Spain begin their 2026 World Cup campaign this evening against tournament debutants Cape Verde.
La Roja are regarded by many as favourites to win the World Cup for a second time, adding the 2024 European Championships to their ever-growing list of accomplishments.
Although, since their crowning moment on the global stage 16 years ago, Spain have failed to go beyond the round of 16 and even crashed out in the group phase as defending champions in 2014.
Much has been made of the squad selected by Spain manager Luis De La Fuente after not calling up a single Real Madrid player. Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams have made it though and the wingers are in contention to get some minutes having shaken off respective hamstring knocks.
Cape Verde, meanwhile, will be hopeful of faring better on their World Cup debut than Curacao did - losing 7-1 to Germany - but know they have their work cut out against the team ranked second in the world.
The Blue Sharks, one of ten teams representing Africa at this summer’s showpiece, will become the third-smallest nation to ever compete at a World Cup and their previous major tournament experience includes two quarter-final appearances at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
On paper, this first-ever meeting between Spain and Cape Verde will have a real David vs Goliath feel to it as the latter go in search of a major World Cup shock.
Here’s everything you need to know about where to watch the match...
How to watch Spain vs Cape Verde FOR FREE
TV channel: In the UK, Spain vs Cape Verde is being shown live and free-to-air on ITV1 with coverage beginning at 4pm BST ahead of a 5pm kick-off at the Atlanta Stadium.
Live stream: UK viewers can also catch the contest live online via ITVX or the ITV website.
Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog.
