For Spain, the tournament represents another opportunity to translate their considerable talent into success on football's biggest stage. For Cape Verde, it is a historic occasion as the Blue Sharks prepare for their first-ever World Cup match after securing qualification for the finals for the first time.

Luis de la Fuente's side arrive in the United States among the favorites to lift the trophy. Spain have not lost any of their last 10 matches in all competitions, winning seven of them and completing their preparations for the tournament with a 3-1 victory over Peru.

While Spain lifted the World Cup in 2010 and arrive as reigning European champions, recent editions of the tournament have brought frustration. La Roja exited in the group stage in 2014 before suffering round-of-16 eliminations in both 2018 and 2022.

Now, a squad led by 2024 Ballon d'Or winner Rodri will attempt to guide Spain back to the latter stages of the competition.

The Manchester City midfielder is expected to be joined in midfield by Pedri and Fabian Ruiz, while Spain's attacking options remain among the most exciting in international football. Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams have emerged as two of the game's brightest young stars, although both entered the tournament following recent fitness concerns.

Cape Verde, meanwhile, are preparing for a historic occasion.

Qualification for the World Cup marked the greatest achievement in the nation's football history, with Bubista's side finishing above Cameroon in their qualifying group to book a place at the finals.

The Blue Sharks have also travelled to the United States in encouraging form. They have won each of their last three matches and recorded consecutive 3-0 victories over Serbia and Bermuda in their final warm-up fixtures before the tournament.

Veteran forward Ryan Mendes remains an influential figure within the squad. The 36-year-old is Cape Verde's all-time leading scorer with 22 international goals and is expected to play a key role alongside Dailon Livramento, while Villarreal defender Logan Costa will be tasked with helping contain Spain's dangerous attack.

This will be the first meeting between the two nations.

Group H also includes Uruguay and Saudi Arabia, who meet on Tuesday in the group's other opening fixture.

Spain predicted lineup:

Simon; Llorente, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Pedri, Fabian Ruiz; Baena, Oyarzabal, Ferran Torres

Cape Verde predicted lineup:

Vozinha; Moreira, Costa, Pico, Paulo; Semedo, Pina; Mendes, Monteiro, Cabral; Livramento

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