Hope begins its journey

Throughout a footballer's career, hundreds of matches are played — more than a thousand in some cases. Yet only a select few can claim to have competed at a FIFA World Cup. Likewise, some matches are worth three points, while others mark the beginning of a story that could become something special. Spain's opening fixture in Atlanta has the potential to be one of those occasions.

After an absence of almost four years — 1,287 days — Spain returns to football’s grandest stage with the aim of laying the first stone in the pursuit of a dream shared by an entire nation: winning a second World Cup star and reclaiming its place at the summit of world football.

The national team arrives at the tournament as reigning European champions and on the back of an impressive unbeaten run stretching to 30 matches. Under the guidance of Luis de la Fuente, Spain has won 31 of its 42 fixtures, reaching three finals and lifting two major trophies: the UEFA Nations League 2023 and UEFA Euro 2024.

Awaiting Spain is a Cape Verde side making its first-ever World Cup appearance, inspired by the knowledge that it is writing one of the most significant chapters in the sporting history of the nation. Known as the “Blue Sharks”, the Cape Verdeans secured qualification from a demanding group that included Cameroon, Libya and Angola. Their squad features several players with past and present links to Spanish football, including Logan Costa, Garry Rodrigues and Stopira, while head coach Bubista played for CD Badajoz during the 1995–96 season. The match will also mark the first official meeting between the two national teams.

The venue is Atlanta Stadium, one of the premier sporting arenas in the United States. Renowned for its state-of-the-art retractable roof and spectacular 360-degree circular video board, it is among the most impressive stadiums in the world. With a capacity of 75,000 spectators, it serves as the home of the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United FC.

The opening match of Spain’s World Cup campaign will be officiated by Jordanian referee Adham Makhadmeh. Internationally accredited since 2013, he is regarded as one of Asia’s leading referees. He oversaw the first final of the AFC Champions League Elite in 2017 and has officiated at major tournaments including the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2019. The Spain–Cape Verde encounter will mark his debut at a senior FIFA World Cup finals tournament.

Atlanta is the starting point of a dream shared by millions of supporters who will once again rally behind their national team and fill streets, squares and balconies with the colours of Spain. On Monday, a new chapter begins — one whose ending remains uncertain, but which could culminate in just over a month’s time with another star proudly embroidered above the national crest.