As the FIFA 2026 World Cup approaches, Spain aims high as the reigning European champions. Their first match will be against Cape Verde on Monday in Atlanta. However, they will not have their star player, Lamine Yamal, starting due to recent injuries.
Spain’s Squad Status
Lamine Yamal, an 18-year-old prodigy from FC Barcelona, is ready but will start on the bench. His teammate, Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao, faces a similar situation and was unable to play for the past month. Both have recently recovered from thigh injuries.
Coach Luis De La Fuente is exercising caution in fielding his full squad. Despite the team’s confident atmosphere and recent preparations in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the coach opted for a conservative approach. Yamal and Williams also missed the recent friendly match against Peru.
Past Performances and Current Confidence
Historically, Spain has struggled in World Cup knockout stages since their 2010 victory. Following that historic win, the team exited in the group stage in 2014 and suffered losses in the round of 16 in 2018 and 2022.
- 2010: Spain wins World Cup
- 2014: Eliminated in group stage
- 2018: Knocked out in round of 16
- 2022: Round of 16 loss on penalties
Players like Alex Grimaldo remain optimistic, focusing on preparation for their upcoming matches rather than dwelling on past failures. Spain’s current momentum includes a championship title from the 2024 European Cup, where they defeated England.
Looking Ahead to the Tournament
Spain’s last defeat came two years ago against Colombia, and since then, they have gone unbeaten in their last 30 matches in regular time. Nonetheless, the team faced a setback in the Nations League final in June 2025, losing to Portugal in a penalty shootout.
With strong aspirations for the tournament, Spain is seen as one of the frontrunners. Players convey a natural confidence in their ability, while De La Fuente acknowledges the competitive landscape. “The World Cup features many capable contenders,” he noted.
Spain’s upcoming matches include fixtures against Saudi Arabia and Uruguay in Group H. The pressure is on for them to secure a victory in the knockout rounds for the first time in 16 years.
