Spain vs Cape Verde: World Cup 2026 prediction, kick-off time, TV, live stream, team news, h2h results, odds | OneFootball

Lamine Yamal likely to return as favourites take on finals debutants in Group H opener in Atlanta

On paper, the Group H opener in Atlanta is a David vs Goliath clash between the much-fancied five-time major tournament winners and World Cup debutants.

There are 65 places between the two nations in the latest FIFA world rankings, with No2 side Spain - the reigning European Champions - among the favourites for glory in North America this summer, having previously lifted the trophy in 2010, either side of successes at both Euro 2008 and Euro 2012.

It is a truly momentous occasion for an island country off the west coast of Africa with a population of less than 600,000 people - the third-smallest nation ever to compete at the World Cup finals, after Curacao and Iceland.

Date, kick-off time and venue

Spain vs Cape Verde is scheduled for a 5pm BST kick-off on Monday June 15, 2026.

The match will take place at Atlanta Stadium - AKA Mercedes-Benz Stadium - in Atlanta, Georgia. That is home of Atlanta FC in the MLS and the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons.

Where to watch Spain vs Cape Verde for FREE

TV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on ITV1, with coverage starting at 4pm BST.

Live stream: UK viewers can also catch the contest live online via the ITVX app - which is free with a sign-up - or ITV website.

Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog.

Free highlights: World Cup highlights are available on FIFA’s official YouTube channel, along with the ITVX app and website.

Spain vs Cape Verde team news

In a major attacking boost, Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams are both in full training for Spain after missing the end of the LaLiga season with respective hamstring injuries.

However, it remains to be seen to what extent they will be utilised by head coach Luis de la Fuente in a game that La Roja will be expected to win comfortably, having previously said that teenage superstar Yamal may only get “a few minutes” on the pitch having not played for Barcelona since April.

Osasuna winger Victor Munoz has similarly resumed training after a knock sustained on club duty that also forced him to miss warm-up friendlies against Iraq and Peru, though Fermin Lopez is missing the tournament with a broken bone in his foot.

Return: Lamine Yamal has been back in training with Spain ahead of the World Cup following injury

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Spain squad

Goalkeepers: Unai Simon, David Raya, Joan Garcia

Defenders: Marcos Llorente, Marc Pubill, Pedro Porro, Aymeric Laporte, Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Marc Cucurella, Alejandro Grimaldo

Midfielders: Rodri, Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino, Pedri, Gavi, Fabian Ruiz, Alex Baena

Forwards: Yeremy Pino, Victor Munoz, Mikel Oyarzabal, Ferran Torres, Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Nico Williams, Borja Iglesias

Cape Verde’s squad features no domestic-based players, with 23 of the 26 operating in Europe, two in the United States and one in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Head coach Pedro Leitao Brito - better known as Bubista - is not believed to be sweating on any injury concerns, with the Blue Sharks captained by former Nottingham Forest loanee Ryan Mendes - their all-time leading goalscorer and appearance-maker.

Fellow forward Nuno da Costa also had a previous spell at the City Ground.

Influential: Ryan Mendes holds the all-time Cape Verde record for both goals scored and appearances made

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Cape Verde squad

Goalkeepers: Vozinha, Marcio Rosa, CJ dos Santos

Defenders: Stopira, Roberto Lopes, Joao Paulo, Diney, Logan Costa, Steven Moreira, Wagner Pina, Sidny Lopes Cabral, Kelvin Pires

Midfielders: Jamiro Monteiro, Kevin Pina, Deroy Duarte, Telmo Arcanjo, Laros Duarte, Yannick Semedo

Forwards: Ryan Mendes, Garry Rodrigues, Willy Semedo, Jovane Cabral, Gilson Tavares, Dailon Livramento, Helio Varela, Nuno da Costa

Spain vs Cape Verde prediction

Cape Verde will take heart from fellow minnows Curacao’s spirited opening showing against Germany in Group E on Sunday, even if they ended up on the receiving end of a heavy defeat in Houston.

The Blue Sharks have proven their quality and tournament capabilities at AFCON more than once in recent times, as well as toppling Cameroon in World Cup qualifying, so Spain would do well not to underestimate them.

However, the gulf in class between these two sides is just too vast to even remotely consider anything other than a comfortable Spain win that will set them up nicely ahead of meetings with Saudi Arabia and Uruguay, as they justify their billing as many people’s tournament favourites.

Monday’s game will be the first-ever meeting between Spain and Cape Verde.

Spain vs Cape Verde match odds

Spain to win: 1/12

Cape Verde to win: 25/1

Draw: 11/1

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