Spain's World Cup debut: Oyarzabal leads the line as key players return from injury

Mikel Oyarzabal enters Spain's World Cup opener against Cabo Verde on Monday in Atlanta in top form. He has scored eight goals in his last six matches, finding the net in each game. Oyarzabal is not only Spain's leading scorer under coach Luis de la Fuente with 19 goals but also ranks ninth in the nation's all-time scoring list with 25 goals, just one behind Emilio Butragueño.

While Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams have overcome their respective muscle injuries and rejoined the squad, their match fitness remains a question. Both players have not competed since late April and early May, respectively. Coach Luis de la Fuente will need to decide how much playing time they will receive, as Spain relies on them to perform at their best throughout the tournament.

With Yamal and Williams potentially not starting, De la Fuente is expected to adjust the starting lineup. Ferran Torres is likely to play on the right wing, and Alex Baena on the left, as their teammates regain full fitness. Both are reliable options, with Torres known for his goal-scoring ability and Baena for his playmaking and shooting skills. Both were part of the Euro 2024 winning squad in Germany.

Unai Simón, with 58 caps, will continue as Spain's goalkeeper in the World Cup, a role he has held since the Euro 2021. This marks his second consecutive World Cup as the starting keeper, having also played under Luis Enrique in Qatar 2022. At just 19 years old, Pau Cubarsí is set to make his World Cup debut. The Barcelona center-back, who has 13 international appearances and 128 club games, will partner with the experienced Aymeric Laporte in the heart of the defense. Marc Pubill and Eric García will be available as backups.