Spain enters World Cup 2026 as the favorite. Again.
They want to repeat their 2010 magic. They have high expectations to match.
But look back. Not much since South Africa.
2014 was a shock exit in the group stage. Germany brought another early bye in 2018. Qatar repeated the mistake in 2022. Round of 16, every time. Underwhelming doesn’t even cover it.
Euro 2024 changed the mood, though.
They won. They dominated qualification. Luis de la Fuente has pundits whispering that this summer belongs to La Roja.
How did they get here?
Spain walked through UEFA qualifying. Topped Group E.
Only blemish? A draw at home against Turkey in the final game.
Otherwise, clean slate.
Who’s driving the bus?
Luis de la Fuente. Former Alavés boss, now four years into a surprisingly fruitful reign.
Credit where it’s due. The ex-Athletic Bilbao defender has a knack for integrating young talent. Lamine Yamal. Nico Williams. First-team regulars now, not projects.
The 64-year old prefers direct play. Fluid formations. He’s not afraid of big swings.
He left not one Real Madrid player out of this squad. That says something.
(Real Madrid just announced a deal for Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella starting July 1. But de la Fuente isn’t waiting around.)
Who carries the load?
Rodri.
The Manchester City midfield star, team captain, and defensive anchor.
His season has been hampered by hamstring issues. Bad timing for de la Fuente.
Without Rodri, City likely lost the Premier League race to Arsenal. The absence was decisive.
He brings physicality and intelligence. The 29-year old already has the Ballon d’Or and the Euro 2024 winners’ medal. He’s chasing a World Cup now.
Will he be fit? Doubts linger. Injury woes are never just behind them in this game.
Who’s the new star?
Lamine Yamal. Still a teenager.
Doesn’t feel that way. He’s experienced. He was part of the Euro 2023 winning core.
An 18-year old sensation for Barcelona.
16 goals last season. 11 assists. A hat-trick in there too.
But the hamstring issue? It hit him since April. Like Rodri.
Doubts over fitness surround the tournament entry. It’s worrying.
The Squad
Goalkeepers
Unai Simón, David Raya, Joan García
Defenders
Pedro Porro, Marcos Llorente, Aymeric Laporte, Pau Cubarsí, Marc Pubill, Eric García, Marc Cucurella, Alejandro Grimaldo
Midfielders
Rodri, Martín Zubimendi, Pedri, Fabián Ruiz, Mikel Merino, Gavi, Álex Baena, Dani Olmo
Forwards
Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, Mikel Oyarzabal, Ferran Torres, Yeremy Pino, Borja Iglesias, Víctor Muñoz
Group H Schedule & TV Info
June 15
Spain vs Cape Verde
Kickoff: 12 p.m ET / 9 a.m PT
Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
US TV: Fox/Telemundo
June 21
Spain vs Saudi Arabia
Kickoff: 12 p.m ET/ 9 a.m. PT
Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
US TV: Fox/Telemundo
June 26
Spain vs Uruguay
Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT
Location: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens
US TV: Fox/Telemundo
Watch where the stadium changes. Atlanta to Miami. A small trek, but worth noting for logistics.
The Viewing Guide
Want to stream while abroad?
VPNs exist for this. They encrypt traffic, hide you from ISP throttling, and protect your login on public Wi-Fi. It’s legal in the US and Canada. Just check the terms.
Some platforms block VPNs. Streaming rights get tricky.
Read the rules before you try to trick the geo-filter.
In the US?
Fox has the exclusive English rights. Fox and FS1 channels.
No cable? YouTube TV, Hulu Plus Live TV do it. Or the cheap route: the Fox One app.
Prefer Spanish?
NBCUniversal handles this side.
Telemundo airs 92 games. Universo takes the rest (12).
Peacock streams it all. Dolby Vision. Dolby Atmos.
Ready? Maybe.
If Rodri and Yamal are fit.
If de la Fuente’s direct style holds up under pressure.
There’s plenty left to discover before kickoff.
