- Spain are unbeaten in their last 10 matches (W7, D3) in all competitions, winning 2 and drawing 3 of their last 5.
- Cape Verde have won 6 of their last 10 in all competitions, but also lost 3, including their previous 2 away games.
- Spain have not lost any of their last 6 home games, scoring 2.00 goals per game and conceding just 0.50.
Spain's momentum will be tough to stop
This Monday's clash between Cape Verde and Spain will be a massive deal for the former as they make their World Cup debut at the biggest stage of all, but Spain bring their own momentum and long experience of major tournaments to the field in Atlanta.
The Cape Verde Islands have hit a rich vein of form ahead of this clash, winning 3 consecutive games, including back-to-back 3-0 home wins over Serbia and Bermuda, but their away record isn't quite as convincing. Bubista has done a great job of turning this team into a tough nut to crack since taking over in 2020, and although they're often compact in a 4-2-3-1 system, they can be extremely dangerous on the break.
Jovane Cabral is their creative outlet and when he gets on the ball, he can be a real threat to break down stubborn defences with his pace and vision. Ryan Mendes is another driving force at the sharp end and his pace and directness can be a factor on the counter. At the other end of the field, Stopira is a leader and provides the physicality and solidity that the side needs to stay afloat against even the best teams in the world.
La Furia Roja have plenty of firepower
Spain are a step above anyone Cape Verde have faced in the past and they will face an onslaught from a side in fine form. Mikel Oyarzabal has been on fire for Spain, netting 4 goals in their last 5 games as Spain continue their march to the 2026 World Cup. Luis de la Fuente has added a more vertical, dynamic style of play since taking over in December 2022, but his team are still built around ball possession and high pressing.
Spain are in great form, winning 2 and drawing 3 of their last 5 and their 3-1 away win over Peru was the epitome of what they are about. A flexible 4-3-3 that can morph into a 4-2-3-1, where players are trusted to get on the ball and drive the team forward. Pedri is the master at setting the tempo and dictating the play, and young star Lamine Yamal brings a bit of flair and unpredictability to the frontline.
Game on for a Spanish sweep
Spain are the heavy favourites to win here, and for good reason. They are in better form, have far more quality and are tactically far more flexible than Cape Verde. The African minnows will sit deep and try to stay compact whilst hoping to absorb the Spanish pressure and catch them on the odd occasion when the game opens up.
Cape Verde could find some joy on the attack when Spain press and overcommit men forward, but that will be rare, and it will be Spain who dominate possession and create the bulk of the chances. Odds of 1.11 is no surprise here, but odds of 1.33 for 'Total Score Over 2.5' is a little more generous for what is set to be a dominant performance by La Roja. Cape Verde may struggle to break through in Atlanta, so odds of 1.5 for 'Both Teams to Score - No' are a smart play.
