Spain faces Cape Verde in their opening match of the 2026 World Cup on Monday at 12pm local time in Atlanta. The match marks Spain's attempt to reclaim their title after previous disappointing performances in recent tournaments.
Key points
Spain vs Cape Verde in FIFA World Cup 2026
Match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
Kickoff at 12pm local time (16:00 GMT)
Spain aims to reclaim title after past disappointments
Lamine Yamal among Spain's promising players
Mentioned in this story
Mercedes-Benz StadiumAtlantaLamine Yamal
FIFA World Cup 2026SpainCape Verde
The 2026 World Cup will have 13 different kickoff times. You can use the Al Jazeera Sport widget to find out exactly when your team is playing in your local time.
Who: Spain vs Cape Verde What: FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H match Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, United States When: Monday, 12pm local time (16:00 GMT) How to follow: Catch all live updates on Al Jazeera Sport
Spain, the reigning European champions and strong favourites for the 2026 World Cup, begin their title bid on Monday by facing minnows Cape Verde in Atlanta.
Since winning their maiden world title in 2010, Spain have endured a dismal run in the following three campaigns, bowing out in the group stage in 2014 and exiting in the round of 16 in 2018 and 2022.
But their Euro 2024 success and a new golden generation of Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Gavi, Ferran Torres and others have prompted bookmakers to keep Spain at the top of the potential winners‘ list.
La Roja – known for playing entertaining, attacking football – have become unshakeable over the last four years, going 30 matches unbeaten since a 1-0 friendly loss to Colombia at Wembley in March 2024.
Spain will arguably be the team to beat in North America, with Opta’s supercomputer handing them a 15.94 percent probability to lift the title, and France a close second at 13.62 percent odds.
Q&A
What time does Spain vs Cape Verde match start in local time?
The Spain vs Cape Verde match starts at 12pm local time on Monday.
Where is the Spain vs Cape Verde World Cup match being held?
The match is being held at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, United States.
How can I watch the Spain vs Cape Verde match live?
You can catch all live updates on Al Jazeera Sport.
What is Spain's recent World Cup history before facing Cape Verde?
Spain has struggled in recent World Cups, exiting in the group stage in 2014 and in the round of 16 in 2018 and 2022.
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Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Spain Training - Baylor School, Chattanooga, Tennessee, U.S. - June 11, 2026 Spain's Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres and Gavi during training IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Brett Davis
Spain’s Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres and Gavi during training [Brett Davis/Imagn Images via Reuters]
Will Yamal play in Spain vs Cape Verde?
Yamal single-handedly stole the show in Germany two years ago en route to their Euro title, and will hope to repeat that form at the June 11 – July 19 tournament.
But the teen sensation may have to wait a little longer to make his World Cup debut.
Spain could take a cautious approach for the Cape Verde opener with winger Yamal and young forward Nico Williams in the final stages of recovery from hamstring injuries sustained in April.
Both returned to training with their teammates on Thursday, but De la Fuente could opt to name them on the bench or keep them out of the matchday squad until they reach full fitness.
Lamine Yamal of Spain looks on.
Lamine Yamal will make his World Cup debut at the 2026 tournament [Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images]
Cape Verde to break new ground in North America
Known for its crystal-clear waters and sandy white beaches, Cape Verde will make noise for different reasons this North American summer.
The archipelago of 10 islands in the Atlantic Ocean will make its World Cup debut on Monday, arriving at the global showpiece as one of 10 African representatives.
After their fairytale qualification, which coincided with its 50th anniversary of independence from Portugal, Cape Verde – with fewer than 600,000 inhabitants – became the third smallest country by population to reach the tournament after Iceland in 2018 and Curacao, also in 2026.
The team has slowly built credibility in recent years. Their international breakthrough came in 2013 when they qualified for their first Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and reached the quarterfinal stage.
Cape Verde has spread the national team net wide with starters based in several countries, including Portugal, the Netherlands, and the United States.
Cape Verde beat record African World Cup qualifiers Cameroon to seal their spot in the finals [File: Cristiano Barbosa/AP]
Cape Verde beat record African World Cup qualifiers Cameroon to seal their spot in the finals [File: Cristiano Barbosa/AP]
Spain vs Cape Verde prediction
Spain are strong favourites to win this match, having an 87.2 percent probability of walking away with three points. Cape Verde have a slim 4.8 percent chance of victory, while a draw has an 8.15 percent chance.
Overall, Spain have a 76.53 percent probability to win Group H, which also includes Saudi Arabia and Uruguay.
How to watch Spain vs Cape Verde?
The following is the list of broadcasters and platforms to watch the game in these countries:
Spain: LA 1, DAZN Mundial, RTVE Play
Cape Verde: New World TV, SuperSport
United Kingdom: ITVX, ITV1, STV Player, STV
USA: FOX, FOX One, Telemundo App, Telemundo Network, Peacock
![Cape Verde beat record African World Cup qualifiers Cameroon to seal their spot in the finals [File: Cristiano Barbosa/AP]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.aljazeera.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F03%2FAP25286764425321-1774510671.jpg%3Fw%3D770%26resize%3D770%252C513%26quality%3D80&w=3840&q=75)