Preview: Spain vs Cape Verde prediction, odds, where to watch, time | FIFA World Cup 2026

Spain are one of the favourites to win the tournament.

The 13th fixture of the 2026 FIFA World Cup will take us to the Atlanta Stadium, where Spain will lock horns with Cape Verde. This will be the first game of Group H, which also includes Saudi Arabia and Uruguay. Spain are the reigning European champion and is one of the favourites to win the World Cup as well.

Spain are coming into this game after securing a 3-1 win against Peru in a warm-up game. Spain had some fitness issues leading up to the tournament as their star midfielder, Fermin Lopez, suffered a foot injury and missed out on playing his first World Cup. Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams also picked up injuries during the tail end of the club season but have regained fitness before the commencement of the tournament.

Cape Verde, on the other hand, enjoyed a historic 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign as they secured their first-ever appearance at the tournament. They topped their group in the CAF World Cup qualifiers and finished ahead of Cameroon. They will be competing with some of the best teams in the world in the group stages and have the ability to pull off a surprise and qualify for the knockout stages.

Kickoff:

Location: Atlanta, Georgia

Stadium: Atlanta Stadium

Date: Monday, 15 June

Kick-off Time: 04:00 PM (GMT) I 12:00 PM (EST) | 09:30 PM (IST)

Referee: Not decided

VAR: In use

Form:

Spain (in all competitions): W-D-D-W-D

Cape Verde (in all competitions): W-L-L-W-D

Players to watch out for:

Pedri (Spain)

Pedri is one of the best central midfielders in the world. He is any manager’s dream player as he excels in almost every single domain. He is technically gifted and rarely loses the ball. He also has an eye for a pass and creates goal-scoring opportunities for his teammates on a consistent basis. He has added goals to his game in recent years and he is coming to this game after finding the back of the net against Peru in his previous outing.

Willy Semedo (Cape Verde)

Willy Semedo is one of the most decisive players in Cape Verde’s front line. His ball control is excellent, which gives him an extra moment to decide his next move. He is great from set piece situations as well. Semedo is also known for his versatility, and he can drop deep and play as an extra midfielder for his team. He scored for Cape Verde against Bermuda in his last game and will look to replicate something similar against Spain.

Match Facts:

• This will be the first-ever encounter between Spain and Cape Verde.
• Spain won 3-1 against Peru in their last game.
• Cape Verde won 3-0 against Bermuda in their last game.

Spain vs Bermuda: Betting tips and odds

• Tip 1: Spain to win – 1.22 by Stake
• Tip 2: Both teams to score – Yes – 1.64 by Dafabet
• Tip 3: Expected Goals – Over 3.5 – 1.35 by 1XBET

Injury and Team news:

Spain Squad for 2026 FIFA World Cup

Goalkeepers: Unai Simon, David Raya, Joan Garcia

Defenders: Pedro Porro, Marcos Llorente, Aymeric Laporte, Pau Cubarsi, Marc Pubill, Eric Garcia, Marc Cucurella, Alejandro Grimaldo,

Midfielders: Rodrigo Hernandez, Martin Zubimendi, Pedri Gonzalez, Fabian Ruiz, Mikel Merino, Pablo Paez ‘Gavi’, Alex Baena

Forwards: Mikel Oyarzabal, Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres, Borja Iglesias, Dani Olmo, Victor Munoz, Nico Williams, Yeremy Pino

Cape Verde Squad for 2026 FIFA World Cup

Goalkeepers: Vozinha, Marcio Rosa, CJ dos Santos

Defenders: Diney Borges, Sidny Cabral, Logan Costa, Steven Moreira, Wagner Pina, João Paulo Fernandes, Roberto ‘Pico’ Lopes, Kelvin Pires, Ianique ‘Stopira’ Tavares

Midfielders: Telmo Arcanjo, Laros Duarte, Deroy Duarte, Jamiro Monteiro, Kevin Pina, Yannick Semedo

Forwards: Gilson Benchimol, Jovane Cabral, Nuno da Costa, Dailon Livramento, Ryan Mendes, Garry Rodrigues, Willy Semedo, Helio Varela

Head-to-Head:

This will be the first head-to-head encounter between these two nations.

Predicted Lineups:

Spain (4-3-3)

Simon (GK); Llorente, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella; Ruiz, Rodri, Pedri; Torres, Oyarzabal, Baena

Cape Verde (4-2-3-1)

Rosa (GK); Moreira, Stopira, Costa, Cabral; Paulo, Duarte; Arcanjo, Mendes, Semedo; Livramento

Match Prediction:

The encounter between Spain and Cape Verde is expected to be an entertaining affair. The debutants will be facing one of the best teams in the world on the biggest stage of football. However, our prediction for the winner will be,

Prediction: Spain 3-1 Cape Verde

Telecast details:

India: Unite8 Sports Channels, ZEE5

UK: BBC & ITV

USA: FOX Sports

Nigeria: DStv, GOtv

Full Broadcaster List here.

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