This is the most lopsided fixture of WC2026 Group H — Spain are the tournament favourites and rank 67 places above Cabo Verde in the FIFA rankings. La Roja have gone 28 matches unbeaten in regulation time, carry Euro 2024 glory, and boast arguably the world's finest midfield: Rodri (Ballon d'Or), Pedri (Barcelona's creative heartbeat), and Fabian Ruiz. The key narrative is Lamine Yamal's hamstring fitness — reports suggest he may be held back for Game 2 vs Saudi Arabia, but even without him, Spain have elite depth: Dani Olmo, Yeremy Pino, Víctor Muñoz, and Mikel Oyarzabal. Cabo Verde arrive as Africa's most organised debutants, led by Bubista's compact 4-5-1 block, with Ryan Mendes (22 int'l goals) and Logan Costa (Villarreal) providing quality. Their qualifying campaign was built on discipline: undefeated at home, won CAF group ahead of Cameroon. But Spain's possession machine will expose their attacking limitations. Dimers: Spain 87% win. Polymarket: Spain 90¢. PredictionMarkets: Spain 95%. All consensus: Spain win 3-0. Over 2.5 Goals is the primary bet. Our pick: Spain 3–0 with 87% confidence.