Young star Lamine Yamal started on the bench as the Spanish national team faced debutants Cape Verde in their opening Group H match of the 2026 World Cup at Atlanta Stadium, United States, on Monday.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente chose to rest the Barcelona player to maintain his fitness after the injury.
La Roja will deploy a 4-3-3 formation. Unai Simon will remain in goal, with the defense consisting of Marcos Llorente, Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte, and Marc Cucurella.
Spain's greatest strength is undoubtedly their midfield trio of Rodri, Pedri, and Fabian Ruiz. They are tasked with controlling possession and thwarting potential counterattacks.
Due to the absence of Yamal and Nico Williams in the early minutes, the wing and attack line were entrusted to Ferran Torres and Gavi who were pushed further forward to support Mikel Oyarzabal as the spearhead.
