World Cup Preview: Spain

Spain arrive at the 2026 FIFA World Cup among the leading favourites after an outstanding spell under Luis de la Fuente. La Roja ended more than a decade without major silverware by winning UEFA Euro 2024 and have since continued to impress with a talented squad blending experienced internationals and exciting young stars. Expectations are high that Spain can mount a serious challenge for a second World Cup title.

Fixtures (UK time)

Cape Verde, June 15, 5pm
Saudi Arabia, June 21, 5pm
Uruguay, June 27, 1am

How They Qualified

Spain qualified automatically by finishing top of UEFA Qualifying Group E. They finished ahead of Turkiye, Georgia and Bulgaria, winning five of their six matches. Their qualification campaign was largely comfortable, with the Spaniards scoring freely while also boasting one of the strongest defensive records in European qualifying.

The Manager

Luis de la Fuente has been credited with overseeing Spain’s return to the top table of international football. After managing Spain’s Under-19, Under-21 and Olympic sides, he stepped up to the senior role following the 2022 World Cup. De la Fuente quickly delivered success, guiding Spain to the 2023 UEFA Nations League title before winning UEFA Euro 2024. As a player, he represented Athletic Club and Sevilla, while his coaching philosophy combines Spain’s traditional possession-based approach with a more direct and aggressive attacking style. His extensive experience within the Spanish Football Federation has allowed him to build a squad packed with players he has worked with throughout the youth ranks.

The Star

Lamine Yamal has already established himself as one of the most exciting footballers in the world despite still being a teenager. The Barcelona winger enjoyed a breakthrough campaign at UEFA Euro 2024, helping Spain lift the trophy while becoming the youngest player ever to appear and score in the competition. Blessed with exceptional dribbling ability, creativity and maturity beyond his years, Yamal has become a key figure for both club and country. His ability to unlock defences and produce moments of brilliance makes him Spain’s biggest attacking weapon heading into the tournament.

The Familiar Face

Marc Cucurella is well known to Premier League supporters through his time with Brighton & Hove Albion and Chelsea. The energetic left-back came through Barcelona’s academy before impressing at Eibar and Getafe, earning a move to Brighton in 2021. A year later he joined Chelsea and has since become an important player at Stamford Bridge. Cucurella was one of Spain’s standout performers during their successful Euro 2024 campaign, providing energy, defensive reliability and attacking support from the left flank. His experience in English football has made him a familiar face to supporters across the UK.

Did you know?

Spain became the first nation in history to lose their opening match and still go on to win the FIFA World Cup. They were beaten 1-0 by Switzerland in their opening game of the 2010 tournament before recovering to lift the trophy for the first and only time.

The Prediction

Semi-Finals

Spain possess one of the most balanced squads in the competition, combining elite midfield control with exciting attacking talent and a manager who has already delivered major tournament success. They should have enough quality to progress comfortably from Group H and are capable of reaching the last four. However, the knockout stages are likely to bring a meeting with another heavyweight nation such as France, Brazil or Argentina, and the semi-final could prove the point at which their quest for a second World Cup title comes to an end.

Cover Photo: Flag of Spain, Undated” by nathanh100 is licensed under CC BY 2.0 .