News Focus
- Spain arrive at the FIFA World Cup 2026 as reigning European champions and confident favourites
- Key stars including Rodri and Lamine Yamal have developed significantly since the Euro 2024 victory
- The squad boasts an impressive unbeaten run spanning 30 international matches
- Mikel Oyarzabal now leads the attack after former captain Álvaro Morata stepped away from the national team
- Head coach Luis de la Fuente maintains the same winning mentality exists within the group
Deep in the Tennessee woods at their Chattanooga training base, the Spain national team exudes quiet confidence. Less than two years after lifting the European Championship trophy in Berlin, La Roja have touched down in the United States ready to conquer world football.
The mood could not differ more from the doubts that surrounded their Euro 2024 campaign. Back then, outsiders questioned whether the squad possessed genuine world-class talent. Now, following victories over Croatia, Italy, Germany, France and England on their path to continental glory, Spain embrace their status as tournament favourites.
“Why can we not win the World Cup?” asks head coach Luis de la Fuente. His players share this bullish attitude. Unlike many teams who shun the favourites label, Spain welcome the expectation. Midfield general Rodri, who claimed the Ballon d’Or after the Euros, notes that they were not favourites in Germany yet still prevailed.
The squad retains its core strength. Rodri returns fully fit after carefully managing his knee injury. Lamine Yamal, who dazzled as a 16-year-old in Berlin, arrives with two more years of development. The winger recovered from a recent fitness scare to declare himself ready for action. Mikel Merino and Pedri provide creativity in the centre of the pitch, while Fabián Ruiz brings consecutive Champions League winners’ medals from his time with Paris Saint-Germain.
Up front, Mikel Oyarzabal has seized the mantle from former captain Álvaro Morata. The Real Sociedad striker has found the net 13 times in his last 11 appearances for his country. He maintains a perfect record of scoring in every final he has played. Such form offers Spain a lethal cutting edge.
The numbers support their confidence. Spain have not lost a match in 30 outings, discounting a penalty shootout defeat in the 2025 Nations League final. This consistency stems from stability. De la Fuente has worked with most of these players since their youth team days. The result is a harmonious dressing room built on mutual respect.
“We are the same group as before,” explains Oyarzabal. “Nothing has changed inside. We have the same excitement, the same belief.” Even the goalkeeping department displays remarkable depth. David Raya and Joan García enjoyed outstanding club seasons in England and Spain respectively, yet both will likely start on the bench.
As they prepare to open their campaign in Atlanta, Spain understand that reputation alone wins nothing. However, their blend of technical quality, tactical discipline and internal unity suggests they have every right to dream of adding a second World Cup title to their 2010 triumph.