Yamal benched as Spain open World Cup against Cape Verde

Yamal on the bench for the opener

Spain kick off their World Cup against Cape Verde at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, and Lamine Yamal is not in the starting XI (4) (7). Luis de la Fuente left him out as a precaution after his recent injury. "The fitness coaches say Lamine Yamal is ready to play," de la Fuente said. "You never know, football is a risky game. But he is ready. Maybe not for 90 minutes. But he can take part in the game" (3).

The coach was even firmer Saturday: "The best news is that he is in top form. We followed exactly the plan we laid out from the start, and he has reached this phase exactly at the desired moment. I can assure you that tomorrow all players will be available" (4).

Spain's XI: Oyarzabal leads the line

Unai Simon starts in goal. The back four: M. Llorente, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella. Rodri and Fabian in midfield. Ferran Torres, Pedri, and Gavi behind Oyarzabal up front (4). Nico Williams is also absent from the lineup, with both wingers managed carefully after the fitness concerns that kept them out of the Peru friendly.

Cape Verde's World Cup debut

This is Cape Verde's first-ever World Cup match (2). Their XI: Vozinha in goal, Moreira, Sidny, Pico, and Diney across the back. Laros Duarte and Kevin Pina sit in midfield with Ryan Mendes, Jamiro Monteiro, Jovane Cabral, and Dailon Livramento ahead of them (4). Logan Costa, the Toulouse centre-back, is one to watch at the back for Cape Verde (1).

Deschamps: "Spain the big favourite"

France manager Didier Deschamps did not hold back when asked about the tournament. "Spain the big favourite," he said (8). The praise lands differently with Yamal and Williams starting on the bench, but it confirms what the rest of the field thinks: your team is the one everyone is measuring themselves against.

Fan-reaktioner

The r/soccer preview thread has La Roja fans cautiously optimistic, with most agreeing the squad depth is real but the Yamal situation is the story of the day. Over on r/reddevils, the World Cup watch thread has United fans tracking the Spain game alongside Belgium and Uruguay matches, with attention on how Gavi and Pedri set the tempo early. Full match thread here