Spain World Cup squad: Lineup and tactics for 2026

Despite being held to a goalless draw by Cape Verde, Spain are still currently one of the outright favourites to win World Cup 2026, as they attempt to get their hands on the trophy for the second time.

That result will likely go down as one of the competition’s greatest ever shocks, what with Spain being the reigning European champions and the Africans playing in their first ever World Cup game. Still though, Luis de la Fuente’s side could’ve had a hatful on another day and each opponent going forward will likely play the role of the matador to Spain’s raging bull.

As well as some star players in their ranks, 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 certainly created plenty of chances against Cape Verde, but couldn’t beat an inspired Vozinha in goal.

They also benefit from a relatively settled starting XI, although there are still one or two places up for grabs as the tournament gets ever closer. It will be interesting to see what selection decisions de la Fuente makes in the weeks ahead.

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Spain World Cup 2026 squad and predicted lineup: key takeaways

• Lamine Yamal‘s lingering hamstring injury meant he was only used as a substitute in Spain’s opener, but he could start against Saudi Arabia and/or Uruguay.
• Mikel Oyarzabal has been their go-to striker following his winner in the Euro 2024 final. He is the most fancied goalscorer pick in a team that could share the goals around.
• Rodri’s fitness was a concern, but the Man City midfielder was able to start against Cape Verde. 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.
• Despite being outright favourites, Spain have only won the World Cup once and have never reached the semi-finals outside of that 2010 triumph, which is a historical caution against assuming their possession-based style automatically translates to deep tournament runs.

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.

However, the Barcelona attacker will not play every game for Spain at the World Cup as he continues his comeback from a hamstring injury. Yamal should be close to fully fit for the knockout phase, but there is no guarantee with muscular problems like his.

Yamal is 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 Cape Verde

Not only were Spain without Yamal for their opener, they also missed Nico Williams on the opposite flank. Gavi – a central midfielder – was deployed there and Spain didn’t threaten with pace in behind to the same extent.

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. Lamine Yamal is the obvious pick here, but with his injury situation – the Barcelona forward will have his minutes managed in the group stage – makes Mikel Oyarzabal look like an attractive pick.

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.

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?

The main injury concern for Spain right now is Lamine Yamal, who is currently on the treatment table with a hamstring issue. The 18-year-old is expected to be fit towards the end of the group stage, but no one knows how long it will take the forward to rediscover his rhythm. Mikel Merino should be available following a foot injury.

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

Compared to many national teams, the Spain starting XI is pretty settled. After all, this is a team that won their last major tournament (Euro 2024) and qualified without much difficulty.

Pau Cubarsí is now a starter at centre-back, replacing Robin Le Normand, while 87-cap striker Álvaro Morata has not been called up after failing to score a single Serie A goal while on loan at Como this season.

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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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