Spain begin their World Cup campaign against Cape Verde in Atlanta and I’m expecting them to make a serious statement.The newcomers have been one of the stories of qualification and deserve plenty of respect, but this is a huge step up in class. Spain are packed with quality, they’ve got goals throughout the side and they tend to relish these group-stage games against lesser opposition.I think they’ll dominate the ball, create plenty of chances and start the tournament with a convincing win. Below are my predictions and best bets for the game.Mikel Oyarzabal To Score Anytime – 8/13 with bet365Spain -3 Handicap – 11/8 with bet365Correct score 5-0 – 11/1 with Star SportsSpain vs Cape Verde head-to-head overviewDate: Monday 15th June 2026Kick-off: 5pm BSTVenue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, USAWhere to watch: ITV / ITVX (UK)Last meeting: Never previously met.Favourite to win: Spain (around 1/9 generally)Spain vs Cape Verde predicted lineupsBoth sides are expected to be full strength for the opening game.Spain will want to get off to the perfect start before tougher assignments later in the group, while Cape Verde will be hoping to stay competitive for as long as possible.Spain expected lineup: Unai Simon; Porro, Le Normand, Cubarsi, Cucurella; Rodri, Pedri, Fabian Ruiz; Lamine Yamal, Oyarzabal, Nico WilliamsCape Verde expected lineup: Vozinha; Moreira, Lopes, Costa, Fernandes; Kevin Pina, Duarte; Semedo, Monteiro, Cabral; Ryan MendesSpain vs Cape Verde predictionsSpain should relish this sort of test. While the absence of Alvaro Morata could become more noticeable later in the tournament, especially against stronger opposition, I don’t see it being an issue here.Spain have goals and creativity throughout the side and should create plenty of opportunities.Cape Verde deserve enormous credit for getting to their first World Cup, but this is a brutal opening assignment.They’re likely to spend most of the game chasing shadows and that’s not a recipe for success against one of the best possession sides in the tournament.Ultimately, I think this comes down to whether Cape Verde can limit the damage.Spain should dominate territory, dominate possession and create enough chances to put the game to bed. I’m expecting a one-sided contest and I’m calling it 5-0.Spain vs Cape Verde betting tipsI don’t normally like backing big favourites at short prices, but this feels like one of those games where Spain could rack up a score.Cape Verde have done brilliantly to reach the World Cup, but they’re facing one of the strongest teams in the tournament and I can see the gulf in quality showing.Spain to make a statementOpening games are often about laying down a marker and Spain have a great opportunity to do exactly that here. They should dominate possession, pin Cape Verde back and create a steady stream of chances throughout the game.If they score early, this could become a very long evening for the World Cup debutants. Spain aren’t usually a side that take their foot off the gas either and with goal difference potentially important later in the group, I can see them continuing to push for more – hopefully through Oyarzabal. Spain -3 Handicap at 11/8 with bet365 Oyarzabal to get among the goalsSpain have goals coming from all over the pitch but Mikel Oyarzabal looks the standout goalscorer angle for me. He’s expected to lead the line, should be on penalty duties and has a habit of popping up with important goals for both club and country.Against a side likely to spend long periods defending their own box, I’d expect him to get plenty of opportunities. Mikel Oyarzabal To Score Anytime at 8/13 with bet365 A rout could be on the cardsThe more I look at this game, the more I keep coming back to a dominant Spain victory.Cape Verde deserve respect and should enjoy their moment on the biggest stage, but there is a sizeable gap in quality between these two teams.Spain have the attacking talent to put the game beyond doubt and if they score early, I can see them continuing to push rather than settling for a routine win. Back the 5-0 correct score at 11/1 with Star Sports Spain vs Cape Verde latest oddsFind the latest Spain vs Cape Verde betting odds here. All odds are provided by our recommended football bookmakers and are subject to change.More World Cup 2026 predictionsThere’s plenty more World Cup 2026 coverage and betting tips across every group, including World Cup 2026 outright predictions, Golden Boot tips and group-by-group previews, plus tips for every game of the tournament.Find more predictions and betting tips from our expert punters in our match preview overview.Important historical facts about Spain and Cape Verde for bettingCape Verde are appearing at a FIFA World Cup finals for the first time in their history.Spain arrive as reigning European champions and one of the favourites to lift the trophy.The two nations have never met before in any competition.Cape Verde are one of the smallest nations ever to qualify for a World Cup finals.Mikel Oyarzabal scored the winning goal in the Euro 2024 final and is expected to lead the line for Spain in this tournament.Cape Verde reached the quarter-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and have continued their rise on the international stage by qualifying for their first World Cup.World Cup 2026: More from talkSPORTWorld Cup 2026 Betting offersWorld Cup 2026 Betting tips and predictionsWorld Cup 2026 AI predictionsWorld Cup 2026 Betting guideWorld Cup 2026 Top goalscorer oddsEngland to win World Cup 2026 oddsWorld Cup 2026: Best young player oddsAbout the authorDave PotterDave Potter is the founder of GYTO and has a huge following on X. Dave Potter studies the form and provides daily horse racing tips and football predictions.Find Dave’s on GYTO’s XCommercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to talkSPORT. 18+. T&Cs apply.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.