only ten goals, an average of two per match, results like their recent 1-1 draw with Iraq were largely due to rotation and injury to their key players.
Cape Verde’s recent form
WWDLL
Cape Verde’s last five matches
- June 6, 2026 – Cape Verde 3-0 Bermuda
- May 31, 2026 – Cape Verde 3-0 Serbia
- March 30, 2026 – Cape Verde 1-1 Finland
- March 27, 2026 – Chile 4-2 Cape Verde
- November 17, 2025 – Egypt 1-1 Cape Verde
Goals scored – 10
Goals conceded – 6
Key trends from recent matches
Cape Verde head to the FIFA World Cup with a bit of confidence after beating Bermuda and Serbia in their pre-tournament 3-0 during their preparation matches. They have won two matches and drawn two against quality opposition in Egypt and Finland, sending a warning that they’re not just a side going to tour North America. They have scored ten goals and conceded three in their three matches.
Spain team news
Spanish doctors are currently working around the clock to make youngster Lamine Yamal fit after suffering a hamstring injury earlier while at Barcelona, while his attacking partner Nico Williams is still a doubt for this match. Both never featured in the 1-1 build-up against Iraq, but the team remains hopeful they will pass a late test. Pedri has recovered but didn’t feature in that friendly and is expected to be available for selection.
Key players: Without a doubt, Lamine Yamal is their brightest talent at the World Cup with his sleek dribbling skills and creativity at the highest level, while Athletico Bilbao’s Nico Williams adds threat on the opposite wing. The duo can combine to devastating effect at the Euro 2024 and will be key in the USA, Mexico and Canada if they’re fully fit. Rodri adds balance in the midfield as Mikel Oyarzabal, who has scored 15 goals in 2026 for his club Real Sociedad, will be the main man up front.
Cape Verde team news
Villarreal’s Logan Costa returned from surgery a month ago and is not fully match-fit after managing only 13 minutes as a substitute and will need a late assessment if he is to make it to the team for Spain.
Key players: Logan Costa, if fit, will be very helpful since he features in the Spanish La Liga and faces most of the Spanish players week-in, week-out.
Spain predicted starting lineups
Spain XI – David Raya (GK); Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella; Rodri, Pedri, Fabian Ruiz; Lamine Yamal, Mikel Oyarzabal, Nico Williams
Cape Verde XI- Vozinha (GK); Sidny Cabral, Roberto Lopes, Diney Borges, Wagner Pina; Telmo Arcanjo, Kevin Pina, Jamiro Monteiro; Ryan Mendes, Nuno da Costa, Jovane Cabral.
Where to bet on Spain vs Cape Verde
Best betting markets for Spain vs Cape Verde
Match winner – Spain to win
Over/under goals – Over 2.5
Both teams to score – Yes
Anytime goalscorer – Mikel Oyarzabal
Where to bet on Spain vs Cape Verde
Spain vs Cape Verde prediction
Best bet – Spain & O2.5
Correct score prediction – 3-1
Where to bet on Spain vs Cape Verde
