Spain open Group H as overwhelming favorites, arriving as the world's number one side and reigning European champions off a 21-goal qualifying campaign. Cabo Verde, a nation of roughly half a million, are making their first-ever World Cup appearance after an impressive CAF run under Bubista that included topping a group with Cameroon. The records are admirable on both sides, but the resources behind them sit on entirely different scales.

The matchup pits Spain's patient positional play and halfspace rotations against Cabo Verde's disciplined low block. Even with Yamal and Nico Williams managed back from injury and possibly starting on the bench, Spain field world-class quality at every position, and their third-man combinations are built precisely to unlock static defensive structures. Cabo Verde will defend with organization and heart, but lack the pressing intensity and width to keep Spain from stretching them across 90 minutes.

The call is a comfortable Spain win and a clean sheet, with the books and the panel aligned that the only real debate is the scoreline. A 4-0 captures the expected control and attacking volume; the upset case genuinely does not exist beyond flattering Cabo Verde's qualifying run.