Spain vs. Cape Verde Confirmed Starting Lineups: Starting 11 For Group H Opening Match
The 2026 FIFA World Cup continues Monday as Spain and Cape Verde square off in a Group H matchup featuring one of the tournament favorites against a nation looking to make a statement on the world stage.
Spain enter the contest with expectations of competing for the World Cup title thanks to a squad loaded with technical quality, midfield creativity, and international experience. Cape Verde, meanwhile, will look to embrace the underdog role and challenge one of Europe’s elite nations with a disciplined and energetic performance.
With valuable group-stage points at stake and both teams eager to begin their campaign on a positive note, this matchup could play an important role in shaping the Group H standings.
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Spain Confirmed Starting Lineup
Spain will deploy a possession-oriented setup built around one of the strongest midfields in international football. Unai Simón starts in goal behind a back four consisting of Marcos Llorente, Aymeric Laporte, Pau Cubarsí, and Marc Cucurella.
In midfield, Rodri anchors the center of the pitch alongside Pedri and Fabián Ruiz. The trio provides Spain with exceptional ball retention, creativity, and defensive stability, allowing La Roja to dictate possession and control the tempo of the game.
Further forward, Ferran Torres and Gavi are expected to provide movement and creativity from wide positions while supporting striker Mikel Oyarzabal. Oyarzabal brings experience and intelligent movement in the final third, while Torres and Gavi offer additional playmaking ability and attacking versatility.
- GK: Unai Simón
- RB: Marcos Llorente
- CB: Aymeric Laporte
- CB: Pau Cubarsí
- LB: Marc Cucurella
- CM: Pedri
- CM: Rodri
- CM: Fabián Ruiz
- RW: Ferran Torres
- ST: Mikel Oyarzabal
- LW: Gavi
Cape Verde Predicted Starting Lineup
Cape Verde are expected to line up in a balanced formation that emphasizes defensive organization while looking to create opportunities through quick transitions and experienced attacking players.
Vozinha should start in goal behind a back four of Steven Moreira, Logan Costa, Pico, and João Paulo. The defensive group will be tasked with slowing down Spain’s possession-heavy attack and limiting space in dangerous areas.
In midfield, Kevin Pina and Yannick Semedo are expected to anchor the center of the pitch, providing defensive cover while helping initiate counterattacks. Ryan Mendes and Jovane Cabral offer pace and creativity from wide areas, while Jamiro Monteiro is projected to operate in a more advanced playmaking role.
Leading the line will be Dailon Livramento, whose movement and finishing ability give Cape Verde a potential outlet against one of the tournament’s strongest defensive sides.
- GK: Vozinha
- RB: Steven Moreira
- CB: Logan Costa
- CB: Pico
- LB: João Paulo
- CM: Kevin Pina
- CM: Yannick Semedo
- RW: Ryan Mendes
- AM: Jamiro Monteiro
- LW: Jovane Cabral
- ST: Dailon Livramento
Team News & Key Absences
Spain enter the tournament with one of the deepest squads in the competition and will rely heavily on the leadership of Rodri, Laporte, and Unai Simón. The emergence of younger stars such as Pedri, Gavi, and Pau Cubarsí has added even more quality to a team already capable of competing with the world’s best.
Cape Verde will look to experienced players such as Ryan Mendes, Jamiro Monteiro, and Vozinha to guide the squad through a difficult opening matchup. Their ability to remain organized defensively and capitalize on limited opportunities could be crucial against a possession-dominant Spanish side.
With both teams expected to have most of their key contributors available, execution in critical moments may ultimately determine the outcome.
Match Outlook & Resources
Spain enter the match as clear favorites thanks to their technical quality, midfield dominance, and overall squad depth. Rodri, Pedri, and Fabián Ruiz give La Roja the ability to control possession for extended periods, while Torres and Oyarzabal provide attacking quality in the final third.
Cape Verde, however, have enough athleticism and experience to make life difficult if they can remain compact defensively and frustrate Spain’s rhythm. Quick transitions through Mendes, Monteiro, and Livramento could provide opportunities to threaten on the counterattack.
With Spain looking to begin their World Cup campaign with three points and Cape Verde aiming to produce a memorable result, expect a competitive contest where patience, discipline, and individual quality could prove decisive.
AP Images/Alberto Saiz
