Gavi Starts For Spain In 2026 World Cup Opener

gavi started on Spain’s left wing as Luis de la Fuente named the country’s first World Cup lineup against Cabo Verde at the 2026 World Cup. The selection put him in the opening XI in Atlanta Stadium and left Lamine Yamal on the bench.

De la Fuente Chooses Gavi

De la Fuente made the call on the day of the match, and Gavi was one of the 11 players in Spain’s starting side. The lineup also included Unai Simón, Marcos Llorente, Pau Cubarsí, Laporte, Cucurella, Rodri, Fabián, Pedri, Ferran Torres and Oyarzabal.

Marcos Llorente was picked at right back, while Gavi took the left-sided attacking role. That was the surprise in the first World Cup starting eleven, because Olmo and Baena had been the main options considered for that spot before the final decision.

Spain’s Bench Decisions

Spain kept three notable names on the bench: Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams and Víctor Muñoz. Nico Williams and Víctor Muñoz were both listed after recovering from injury, which left De la Fuente with a different attacking mix for the opener in Atlanta.

Gavi’s selection also lined up with a role he had already handled at Barcelona. For Spain, that gave De la Fuente a familiar option in a position that had been open until the final choice came down to Gavi, Olmo or Baena.

Atlanta Stadium XI

The result was a starting eleven built around Unai Simón in goal, a back line of Marcos Llorente, Pau Cubarsí, Laporte and Cucurella, and a midfield of Rodri, Fabián and Pedri ahead of Gavi, Ferran Torres and Oyarzabal. With the lineup public on match day, Spain opened the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada with a reshaped left side and three attacking options waiting on the bench.