Pre-tournament favourites Spain open their Group H campaign with a match against World Cup debutants Cape Verde. Published On 14 Jun 202614 Jun 2026The 2026 World Cup will have 13 different kickoff times. You can use the Al Jazeera Sport widget to find out exactly when your team is playing in your local time.Who: Spain vs Cape VerdeWhat: FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H matchWhere: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, United StatesWhen: Monday, 12pm local time (16:00 GMT)How to follow: Catch all live updates on Al Jazeera SportRecommended Stories list of 4 itemsend of listSpain, the reigning European champions and strong favourites for the 2026 World Cup, begin their title bid on Monday by facing minnows Cape Verde in Atlanta.Since winning their maiden world title in 2010, Spain have endured a dismal run in the following three campaigns, bowing out in the group stage in 2014 and exiting in the round of 16 in 2018 and 2022.But their Euro 2024 success and a new golden generation of Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Gavi, Ferran Torres and others have prompted bookmakers to keep Spain at the top of the potential winners‘ list.La Roja – known for playing entertaining, attacking football – have become unshakeable over the last four years, going 30 matches unbeaten since a 1-0 friendly loss to Colombia at Wembley in March 2024.Spain will arguably be the team to beat in North America, with Opta’s supercomputer handing them a 15.94 percent probability to lift the title, and France a close second at 13.62 percent odds. Spain’s Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres and Gavi during training [Brett Davis/Imagn Images via Reuters]Will Yamal play in Spain vs Cape Verde?Yamal single-handedly stole the show in Germany two years ago en route to their Euro title, and will hope to repeat that form at the June 11 – July 19 tournament. Advertisement But the teen sensation may have to wait a little longer to make his World Cup debut.Spain could take a cautious approach for the Cape Verde opener with winger Yamal and young forward Nico Williams in the final stages of recovery from hamstring injuries sustained in April.Both returned to training with their teammates on Thursday, but De la Fuente could opt to name them on the bench or keep them out of the matchday squad until they reach full fitness. Lamine Yamal will make his World Cup debut at the 2026 tournament [Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images]Cape Verde to break new ground in North AmericaKnown for its crystal-clear waters and sandy white beaches, Cape Verde will make noise for different reasons this North American summer.The archipelago of 10 islands in the Atlantic Ocean will make its World Cup debut on Monday, arriving at the global showpiece as one of 10 African representatives.After their fairyt …
