Cape Verde arrive at the World Cup with an expectation of taking on established teams, framing their campaign as another chance to surprise opponents. According to Sky Sports, Cape Verde face Spain in their opening match, described as a game against tournament favourites. The team’s approach is presented as part of a broader “fairy-tale” narrative, but one that has been built over time rather than emerging suddenly. Telmo Arcanjo, speaking to Sky Sports, says he believes Cape Verde can “surprise people” again at the tournament. The reporting emphasizes that the matchup against Spain sets the tone for their early challenge, with Cape Verde hoping to compete against a strong side from the outset. While the coverage focuses on the team’s mindset and anticipation surrounding the debut fixture, it does not provide additional tactical detail or outcomes beyond the fact that the opening game is against Spain. Overall, the sources present Cape Verde’s World Cup participation as an opportunity to exceed expectations early, supported by confidence expressed by Arcanjo.