Spain compete in Group Eight of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Record:
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World Cup winners in 2010
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European champions in 1964, 2008, 2012, and 2024
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Last World Cup appearance: 2022
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FIFA ranking: 2
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Nickname: La Roja (The Red)
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Top clubs: Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atlético Madrid
Qualification: Spain dominated their group convincingly, winning five matches and drawing one — against Turkey (2–2) — to secure their World Cup place. La Roja had hammered Turkey 6–0 in the first leg and conceded only two goals across the entire qualifying campaign while scoring 21.
Coach: Following the 2022 World Cup disappointment — a round-of-16 exit against Morocco — Luis de la Fuente succeeded Luis Enrique, who later moved to PSG and won the Champions League twice. De la Fuente (64), a former left back, spent most of his coaching career in Spain's youth setups before taking charge of the senior team, which he guided brilliantly to the Euro 2024 title, playing attractive, expressive football.
Star player: Despite being only 18, Barcelona's Lamine Yamal has become one of football's global stars. In 2024, he played a central role in Spain's European triumph and scored an exceptional goal in the semi-final against France, becoming the youngest scorer in the final stages of a European Championship — just days before turning 17. However, the Spanish talent suffered a left thigh muscle tear on 22 April and did not play again before the end of the season. His availability for the start of the World Cup remains in doubt, despite his coach's optimistic tone — insisting that "everyone is expected to be ready for the first or second match."
Ambitions: As European champions, Spain aim to add a second world title to their name after 2010. Following three disappointing World Cup exits — group stage in 2014 and round of 16 in 2018 and 2022 — La Roja, with their attractive style of play and a squad bursting with young talent, are among the genuine title contenders at the 2026 World Cup. However, fitness doubts surrounding key players, along with a defence that can occasionally look vulnerable, may hamper Spain's ambitions.