Spain vs Cabo Verde confirmed lineups are now in, with FIFA listing Spain in a 4-1-2-3 and Cabo Verde in a 4-2-3-1 for the Group H opener at Atlanta Stadium. Match 14 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 starts at 12:00 PM ET on Monday, June 15, 2026. Spain give starting roles to Gavi and Marcos Llorente, while Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal open on the bench.
Cabo Verde also make two notable calls from the late projections. Logan Costa and Yannick Semedo drop to the bench, while Diney Borges, Sidny Lopes Cabral, and Laros Duarte start around captain Ryan Mendes and striker Dailon Livramento. That leaves the debutants with a more conservative first XI than many late previews expected.
Spain Confirmed Lineup
Spain's confirmed XI keeps Unai Simon in goal, Marcos Llorente at right-back, and Rodri at the heart of a midfield group that also includes Fabian Ruiz, Gavi, and Pedri. Ferran Torres and Mikel Oyarzabal then carry the main attacking load from the first whistle.
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| GK | Unai Simon |
| DEF | Marcos Llorente |
| DEF | Pau Cubarsi |
| DEF | Aymeric Laporte |
| DEF | Marc Cucurella |
| MID | Fabian Ruiz |
| MID | Gavi |
| MID | Rodri (C) |
| MID | Pedri |
| FW | Ferran Torres |
| FW | Mikel Oyarzabal |
Formation listed by FIFA: 4-1-2-3.
Substitutes: David Raya, Joan Garcia, Marc Pubill, Alex Grimaldo, Eric Garcia, Pedro Porro, Mikel Merino, Alex Baena, Martin Zubimendi, Dani Olmo, Yeremy Pino, Nico Williams, Lamine Yamal, Victor Munoz, Borja Iglesias.
This confirmed Spain squad keeps Rodri, Fabian Ruiz, Pedri, and Gavi on the field together, so La Roja should own central possession from the start. The big pre-match question at right-back is settled by Marcos Llorente, while Alex Baena moves to the bench.
Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal are available but do not start, which gives Spain major attacking pace to use later if the opener stays tight.
Cabo Verde Confirmed Lineup
Cabo Verde's confirmed XI keeps Vozinha in goal and uses Diney Borges, Pico Lopes, Sidny Lopes Cabral, and Steven Moreira across the back line. Kevin Pina anchors the midfield support around Jovane Cabral, Jamiro Monteiro, and Laros Duarte, while Ryan Mendes backs up Dailon Livramento in attack.
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| GK | Vozinha |
| DEF | Diney Borges |
| DEF | Pico Lopes |
| DEF | Sidny Lopes Cabral |
| DEF | Steven Moreira |
| MID | Kevin Pina |
| MID | Jovane Cabral |
| MID | Jamiro Monteiro |
| MID | Laros Duarte |
| FW | Ryan Mendes (C) |
| FW | Dailon Livramento |
Formation listed by FIFA: 4-2-3-1.
Substitutes: Marcio Rosa, CJ dos Santos, Stopira, Logan Costa, Wagner Pina, Kelvin Pires, Joao Paulo, Garry Rodrigues, Deroy Duarte, Yannick Semedo, Willy Semedo, Telmo Arcanjo, Nuno da Costa, Helio Varela, Gilson Benchimol.
This confirmed Cabo Verde squad is more cautious than the strongest pre-match projections, with Logan Costa and Yannick Semedo both on the bench from the start. Ryan Mendes and Jamiro Monteiro still carry most of the creative burden once Cabo Verde break pressure.
Laros Duarte gets the nod in midfield, while Diney Borges and Sidny Lopes Cabral help form a deeper back line for the toughest opening assignment in Group H.
Team News and Injury Report
Spain's biggest lineup calls are now settled. Gavi starts in midfield, Marcos Llorente gets the right-back role, and both Nico Williams plus Lamine Yamal stay in reserve for the opening whistle. That keeps Spain closer to control-first balance than pure wing speed at kickoff.
Cabo Verde arrive without a major late injury alarm, but the confirmed XI still changes the expected shape. Logan Costa and Yannick Semedo both move to the bench, while Laros Duarte joins the midfield and Sidny Lopes Cabral starts in defense. Bubista has clearly chosen a safer structure for the debut.
| Player | Team | Status | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gavi | Spain | Starting XI | Starts in midfield after several late previews had Alex Baena in the first team |
| Nico Williams | Spain | Bench | Available but held back from the opening lineup |
| Lamine Yamal | Spain | Bench | Available but managed from the bench at kickoff |
| Logan Costa | Cabo Verde | Bench | Projected starter who drops out of the back line on the official sheet |
| Yannick Semedo | Cabo Verde | Bench | Projected midfield starter who does not make the opening XI |
Spain vs Cabo Verde — Key Tactical Battle
The clearest tactical edge sits in central midfield because Spain start Rodri, Fabian Ruiz, Pedri, and Gavi together. That should give La Roja more short-passing control and more bodies around second balls, while Ferran Torres and Mikel Oyarzabal look set to attack the last line.
Cabo Verde answer with a lower 4-2-3-1 that keeps Kevin Pina central and asks Ryan Mendes plus Jamiro Monteiro to carry the first counter-attacking passes. Dailon Livramento's runs matter because the debutants may spend long stretches without the ball.
| Role | Spain | Cabo Verde |
|---|---|---|
| Corners | Pedri, Ferran Torres | Ryan Mendes, Jamiro Monteiro |
| Direct free kicks | Fabian Ruiz, Pedri | Ryan Mendes, Jovane Cabral |
| Penalties | Mikel Oyarzabal, Alvaro Morata | Ryan Mendes, Dailon Livramento |
Dead-ball roles matter because Cabo Verde may only get a few real attacking moments. Spain should still create more total chances, yet a set-piece delivery from Mendes or Monteiro is one of the clearest underdog routes to staying level.
Match Details
| Key Info | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date | Monday, June 15, 2026 |
| Kickoff Time | 12:00 PM ET / 4:00 PM UTC |
| Venue | Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta |
| Stage | FIFA World Cup 2026 Group Stage |
| Group | Group H |
| Referee | Adham Makhadmeh |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the confirmed Spain lineup against Cabo Verde?
Spain start with Unai Simon, Marcos Llorente, Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella, Fabian Ruiz, Gavi, Rodri, Pedri, Ferran Torres, and Mikel Oyarzabal.
Are Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams starting against Cabo Verde?
No. Both Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams are on Spain's bench for kickoff.
When does Spain vs Cabo Verde start?
Spain vs Cabo Verde starts at 12:00 PM ET on Monday, June 15, 2026. The match will be played at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta.
What formation will Cabo Verde use against Spain?
Cabo Verde are listed in a 4-2-3-1, with Kevin Pina central, Ryan Mendes supporting the attack, and Dailon Livramento leading the line.
The confirmed lineups show Spain trusting midfield control from the first whistle, while Cabo Verde open with a deeper, more cautious structure around Ryan Mendes and Dailon Livramento.
Stay with FWC LIVE for live score coverage and full Group H updates from Atlanta.
Read Also: Spain vs Cabo Verde — FIFA World Cup 2026 Group Stage Preview and Prediction
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