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Updated Jun 14, 2026 · 14:45
Sports World News Updated Jun 14, 2026

Cabo Verde Make Historic World Cup Debut Against Spain

Cabo Verde will make history by playing their first-ever FIFA World Cup match against Spain at Atlanta Stadium. Spain, the reigning European champions, are preparing for their 17th World Cup appearance and aim to recover from their Round of 16 exit in Qatar. The match will be held on June 15, 2026, at 9:30 PM IST, with live streaming available on Zee5 and telecast on Unite8 Sports channels. Key players for Spain include Lamine Yamal and Pedri, while Cabo Verde will rely on forwards like Jovane Cabral and Ryan Mendes.

FIFA WC: When and where to watch Spain vs Cabo Verde; know all details

Atlanta, June 14

History will be made at Atlanta Stadium as Cabo Verde play in a FIFA World Cup match for the first time when they take on reigning European champions Spain at Atlanta Stadium on Monday. This will be the pair's first meeting at the senior international level.

Cabo Verde are the third-least populous nation to reach the tournament behind Curacao and Iceland.

Spain are preparing for their 17th FIFA World Cup (1934, 1950, 1962, 1966, 1978, 1982, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, 2026) and looking to make amends after crashing out in the Round of 16 at the previous instalment in Qatar.

The 2020 winners are entering this tournament as one of the favourites to lift the trophy.

How to watch Spain vs Cabo Verde live in India

Live streaming and live telecast of the FIFA World Cup 2026 football matches will be available on the Zee5 platform and app in India. Subscription will be needed.

Live telecast of the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be available on the Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2, and Unite8 Sports 2 HD TV channels in India.

Key details

Date and kick-off time: Monday, June 15, 9:30 PM (IST).

Venue: Atlanta Stadium

Referee: Adham Mohammad Tumah Makhadmeh

Squads

Spain-

Goalkeepers: Unai Simon, David Raya, Joan Garcia

Defenders: Pedro Porro, Marcos Llorente, Aymeric Laporte, Pau Cubarsi, Marc Pubill, Eric Garcia, Marc Cucurella, Alejandro Grimaldo

Midfielders: Rodrigo Hernandez, Martin Zubimendi, Pedri Gonzalez, Fabian Ruiz, Mikel Merino, Pablo Paez 'Gavi', Alex Baena

Forwards: Mikel Oyarzabal, Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres, Borja Iglesias, Dani Olmo, Victor Munoz, Nico Williams, Yeremy Pino

Cabo Verde-

Goalkeepers: Vozinha, Marcio Rosa, C.J. dos Santos

Defenders: Diney Borges, Sidny Cabral, Logan Costa, Steven Moreira, Wagner Pina, Joao Paulo Fernandes, Roberto 'Pico' Lopes, Kelvin Pires, Ianique 'Stopira' Tavares

Midfielders: Telmo Arcanjo, Laros Duarte, Deroy Duarte, Jamiro Monteiro, Kevin Pina, Yannick Semedo

Forwards: Gilson Benchimol, Jovane Cabral, Nuno da Costa, Dailon Livramento, Ryan Mendes, Garry Rodrigues, Willy Semedo, Helio Varela

— IANS

Reader Comments

Sarah B

This is a great moment for football fans! Spain has a stacked squad, but Cabo Verde's story is inspiring. I wonder if India could learn from their grassroots development.

Priya S

As an Indian football fan, seeing Cabo Verde play their first World Cup match is humbling. Our population is huge, but our football infrastructure is decades behind. Hope we can see Team India in the WC one day! 🔥🏆

Michael C

Spain is definitely the favourite, but this is a David vs Goliath story. I'm rooting for Cabo Verde to at least give a good fight. Their squad has some promising names.

Vikram M

Disappointing that the article didn't mention when India would play—oh wait, we never qualify! 😂 Jokes apart, kudos to Unite8 Sports for telecasting this. Hopefully, Indian football gets better soon.

James A

The historical context is amazing. Third least populous nation in a World Cup. This is why I love football—it's truly global. Good luck to both teams.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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