Cape Verde open World Cup against Spain on Sunday

World Cup opener against Spain is set

Cape Verde's second-ever World Cup match, and first at the 2026 tournament, comes Sunday against Spain in Group H. Your Blue Sharks face the world's top-ranked side in their opening fixture (1).

The match kicks off in Miami, with Jordanian referee Adham Makhadmeh appointed to officiate (2).

Spain will have teenage star Lamine Yamal available. He was rested for their final warm-up match against Peru to manage fitness, but reports confirm he is expected to feature against Cape Verde. Nico Williams returns too after similar rest (1).

The Spanish camp made late adjustments to their squad, with both Yamal and Williams recovering from minor injury concerns. That does nothing to soften the task ahead, you walk into one of the toughest openers any team faces at this tournament.

Rodri and Mikel Oyarzabal are also expected to play key roles for Luis de la Fuente's side (1).

Cape Verde's lineup and tactical setup remain under wraps from the available reports. The Blue Sharks qualified for only their second major tournament, and Sunday is the moment it becomes real.

Fan reactions

Cape Verde fans online are treating this like a free hit. The mood is proud, not anxious, just getting here is the story for many. The general sentiment is that whatever happens against Spain, the Blue Sharks have already won by being in the conversation. See the full discussion on r/worldcup