Spain World Cup 2026 squad: Lineup and tactics for Belgium

After being held to a goalless draw by Cape Verde in one of the all-time World Cup shocks, Spain have now shown they can grind results out at the highest level. A 3-0 win over Austria confirmed their quality in the Round of 32, and then Mikel Merino’s dramatic late substitute winner edged Portugal 1-0 in the last 16 to put them in the quarter-finals without having conceded a single goal in five games.

Spain’s defensive record at this World Cup is the standout statistic of the entire tournament. Five games, nine goals scored, nothing conceded – a combination that reflects the control Rodri brings from deep, the authority of Laporte and Pau Cubarsí at centre-back, and the tactical discipline Luis de la Fuente has instilled throughout the squad. Belgium, who dispatched the United States 4-1 without starting De Bruyne or Doku, represent easily the sternest attacking test Spain have faced.

Spain benefit from a well-established style of play. They were not always associated with a possession-based approach, as their old nickname la furia Roja (‘the Red Fury’) indicates, but for the last 20 years, you know how a Spanish team will play football.

They also benefit from a relatively settled starting XI, although there have been one or two enforced tweaks at the start of this campaign. It will be interesting to see what selection decisions de la Fuente makes against tougher opposition.

Check out our latest World Cup match betting tips and predictions ahead of today’s games

Spain World Cup 2026 squad and predicted lineup: key takeaways

• Mikel Oyarzabal leads the scoring with four tournament goals and has been Spain’s most reliable attacking presence – his composure in front of goal and movement in behind make him the standout scorer pick in any game Spain play.
• Nico Williams remains unavailable. The winger has been absent since picking up an adductor injury and has not featured since the group stage. Spain have managed perfectly well without him.
• Mikel Merino is a serious doubt. The midfielder who came off the bench to score the Portugal winner immediately suffered an adductor injury. His involvement against Belgium is uncertain at best, meaning the same XI that started the Portugal game is the most likely lineup.
• Rodri’s fitness was a concern, but the Man City midfielder has started all three games so far. Spain without him in his deep-lying role is a materially different team, as no other player in the squad replicates his ability to control tempo and protect the defence simultaneously.
• Marc Cucurella is one of the more compelling cards market picks in the whole tournament, having accumulated seven Premier League yellow cards this season from a position where he pushes forward and can be exposed in transition.
• Spain’s tournament pedigree under de la Fuente is genuinely strong, as a coach who has won the Nations League, the European Championship, and multiple youth tournaments, making him arguably the most experienced knockout tournament manager in the field.

Luis de la Fuente knows the Spanish system

Luis de la Fuente is not one of the most high-profile managers at the World Cup. Whereas the likes of Carlo Ancelotti, Thomas Tuchel and Julian Nagelsmann have won major prizes in the club game, de la Fuente has spent much of his career coaching Spain’s youth teams.

That gives him one major advantage, though: the 64-year-old knows how to negotiate knockout tournaments at international level. A winner of the Nations League and the European Championship with Spain’s senior side, he has also had success in under-19 and under-21 football.

De la Fuente has also been widely praised for his ability to create a healthy, harmonious environment for his players. That is incredibly important for international competitions, especially one which is as long as this 48-team, five-and-a-half-week event.

The star player: Lamine Yamal

Lamine Yamal dazzled at Euro 2024, taking the tournament by storm as a 16-year-old. We have since grown accustomed to Yamal dominating games at the highest level, but it is worth remembering how remarkable it is for someone so young to perform like he does. Yamal may well be the best player in the world already.

Yamal already looks close to being fully fit and will be ready to put the team on his back in the knockouts, but muscular problems are unpredictable.

He’s a generational talent, but just as impressive as his footwork, dribbling and finishing abilities is his maturity. Unlike many forwards his age, Yamal frequently makes the optimum decision in possession. If fit, he has the potential to be the standout player at the upcoming tournament.

Spain 2026 World Cup confirmed 26-man squad

How Spain lined up vs Portugal

Deschamps’ side kept the same starting XI that defeated Austria, with the only change coming when Merino replaced Baena in the second half to score the decisive goal. The same eleven are expected to start against Belgium, with Merino’s fitness the only significant question mark.

Nico Williams has not featured since the group stage after aggravating an existing adductor injury. Yeremy Pino is also unavailable after suffering a fractured collarbone. Mikel Merino is a doubt after picking up an adductor injury immediately after scoring the Portugal winner as a substitute.

How to bet on the Spain World Cup squad

There are specific betting markets relevant to the Spain starting XI for World Cup 2026. One of the most obvious is the anytime goalscorer market. Mikel Oyarzabal looks like an attractive pick here after his brace against Saudi Arabia, although Lamine Yamal could also end up leading the team.

Another individual player market worth watching is cards. For all his ability on the ball, Rodri is not afraid to do the dirty work out of possession. Marc Cucurella is another contender: at the time of writing, the Chelsea left-back has picked up seven yellow cards in the Premier League this season.

Is there a chance of Spain winning?

Yes, a strong one. The odds of a World Cup victory are very high for Spain. Five games, zero goals conceded and the most dominant defensive display of any side remaining in the tournament puts them odds on just behind France.

Belgium are formidable opponents, but Spain’s possession-based control and Oyarzabal’s clinical finishing make them the clear pick to reach the semi-finals. They have never looked more composed.

FAQ about the 2026 Spain World Cup squad

1. How many times have Spain won the World Cup?

Spain have won the World Cup once before. Their only triumph to date came in 2010, as a team containing the likes of Xavi Hernández, Andrés Iniesta and Xabi Alonso lifted the trophy in South Africa. Aside from 2010, Spain have never reached the semi-finals – although they did finish fourth in 1950, when a different format was used.

2. Which players are injured and missing from the starting 11?

Nico Williams has not featured since the group stage after aggravating an existing adductor injury, and Yeremy Pino is also unavailable with a fractured collarbone.

Mikel Merino is a doubt after picking up an adductor injury immediately after scoring the winning goal against Portugal as a substitute – his involvement against Belgium is uncertain. Otherwise, Spain have a largely fit and settled squad heading into the quarter-final.

3. Are there any changes to Spain’s usual starting 11?

Spain’s starting XI has been remarkably settled throughout the tournament. The same outfield players have started every knockout game, with Lamine Yamal now fit enough to play from the first whistle after having his minutes carefully managed in the group stage.

The one enforced change from the group stage is at left back, where Marc Cucurella has been excellent throughout. The only live selection question ahead of Belgium is whether Merino is fit enough to be considered from the bench – and whether Baena or Olmo starts in the left attacking midfield role if Merino cannot contribute.

• World Cup 2026 AI predictions
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About the author

Greg Lea

Greg Lea is a freelance football writer from London. He predominantly covers the Premier League and has had work published by the Guardian, FourFourTwo, ESPN and others.

Follow Greg on X: @GregLeaFootball

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