Spain are out to make a charge at a second ever World Cup title in their history and begin the quest with a match against Costa Rica on Wednesday evening.
The Spanish are hoping to better their round of 16 exit in 2018 after losing 4-3 to hosts Russia on post-match penalties.
After their first ever World Cup triumph in 2010, La Roja went on to win the Euro 2008 and Euro 2012 but have been far from their best since.
Costa Rica on the other hand lost to Serbia and Brazil, before a 2-2 draw against Switzerland as they exited the group stage.
Though they did reach the quarter-final stage of the 2014 competition where they lost 4-3 to Netherlands on penalties, which is their best performance in the finals.
Spain come into this game off the back of a 3-1 victory over Jordan on Thursday, while their opponents beat Nigeria 2-0 in their final friendly.
Luis Fernando Suarez will be managing in his third World Cup, having also led Ecuador and Honduras into the competition before.
Spain need to bag all 3 points in this match before they take on far more tricky opponents in Germany and Japan.
Can Luis Enrique’s side start things on the right foot with a win on the night? Make your predictions here.
What time does Spain vs Costa Rica start?
The game kicks off at 7pm Kenyan time at the Al Thumama Stadium.
Spain vs Costa Rica team news
La Roja have no main injury concerns ahead of the opener but the absence of veteran Sergio Ramos and Thiago Alcantara is notable.
Sergio Busquets will captain the side in his midfield role and will be joined by teenage sensation Pedri and Gavi.
Alvaro Morata’s experience will be key in the Spanish attack and the 30-year old is likely to be flanked by Ferran Torres and Ansu Fati.
For the visitors, PSG goalkeeper is a certain starter, while Francisco Calvo is set to be joined in the middle of the defence by Oscar Duarte.
Former Arsenal attacker Joel Campbell has 25 goals in 119 appearances for the national side, will start and lead the attacking line.
Spain vs Costa Rica head to head
La Roja have the edge in the 3 matches that they have played against Costa Rica, winning 2 and sharing the spoils in another.
Their last meeting in 2017 ended in an emphatic 5-0 triumph in Spain’s favor.
Spain vs Costa Rica current form
Spain’s 2-1 defeat to Switzerland is their only loss in their recent run of 5 games, winning the remaining 4.
Meanwhile, Costa Rica are unbeaten in that run, winning 4 games and drawing another.
Spain vs Costa Rica prediction
Despite the Spanish side being more youthful than previously known, they do have what it takes to come out on top and bag all 3 points in their opening match.