Spain vs Cape Verde summary: score, stats, goals & highlights | 2026 World Cup Group H

World Cup 2026

Spain’s player ratings after Cape Verde calamity

Meanwhile, my colleagues Fernando S. Tavero and Joe Brennan have put together a player-ratings piece for that Spain performance. It's not hugely complimentary.

Here's what Fernando and Joe made of La Roja's World Cup opener.

World Cup 2026

Spain has made history… in a negative way

“No one in the world expected such a display from the Spanish national team at the World Cup. In six days, this must not be repeated.”

That's the view of AS USA's editorial director, José Félix Díaz. Read José Félix's opinion in full.

What's next for Cape Verde at the World Cup?

For the Cape Verdeans, matchday two brings a Miami clash with Uruguay next Sunday. Kickoff at Hard Rock Stadium is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. ET.

Bubista's men then go to Houston, where they'll take on Saudi Arabia on Friday, June 26 at 8:00 p.m. ET.

What's next for Spain at the World Cup?

After that major letdown of an opener, Spain remain in Atlanta for matchday two. The European champions now face Saudi Arabia on Sunday, in a game that also kicks off at 12 noon ET.

They then travel to Mexico to close out Group H. On Friday week, La Roja take on Uruguay in Guadalajara, at 8:00 p.m. ET.

World-rankings mismatch

At 65, the world-ranking difference between Spain and Cape Verde was in the top 10 largest in World Cup history.

Spain's players show their disappointment after being held by Cape Verde in Atlanta.

Group H as it stands

Here, then, is Group H after that opening draw between Spain and Cape Verde. At 6:00 p.m. ET, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia now face each other with the chance to claim top spot, and a two-point lead at the summit, after matchday one.

Spain's African stalemates

Another stat from Mister Chip: Spain have now drawn their last four games against African opposition:

2026: 0-0 against Cape Verde, World Cup

2026: 0-0 against Egypt, friendly

2022: 0-0 against Morocco, World Cup

2018: 2-2 against Morocco, World Cup

World Cup 2026

Belgium vs Egypt live online: score, stats, goals & updates | World Cup 2026 Group G

By the way, we're just under half an hour out from the next game at the World Cup: Belgium and Egypt's Group G opener in Seattle.

You can follow live-text coverage of that game here.

Cape Verde's golden oldie

Cape Verde veteran Vozinha has made a little bit of history with that clean sheet on his World Cup debut.

Spain 0 - Cape Verde 0

Spain stumble in their World Cup opener as Cape Verde shine

Here is the full match report from AS journalist Héctor Martínez.

Vozinha gets MOTM honors

Cape Verde's goalkeeper, Vozinha, has been named FIFA's official player of the match.

Luis de la Fuente speaks!

In an interview on DAZN, Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has given his reaction to today's draw.

“Should have won the game”:

“We're out to improve moving forward. We know that we should have won the game today because of all the situations we created. We just needed to show more clarity and sharpness in attack.”

No panic:

“Yes [I'm staying calm]. We did everything we could to win […]. I’m sure we’re going to improve in the games to come.”

Rodri speaks!

Spain captain Rodri has offered his thoughts on TVE:

Reaction:

“We knew it was going to be a game that required patience; they sat back defensively. We created chances, but we couldn't score. The positive thing is that they hardly created anything against us. We need to improve our finishing.”

Keys to improving:

“It comes down to moments of inspiration, on being clinical. Knowing that you have to put chances away.”

Cape Verde’s defensive set up: 
 
“That’s how they play. They’re not going to go past the halfway line. It’s a matter of being more clinical going forward.”
 

Cape Verde's Vozinha celebrates after the match.

"Disaster"

“Disaster,” writes AS journalist Tomás Roncero. “That's a brutal lesson in humility that an admirable Cape Verde has given us.

“If we play like this, we're not getting anywhere. Let's get back to being a team, please. Welcome back to Earth.”

World Cup 2026

Biggest surprise so far at the 2026 World Cup? Spain ties Cape Verde 0 - 0

My colleague Joe McMahon has rattled up this reaction piece to today's draw in Atlanta.

Toothless Spain

Well, that is, as they say, a stat.

Can Spain emulate England and Italy?

As pointed out by the Spanish soccer stats guru Mister Chip, only two teams have won a World Cup after beginning with a goalless draw: England in 1966 and Italy in 1982.

"Not like Vozinha has played the game of his life"

As for Cape Verde: Opta's statisicians gave them less than a 13% chance of getting a positive result today, but that's exactly what they did.

And one line from a member of the Spanish TV commentary team sticks out to me: “It's not like Vozinha has played the game of his life.” I would 100% agree.

Vozinha played well, as did the rest of his team. But you can't say Spain forced them to produce otherworldly heroics to claim their historic point, either.

One reason for Spain to remain optimistic

I guess, though, we should keep in mind right now that teams have made worse starts to a World Cup and ended up winning it. Argentina in 2022, for example - not to mention Spain themselves in 2010.

But Spain will need to locate something resembling a cutting edge if they're to bounce back to lift a second global title.

A sorry night for Spain

That was not impressive from Spain. Unless my memory is failing me - that can never be ruled out - La Roja's only truly, truly clear-cut chance was that Ferran Torres chance late in the first half. 

He sent that one against the bar - and, a moment later, I suppose, Laporte did draw a good save from Vozinha. But it's a hugely underwhelming start from the European champions.

Peeep peep peeep! Spain have been held in Atlanta.

On their World Cup debut, Cape Verde have taken a point off the European champions. Vozinha appears to be in tears.

A final corner for Spain. Can they nick a winner?

Nope.

Cape Verde are looking at their most dangerous right now.

Spain's attacks are starting to wilt almost before they start, and the Blue Sharks are careering forward on the counter each time.

On this occasion, it's Mendes who brings it forward and shoots, but it's not a good attempt. His strike, from about 25 yards out, flies off target.

Another Spain attack fails, and Pedri brings down Da Costa as he brings it forward for Cape Verde. A yellow card all day long.

Spain come again, and Cape Verde clear again. Once more, the Blue Sharks skip forward on the counter-attack, but this time they lose it right away.

Five minutes of time added on.

That Cape Verde corner is not far away from a sensational winner for the Africans. 

Arcanjo's delivery is right onto Borges' head, 10 yards or so out - but he can't get enough on his effort! That is a let-off for Spain.

It's a fantastic block by Lopes.

Back come Spain... until Lamine, of all people, gives it away. And Cape Verde do not need a second invitation to break.

The Blue Sharks finally work it Lenini, who shoots from range - but shoots off target! It was deflected wide for a corner, though.

Now that is a chance for Spain!

Lamine slips a lovely ball into Olmo's run into the box. Olmo controls and spins, before feeding it on to Oyarzabal, who's arriving at the penalty spot at pace.

Oyarzabal gets his volley away, but it's blocked!

Spain substitution: Rodri is off, and Nico Williams is on.

Seventy-four percent possession and 22 shots for Spain, I make it. But zero goals.

Nico Williams is going to be coming on for the Spaniards, it seems.

Rodri shoots from range, and Rodri misses the target from range.

Merino heads on a cross from the right, and the ball loops up and over to the far post, where Cucurella is arriving.

Cucurella strains as much as he can to generate some power, but the ball was travelling towards him too slowly and too vertically. He can only plop his header right into Vozinha's arms.

The corner again yields nada, and Spain make another substitution.

Ferran is off, and Dani Olmo is on to aid the increasingly desperate search for an opening goal.

Another Spain corner. It's Lamine who wins it, when he latches on to a neat ball into space on the right. Joao Paulo is quickly there to nick the ball off Lamine's toes.

Yet again, Spain cross. Yet again, Cape Verde deal with it.

A further Cape Verdean change: Arcanjo is on for Monteiro.

Cucurella wins the ball back on the left, before Spain work it right.

For a moment, Oyarzabal thinks he's stolen in to shoot from a tight angle, but he's quickly mobbed. 

Again Spain work it left to Cucurella, who fizzes a quick ball into the middle.

Ferran and Oyarzabal try to carve out some shooting space with a flurry of passes back and forth, but said shooting space is not forthcoming.

Once more, Spain find no way to goal.

Another Cape Verde substitution: Sidny is off, with Joao Paulo on in his stead.

Cape Verde's Ryan Mendes (left) fights for the ball with Spain defender Marc Cucurella.

Right away, Lamine and Merino are both involved as Spain create a decent-ish shooting chance.

From the right-hand edge of the box, Lamine lays it inside for Llorente, who squares it first-time. Llorente's ball falls right to Merino, who shoots - but doesn't quite catch it right. It's straight at Vozinha.

Hydration break over, and here are those two Spain substitutions.

Lamine and Merino are on, with Gavi and Fabián leaving the field.

World Cup 2026

How do hydration breaks work during the 2026 World Cup and how long do they last?

In case you're interested, here's some more detail on the World Cup hydration break, courtesy of my colleague Roddy Cons.

The corner sails right into Vozinha's hands.

And that's time for the hydration break.

Two pieces of news for you.

One: Spain have a corner.

Two: Lamine Yamal and Mikel Merino are about to come on for Spain.

Cape Verde's goalkeeper Vozinha (right) gathers the ball after another failed Spain attack.

Laporte is down and holding his face, after getting a bash from Da Costa as the pair tussled for a high ball.

He's up and on his feet in short order, though. He gives the referee a minor earful, and looks like he'll be just fine. 

Cucurella crosses from the left, but it doesn't clear the first man.

“I'm starting to get worried,” says commentator Miguel Ángel Román on Spain's TV coverage.

Cape Verde actually made those changes as they were about to defend a Spain corner, breaking one of the golden rules of substitutions.

No matter for Bubista's men, though. La Roja cannot create anything with the corner kick.

Here is that triple change for Cape Verde: Semedo, Deroy Duarte and Da Costa are on, for Cabral, Laros Duarte and Livramento.

The corner comes to nought, but Spain win the ball right back.

Again La Roja set up a cross from the right, but again it's repelled.

Cape Verde are preparing a triple change, by the way.

Cape Verde make a major mess of trying to play it out from the back, playing it right to Ferran. He quickly crosses from the right wing, but his delivery is cut out. Corner to Spain.

At one end, Cape Verde try to launch a quick break, Moreira sending a low ball forward for Livramento to chase. 

Simón is quickly off his line to snuff out the danger.

At the other end, Spain create another headed opening - but Fabián can't do anything with it.

Spain's Aymeric Laporte (right) holds his head after going close.

Well, that's a relief for Vozinha.

Receiving on the left, Oyarzabal tries to send a cross into the box, but slices it horribly.

That accident is almost a fortunate one for Spain, however: Oyarzabal's mishit cross isn't a million miles away from flying over Vozinha's head and into the net. As he darted back towards his goal, the Cape Verdean actually lost his footing and slipped over.

Fabián shoots again from the right-hand channel, but once more he cannot trouble Vozinha.

Just for a moment, Spain lose it just inside the Cape Verde half.

But just as quickly as the Africans win it back, they spurn the chance to do anything with it. A long ball forward is played to nobody in particular, and Spain mop it up.

As in the first half, the play has already established itself very much in the Cape Verde half.

Pedri crosses from the left, onto Oyarzabal's head. It's actually a pretty enticing chance for the Basque, who meets the ball on the penalty spot, but he glances it too far wide.

The ball doesn't go behind, though, and Spain recycle it back to Fabián. He shoots from 25 yards or so, but it's well off target.

No half-time substitutions for either team.

That said, Lamine Yamal is now warming up, apparently.

Peeeep! The players are back out in Atlanta, and we're back underway.

Real Madrid

Real Madrid confirm Marc Cucurella signing: One detail stands out

In case you missed that Cucurella news, here's our full report on the defender's move to Real Madrid.

Roncero on Cucurella: "Spain's best player"

Tomás Roncero - AS journalist and No. 1 Real Madrid fan - has been impressed with the performance of Los Blancos' new signing.

Reacting to that Ferran Torres shot against the woodwork, Roncero wrote: “Immense from Cucurella, Spain's best player today, who creates a great chance for Ferran that bounces back off the bar.”

World Cup 2026

What does the special patch worn on the Spanish players’ jersey sleeves represent?

Staying on matters of a sartorial nature, let me also point you in the direction of this piece by my colleagues Marina García Esteban and Joe Brennan.

World Cup 2026

Cape Verde national team’s jersey: The mystery hidden in the triangular shape design

Some half-time reading for you: Cape Verde's jersey that pays tribute to the island nation's geography in a clever way.

AS's Alberto F. Martínez and Roddy Cons have the lowdown.

Cape Verde's Vozinha makes a save from Spain's Ferran Torres.

A worrying omen? That '98 defeat to Nigeria is the only other time Spain have opened up a World Cup campaign against African opposition.

As things stand, the Spaniards aren't winning this one, either.

Peeep peeep! Half time in Atlanta.

Just over 70% possession for Spain, but exactly 0% of their attacks have ended up in the Cape Verdean net. The best chance, by far, fell to Ferran a few minutes ago. He could only find the bar from point-blank range.

Another cross from the right, and another Spain header.

Llorente clips it over to the back post, where Oyarzabal rises to meet it. His header, though, is not quite as good as Laporte's a moment ago. Oyarzabal succeeds only in nodding it across goal and back where it came from.

And Spain create another good chance!

From the right, Pedri's corner kick is delivered straight onto Laporte's bonce. He gets plenty on his header, and just for a moment it looks like it's flying into the far corner.

However, Vozinha leaps to his right to parry!

Four minutes of time added on in Atlanta.

This is more like it from Spain. Just a couple of minutes after Ferran hit the bar, La Roja again set the forward up for a shooting chance inside the Cape Verde box.

Once more, it's Cucurella who provides: his low ball into the area finds Ferran's run towards the penalty spot, but the Barcelona man can't get enough on it! It was a very fine shooting position, but he sends a weak effort right at Vozinha.

For the second time in a couple of minutes, Cape Verde come forward. 

From the left, Sidny cuts back onto his right foot and centers - but it's overhit. Simón watches it sail over everyone's head and out.

Here come Spain again... but when the ball is played into Pedri on the left-hand side of the Cape Verde box, the flag is up. He looked like he knew he was offisde.

Having almost taken the lead, Spain lose it - and Cape Verde suddenly have the chance to launch a counter.

As the noise rises inside the stadium, however, Duarte loses it just inside the Spanish box.

That's the closest Spain have come!

Collecting the ball just outside the box, Rodri lifts it into Cucurella's run forward on the left. Cucurella then knocks it across goal to Ferran - who turns the ball onto the bar from six yards out! Vozinha was beaten.

Oyarzabal heads the loose ball back towards goal, but the keeper jumps to his feet to get a hand to it!

Spain's Gavi in action with Cape Verde's Steven Moreira.

There's the first real save for Vozinha - but the flag is up, and it wouldn't have counted.

On the left, Pedri lifts the ball into Cucurella's run to the byline. Cucurella, in turn, pops it into the middle, whence the ball is cleared back to Pedri.

He sends in a strike that might be creeping in under the bar, but Vozinha tips it over! And, in any case, Cucurella was offside at the start of the move.

At the other end, Lopes fires a high, high ball forward to find Mendes' run on the right.

But, just as Cape Verde think they have the Spaniards backpedalling, the flag is up against Mendes. Offside.

Just as I write that, Spain look for a moment like they might finally open the Cape Verdean defense up. It's only for a moment, though.

At the top of the box, Ferran receives and spies Oyarzabal haring forward to his right, into space in the box.

Ferran duly feeds it right, but Oyarzabal is closed down. The chance is lost.

Half an hour gone in Atlanta, and Spain have next to naff-all in the way of cutting edge.

Having just set up Gavi for a shot at goal, Cucurella now takes one himself.

It is not a good one. From about 30 yards or so out, he slaps it well over the bar.

Here come Spain on their first attack since the cooling break.

Cucurella thunders forward on the left, darting into space to cross from the byline.

In the end, he opts to cut it back to Gavi, who has peeled off into space at the corner of the box. But Gavi's shot bounces back off a a white shirt.

Right away, Moreira hits a bouncing ball from the very right-hand edge of the Spain penalty box.

Again, there's plenty of noise from the Cape Verdean supporters, but Moreira's strike doesn't trouble Unai Simón.

It rebounds off Cucurella, and away.

Peeep! The players have hydrated, and we're back underway in Atlanta.

Water break time!

It has not, in truth, been the most fascinating of first quarters.

There are clearly plenty of Cape Verde fans inside the stadium: there's an audible roar as the Blue Sharks come forward on a somewhat infrequent attack.

This is, in fact, the first time I can recall the Cape Verdeans truly pushing the Spanish defense back and into position on the edge of its penalty box.

On the left, Cabral pops it inside to Duarte. He, in turn, feeds it to the top of the box - where Spain win it back.

Spain's Pau Cubarsí passes the ball under pressure from Cape Verde's Dailon Livramento.

Inside the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the decibels rise as a cross comes in for Oyarzabal, but he can't get a good connection on it.

Cubarsí then picks up the ball and aims a shot at goal from range... but he's not troubling Vozinha with that one.

And now we have the game's first yellow card. As he tries to hold off Llorente's forward foray, Sidny makes rather too liberal use of his arms, and catches the Spaniard in the face.

A free-kick to Spain, and a booking for the left-back.

There's the first shot on target. From five yards or so outside of the box, Pedri drops a shoulder, cuts inside and strikes - but doesn't get hold of it properly.

Pedri's shot trundles through to Vozinha.

Spain's Fabian Ruiz in action in Atlanta, with Cape Verde's Jamiro Monteiro in close attendance.

For pretty much the first time, Cape Verde put a few passes together.

The Blue Sharks work it right, before a long ball is punted forward in search of Livramento's run. He's held off pretty comfortably by Laporte, before flopping to the floor. Spain ball again.

Now Fabián crosses from the left, but it's too close to Vozinha. The Cape Verde goalkeeper gathers with ease.

On the right wing, Marcos Llorente charges forward from right-back, forcing Sidny to slide in and turn it behind. Corner for Spain.

Pedri delivers... but it's not a good corner. Cape Verde clear.

The action in Atlanta remains very much a monologue, as they say in Spanish. All Spain ball, albeit they have done nowt with it yet.

Gavi makes World Cup history

Gavi, by the way, has become the third-youngest player ever to play five games for Spain at the men's World Cup.

At 21 years and 314 days old, he's beaten only by Iker Casillas and Miguel Tendillo.

Spain lose the ball for a moment, giving Sidny the chance to carry the ball forward for Cape Verde.

He quickly loses it, however.

For what I think is the first time, the play crosses the halfway line and enters the Spain half. That's only, though, because the Spaniards themselves have opted to play it backwards for a moment, dropping it into Cubarsí to build the play.

Back come Spain, working it right to Ferran Torres.

Pushed into the corner, he tries to hold off Borges, before thinking he's won a corner. That decision is then overturned by VAR, and it's a goal-kick to Cape Verde.

Right away, Spain take hold of possession, with Cape Verde lined up across the top of their penalty box.

The Spaniards pop it about for a good 90 seconds or so, just inside the Cape Verdean half. Finally, a long ball is aimed at Cucurella on the left, but he can't control.

Peeeep! Spain vs Cape Verde is underway.

Who is the referee?

The man in the middle in Atlanta is Jordan's Adham Makhadmeh.

By the way, that lineups card below seems to have organized Spain's defense into a back three, but I rather think that's not the case. A back four of Llorente, Cubarsí, Laporte and Cucurella seems much more likely.

And a final reminder of the Cape Verdeans' XI:

A last look at the Spain lineup:

And, for the first time in the history of the men's World Cup: the Cape Verdean anthem.

This one, it seems, does have some words. The players sing it with gusto, if minimal musical talent.

Out come the teams!

The players are just now emerging from the tunnel in Atlanta. 

Anthem time: Spain first!

A reminder: the Spanish national anthem has no lyrics.

World Cup 2026

How do hydration breaks work during the 2026 World Cup and how long do they last?

For the full lowdown on FIFA's new water-break rules, check out this piece by my colleague Roddy Cons.

Hydration breaks now a World Cup must

As in the 12 games played already in North America, today's clash will include ‘hydration breaks’ at the midpoint of each half. 

Back in December, FIFA announced that this would be the first men's World Cup to have mandatory water breaks, each lasting for three minutes.

Previously, water breaks had only been used at the World Cup if temperatures crossed a maximum threshold

Spain the statisticians' overwhelming tip today

Having already backed Spain to win the whole thing, it's no surprise that Opta's supercomputer is also rather confident of a victory for La Roja today.

In 25,000 simulations of the game in Atlanta, Spain won 87.2% of the time, Opta said. Cape Verde were victorious in just 4.8% of the simulations.

Spain and Cape Verde fans inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

When was the last time Spain met Cape Verde?

In a word, never. This is the teams' first ever meeting.

In the group stages of the men's World Cup, the last - and only - African team ever to have beaten Spain is Nigeria.

Just under three decades ago, at the 1998 World Cup in France, the Super Eagles earned a stunning 3-2 win over La Roja.

Oliseh's thunder strike, Zubizarreta's rick... Ah, memories from my childhood.

Spain players warm up in Atlanta, ahead of La Roja's World Cup Group H clash with Cape Verde.

What the coaches said: Bubista

World Cup 2026

Luis de la Fuente delivers the Lamine Yamal news Spain fans wanted to hear

If you want to read more of what Luis de la Fuente had to say ahead of Spain's World Cup opener, check out this full report on the La Roja boss's press conference yesterday.

What the coaches said: Luis de la Fuente

Spain - Cabo Verde

Before Spain’s first game, AI delivers a bold World Cup verdict

As we build up to kickoff in Atlanta, which is now just half an hour away, let me also point you in the direction of our full preview article, by my colleague Héctor Martínez.

Check out what Héctor makes of the upcoming match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Cape Verde fans gather outside Mercedes-Benz Stadium before kickoff in Atlanta.

At a glance: Cape Verde's recent form

The Blue Sharks' last five results:

Jun. 6: Cape Verde 3-0 Bermuda, friendly
Mar. 31: Cape Verde 3-0 Serbia, friendly
Mar. 29: Cape Verde 1-1 Finland, FIFA Series*
Mar. 26: Chile 4-2 Cape Verde, FIFA Series
Nov. 17: Egypt 1-1 Cape Verde, friendly**

*Cape Verde won on penalties

**Cape Verde lost on penalties

World Cup 2026

From Curaçao to Cape Verde: these are the countries debuting in the 2026 World Cup

Cape Verde are one of four nations making their World Cup bow this summer.

My colleague Calum Roche has the full lowdown on the quartet of debutants in North America.

How did Cape Verde qualify for the 2026 World Cup?

Led by head coach Bubista, himself a former Cape Verde international, the Blue Sharks booked their ticket to North American at the expense of one of Africa’s World Cup staples.

Cape Verde secured their World Cup berth by topping their first-round qualifying group by a four-point margin over Cameroon.

Although they lost 4-1 away to the Cameroonians in June 2024, Cape Verde then defeated the Indomitable Lions 1-0 in the return last September, to leave themselves within reach of the tournament. A month later, they then clinched qualification with a 3-0 win over Eswatini.

One of the World Cup's smallest nations

It should be little surprise that Cape Verde come to the tournament with such long odds. The Africans are, after all, one of the tiniest ever countries to reach the men's World Cup.

With a population of just under 500,000 Cape Verde is the third-smallest country ever to qualify for the finals.

The only two smaller nations to make a World Cup are Iceland (population: 395,000) and the Cape Verdeans' fellow 2026 debutant, Curaçao, which has just 155,000 inhabitants.

Cape Verde set for World Cup bow

Cape Verde, meanwhile, are Group H's rank outsiders, as the Blue Sharks prepare for their first ever appearance at the men's World Cup.

They have lengthy, +4000 odds of winning their group at the first attempt.

Overall, the bookies have them as the 41st-most likely team to lift the World Cup this summer.

FIFA World Cup 2026 - Group H - Spain v Cape Verde

Spain fans outside the stadium in Atlanta, as La Roja prepares for its World Cup kickoff.

At a glance: Spain's recent form

La Roja's last five results:

Jun. 9: Peru 1-3 Spain, friendly
Jun. 4: Spain 1-1 Iraq, friendly
Mar. 31: Spain 0-0 Egypt, friendly
Mar. 27: Spain 3-0 Serbia, friendly
Nov. 18: Spain 2-2 Turkey, friendly

Spain on a streak

I mentioned just there that Spain are on a lengthy unbeaten streak. 

Well, if you don't count shootout defeats, they last lost a match back in March 2024: a 1-0 friendly defeat to Colombia.

What's more, you have to go back another year to find their last competitive defeat in regular play: a Euro 2024 qualifying loss to Scotland in March 2023.

If you do include penalties, Spain last endured defeat in June 2025, in the UEFA Nations League final. La Roja went down 5-3 on spot-kicks to Portugal in Munich, after a 2-2 draw.

Spain a World Cup staple

Having beaten the Turks to top spot in UEFA qualifying Group E, Spain are at the men's World Cup for the 13th consecutive occasion. The Spaniards last failed to reach the tournament back in 1974.

Per Opta, only Germany - with 19 - are on a longer run of successive World Cups.

How did Spain qualify for the World Cup

Spain, who are currently on a long unbeaten run, topped their UEFA qualifying Group E without losing. 

De la Fuente's men posted five victories and a draw on their way to winning the group ahead of Turkey, by a three-point margin.

Cape Verde fans hold up a replica World Cup trophy as they get ready for their national team's tournament debut.

Cape Verde lineup confirmed

The Cape Verdeans' starting XI is also in: Vozinha, Moreira, Lopes, Borges, Sidny, Lenini, Duarte, Mendes, Monteiro, Cabral, Livramento.

Opta also opts for Spain

Opta, the soccer stats specialists, have been calculating every team's chance of winning the 2026 world title - and Spain is their pick, too. 

Having run 25,000 simulation of this summer's tournament, Opta's ‘supercomputer’ has identified Spain as the likeliest winner, with a 16.1% chance of lifting a second global title. 

Spain sit ahead of France on 13% and England on 11.2%.

Spain backed to go all the way

Anyway, back to matters in Atlanta this afternoon.

A team ranked second in the world, Spain are - unsurprisingly - the bookmakers’ overwhelming favorites to win Group H.

Inded, two years after lifting the European title for a record fourth time, they’re the betting houses' tip to win the whole thing. Luis de la Fuentes' men are the +500 favorites in North America, ahead of France on +600.

World Cup 2026

Sweden’s Mattias Svanberg makes World Cup history against Tunisia

Mattias Svanberg's goal for Sweden places him in the World Cup record books: his goal, scored 18 seconds after his introduction, was the second-fastest by a substitute in the history of the men's tournament.

Svanberg is behind only Richard Morales, who scored after 16 seconds for Uruguay in 2002, against Senegal.

What happened in the World Cup on Sunday?

 On day four of the World Cup, it was Sweden who made the biggest splash: Graham Potter’s men thumped Tunisia 5-1 in their Group F opener.

Yasin Ayari scored two for the Swedes, while substitute Mattias Svanberg netted within less than 20 seconds of coming on.

Elsewhere, the Netherlands and Japan shared the points in a 2-2 draw in Group F, while Group E's action saw four-time champions Germany survive a scare to hammer Curaçao 7-1.

The Germans' healthy goal difference makes them the early leaders of their group, ahead of the Ivory Coast. Also on Sunday, the Ivorians began with a 1-0 win over Ecuador.

Any other World Cup action today?

Yes: In addition to Group H's openers, we also have the first two games in Group G.

Belgium and Egypt face off in Seattle at 2:00 p.m. ET, before Iran meet New Zealand in Los Angeles at 8:00 p.m. ET.

World Cup 2026

Alarm over Uruguay: their plane cannot enter the United States

Ahead of their matchup with the Saudis in Florida, Uruguay had real trouble getting into the U.S.

This weekend, their flight from their training base in Cancún, Mexico, was held up for several hours because their plane lacked the right paperwork to enter the States. 

The Uruguay squad, led by coached Marcelo Bielsa, has since made it to Miami for today's game at Hard Rock Stadium. 

“Due to an airline permitting error in Mexico, the Uruguay national team's departure from Cancun to Miami was delayed,” FIFA, world soccer's governing body, said in a statement.

“The airline has apologised for the inconvenience caused. FIFA remained in close contact with the Uruguay national team throughout their delay and worked alongside airport and operational partners to help expedite the process and minimise disruption to the team's travel arrangements.”

My colleague Joe Brennan has the full story.

Group H opener followed by Saudis vs Uruguay

All four of Group H's teams kick off their World Cup campaigns today.

After Spain vs Cape Verde in Atlanta, Miami's Hard Rock Stadium will be the setting as Saudi Arabia and Uruguay meet at 3:00 p.m. ET/12 noon PT.

Real Madrid

Real Madrid confirm Marc Cucurella signing: One detail stands out

For more on Cucurella's move to Real Madrid, check out our full report on the deal.

Cucurella in at full-back after Real deal

Meanwhile, Marc Cucurella starts at left-back following today's news that he is to join the Mourinho 2.0 era at Real Madrid.

Madrid today confirmed the signing of Cucurella from Chelsea on a six-year contract, with Los Blancos paying a reported €55 million ($63 million) transfer fee.

World Cup 2026

Why is Lamine Yamal not playing in Spain’s World Cup opener vs. Cape Verde?

My AS colleague Roddy Cons has more on Lamine Yamal's absence from the Spain lineup.

Gavi in for Spain

Luis de la Fuente makes one change to the Spain team that started last week's final World Cup warm-up against Peru.

Barcelona's Gavi comes into the team, with Atlético Madrid's Álex Baena making way.

Star man Lamine Yamal is not yet ready to start, as he completes his recovery from a hamstring injury suffered in April. De la Fuente said yesterday that Yamal is back in “perfect” nick, but cannot yet play 90 minutes. 

Lamine's fellow stand-out winger, Nico Williams, is also not fit enough to start. He, too, has been busy shaking off a hamstring twang.

Spain lineup confirmed

We already have confirmation of the Spain XI at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Luis de la Fuente has gone with: Unai Simón, Llorente, Cubarsí, Laporte, Cucurella, Rodri, Pedri, Fabián, Gavi, Ferran, Oyarzabal.

What time is kickoff in Atlanta?

The 75,000-capacity Mercedes-Benz Stadium, home to MLS team Atlanta United and NFL team the Atlanta Falcons, is the venue for today's Group H opener.

Kickoff in Atlanta is at 12:00 noon ET/9:00 a.m. PT.

Spain vs Cape Verde: welcome!

Hello! This is, on paper at least, something of a World Cup mismatch. A clash between a tournament favorite appearing at its 17th finals, and a tournament debutant ranked 65 places below its opponent.

In Atlanta this afternoon, European champions Spain open up their 2026 World Cup campaign against Cape Verde, one of the smallest nations ever to qualify for the finals.