Spain
The highest-rated nation in world football and among the tournament’s strongest favourites. Luis de la Fuente’s side won Euro 2024 and arrive with a squad of extraordinary depth – no Real Madrid players were selected yet the quality remains unmatched.
Captain Rodri – the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner – anchors a midfield that is arguably the finest in world football. Lamine Yamal arrives with a minor injury concern but is expected to feature.
Spain won their only World Cup in 2010 – beating the Netherlands 1-0 in extra time.
Players to watch: Lamine Yamal (Barcelona), Rodri (Manchester City) and Pedri (Barcelona).
Uruguay
Two-time world champions and perennial dark horses. Marcelo Bielsa takes charge at his first World Cup as Uruguay boss, having rebuilt La Celeste around a high-pressing system.
Luis Suarez was controversially left out despite signalling his willingness to reverse his international retirement. Darwin Nunez leads the attack despite not having played for Al Hilal since February 2026. Federico Valverde remains their most influential player.
Players to watch: Federico Valverde (Real Madrid) and Darwin Nunez (Al Hilal).
Saudi Arabia
Arriving fresh from one of the greatest World Cup upsets in history – their 2-1 victory over eventual champions Argentina in Qatar 2022 – the Green Falcons are nobody’s idea of an easy opponent.
New coach Georgios Donis was appointed just seven weeks before the tournament after Hervé Renard’s dismissal. Salem Al-Dawsari – who scored the winner against Argentina four years ago – leads the side for a third World Cup. Twenty-five of 26 players are based in the Saudi Pro League.
Players to watch: Salem Al-Dawsari (Al Hilal) and Firas Al-Buraikan (Al Ahli).
Cape Verde
The Blue Sharks make their first ever World Cup appearance – a historic achievement for a nation of approximately 550,000 people. Coach Bubista topped CAF Group D to seal qualification.
With no World Cup history to draw on, every match is uncharted territory for a squad that will draw enormous support from across the African continent.
Players to watch: Garry Rodrigues (Apollon Limassol) and Logan Costa (Villarreal).
Spain are the overwhelming favourites to top Group H. The battle for second place between Uruguay and Saudi Arabia is the group’s most compelling storyline – with Cape Verde hoping to cause a historic upset.
The fixtures
15 Jun: Spain vs Cape Verde – Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta – 18:00 SAST
16 Jun: Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay – Hard Rock Stadium, Miami – 00:00 SAST
21 Jun: Spain vs Saudi Arabia – Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta – 18:00 SAST
22 Jun: Uruguay vs Cape Verde – Hard Rock Stadium, Miami – 00:00 SAST
27 Jun: Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia – NRG Stadium, Houston – 02:00 SAST
27 Jun: Uruguay vs Spain – Estadio Akron, Guadalajara – 02:00 SAST
Photo: REUTERS/Leonhard Simon/File Photo
