2026 World Cup: Spain vs. Cape Verde, probable lineups

European champions Spain will make their 2026 World Cup debut at 6 p.m. (Italian time) at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta against Group H underdogs Cape Verde. De La Fuente’s team must confirm its status as the tournament’s clear favorite alongside France and aims to send a strong message right away with a decisive and convincing victory over the islanders, who are making their first-ever appearance in the final stage of a World Cup. Group H also includes Uruguay and Saudi Arabia, teams that are by no means to be underestimated.

The Spaniards, who dominated their qualifying group, haven’t particularly shone in recent friendlies but haven’t lost in regulation time in over two and a half years: their last defeat came in a March 2024 friendly against Colombia. The Red Fury’s head coach has announced that neither Lamine Yamal nor Nico Williams will start: both are not yet 100% fit, and De La Fuente wants to rest them (they could come on in the second half). Oyarzabal is thus expected to lead the attack, with attacking midfielders Ferran Torres, Pedri, and Baena behind him. In midfield, Rodri will partner with Fabian Ruiz.

Cape Verde’s lineup remains a mystery. Pedro ‘Bubista’ Brito’s team, after a sensational qualifying campaign, has also performed well in recent friendly matches: notably, a fine 3-0 victory over Serbia. Livramento will play as the center forward, with Mendes, Jovane Cabral, and G. Rodrigues behind him. In midfield, Pina will partner with Monteiro.

Spain vs. Cape Verde: Probable Lineups
SPAIN (4-2-3-1): Unai Simon; Llorente, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Ruiz; Torres, Pedri, Baena; Oyarzabal. Head Coach: De la Fuente.
CAPE VERDE (4-2-3-1): Vozinha; Moreira, Lopes, Stopira, Joao Paulo; Pina, Monteiro; Mendes, Jovane Cabral, G. Rodrigues; Livramento. Head Coach: Bubista.