FIFA World Cup 2026: After Curacao, THIS nation of 6 lakh population …

FIFA World Cup 2026, Spain vs Cape Verde Group H: Former World Cup winners Spain will open their campaign in FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H with a clash against debutant Cape Verde or ‘Cabo Verde’ at the Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atalanta on Monday. The ‘La Roja’ had last won the world title 16 years back in the 2010 edition in South Africa.

For Cape Verde, on the other hand, it is a chance to leave a mark on the world stage. While they might not be as small as Curacao, they are definitely one of the smallest nations in the World Cup with a population of just 6 lakh. They are the third smallest nation to play in the World Cup after Iceland in 2018 and Curacao this year. chickenroadslot.pro

While the Curacao team was full of Dutch nationals, Cape Verde team is built up with players from Portugal, the Netherlands, and the United States. Coach Bubista promised that Cape Verde will play their Group H matches without fear.

“We want to enjoy these matches. Qualification means more than just football, it’s a cultural achievement. We want to show our country to the world. We’re a team that play without fear… When we talk about our identity, we’re talking about who we are as a people. We like challenges, because we like overcoming difficulties,” Bubista said in the pre-match press conference.

“We want to show our identity as a team, which means being brave when we have the ball in attack,” he added.

Spain, on the other hand, are one of the pre-tournament favourites to win the title. The ‘La Roja’ have been unbeaten in their last 30 matches over the previous 2 years. Their last defeat coming at the hands of Colombia at Wembley in March 2024.

Will Lamine Yamal play vs Cape Verde?

Spain will be concerned of the fitness of young prodigy Lamine Yamal and whether he will be available to play in the opening Group H match. Lamine was star for Spain in the Euros a couple of years back in Germany and will be hoping to make a mark in the World Cup as well.

Spain might not want to rush Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams into action too early as they are in final stages of recovery from hamstring injury.

“Cape Verde have been capable of knocking Cameroon out, and they have players who compete in European leagues.”

“Tomorrow’s match will demand a lot from us against a very tactical and very fast team.”

Luis de la Fuente#VamosEspaña | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/lgD2BYKY7m

— Spanish Football (@SpainIsFootball) June 14, 2026

Here are all the details about Spain vs Cape Verde FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H match…

When will Spain vs Cape Verde FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H match take place?

The Spain vs Cape Verde FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H match will take place on Monday, June 15.

What time will Spain vs Cape Verde FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H match kick off?

The Spain vs Cape Verde FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H match will kick off at 930pm IST.

Where will Spain vs Cape Verde FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H match take place?

The Spain vs Cape Verde FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H match will take place at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

How can I watch Spain vs Cape Verde FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H match LIVE on TV in India?

The Spain vs Cape Verde FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H match will available LIVE on Zee’s new Unite8 Sports network (Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2, and Unite8 Sports 2 HD) in India. Multiple group-stage matches that will take place simultaneously will be aired across the four channels with English and Hindi feeds.

How can I watch Spain vs Cape Verde FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H match live streaming in India?

The Spain vs Cape Verde FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H match will be available for live streaming on Zee5 website and app.

Spain vs Cape Verde FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H match Squads

Spain: Goalkeepers: Unai Simon, David Raya, Joan Garcia

Defenders: Pedro Porro, Marcos Llorente, Aymeric Laporte, Pau Cubarsi, Marc Pubill, Eric Garcia, Marc Cucurella, Alejandro Grimaldo

Midfielders: Rodrigo Hernandez, Martin Zubimendi, Pedri Gonzalez, Fabian Ruiz, Mikel Merino, Pablo Paez ‘Gavi’, Alex Baena

Forwards: Mikel Oyarzabal, Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres, Borja Iglesias, Dani Olmo, Victor Munoz, Nico Williams, Yeremy Pino

Cape Verde: Goalkeepers: Vozinha, Marcio Rosa, C.J. dos Santos

Defenders: Diney Borges, Sidny Cabral, Logan Costa, Steven Moreira, Wagner Pina, Joao Paulo Fernandes, Roberto ‘Pico’ Lopes, Kelvin Pires, Ianique ‘Stopira’ Tavares

Midfielders: Telmo Arcanjo, Laros Duarte, Deroy Duarte, Jamiro Monteiro, Kevin Pina, Yannick Semedo

Forwards: Gilson Benchimol, Jovane Cabral, Nuno da Costa, Dailon Livramento, Ryan Mendes, Garry Rodrigues, Willy Semedo, Helio Varela

Ever since Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has been called up in India’s senior T20 international side, the teenage sensation has struggled to score big. Representing India ‘A’ after a sizzling IPL 2026, the southpaw has been aggressive but is yet to muster runs like we saw him do just a few of weeks ago.

The platform was set for Sooryavanshi to go big today when India ‘A’ faced Sri Lanka ‘A’ for the second time in the ongoing 50-over tri-series. He started well, smashing anything full or short. Sooryavanshi, after India A were put to bat first, gave a little area to err to Sri Lankan bowlers as he smashed 20 runs in first 11 balls. As if it is again a T20 match happening.

Sooryavanshi fails for India A

Sahan Arachchige need the feel to bring in himself, an off-spinner after India A made 23 runs in the first three overs. Sooryavanshi welcomed him with a boundary through square. However, on the fourth ball, Sooryavanshi perished.

The SL A captain dropped it full and gave the ball some air. The Dambulla pitch turned for the first time and the universe baby boss got beaten by the turn. He went for a hoick but skied it. Wanuja Sahan took a safe catch at point, and Sooryavanshi was dismissed after a quick 14-ball 21.

In three outings in the tri-series, the 15-year-old has scored 14,44 and 21. In total, he has 79 runs at an average of 26.33. His strike rate of 166, however, is again superb.

Vaibhav Sooryavnashi, making six-hitting look like a casual routine.

Watch #SLvIND in the #TalentTVCup, LIVE NOW, on Sony Sports Network TV channels & Sony LIV. #SonySportsNetwork #SonyLIV #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/tVvrNAcZUn

— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) June 15, 2026

More to follow…

The post Vaibhav Sooryavanshi continues to fail for India A before international debut appeared first on Inside Sport India.

It goes from bad to worse for England as their preparations for the second Test against New Zealand have suffered another setback, with Ollie Robinson ruled out of the match at The Oval due to soreness in his right knee. England already called up uncapped talent Henry Crocombe as a cover for Robinson.

The injury comes just days after Robinson marked his return to Test cricket in style. Playing his first Test in more than two years, the Sussex seamer produced a superb performance at Lord’s, finishing with career-best match figures of 7 for 77. His stunning opening spell on Day 1, which included three wickets in his first over, set up England’s 115-run victory.

However, England confirmed that Robinson felt discomfort in his knee while training at Hove on Friday. He will undergo further assessment and, although he remains with the squad, will not be risked for the second Test. The management is, however, optimistic that he could return for the series finale at Trent Bridge, starting on June 25.

England put under pressure

Robinson’s absence is just one of the concerns for the English team right now. Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson are already unavailable while an ECB investigation into an alleged breach of team protocols continues. Atkinson had also enjoyed a productive outing at Lord’s, taking seven wickets in the match.

The latest setback leaves England scrambling for pace-bowling options. Sussex quick Henry Crocombe has been drafted into the squad as cover after impressing in county cricket and for the England Lions. Crocombe has taken 21 wickets in Division One this season and recently claimed 4 for 65 against South Africa A.

Jofra Archer now finds himself firmly in contention for a Test return after rejoining the squad following his IPL commitments. England also have Matthew Fisher and Sonny Baker available as seam-bowling options.

Ollie Robinson’s career takes another hit

The injury is obviously quite frustrating for Ollie Robinson, given the effort he put into earning a recall. The 32-year-old had not played a Test since the Ranchi Test against India in February 2024, where a back injury severely restricted him.

Fitness concerns have followed Robinson throughout his international career despite an impressive Test record of 76 wickets at an average of 22.92. Ahead of this season, he worked extensively on his conditioning and was appointed Sussex’s red-ball captain.

Meanwhile, England could receive a boost elsewhere. Stokes is expected to turn out for Durham in the County Championship while New Zealand have brought in Will Young following Kane Williamson’s retirement from international cricket.

England’s squad for 2nd New Zealand Test

Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Sonny Baker, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Jordan Cox (wk), Ben Duckett, Matthew Fisher, Emilio Gay, James Rew (wk), Ollie Robinson, Joe Root (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Josh Tongue, Henry Crocombe

The post England lose Ollie Robinson after Stokes-Atkinson controversy ahead of crucial New Zealand Test appeared first on Inside Sport India.

Marnus Labuschagne bat: Marnus Labuschagne uses the Kookaburra Ghost range. He helped design through close work with the bat maker. His net worth is about $5 million USD (over ₹40 crore). It comes from his Cricket Australia contract and sponsorships.

Labuschagne has had a bat deal with Kookaburra since he was 16, and he extended it in 2023. He spends hours testing bats and talking with the maker, Lachlan Dinger, which makes his bat very precisely tailored to his style.

Career highlights include reaching number one in the ICC Test batting rankings. In 2019, he was the highest run‑scorer in Test cricket for that calendar year. In the 2023 Ashes, he scored a vital 111 in Manchester to help Australia retain the Ashes.

In the 2025‑26 domestic season, he was crowned One‑Day Cup Player of the Year with 468 runs at an average of 78, including four centuries. He has become a modern freelancer in global T20 leagues, set to play in the PSL and MLC in 2026 alongside his BBL and county commitments.

Marnus Labuschagne Bat Price and Brand Deals

The Kookaburra Ghost series offers several models for different skill levels. The top model is the Ghost Marnus Labuschagne Pro Players Replica for professional or elite players. It is an exact copy of Labuschagne’s personal bat, uses Players Grade Unbleached English Willow, has a mid sweet spot and semi‑oval handle, and comes with the Kookaburra Pre‑Prepared finish.

In the UK it costs £1,099.99, in Australia AU$1,800, and in the USA $995, down from $1,457. The Ghost 6.4 is for advanced or club players. It is endorsed by Labuschagne, uses Grade 6 unbleached English Willow, has a mid‑blade sweet spot, edges of 35‑38mm, and a super spine of 64‑68mm. It costs roughly $449 to $550.

The Ghost 3.1 Small Adult is for intermediate or small adult players. It has the same Labuschagne DNA with a sweet spot about 195‑215mm from the toe and edge thickness around 35‑38mm, costing about $250 to $350. For reference, the 2025 Players Edition was priced at $999.99 USD, and the Pro Players Replica is currently out of stock in Australia.

Labuschagne’s commercial portfolio is smaller but focused. His main partnership is with Kookaburra Sport. He also endorses Gatorade, Weet‑Bix, The Run Club Coffee, La Marzocco, and Alinta Energy. He has a Compassion sticker on his bat to support a charity for unsponsored children.

Marnus Labuschagne Bat Range and Market Impact

The retail version is called the Ghost Marnus Labuschagne Pro Players Replica. It is an exact copy of his match bat. It uses Finest Players Grade Unbleached English Willow, meaning the wood is judged on performance. The blade has a full players profile for a large hitting area. The sweet spot is in the middle of the blade, roughly 195mm to 215mm from the toe. Edge thickness is 35mm to 38mm with a rounded shape. Spine height is about 63mm to 67mm. The bow is 10mm to 12mm to help lift the ball.

The handle is semi‑oval with a standard short length. The toe is a tapered square shape for better balance. The bat weighs 2lb 9oz to 2lb 10oz, about 1162 to 1205 grams. The overall length has a shorter blade by 15mm with a standard short handle of 842mm, making it quicker to respond. The grip is a quilt grip for comfort. The finish is Kookaburra Pre‑Prepared, so the bat is ready to use straight away.

His net worth is estimated at $5 million USD, about ₹40 crore. His income comes from several sources. He has a new multi‑year contract with Cricket Australia, put forward for three years, with an annual retainer expected to be top tier at over $1.2 million. Match fees from CA are $20,000 per Test, $15,000 per ODI, and $10,000 per T20I. He plays for Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League. He has a long‑term county contract with Glamorgan for off‑season income. He joined the Hyderabad franchise in PSL 11 in 2026.

FAQs

Q. Which bat range does Marnus Labuschagne use?

A. Marnus Labuschagne uses the Kookaburra Ghost bat range.

Q. What is Marnus Labuschagne’s biggest Test cricket achievement?

A. Labuschagne reached the No. 1 position in the ICC Test batting rankings in 2021.

Q. What bat model is an exact replica of Labuschagne’s match bat?

A. The Ghost Marnus Labuschagne Pro Players Replica is an exact copy of his match bat.

Q. Which county team does Labuschagne play for?

A. Labuschagne plays county cricket for Glamorgan.

Q. What is Marnus Labuschagne’s estimated net worth?

A. His estimated net worth is around $5 million USD, or more than ₹40 crore.

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