Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020

Spain vs Cabo Verde World Cup action has begun at Atlanta Stadium, with Spain naming a strong starting side and teenage forward Lamine Yamal starting on the bench for the Group H fixture on 15 June 2026.

Cabo Verde are making their FIFA World Cup debut against one of the tournament’s major football nations, while Spain are trying to start their campaign cleanly despite injury concerns in attack.

The match opens another busy day of tournament coverage after Japan Netherlands World Cup Draw Leaves Group F Wide Open, with Belgium against Egypt, Saudi Arabia against Uruguay and Iran against New Zealand also on the schedule. Fans can follow official tournament updates through the FIFA website.

Spain Name Strong Side in Atlanta

Spain walked out in their traditional red kit before the Marcha Real, while Cabo Verde lined up in white before Cântico da Liberdade.

The occasion carried extra feeling for Cabo Verde, whose anthem includes the translated line: "Hope is / As big as the sea / Which embraces us".

Spain’s team features Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper Unai Simón, Manchester City midfielder Rodri and Barcelona midfielder Pedri.

Luis de la Fuente has left Lamine Yamal on the bench as the Barcelona forward continues his recovery from a hamstring tear, while Athletic Club winger Nico Williams is also not starting because of a hamstring strain.

Barcelona forward Ferran Torres and Real Sociedad forward Mikel Oyarzabal lead the attack for Spain.

Cabo Verde Prepare for Historic Debut

Cabo Verde’s lineup is led by captain Ryan Mendes, the country’s most-capped player and top scorer.

Mendes is making his 99th appearance and has 22 international goals to his name.

Cabo Verde’s squad reflects the global spread of its football pathway, with players based across Major League Soccer, the Süper Lig, Cyprus’s First Division, La Liga, Liga Portugal, the Israeli Premier League and the League of Ireland.

Their starting team includes Vozinha, Diney Borges, Roberto Lopes, Sidny Cabral, Steven Moreira, Kevin Pina, Jovane Cabral, Jamiro Monteiro, Laros Duarte, Dailon Livramento and Ryan Mendes.

Lamouchi Sacked After Tunisia Defeat

Elsewhere in the tournament, Tunisia have dismissed head coach Sabri Lamouchi after a 5-1 loss to Sweden in Group F.

The Tunisian Football Federation announced the decision on Instagram, with Mondher Kebaier set to take interim charge.

"An agreement has been officially reached to dismiss ‌coach Sabri Lamouchi," the translated statement read.

"Plans are underway to appoint Mondher ‌Kebaier as the national ‌team coach (on an interim basis) to complete the World Cup qualifying matches."

Tunisia face Japan next in Guadalupe before closing group play against the Netherlands in Kansas City.

VAR Gesture Issue Adds Off-Field Tension

The Fare network has also urged FIFA to remove Australian video review official Shaun Evans after a hand gesture shown on broadcast before Germany’s match against Curaçao.

"Advice from our experts is that the gesture used clearly resembles an upside down ‘OK' hand symbol used as a ‘white power’ symbol in global far-right circles,” Fare said.

"Clearly this official should have no further role to play in this World Cup," Fare said in its statement, describing the gesture as "neo-nazi".

FIFA was asked for comment, while Football Australia and the Professional Football Referees Association were also contacted.

Full Day Five Schedule

The day continues with Belgium facing Egypt at Seattle Stadium in Group G.

Saudi Arabia then meet Uruguay at Miami Stadium in Group H, before Iran face New Zealand at Los Angeles Stadium in Group I.

For Spain, the first task is to avoid an early upset against a Cabo Verde team carrying the emotion of a first World Cup appearance.

For Cabo Verde, Atlanta Stadium offers a chance to turn a historic debut into one of the early stories of the tournament.