Atlanta hosts Spain versus Cape Verde in World Cup 2026 opener

By Oliver Harrington — 15 June 2026 — 3 min read

The FIFA World Cup 2026 has commenced, with Spain facing debutants Cape Verde in their first Group H fixture. The match is taking place at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Spain enters the tournament as favourites, following a successful run that included winning Euro 2024 two summers ago.

Cape Verde’s qualification marks their first appearance in a World Cup, a significant achievement for the island nation. The team topped their qualification group, finishing ahead of a Cameroon side that included players like Bryan Mbeumo and Carlos Baleba. Despite being considered underdogs against Spain, Cape Verde aims to make an impression on the global stage.

The atmosphere surrounding the match is vibrant, particularly among Cape Verdean fans. Legendary correspondent Mac Millings reported from the Fan Zone in Atlanta, noting the enthusiastic parades of fans chanting and singing on their way to the stadium. In Praia, the capital of Cape Verde, the day of the match was declared a half-day holiday, with children wearing national shirts and flags displayed widely, reflecting the excitement of their nation’s debut.

One notable player for Cape Verde is Pico Lopes, a player from Crumlin in Dublin. Lopes was first called up to the Cape Verde team in 2019 and is only the second League of Ireland player to qualify for a World Cup. His journey to the tournament involved an initial message in Portuguese from the Cape Verde manager, which he initially ignored, followed by a second message in English nine months later, leading to his inclusion in the squad.

Spain’s squad features several key players. While Lamine Yamal is a prominent name, he may not start the initial game due to injury recovery. In his potential absence, the attack could be led by Nico Williams, Ferran Torres, and Mikel Oyarzabal. The midfield duo of Pedri and Rodri are expected to control the game’s tempo. Spain’s success is often attributed to a system where players have developed together through various age groups, fostering strong on-pitch cohesion and a family-like social bond, as noted by Juan Mata.

The Spanish team, managed by Luis de la Fuente, has been in strong form, losing only once since their Euro 2024 victory. Despite their strong position, there are some questions regarding defensive options and the fit of certain attackers. However, if de la Fuente can adapt the game plan used in 2024, Spain could potentially add another star to their crest.

For Cape Verde, defender Logan Costa is reportedly missing from the squad, presumably due to an ACL injury sustained in pre-season. Despite this, the team is described as settled and organised, known for being stronger defensively than offensively, and capable of posing a threat on the counter-attack. Star attacker Dailon Livramento expressed the team’s enthusiasm, stating, “We got ourselves into the World Cup, now it’s time to have fun together.”

The expanded 2026 World Cup features a record 48 teams competing across host nations the US, Canada, and Mexico. The tournament runs from June 11 to July 19, with the eventual champion needing to win five knockout games.

The Group H fixtures include: