Match PreviewPreview: Spain vs Cape Verde
European champions Spain open against the fairytale debutants, Cape Verde.
European champions Spain open against the smallest story of the tournament. Spain arrive as one of the favourites, reigning Euro 2024 winners playing a vibrant, possession-based game through the likes of Lamine Yamal and Pedri.
Cape Verde, the Blue Sharks, complete a fairytale on their World Cup debut — an island nation of around 525,000 people, coached by CAF Coach of the Year Bubista and built almost entirely on home-based players.
On paper it is a mismatch, and Spain should dominate. But Cape Verde earned their place the hard way and will savour every minute. Kick-off is 19:00 in Kenya time. Back your team and make your score call on the match page.
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