The FIFA World Cup 2026, which kicked off on June 11th, has been absolutely thrilling so far. In the next clash, the defending European champions, Spain, will take on Cabo Verde in Atlanta. Spain hasn’t won the FIFA World Cup since their maiden triumph in 2010. They were knocked out in the group stage in 2014, while in 2018 and 2022, Spain was eliminated in the round of 16.
Spain remains one of the favourites to win the FIFA World Cup 2026. Their triumph at UEFA Euro 2024, combined with the skills of young talents like Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Gavi, Ferran Torres, and others, has made them the top pick among many bookmakers.
Known for their attractive attacking style of football, La Roja have been incredibly consistent over the last four years. They are currently on a 30-match unbeaten run, with their last defeat coming in a friendly against Colombia at Wembley in March 2024.
Talking about Cabo Verde, they are set to grab attention for a very different reason this summer in North America. The island nation will make its FIFA World Cup debut against Spain after completing a remarkable qualification campaign. Cabo Verde is one of 10 African teams at the tournament, and their achievement is even more special as it comes in the year they celebrate 50 years of independence from Portugal.
Cabo Verde has become one of the smallest nations ever to reach the World Cup, following Iceland in 2018 and Curaçao in 2026. Their first breakthrough came in 2013 when they qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time and reached the quarter-finals.
Cabo Verde’s squad reflects the country’s global connections, with several key players based in countries such as Portugal, the Netherlands and the United States.
Spain vs Cabo Verde: Head-to-Head
Spain and Cabo Verde have never played against each other, the much-anticipated clash in World Cup 2026, will be their first encounter. The FIFA World Cup 2026 is Spain’s 17th World Cup appearance and 13th consecutive since 1978. Spain lifted their maiden trophy in 2010 and entered Euro 2024 as reigning European champions. Their squad is composed entirely of elite Champions League talent from La Liga and beyond.
Spain’s recent form
Spain will head into their campaign opener riding on brilliant form, with their record reading W-D-D-W. They defeated Peru 3-1. Their match against Iraq on June 5 ended in a draw, while their match against Egypt in April ended 0-0. Spain also registered an unbeaten streak as they have not lost an international match since March 2024.
Cabo Verde’s recent form
Cabo Verde’s recent form reads W-W-D-L, while their best performance came against Serbia on May 31, as they won the match 3-0. Followed by 3-0 win over Bermuda on June 7. Read this and write a match prediction in one paragraph mention scores like 2-1, 2-0, 3-0..predict spain as the winner
FIFA World Cup 2026, Spain vs Cabo Verde predictions
Spain will enter this contest as overwhelming favourites and will likely start their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a victory. With a squad packed with world-class talent, a 30-match unbeaten run, and the confidence of being reigning European champions, La Roja will be keen to put Cabo Verde under immense pressure. Cabo Verde’s fairytale journey to their first-ever World Cup deserves admiration, and they have shown they can compete with strong teams, but facing a side of Spain’s calibre will be a massive challenge.
Prediction: A 2-0 or 3-0 win looks the most likely outcome.
Spain vs Cabo Verde Probable Playing XI
Spain Probable Playing XI
Simón, Llorente, Cubarsí, Laporte, Cucurella, Rodri, Fabián, Pedri, Yamal, Oyarzabal, Williams.
Cabo Verde Playing XI
Vozinha, Cabral, Costa, Diney, Joao Paulo; Semedo, Pina; Mendes, Monteiro, Semedo, Livramento.
Frequently asked questions
1. What time does the Spain vs Cabo Verde FIFA World Cup 2026 match kick off?
The Group H match kicks off 12:00 pm local time / 4:00 pm GMT / 9:30 pm IST.
2. Where will the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H match between Spain vs Cabo Verde take place?
It will take place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, United States.
3. How to watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 match between Spain and Cabo Verde?
Spain – LA 1, DAZN Mundial, RTVE Play
Cape Verde – New World TV, SuperSport
United States – FOX Network, fuboTV, Telemundo, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo, FOX One
United Kingdom – BBC Sport Web, BBC One, BBC iPlayer
Canada – TSN+, TSN1, TSN4, TSN5, RDS, CTV, RDS App, CTV App, Crave
México – Canal 5 Televisa, TUDN, Azteca 7, TUDN En Vivo, Las Estrellas, Azteca Deportes En Vivo, ViX Mexico
India – Unite8 Sports Channel
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