Spain have left star forward Lamine Yamal on the bench 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 revealed on match eve that he should be fit to play some part in Atlanta. That is 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:Spain 0-0 Cape Verde30 minsAlmost a real opening for Spain as they win it back in the Cape Verde half and suddenly have a three-v-three.Torres looks to slide it in to Oyarzabal but the striker’s touch is a poor one and the chance goes begging. Chris Wilson15 June 2026 17:33Spain 0-0 Cape Verde28 minsCape Verde are getting some joy after the hydration break, with a lovely switch of play giving Mendes some space before the attack breaks down.Spain are getting back into the rhythm of things though, with Lopes blocking an effort from Gavi on the edge of the area.Moments later, the ball pops up kindly for Cucrella but he blasts over from distance.(Getty)Chris Wilson15 June 2026 17:30Spain 0-0 Cape Verde25 minsBack underway after a water (advert) break! Chris Wilson15 June 2026 17:27Spain 0-0 Cape Verde22 minsCape Verde’s first real venture forward ends with an offside flag going up, but they’ll take some encouragement after working a nice move up the pitch. Drinks break incoming now!Chris Wilson15 June 2026 17:24Spain 0-0 Cape Verde19 minsCape Verde have been solid at the back so far, with a few Spain moves breaking down due to a poor final ball. La Roja have started to dominate possession though, with Cape Verde limited to speculative long balls forward when they do try to attack.(Getty)Chris Wilson15 June 2026 17:22Spain 0-0 Cape Verde16 minsAnd now we have the first yellow of the day as Lopes Cabral drags Llorente back. That’s a long time to be on a yellow for!The Benfica man does brilliantly moments later though, sliding in to prevent Llorente’s cutback in the area. Chris Wilson15 June 2026 17:18Spain 0-0 Cape Verde15 minsThere’s a brief opening for Pedri and he opts to take a shot from distance, but it’s a tame effort straight at Vozinha.Chris Wilson15 June 2026 17:17Spain 0-0 Cape Verde12 minsThe first opening of the game falls to Spain as Pedri makes a run from deep before clipping a cross towards the back post. Oyarzabal is lurking but Lopes makes a brilliant defensive header to prevent the Spaniard heading in. Chris Wilson15 June 2026 17:13Spain 0-0 Cape Verde9 minsAn interesting shirt number here as it appears Gavi has been given the number nine for this tournament! A new meaning for ‘false nine’. There’s some brilliant play from Sidny Cabral to win possession before skipping past Llorente – he’s brought down in cynical fashion but Llorente somehow escapes a booking. (Reuters)Chris Wilson15 June 2026 17:12Spain 0-0 Cape Verde7 minsThere have been a couple of loose passes in the final third from Spain, with Fabian Ruiz the latest guilty party. Cape Verde look tidy with the ball at their feet, though there isn’t a lot of attacking threat at the moment. Spain seem happ y to sit off when their opponents have the ball.Chris Wilson15 June 2026 17:09