Spain faces Cape Verde in World Cup opener amid high expectations

Spain is set to open its World Cup campaign against Cape Verde, a team making its historic tournament debut. Spain, currently ranked second by FIFA, is aiming to reach the quarterfinals for the first time since 2010. Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal is poised to make his World Cup debut in this match. Goalkeeper David Raya has addressed discussions surrounding Spain's goalkeeping situation, dismissing it as a controversy and expressing his support for teammate Unai Simón. Coach Ronald Koeman of the Netherlands has confirmed that both Memphis Depay, the team's top scorer, and goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen are fit to play in their World Cup opener against Japan. The entire Dutch squad is reported to be healthy ahead of their Group F match. Portugal's national football team is also preparing for the World Cup, acknowledging the high expectations placed upon them. The team is focusing on approaching each game individually. Players have received bracelets in memory of the late Diogo Jota, who was named an honorary team member.