Spain looks to rebound against Saudi Arabia after World Cup opening draw with Cape Verde

Unexpected opening setback

Spain’s World Cup campaign began with a flat 0‑0 draw against Cape Verde, the 64th‑ranked side in the FIFA standings. Despite entering the match as the reigning European champion and a tournament favourite, the team could not break down a well‑organised Cape Verdean block. Star forward Lamine Yamal was introduced for the final twenty minutes but could not force a breakthrough, and the Spanish players were even whistled at times inside the Atlanta stadium.

Coach and players exude calm

Luis de la Fuente, head coach for more than three years and architect of a run of over 30 matches without defeat, insisted there was no cause for alarm. He acknowledged a lack of precision in the final passes and described the result as something that should not stir doubts or excessive worry. Central defender Pau Cubarsi delivered a similar message, stressing the squad’s proven quality and the need for trust.

We never have doubts. We know the level the squad and the staff have and we must always trust.

We did not have the accuracy in the final passes and that happened, but nothing that should cause doubts or excessive worry.

What’s required against Saudi Arabia

Cubarsi outlined the adjustments needed for Sunday’s match. He called for more grinta, more determination in front of goal, and above all for faster ball circulation to fatigue the opponent and open up spaces. The defender summarised the approach as repeating the same plan but with a small increase in intensity. Yamal is not expected to play the entire match, limiting one of Spain’s most dangerous attacking options.

Transfer activity in the background

Away from the pitch, the squad has been touched by transfer market moves. Marc Cucurella has already signed for Real Madrid, Victor Muñoz has joined Liverpool, and media reports indicate Alex Grimaldo could leave Bayer Leverkusen. De la Fuente maintains that his players are accustomed to such distractions and that the focus remains on the tournament.

Spain and Saudi Arabia kick off at 18:00 local time in Atlanta (16:00 GMT) with the pressure firmly on the European champions to deliver a response.