European Giants Face World Cup Debutants in Group H
Spain begin their 13th consecutive World Cup campaign against a Cape Verde side making their historic debut on the global stage.
Spain arrive at the 2026 World Cup as European champions, looking to improve on a record that has seen them win only one of their last six tournament matches inside 90 minutes. Luis de la Fuente’s side showed mixed form in their warm-up fixtures, following a dominant 3-1 win over Peru with three draws in their last four matches, including a 2-2 stalemate against Türkiye.
Cape Verde secured their first-ever World Cup appearance by topping their qualification group ahead of African giants Cameroon. Bubista’s 'Blue Sharks' enter the finals with significant momentum, having won their last two preparation matches by 3-0 scorelines against Serbia and Bermuda. Despite being ranked 67th in the world, they have proven their giant-killing credentials by scoring four goals in their final five qualifiers.
Goals scored and conceded.
Per-game averages at this tournament — updates as the games are played.
Both teams across every game at this tournament.
SpainCape Verde Islands
Every tournament game combined — Spain 8 games, Cape Verde Islands 4 games.
SpainCape Verde IslandsPast meetings.
Their recent form.
The road to the final.
Twelve groups into a 32-team knockout · 72 of 72 group games played · fills in as every result lands.
1 (3)
1 (4)
3
0
0
1
1 (2)
1 (3)
2
13
0
2
0
3
2
2
1
1
2
2
0
2
1
32
1 (2)
1 (4)
2
0
1
0010301141223320 (4)0 (3)20211231021210461 (3)1 (4)30011 (2)1 (3)2130203221122021321 (2)1 (4)2010010301141223320 (4)0 (3)2021123102121046