Top favorites take the stage – training exercise for Spain or potential upset?

The wait is over — it's time to see what the leading favorites to win the World Cup have to offer.

Spain begin their 2026 World Cup journey tonight in Atlanta, where they face tournament newcomers Cabo Verde with ambitions of adding a second world title to their trophy cabinet.

The Spaniards arrive in North America carrying significant expectations. Ever since lifting the European Championship trophy at Euro 2024, Luis de la Fuente's side has been viewed as one of the strongest teams on the international stage. Their qualifying campaign only reinforced that reputation, as La Roja cruised through the process and secured their place among the leading contenders for the title.

A favorable Group H draw has further boosted Spain’s hopes of making a deep run. However, their opening opponents are determined to make the most of a historic occasion.

Cabo Verde will be making its first-ever appearance at a World Cup after producing one of the surprises of qualifying by finishing ahead of Cameroon. Guided by head coach Bubista, the Blue Sharks have built a squad capable of competing above expectations, even if many of their players remain unfamiliar to a global audience.

The African nation faces an enormous challenge against one of football’s traditional powers, but that will do little to diminish the excitement surrounding the occasion. This will be the first meeting between the two countries, and while Spain are overwhelming favorites, Cabo Verde will believe they can at least make life difficult for their illustrious opponents.

Realistically, avoiding defeat would require a remarkable performance and perhaps a slice of luck. Nevertheless, Bubista's side will be looking for positive signs that can carry them into upcoming group-stage clashes against Uruguay and Saudi Arabia, fixtures in which they may have a greater chance of collecting points.

As expected, Spain are likely to dominate possession and dictate the tempo from the opening whistle. Cabo Verde may spend long periods without the ball, relying on quick transitions whenever opportunities arise. The scheduled hydration breaks could provide valuable moments for the underdogs to regroup and reorganize.

Much attention will be focused on Spain's dangerous wing duo of Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams. The pair formed one of the most exciting partnerships at Euro 2024, although injuries have limited their time together since then. Williams has struggled with fitness issues, while Yamal recently recovered from a hamstring problem.

Both players have returned to training in time for the tournament, leaving De la Fuente with a key selection decision. He could ease them back into action cautiously, though their importance to Spain's attacking threat may tempt him to start both from the outset.

Further forward, Mikel Oyarzabal is expected to spearhead the attack, while Unai Simon remains the first-choice goalkeeper despite competition from David Raya and Joan Garcia. In midfield, Spain will also be keeping a close eye on Rodri's condition after an injury-hit season, while Fabian Ruiz has only recently overcome a troublesome knee problem.

For Cabo Verde, experience will be crucial. Veteran goalkeeper Vozinha and captain Ryan Mendes remain influential figures within the squad, helping guide a team that has already made history simply by reaching the tournament.

The player Spain may need to watch most closely is Dailon Livramento. The forward finished as one of Cabo Verde's leading scorers during qualifying with four goals and possesses the pace and directness needed to trouble defenders on the counterattack.

Meanwhile, defender Roberto Lopes, whose remarkable journey to international football famously began through a LinkedIn connection, is pushing for a place in the starting lineup, although he may have to wait a little longer for his World Cup debut.

WORLD CUP - GROUP STAGE

First round

Monday, 15.06.

Ivory Coast - Ecuador 1-0 (0-0)

/Diallo 90/

Sweden - Tunisia 5-1 (2-1)

/Ayari 7, 90+6, Isak 30, Gyokeres , Svanberg 84 - Rekik 43/

19.00: (1.10) Spain (9.50) Cape Verde (27.0)

22.00: (1.70) Belgium (4.00) Egypt (4.75)

Tuesday 16.06.

01.00: (7.50) Saudi Arabia (4.20) Uruguay (1.47)

04.00: (1.95) Iran (3.35) N.Zealand (4.20)

22.00: (1.47) France (4.50) Senegal (6.75)

***odds are subject to change***