Atlanta: Lamine Jamal and Nico Williams, two Spanish forwards, may be benched ahead of the match against Cape Verde in the 2026 World Cup. Spain, nicknamed "La Roja," is considering keeping these key attackers on the bench for their opening game against Cape Verde at Atlanta Stadium in the United States at 11:00 PM.
According to Thai News Agency, Spain, the reigning European champions and top favorites for this World Cup, received positive news with Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal returning to full training following previous injuries. However, they might start the match as substitutes. The Spanish attacking line is likely to feature Ferran Torres, Mikel Oyarzabal, and Alex Baena. In the midfield, Rodri, Fabian Ruiz, and Pedri are expected to play, while the defense will comprise Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte, and Marc Cucurella, who is about to join Real Madrid.
Cape Verde, making their World Cup debut and representing Africa, is led by Ryan Mendes, the 36-year-old all-time leading scorer who plays in the Turkish league with 22 goals in 97 appearances. Logan Costa from Villarreal anchors their defense, and the team is injury-free.
In other World Cup news, the Iranian national team surveyed the readiness of SO-Fai Stadium in Inglewood, California, ahead of their match against New Zealand. The game is set against a backdrop of heightened interest due to recent political developments between the United States and Iran. Iran will face New Zealand tomorrow morning at 8:00 AM, following a short flight from their training base in Tijuana, Mexico.
Somali referee Omar Arton, who was denied entry to the United States for the 2026 World Cup, will still receive his full salary despite not officiating. Arton was selected as the 2025 African Male Referee of the Year but was denied entry at Miami International Airport. Upon his return to Somalia, he was welcomed as a hero. UEFA has since appointed him to officiate the 2026 UEFA Super Cup in Salzburg, Austria, on August 12th, between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa.