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The team that produced the most shots on target during qualification will face a World Cup debutant in the 2026 tournament. It is a clash between two sides from different footballing dimensions — one a seasoned European powerhouse, and the other a rising newcomer making its first appearance on the global stage.

This Group H encounter between Spain and Cape Verde is scheduled to take place at Atlanta Stadium on Monday (15 June 2026) at 23:00 WIB.

Under coach Luis de la Fuente, Spain managed an average of 9.7 shots on target per 90 minutes during qualifying — the highest figure among all teams competing in the 2026 World Cup, according to Opta Analyst.

The 64-year-old tactician has restored Spain’s former glory in his own way, guiding La Roja back to the top tier of international football.

Spain enter the tournament unbeaten in their last 31 competitive matches, winning 25 of them since their 2-0 defeat to Scotland in March 2026.

This run marks their longest unbeaten streak in non-friendly fixtures.

According to football analyst Gigih Windar, speaking in Tribunnews’ “Super Tactic: Predictions for Groups G–L of the 2026 World Cup, The Groups of Future Champions,” there are several factors behind Spain’s resurgence under Luis de la Fuente.

The first factor is harmony within the dressing room.

Windar explained that de la Fuente is a coach who prioritises the atmosphere inside the team’s dressing room.

“That has been the key to Spain’s current success, as the coach has successfully maintained team unity despite external pressure from the media,” Gigih said during the podcast recorded at Tribunnews’ Solo office in Karanganyar, Central Java.

Another crucial factor is their exceptional squad depth.

He recalled when Spain lost Pedri — the team’s playmaker and rhythm-setter — to injury and replaced him with Zubimendi. The team did not falter, as Zubimendi successfully filled the void left by Pedri.

Two years on, both players remain key figures under de la Fuente and are part of Spain’s 2026 World Cup squad.

Spain’s strength extends beyond the midfield, with quality options available from the goalkeeping department to the attacking line — including star striker Mikel Oyarzabal.

“Spain are blessed with evenly distributed quality across all positions. For instance, they have Unai Simon and David Raya as goalkeeping options, while the midfield boasts Gavi, Zubimendi, and others — giving the coach plenty of tactical flexibility,” added the analyst from Semarang.

Another factor is tactical flexibility and match adaptability.

De la Fuente is not rigidly attached to Spain’s traditional tiki-taka system but prefers a more fluid and dynamic style of play that can dismantle opponents effectively.

“The coach prefers to remain flexible and adapt his tactics to the available squad at any given time,” Gigih explained.

“For instance, Spain have switched from a 4-3-3 to a 4-4-2 formation when key players were unavailable, showing how substitutes can step up to maintain performance levels,” he continued.

Because of these strengths, Spain are one of the favourites in their group. Opta Analyst even gives them a strong chance of lifting the trophy at the end of the tournament.

“With their combination of tactical flexibility, squad depth, and strong dressing room management, Spain are among the top contenders in this competition,” Gigih concluded.

However, Cape Verde should not be underestimated despite making their World Cup debut in 2026.

Several players in the Cape Verde squad currently play across various top European leagues.

The nation’s footballing growth has been remarkable in recent decades.

In the Africa Cup of Nations, Cape Verde have reached the knockout stage in three of their last four appearances, including quarter-final runs in 2013 and 2023.

The Blue Sharks qualified for the tournament by topping their group ahead of Cameroon.

During qualification, Cape Verde won six of their seven matches, entering the World Cup with a high level of confidence.

The squad features veteran winger Ryan Mendes, formerly of Lille and Nottingham, Villarreal centre-back Logan Costa, and prolific striker Dailon Livramento, one of their top scorers in qualifying.

“Cape Verde have impressive squad depth with many players gaining experience in European leagues, making them a side not to be taken lightly by other teams in the group,” Gigih observed.

Nevertheless, Opta Analyst still predicts Spain will win their opening Group H match.

Spain’s victory probability stands at 87.2 percent, with Cape Verde given 4.8 percent, and an 8.1 percent chance of a draw.

Predicted line-ups: Spain vs Cape Verde

Spain

Unai Simon, Marc Cucurella, Aymeric Laporte, Pau Cubarsi, Marcos Llorente, Fabian Ruiz, Rodri, Pedri, Alex Baena, Ferran Torres, Mikel Oyarzabal.

Coach: Luis de la Fuente

Cape Verde

Vozinha, Joao Paulo, Logan Costa, Pico Lopes, Steven Moreira, Kevin Pina, Yannick Semedo, Ryan Mendes, Jamiro Monteiro, Jovane Cabral, Bailon Livramento.

Coach: Bubista

(Tribunnews.com/Sina)