The "Kings of Europe" set sail to win: Are Spain actually the favourites to win the 2026 World Cup?

Spain's World Cup campaign will begin on June 15 against Cape Verde. (Image credits – Heute; licence details.)

A decade ago, in 2010, Spain defined an era of football by dominating it like no other team had ever done. Between 2008 and 2010, La Roja won two European Championships and a World Cup, making it arguably the best international team in football history. 

Since then, they've sought the same identity and fielded talented squads, but they fell short in critical moments before the new golden generation won the European Championship, defeating England in the final. After winning the UEFA Euro 2024, Spain has cemented its position as the "King of Europe" and one of the most exciting teams to watch in international football. 

The squad is built around a young core of players, led by Luis De La Fuente, who has been a tactical genius with the directness that Spain lacked in previous years. With the title of European champions comes a lot of pressure, as expectations are high. Now they will set out to claim the title of "World Champions".

Strengths:

Young Core

Spain is built around a young, talented core that has already won the 2024 UEFA Euros and advanced to the 2025 Nations League final. Few nations can match Spain's youth talent pool. Lamine Yamal has already emerged as the new generation's poster boy, while players such as Pedri, Nico Williams, Gavi, Pau Cubarsi, and others represent the Iberian nation's bright future in international football.

Midfield

Spain's midfield is considered one of the best in international football. With Pedri's vision and creativity, Rodri's technical quality and ability to shield the defence, and Fabian Ruiz alongside Gavi and Dani Olmo, they can dominate possession against any opponent. In tournaments such as the World Cup, dominating games from midfield can be critical and often decisive.

Clear Tactical Identity

Spain are tactically clear, and this is one of their greatest assets. Every player understands their position, and this is a team founded on core values. Regardless of their opponents, they adhere to their philosophy, and their consistency of approach has made them one of the most difficult teams to face.

Lamine-Nico duo

Spain no longer plays possession football without breaking through the opposing defence. Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams bring directness and unpredictable flair from both wings, adding a new dimension to their attack. In 2024, no one could have predicted them, and their partnership was crucial to their success. This partnership between the duo will be key during the World Cup as well.

Weaknesses:

No Experience 

Spain's squad is relatively young, with the majority of players competing in their first World Cup. They have yet to face the pressure of a knockout game in this tournament, and they have not demonstrated the ability to deal with setbacks.

Defence

Although Spain has good defenders, it prefers to keep a high line and play possession football throughout the game. However, it makes them vulnerable to quick counters, which can be fatal in a knockout game, ending their dreams in an instant.

Physicality 

Spain's technical ability is arguably the best, but World Cups are frequently won by teams that are physically dominant. We've seen La Roja struggle against physically dominant teams that disrupt the rhythm of the game by winning duels and committing tactical fouls on a regular basis. As a result, teams may force De La Fuente's team to play in a way that they are unfamiliar with.

Who Is The Biggest Threat To Spain's WC Campaign?

Change Image

• 0%Argentina
• 0%France
• 0%England
• 0%Germany

Lamine Yamal: Spain's new Poster Boy at the World Cup

All eyes will be on Lamine Yamal as he is set to play in his first ever World Cup. (Image credits – Heute; licence details.)

Lamine Yamal has already become one of the most influential footballers in the world and the poster boy for the new generation of footballers, despite the fact that most do not even start for the B teams at his age. The Barcelona star has the ability to win games on his own; his dribbling and vision make him one of the most feared wingers, despite his age.

His unpredictability makes him even more dangerous because defenders never know what he'll do next and end up on the floor attempting to tackle him. He has also proven himself on the biggest stages, and he plans to do so again.

However, there is constant pressure to represent La Roja. People are already comparing Yamal to Spain's best players, and expectations are high this time. If Yamal performs at his peak, the Iberian nation is set to do well in the tournament.

Verdict

This time, Spain has a legitimate chance to win the title, and even EA Sports, which correctly predicted the previous four World Cups, expects Spain to win. La Roja must now handle the pressure and demonstrate that their European triumph was not a fluke but rather the result of perseverance.

Spain's World Cup Group Schedule 

Spain vs Cape Verde on June 15 at Atlanta Stadium in Georgia, USA.

Spain vs Saudi Arabia on June 21 at Atlanta Stadium in Georgia, USA.

Uruguay vs Spain on June 27 at Guadalajara Stadium in Zapopan, Mexico.