Chelsea · UEFA Nations League · Defender · #22 · Spain · 27 yrs
The exit of Marc Cucurella from Chelsea is a curious one. Only last season, the Spain international agreed improved financial terms without extending his contract, a deal that was never formally announced by the club. After winning the European Championship with Spain, along with the Conference League and Club World Cup at Chelsea, Cucurella appeared to be an integral part of the side under former manager Enzo Maresca.
Despite Spain arriving as the clear favorite to claim the victory, Cape Verde managed to resist brilliantly. As a result, Lamine Yamal’s debut at the 2026 World Cup ended in a disappointing draw, following the late decisions of head coach Luis de la Fuente. Spain arrived as favorites to succeed in the 2026 World Cup debut. Nonetheless, Cape Verde reached to resist their rivals, betting on a defensive set up. While Luis de la Fuente’s team managed to hold the possesion of the ball, they did not reach to be efficient, remaining without being dangerous. With that, Lamine Yamal’s debut ends in a disappointing 0-0 draw, putting Group H on high alert. While Cape Verde were expected to impose a huge offense, they decided to reshape their gameplan, betting on a defensive setup. Spain tried to find gaps on their defense, Bubista’s team defense remain brilliant, cutting every chances. Moreover, goalkeeper Vozinha delivered an amazing game, saving multiple chances. Looking to capitalize on their rivals’ back gaps, they had solid chances to score in the counterattack. Head coach Luis de la Fuente managed to make his team dominate possession of the ball. However, they were not effective at all, with only Marc Cucurella and Pedri being the players who most often found spaces for their teammates. Nevertheless, Ferran Torres and Mikel Oyarzabal had quite disappointing performances, as they barely touched the ball and went almost unnoticed. After coming back from a long injury, Lamine Yamal did not have the chance to play as a starter, being relegated to the bench. Coming on in the 71st minute, he managed to revolutionize the game for Spain in the 2026 World Cup. However, he failed to find spaces in the defense or get key shots on target. Far from being a problem for Spain, it was Cape Verde who stood out defensively, cutting off any opposition progression. It all ends level ⚖️#FIFAWorldCup— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 15, 2026 Spain’s Luis de la Fuente made decisions very late Despite Spain coming out of the first half with scoring problems, head coach Luis de la Fuente decided not to make changes at halftime. After this decision, they remained with the same problems for much of the second half. It was not until the 71st minute that Spain introduced Lamine Yamal and Mikel Merino, who revolutionized the game, but it was already a bit too late. Likewise, Nico Williams and Dani Olmo came on with very little time remaining. If Spain had adjusted their lineup at halftime, they could have had more chances to score, as Cape Verde was leaving more spaces. However, keeping the same team for almost the entire match made them lose many opportunities to score. In addition, the lack of effectiveness from Oyarzabal and Ferran took its toll, as the lack of spaces called for Dani Olmo, but he came on to play only 9 minutes.
Marc Cucurella has officially joined Real Madrid just hours before his opening World Cup game with Spain, raising the question of whether his former Chelsea team-mate Enzo Fernandez follows. Much depends on Madrid's willingness to spend a significant fee on the midfielder, who is valued by Chelsea at £120m. It remains unclear how much Chelsea are willing to negotiate, or whether Madrid would meet that valuation for the Argentina international, who is also at the Fifa World Cup.
Spain and Cape Verde face each other in their 2026 World Cup debut. While Luis de la Fuente’s team arrives as the main protagonist, the uncertainty lies with Lamine Yamal, who is returning from injury and whose participation remains a major question mark. Spain face Cape Verde in their debut at the 2026 World Cup. After shining in the UEFA qualifiers, Luis de la Fuente’s team arrives as clear favorites, as they have top-level stars in their squad. However, the presence of Lamine Yamal remains a major doubt, as he is just returning from injury and has not had playing time with Barcelona. Because of this, fans are closely watching the 18-year-old star’s status ahead of the match. Lamine Yamal will be on the bench for Spain at the 2026 World Cup. Head coach Luis de la Fuente has revealed that he is in perfect condition and has completed full team training. However, he has not had any match time, and his inclusion in the starting lineup could be quite risky. Despite this, he could still come on from the bench vs. Cape Verde as a top-level impact substitute to gradually build up playing time. Without Yamal on the field, head coach Luis de la Fuente will opt for Ferran Torres as the right winger. Alongside him, Gavi and Mikel Oyarzabal will complete the starting lineup. In addition, Pedri, Rodri Hernández and Fabian Ruiz will be responsible for controlling the game in midfield. Although Joan García and David Raya are coming off incredible seasons, Unai García will be the starting goalkeeper, as he is a key pillar of the team. Cape Verde do not have world-class players, but they have managed to build a solid squad. Head coach Bubista has developed a strong attacking approach, making use of their speed on the wings. As a result, Jovane Cabral and Ryan Mendes will start as wingers. In addition, Livramento will once again play as the centre forward, looking to exploit the spaces in the opponent’s defense. Lamine Yamal of Spain celebrates scoring with Nico Williams. Spain confirmed lineup vs Cape Verde Spain arrive as clear favorites to defeat Cape Verde. With Lamine Yamal on the bench, head coach Luis de la Fuente is expected to start Ferran Torres on the right wing. In addition, Pedri will once again lead his national team’s midfield, creating space in the opposition’s defense. However, Mikel Oyarzabal is expected to be the most productive player, as he is very complete and arrives in excellent scoring form, looking to repeat his performances. Considering this, Spain will play as follows: Unai Simón; Marcos Llorente, Pau Cubarsí, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella; Rodri Hernández, Pedri, Fabian Ruiz; Ferran Torres, Mikel Oyarzabal, Pablo Gavi. Cape Verde confirmed lineup vs Spain Unlike Spain, Cape Verde arrive at the 2026 World Cup with no pressure at all. In their first-ever appearance in the tournament, they aim to be protagonists in attack. However, they may need to first build stability defensively, as their opponent excels in ball possession. For this, Roberto Lopes and Diney Borges could be the center-backs, aiming to provide solidity to withstand their rival. With this in mind, Cape Verde will lineup as follows: Vózinha; Steven Moreira, Roberto Lopes, Diney Borges, Sidny Cabral; Deroy Duarte, Kevin Lenini; Ryan Mendes, Jamiro Monteiro, Jovane Cabral; Livramento.
