FIFA World Cup 2026 Live Score Update of Today’s Match: 2010 champions Spain will finally play at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta three days after the opening of the World Cup, when they take on minnows Cape Verde in their opening Group H match. The Spanish armada will look to make short work of their World Cup debutants ahead of tough matches against Uruguay and Saudi Arabia.
For the same reason, Spanish coach Luis de la Fuente may opt to start with a second-string side to rest his key players ahead of the Uruguay and Saudi Arabia clash. Victor Munoz, Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal have recently returned from injuries so they can only make cameo appearances.
Story continues below this ad
Their rivals Cape Verde, meanwhile, will be hoping for a more spirited display than their fellow debutants Curacao, who lost 7-1 to Germany on Sunday night. Cape Verde is predicted to finish fourth in the group but the second-smallest nation to qualify after Iceland in 2018, will be looking to spring a surprise or two.
Follow the Spain vs Cape Verde Group H World Cup match below
Spain’s starting players pose for a team photo before their international soccer match against Peru, Monday, June 8, 2026, in Puebla, Mexico. (AP Photo/Moises Castillo)
Spain at 2026 World Cup: De la Fuente’s continuity project comes in as favourites
Luis de la Fuente, in temperament, bears little resemblance to Jose Mourinho. The Spanish head coach has none of the Portuguese’s rodomontado. Such is his commitment to humility that when Deportivo Alaves sacked him after three months in the job, midfielder Carlos Indiano suggested it was partly because de la Fuente was too nice. (read more)
© IE Online Media Services Private Limited