Spain heavy favourites as Cabo Verde make historic World Cup debut
Spain are expected to dominate possession and create the bulk of the chances, while Cape Verde will aim to pull off one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history.
European champions Spain begin their Fifa World Cup campaign tonight (15 June) when they take on tournament debutants Cabo Verde in a Group H clash at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The match kicks off at 10pm (BST), marking the first-ever meeting between the two nations and represents a historic moment for the island nation from West Africa.
Spain entered the tournament as one of the leading title contenders following their Uefa Euro 2024 triumph and an impressive unbeaten run stretching to 30 matches since March 2024.
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Spanish Coach Luis de la Fuente's side boasts a talented young core featuring Pedri, Gavi, Ferran Torres and teenage sensation Lamine Yamal.
He did little to dampen the expectation surrounding his players yesterday (14 June), confidently describing his squad as the best in the tournament, reports AFP.
"For me, with all due respect to the rest, it is the best team in the world. The best players," he said.
"To see the level of footballers we have, you only have to see the ones I leave out. But the players understand their role and accept it. That is the luck this team has."
However, Yamal is expected to start on the bench as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury, while fellow winger Nico Williams may also be used cautiously.
For Cabo Verde, simply reaching the World Cup has already been a landmark achievement. With a population of fewer than 6 lakh, the nation became one of the smallest countries ever to qualify for football's biggest tournament.
Head coach Bubista has insisted his team is not in the United States merely to participate but to compete and showcase the country's culture and identity on the global stage.
"We've been discussing how much we want to enjoy the match and the World Cup," Bubista said. "It is an amazing opportunity to show our country to the world. We are very much happy to face Spain in the opener, this is a dream coming true."
Despite being clear underdogs, Cabo Verde have earned respect through steady progress in African football over the past decade.
Their squad features players based across Europe and North America, and they will be looking to frustrate Spain with a disciplined defensive approach while seeking opportunities on the counterattack.
Group H also includes Uruguay and Saudi Arabia, making a positive start crucial for both teams.
