Reigning European champions Spain will begin their World Cup campaign against tournament debutants Cape Verde on Monday at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
La Roja enter the Group H fixture as strong favorites under manager Luis de la Fuente, who has sustained only two losses across 42 matches in charge.
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Cape Verde secured their historic maiden appearance at a major tournament after finishing at the top of their qualification group ahead of Cameroon.
Spain possesses a dominant recent tournament record, having secured the Euro 2024 title against England two years ago.
However, historical data shows that Spain failed to win three of their previous four opening World Cup group stage matches, a stretch that includes their 2010 championship campaign.
According to FIFA international rankings, Spain sits in the second position globally behind tournament holders Argentina, while Cape Verde occupies the 67th position.
The African nation enters the contest following consecutive 3-0 warm-up victories against Serbia and Bermuda.
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Tactical adjustments are expected for the Spanish side as forward Lamine Yamal is projected to start on the substitutes' bench following a groin injury sustained in April.
Barcelona teammate Ferran Torres is anticipated to feature in the starting lineup, having previously recorded 24 goals in 57 international appearances.
Cape Verde relies heavily on Villarreal defender Logan Costa, who is the sole member of their squad competing in a top-five European league.
Costa has faced fitness difficulties this season, appearing in only two La Liga fixtures following a prolonged injury layoff.
Jordanian referee Adham Makhadmeh will officiate the encounter, supported by assistant referees Mohammad Alkalaf and Ahmad Alroalle.
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Colombian official Andres Rojas will serve as the fourth official for the match, which is expected to draw a capacity crowd of over 75,000 spectators before Uruguay faces Saudi Arabia later on Monday.
