Spain-Cape Verde: European Champion's WC Opening

In the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group H opening match, Spain and Cape Verde face each other at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Spain under Luis de la Fuente's management aims for the World Cup championship after winning the cup at EURO 2024. La Roja, who won the World Cup in 2010, experienced disappointment in the last three tournaments. Spain was eliminated in the group stage in 2014 and was knocked out in the round of 16 on penalties in 2018 and 2022. Cape Verde under Bubista's management is participating in the World Cup for the first time in its history. The 500,000-population Caribbean country achieved great success by leaving Cameroon behind in the qualifying group. The Blue Sharks caught a strong form by defeating Serbia and Bermuda 3-0 in their preparation matches.

Spain Predicted XI (4-3-3)

Goalkeeper: Unai Simón
Defence: Pedro Porro - Pau Cubarsí - Aymeric Laporte - Marc Cucurella
Midfield: Fabián Ruiz - Rodri - Pedri
Attack line: Ferran Torres - Mikel Oyarzabal - Álex Baena

Cape Verde Predicted XI (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper: Vozinha
Defence: Steven Moreira - Roberto Lopes - Logan Costa - João Paulo
Midfield: Yannick Semedo - Wagner Pina
Attack line: Ryan Mendes - Jamiro Monteiro - Jovane Cabral
Forward: Dailon Livramento

On the Spain side, Barcelona's star Lamine Yamal is in the squad after the hamstring injury he experienced in April; however, it is unclear whether he will start in the starting XI. Nico Williams is also trying to overcome his hamstring problem and may be left out of the starting XI. The midfield star Rodri, Pedri and Fabián Ruiz trio will serve. This trio is shown as one of the strongest midfields of the tournament. The forward line leader Mikel Oyarzabal wants to add new ones on top of his hero performance in the EURO 2024 final. Not Atlético Madrid's Álvaro Morata, but the more productive and effective Oyarzabal will serve as the centre forward. On the Cape Verde side, experienced goalkeeper Vozinha stands out; the goalkeeper, who has been serving in the national team since 2008, is the experienced name of the squad. Winger Jovane Cabral and top scorer Dailon Livramento are positioned as key names of the attacking line.

Image: si.com