European champions Spain open their World Cup campaign against minnows Cape Verde this afternoon.
Spain rounded off their preparations with a convincing 3-1 win over Peru and will be expected to make a strong start in a group that also includes Uruguay and Saudi Arabia.
For Cape Verde, this is an historic occasion. The Blue Sharks are appearing at a World Cup for the first time after an impressive qualifying campaign and head into the tournament with momentum following back-to-back 3-0 friendly wins over Serbia and Bermuda.
Where to Watch Spain v Cape Verde
Kick-off is scheduled for 12:00 local time in Atlanta on Monday, with kick-off in the UK at 17:00.
In the UK, the match will be shown live on ITV, with streaming available through ITVX.
Stats for Spain v Cape Verde
- This will be the first ever meeting between Spain and Cape Verde.
- Spain are unbeaten in their last 10 matches across all competitions.
- La Roja have won seven of those 10 games.
- Spain have not progressed beyond the last 16 at any of the previous three World Cups.
- Spain’s last World Cup triumph came in 2010.
- Cape Verde are making their first appearance at a FIFA World Cup.
- The Blue Sharks have won each of their last three matches.
- Cape Verde have scored nine goals and conceded none across those three victories.
- Ryan Mendes is Cape Verde’s all-time leading scorer with 22 international goals.
- Spain are ranked among the favourites to win the 2026 World Cup.
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