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Spain opens its World Cup campaign against Cape Verde in Atlanta under favorable conditions, with temperatures expected in the low 80s.

Spain’s World Cup opener against Cape Verde arrives with a favorable weather outlook in Atlanta, where temperatures are expected to remain in the low 80s and rain should stay away during the match.

While much of the Southeast faces an active weather pattern this week, conditions at kickoff should provide one of Atlanta’s more comfortable afternoons of the month for players and fans alike.

Spain vs. Cape Verde Weather Forecast for Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta

The improvement follows a wet Sunday across parts of North and Central Georgia. Drier air moved in overnight, and Monday morning brought breaks of sunshine along with a notably comfortable start for the middle of June, according to FOX 5 Atlanta Chief Meteorologist Joanne Feldman in a FOX 5 Atlanta forecast Monday morning. Morning temperatures ranged from the mid-60s across North Georgia to the low 70s closer to Atlanta. Humidity remained elevated but retreated well below the more oppressive levels that settled over the metro during the weekend — a meaningful distinction for fans spending hours outdoors before kickoff.

Cloud cover will thicken gradually through the afternoon. The buildup shouldn’t concern fans headed to the stadium — forecasters do not expect widespread rain during the match. Isolated showers could develop late in the day south and west of Atlanta, near the Georgia-Alabama border, but those chances are confined to areas outside the city. Fans inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which is equipped with a retractable roof, will face no weather risk regardless of what develops outside the building.

The favorable window closes quickly once Monday ends. A stalled front combined with a developing area of low pressure is expected to push periods of rain and thunderstorms into the region Tuesday, with the heaviest activity arriving during the afternoon and evening hours, FOX 5 Atlanta reports. Rain chances ease briefly Wednesday before climbing again Thursday and Friday, when widespread showers and storms are forecast across North Georgia. Atlanta’s next scheduled World Cup match on Sunday is expected to see improving conditions ahead of kickoff, offering another potential break in the pattern.

Bottom line for Monday is temperatures in teh low 80s, largely dry, and about as comfortable a setup as Atlanta can offer in June. Outdoor fan zones and the areas surrounding Mercedes-Benz Stadium should see a pleasant afternoon well before conditions deteriorate later in the week.

Spain vs. Cape Verde World Cup Group H Preview

The match itself presents a stark contrast on paper. Spain enter as defending European champions, the winners of UEFA Euro 2024, and are widely considered among the pre-tournament favorites in the expanded 48-team field. Cape Verde, making their first-ever World Cup appearance after a productive qualifying campaign, arrive as heavy underdogs, according to ESPN‘s World Cup match outlook.

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente commands significant depth. Midfielders Pedri, Rodri and Fabián Ruiz anchor the engine room, while Dani Olmo and Ferran Torres headline the attacking options. Lamine Yamal is fit and expected to feature, though he may enter from the bench. Spain’s possession-heavy approach should generate sustained pressure against a Cape Verde side likely to stay compact defensively and look to exploit transition chances when they arise.

The Cape Verde qualification alone stands as a landmark achievement. The island nation has never previously appeared at a World Cup. Their objective Monday is to at least hold their own against the sharpest team in the group while keeping Group H advancement as the longer-term target.

Kickoff is set for 12 p.m. EDT at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.