Spain face a big decision over the fitness of star forward Lamine Yamal as they open their World Cup campaign against tournament debutants Cape Verde.
Barcelona’s Yamal, who so enlivened Euro 2024, entered the tournament under an injury cloud, although manager Luis de la Fuente suggested on match eve that he should be fit to play some part in Atlanta. That would be a significant boost to a team that will have designs on a tilt at global glory after securing their continental crown two summers ago.
One would expect Spain to have few issues in this opening fixture, but Cape Verde have plenty of high-level European experience within the ranks and the capacity to cause problems for their more vaunted opponents. Now Africa Cup of Nations regulars, it is a tough task to start for Bubista’s side – but you never know in tournament football…
Follow all of the latest from the Group H clash with our live blog below:
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Spain arrive at this World Cup as the reigning European champions, and strong contenders to go deep over the next six weeks. Chris Wilson explores how they have developed a new kind of tiki-taka after a few lean years.
How Spain have developed ‘tiki-taka 2.0’ in pursuit of World Cup glory
Though many saw Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph as a move away from the famed ‘tiki-taka’ style, Chris Wilson argues that Luis de la Fuente has simply created a more modern version – that could lead La Roja to another World CupHarry Latham-Coyle15 June 2026 14:15
Spain boss provides Lamine Yamal update ahead of Cape Verde clash
Spain boss Luis De La Fuente has revealed Lamine Yamal is in “perfect condition” following injury concerns.
The teenager has been sidelined since April with a hamstring problem and subsequently missed the final stages of Barcelona’s La Liga-winning season.
Spain kick off their Group H campaign against Cape Verde in Atlanta and De la Fuente provided an update on Yamal along with the rest of the squad ahead of their opening game.
“The best news is that he’s in perfect condition,” De La Fuente said. “The process we had planned has gone as expected and he’s arrived at the scheduled time.
“I can tell you that everyone will be available. That doesn’t mean they’ll be ready for the whole match, but the best news is that they’re in good form.”
Harry Latham-Coyle15 June 2026 14:05
Spain vs Cape Verde LIVE
A very good afternoon. Another World Cup contender is just about ready to get underway in Atlanta, Spain looking to back up their European triumph with success on the global stage. They begin their tournament against debutants Cape Verde, with the archipelagic state raring to go for their first fixture on this stage.
Kick off is at 5pm BST.
Harry Latham-Coyle15 June 2026 11:36