Spain-Cape Verde Starting XIs Announced

In the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group H opening match, the starting XIs of Spain and Cape Verde have been announced. The match will start at 19:00 Turkey time at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Spain under Luis de la Fuente's management takes the field in 4-3-3 formation, while Cape Verde under Pedro Leitao Brito (Bubista)'s management prefers a 4-2-3-1 formation. On the Spain side, Rodri takes the captain role; on the Cape Verde side, Ryan Mendes is on the field as the team captain.

Spain XI (4-3-3)

Goalkeeper: Unai Simón
Defence: Marcos Llorente - Pau Cubarsí - Aymeric Laporte - Marc Cucurella
Midfield: Fabián Ruiz - Rodri (C) - Pedri
Attack line: Ferran Torres - Mikel Oyarzabal - Pablo Gavi

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

Goalkeeper: Vozinha
Defence: Steven Moreira - Roberto Lopes - Diney Borges - Stopira Duarte
Midfield: Kévin Lenini - Ryan Mendes (C)
Attack line: Jamiro Monteiro - Deroy Duarte Livramento - Jovane Cabral
Forward: Stopira Lopes Cabral

In Spain, Barcelona's star Lamine Yamal did not start in the starting XI and was taken to the substitute dressing room. In the substitute dressing room are also Real Madrid's experienced midfielder Dani Olmo, Newcastle's winger Yeremy Pino, and defenders Alejandro Grimaldo, Pedro Porro and Marc Pubill. In attack, Mikel Oyarzabal serves as the centre forward while Ferran Torres and Pablo Gavi complete the attacking line. The midfield star Rodri takes the captaincy role next to the Pedri and Fabián Ruiz trio. On the Cape Verde side, experienced goalkeeper Vozinha took his place in goal; the goalkeeper, who has been serving in the national team since 2008, is the experienced name of the squad. The forward line leader Stopira Lopes Cabral is looking for an opportunity to score in Cape Verde's first World Cup adventure in their history. On Cape Verde's substitutes are alternatives such as Cyriaco Costa, Tony Rodrigues and Da Costa N. The match's referee trio and VAR team were announced by FIFA.

Image: moroccoworldnews.com