Among the leading contenders to lift the World Cup trophy this July, Spain finally take centre stage as they open their campaign against tournament newcomers Cape Verde, who are determined to create history with a famous upset.

Match News & Current Form

According to Opta’s pre-tournament supercomputer, reigning European champions Spain enter the competition as favourites, with a 16% chance of lifting the trophy. However, recent World Cup history offers a note of caution for Luis de la Fuente’s side.

Since their triumph in South Africa in 2010, La Roja have failed to progress beyond the Round of 16 in each of their last three World Cup appearances. In fact, that famous title run remains their only semi-final appearance across their last 14 World Cups. Spain have also won just one of their last six matches at the tournament (W1, D4, L1), suggesting they still have questions to answer on the biggest stage.

For Cape Verde, this tournament represents a landmark moment. Making their first-ever World Cup appearance, the Blue Sharks have steadily risen through African football since becoming a FIFA member after gaining independence in 1975. Their dream is to emulate Ghana’s historic 2006 achievement by becoming the first African nation since then to reach the knockout stages on their World Cup debut.

Confidence is high in the Cape Verde camp. They won six of their seven World Cup qualifiers, drawing the other, before recording back-to-back 3-0 victories in their warm-up matches. While bookmakers have given them little chance against Spain, recent performances suggest they could prove more competitive than many expect.

Head-to-Head

This will be the first-ever meeting between Spain and Cape Verde.

Spain’s only World Cup defeat against African opposition came in a 3-2 loss to Nigeria during the 1998 tournament.

Key Stats

• Fourteen of Spain’s last 17 matches have produced over 2.5 goals.
• Spain have scored six of their seven goals in 2026 before the 60th minute.
• Cape Verde have lost just one of their last 13 matches against European opponents (W5, D7).
• Each of Cape Verde’s last five matches featured at least one first-half goal.

Players to Watch

Mikel Oyarzabal (Spain) continues to be a crucial attacking threat after recording six goals and four assists during UEFA qualification. Interestingly, four of his six goals arrived after the hour mark, highlighting his ability to make decisive contributions late in games.

For Cape Verde, Dailon Livramento carries much of the attacking responsibility. The forward has scored in four of his last five World Cup qualifiers, opening the scoring on three occasions.

Spain will be hopeful of having exciting wingers Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams available after both missed the final warm-up match against Peru. Cape Verde appear to have a fully fit squad to choose from.

Betting Insight

While Spain are expected to claim all three points, they have not been blowing teams away in 2026. Given their recent World Cup struggles and Cape Verde’s resilience, a Spain victory by exactly two goals could offer value for bettors looking beyond the standard match result market.

Prediction: Spain 2-0 Cape Verde

Cape Verde should make life difficult for the European champions, but Spain’s superior quality and tournament experience are likely to prove decisive as they begin their World Cup journey with a professional, if unspectacular, victory.