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Spain Opens World Cup vs Debutant Cape Verde

6/15/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Spain, the Euro 2024 champions, will open the 2026 World Cup against Cape Verde in Atlanta on June 15, 2026.
Coach Luis de la Fuente said all Spanish players are available and Lamine Yamal is in perfect condition.
Cape Verde, ranked 67th, is the third-smallest nation ever to qualify and makes its World Cup debut.
The match will air in the United States on Fox, with streaming on Fubo and the Fox Sports app.

History

Historical Context

When FIFA expanded the World Cup to 32 teams for the 1998 tournament in France, 174 nations entered qualification and Caribbean debutant Jamaica earned its first appearance, sparking broader inclusion of smaller associations. That precedent underpins the 2026 match in Atlanta, where Spain’s champions will face debutants Cape Verde, highlighting FIFA’s continued global growth.

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Story summary

Spain, the Euro 2024 champions, will open the 2026 World Cup against Cape Verde in Atlanta on June 15, 2026.
Coach Luis de la Fuente said all Spanish players are available and Lamine Yamal is in perfect condition.
Cape Verde, ranked 67th, is the third-smallest nation ever to qualify and makes its World Cup debut.
The match will air in the United States on Fox, with streaming on Fubo and the Fox Sports app.

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