Spain
Cape Verde15 June 2026 · Kick-off 17:00 · Stadium of Spain
Spain are aiming for a strong start to their World Cup journey when they face Cape Verde in their first group game. It's a classic David vs. Goliath scenario at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and we're backing Spain to secure a 3-0 victory. La Roja come into the tournament in fine fettle, having gone unbeaten in their last ten fixtures. The home side will be boosted by the likely return of Barcelona's exciting talent Lamine Yamal, adding further quality to an already gifted squad. Although experienced striker Alvaro Morata, defender Dean Huijsen, and full-back Alejandro Balde have been left out, Spain's attacking options remain formidable. Their recent statistics are outstanding, with an average of 2.7 goals scored per game, a 70% clean-sheet record, and a stingy defence conceding just 0.5 goals per match over their last ten outings. Cape Verde, on the other hand, are feeling good after recording consecutive 3-0 friendly victories against Serbia and Bermuda. The Blue Sharks have also proven tough to breach lately, keeping clean sheets in 60% of their last ten matches while netting 1.9 goals per game on average. Much will hinge on the contributions of veteran forward Ryan Mendes, attacking danger Dailon Livramento, and defender Logan Costa. However, coming up against one of the tournament favourites will be a considerable test of their abilities, and Spain's superior class should ultimately prevail. Spain possess a solid defensive record, and Cape Verde have demonstrated their ability to compete with strong opponents. Therefore, Spain to Win to Nil looks like the shrewdest bet for this fixture, along with Yamal to Score and Spain to Win Both Halves. This World Cup 2026 encounter is scheduled for Monday 15 June 2026, kicking off at 17:00.
Looking at Spain's last ten games across all competitions, their recent form shows a strong record. In total, they've managed 2.20 points per game, with their home form particularly impressive, yielding 2.00 points per game. On the road, they've been even more potent, averaging 2.50 points per match.
Their overall win percentage stands at a solid 60%, rising to 75% when playing away from home, though it dips slightly to 50% on their own turf. Averaging 3.20 goals per game overall, they score 2.70 on average and concede a mere 0.50. This defensive strength is consistent home and away. Both teams to score has occurred in 30% of their matches overall, with clean sheets being a common occurrence at 70%. They've only failed to score in 10% of their outings.
Their expected goals (xG) figure for all games is 2.45, suggesting they create plenty of chances, and their expected goals against (xGA) is a low 0.64, underlining their defensive solidity. At home, their xG is 2.53 with an xGA of 0.53, while away from home they register an xG of 2.32 and an xGA of 0.79.
Looking at Cape Verde's recent form across their last 10 games in all competitions, they've secured 1.90 points per game overall. Their home record is particularly strong, with an average of 2.33 points per match, while they average 1.25 points from their away fixtures.
In terms of statistics:
* **Win Percentage:** They've won 50% of their overall matches, with a higher 67% success rate at home and 25% away.
* **Average Goals Per Game:** On average, their matches have seen 2.80 goals scored overall, with 2.00 at home and a high 4.00 away.
* **Goals Scored:** They net 1.90 goals per game overall, 1.83 at home, and 2.00 on the road.
* **Goals Conceded:** Their defence is solid, conceding 0.90 goals per game overall, a mere 0.17 at home, and 2.00 away.
* **Both Teams to Score (BTTS):** This bet would have landed in 40% of their overall games, 17% of home matches, and 75% of away fixtures.
* **Clean Sheets:** Cape Verde have kept a clean sheet in 60% of their overall matches, an impressive 83% at home, and 25% away.
* **Failed to Score:** They've failed to find the net in 10% of their games overall, 17% at home, and 0% away.
* **Expected Goals (xG):** Their expected goals scored stand at 1.46 overall, 1.77 at home, and 1.09 away.
* **Expected Goals Against (xGA):** They are expected to concede 0.95 goals per game overall, 0.91 at home, and 1.00 away.
There is no prior head-to-head record for these two clubs.
| Market | Tip | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Correct Score | 3-0 | 6.50 |
| Both Teams to Score (BTTS) | No | 1.50 |
| Over / Under 4.5 Goals | Under 4.5 Goals | 1.36 |
| Over / Under 3.5 Goals | Under 3.5 Goals | 1.91 |
| Over / Under 2.5 Goals | Over 2.5 Goals | 1.36 |
| Over / Under 1.5 Goals | Over 1.5 Goals | 1.11 |
| Anytime Goalscorer | Mikel Oyarzabal | 1.62 |
| First Goalscorer | Mikel Oyarzabal | 4.00 |
| To be Booked | Kelvin Pires | 2.63 |
| Asian Handicap | Spain -2 | 1.48 |
| European Handicap | Spain -2 | 1.83 |
| Shots on Target (Home) | Over 7.5 | — |
| Shots on Target (Away) | Under 2.5 | — |
| Shots on Target (Total) | Over 7.5 | — |
| Total Corners | 9 - 11 | 2.63 |
| Double Chance | 12 | 1.05 |
| Draw No Bet | Spain to Win | 1.03 |
| Half Time/Full Time | Spain to Win/Spain to Win | 1.40 |
| Clean Sheet | Spain - Yes | 1.53 |