World Cup 2026: Spain confront opening-match hoodoo against Cape Verde | OneFootball

Spain open their World Cup against debutants Cape Verde in Atlanta. Luis de la Fuente’s side are strong favourites, yet history urges caution, with only five wins in 16 opening matches.

El Periódico Mediterráneo points out the long-running hoodoo around Spain’s first games at the tournament.

In 2022 they thrashed Costa Rica 7-0, through Asensio, Carlos Soler, Morata, a Ferran Torres brace, Dani Olmo and Gavi. That emphatic start proved deceptive. Spain did not win again at that World Cup.

Before that came three openers without victory. In 2018 they drew 3-3 with Portugal, when Cristiano Ronaldo hit a hat-trick. In 2014 they lost 1-5 to the Netherlands and exited in the group stage, and in 2010 they began with a 1-0 defeat to Switzerland before taking the title.

Early wins arrived in 1934, 3-1 against Brazil in Genoa with Iragorri twice and Lángara, and in 1950, 3-1 over the United States via Igoa, Estanislao Basora and Zarra.

Spain did not win another opener until 2002, after five defeats and three draws across the intervening editions. The drought ended with a 3-1 victory over Slovenia in Korea, scored by Raúl, Valerón and Hierro. In 2006 they started with a 4-1 win against Ukraine, thanks to Xabi Alonso, Torres and a Villa brace.

That balance could improve on 15 June against Cape Verde.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo