Spain vs Cape Verde Islands — Live Score, How to Watch & Preview

Spain vs Cape Verde Islands kicks off in GROUP H of the 2026 World Cup. Below you’ll find the live score, the kickoff time in your own timezone, exactly where to watch in every country, the full head-to-head record and the key players to watch.

Match preview

Spain enter this Group H clash as overwhelming favorites, boasting a squad brimming with technical quality and recent tournament experience. Under Luis de la Fuente, La Roja have refined their possession-based style with more direct attacking intent, relying on the creativity of Pedri and the goal-scoring instincts of Álvaro Morata. Spain's defensive solidity, anchored by Rodri and a reliable backline, will be key against a Cape Verde side that thrives on counter-attacks and set pieces.

Cape Verde, making their second World Cup appearance, have earned respect for their disciplined organization and dangerous transitions. Led by the experienced Ryan Mendes and the pacey Jovane Cabral, the Blue Sharks will look to exploit any space left by Spain's high defensive line. Their midfield, marshaled by the tenacious Kenny Rocha Santos, will need to disrupt Spain's rhythm and win second balls. Cape Verde's main challenge will be maintaining defensive concentration for 90 minutes against a team that can punish even momentary lapses.

Spain need a win to assert dominance in Group H, while Cape Verde will aim to frustrate and snatch a historic result. Expect Spain to dominate possession but face a resilient, well-drilled opponent. The key battle will be Spain's patient build-up versus Cape Verde's compact defensive block and swift counter-attacks.

Key players to watch

Spain

Pedri (FC Barcelona) — The creative heartbeat of Spain, his vision and passing can unlock any defense.
Rodri (Manchester City) — The midfield anchor, crucial for ball retention and breaking up opposition attacks.
Álvaro Morata (Atlético Madrid) — Spain's main goal threat, his movement and finishing are vital.

Cape Verde Islands

Ryan Mendes (Fatih Karagümrük) — The experienced captain and creative spark, dangerous from set pieces.
Jovane Cabral (Sporting CP) — Pacy winger who can stretch defenses and create chances on the break.
Kenny Rocha Santos (Oostende) — Midfield engine, key to disrupting Spain's rhythm and launching counters.

How to watch Spain vs Cape Verde Islands — by country

Kickoff is … in your local time. Here’s the official broadcaster and stream in each country:

Australia

Australia: SBS has exclusive rights and is keeping the whole tournament free. All 104 matches air live and free on SBS, SBS Viceland and SBS On Demand — no subscription needed.

Bangladesh

Bangladesh: A consortium of state broadcaster BTV, T Sports and Star News has secured the rights (confirmed days before kickoff after an earlier deal collapsed). Matches air live on BTV (free-to-air), with T Sports and Star News on cable and the T Sports app/website for streaming. As terms were only just finalised, confirm exact channel splits with local listings.

Brazil

Brazil: Grupo Globo carries every Brazil match, the final and half the remaining games across TV Globo, SporTV and Globoplay. CazéTV streams all 104 matches live and free in 4K on YouTube, and free-to-air channel SBT shows a selection including Brazil games and knockouts. Easiest free option: CazéTV on YouTube.

Canada

Canada: Bell Media is the official broadcaster. All 104 matches air on TSN (English) and RDS (French) via cable, with select games — including Canada's matches, the opener and the final — free over the air on CTV. Stream on TSN+, the RDS app, or Crave.

Germany

Germany: Deutsche Telekom''s MagentaTV holds rights to all 104 matches (44 exclusive), requiring a subscription. ARD and ZDF each show 30 matches free-to-air — including all Germany games, the opening match, semi-finals and final — on TV and their online streams.

India

India: Zee Entertainment holds the official rights. All 104 matches air on the new Unite8 Sports 1/1 HD (Hindi) and Unite8 Sports 2/2 HD (English) TV channels, and stream on ZEE5 (paid subscription, from about Rs 799 for 3 months). There is no free-to-air option, so a ZEE5 plan or a TV pack carrying Unite8 Sports is needed.

FAQ

When is Spain vs Cape Verde Islands?

Mon, Jun 15 at 04:00 PM UTC — shown in your local time on this page — in GROUP H of the 2026 World Cup.

How can I watch Spain vs Cape Verde Islands?

Through the official 2026 World Cup broadcaster in your country — for example BBC/ITV (UK, free), Fox & Telemundo (USA), beIN Sports (Middle East), SBS (Australia, free). See the full country-by-country guide on this page.