FIFA World Cup 2026 Today Match Live Score Updates: 2010 champions Spain will finally be action after 3 days of the commencement of the World Cup when they take on minnows Cape Verde in the opening fixture of Group H at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The Spanish armada will look to make short work of the World Cup debutants before the tougher fixtures against Uruguay and Saudi Arabia roll in.
It is for precisely that reason Spanish coach Luis de la Fuente might opt to start with a second-string side so that their main players are well rested before the Uruguay and Saudi Arabia clashes. Víctor Muñoz, Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal recently came back from spurts of injuries in the build up so they might play just cameo roles in this one.
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Their opponents Cape Verde, meanwhile, will hope for a more spirited showing than their fellow debutants Curacao who were thrashed by Germany 7-1 on Sunday night. Cape Verde have been predicted to finish 4th in the Group but the second-smallest nation to qualify after Iceland in 2018, will want to spring in a surprise or two.
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Spain’s starting players pose for a team photo prior to an international soccer match against Peru in Puebla, Mexico, Monday, June 8, 2026. (AP Photo/Moises Castillo)
Spain at 2026 World Cup: De la Fuente’s continuity project arrives as favourites
Luis de la Fuente bears little resemblance, in temperament, to Jose Mourinho. Spain’s head coach possesses none of the Portuguese’s rodomontade. Such is his commitment to humility that when Deportivo Alaves sacked him three months into the job, midfielder Carlos Indiano suggested it was partly because de la Fuente was too nice. (READ MORE)
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