Cape Verde five days from World Cup debut against Spain

Cape Verde are five days from their World Cup debut, facing Spain on Monday in the opening match of Group H. It is the Blue Sharks' first-ever appearance at the tournament, and they will follow the Spain clash with meetings against Uruguay on June 21 and Saudi Arabia on June 26 – all first-time opponents for the island nation (1). The squad carries the memory of historic friendly upsets, including a 2–0 win over Portugal in 2015 and a 2–1 victory against Brazil's Olympic side that went on to win gold in Tokyo. Spain are expected to field teenage star Lamine Yamal despite fitness concerns, underlining the scale of the challenge ahead.