27 Mar
Fri
•9:00pm
Lusail Stadium • Doha
15 Jun
Mon
•12:00pm
Mercedes-Benz Stadium • Atlanta
21 Jun
Sun
•12:00pm
Mercedes-Benz Stadium • Atlanta
26 Jun
Fri
•6:00pm
Estadio Akron • Zapopan
23 Dec
Tue
•7:30pm
Prince moulay abdellah stadium • Rabat
30 Dec
Tue
•5:00pm
Prince moulay abdellah stadium • Rabat
14 Jun
Sun
•8:00pm
Estadio BBVA Bancomer • Monterrey
20 Jun
Sat
•10:00pm
Estadio BBVA Bancomer • Monterrey
25 Jun
Thu
•6:00pm
Arrowhead Stadium • Kansas City
Spain arrive with their trademark possession game and short passing, now with a more vertical tempo and a high press that suffocates the opposition’s build-up. Tunisia opt for a compact, tight unit, aggressive in duels and dangerous on rapid transitions.
They know each other well: at the 2006 World Cup Spain came from behind against the North Africans, and in 2018 they edged them again by the narrowest of margins – a head-to-head that already produced sparks. In a group stage where every point counts, this showdown tests the control and patience of La Roja against the direct, incisive football of the Eagles of Carthage.
Spain boast serious pedigree: world champions in 2010, four European titles and number one in the FIFA rankings after their latest continental triumph. Rodri dictates play from deep, Pedri controls the tempo and delivers the final ball, Lamine Yamal tears it up on the wing and Morata supplies the goals.
Tunisia, ever-present at recent World Cups and capable of toppling France at Qatar 2022, lean on the work rate of Ellyes Skhiri, the energy of Aïssa Laïdouni and the attacking spark of their captain Youssef Msakni. A perfect match to experience the World Cup up close.