Spain get their 2026 World Cup preparations underway on Friday as they take on Serbia in a friendly in Villarreal. The game kicks-off at 8:00pm and below you can find our match preview and best bets for the occasion.
Best Bets & Predictions
| Our Prediction | Odds & Bookmaker | Confidence | Why We’re Backing It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spain to win to Nil | 11/20 @ Ladbrokes (64.5%) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Serbia have failed to score in all three of their meetings with Spain and with La Roja keeping five clean sheets in six World Cup qualifiers, this looks the best bet on the card on Friday. |
| Correct Score: Spain 3-0 | 11/1 @ Betway (8.3%) | ⭐⭐⭐ | Spain have seen over 2.5 goals in eight of their last nine matches, and they look well placed to ease to another comfortable 3-0 victory here as they send a strong message ahead of the World Cup. |
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How both teams go into Spain vs Serbia
Spain were strong in World Cup qualifying, collecting 16 points from six games to top their group and finish three clear of Turkey. Luis de la Fuente’s side head into the tournament as one of the favourites, alongside the likes of England, Argentina, France, Brazil and Portugal.
They lifted the trophy in 2010 but have struggled to go deep in recent editions, exiting in the last 16 twice. Friendlies against Serbia and Egypt come next before their campaign begins on June 15 against Cape Verde, with Saudi Arabia and Uruguay also in their group. It would be a huge shock if Spain did not reach the knockout stage.
Serbia will miss out on the 2026 World Cup after finishing third in their qualifying group with 13 points from eight games. Veljko Paunovic’s side were just one point behind Albania but well adrift of leaders England, winning four matches along the way.
Their focus now shifts to the UEFA Nations League, which begins in September, but they have friendlies to navigate first against Saudi Arabia and Mexico. Serbia lost 3-0 to Spain in their last meeting, though they did manage to hold them to a goalless draw earlier in 2024.
Spain team news
Spain boss Luis de la Fuente is expected to rotate in the friendlies, but a strong XI should still start, with Lamine Yamal set to feature. Ferran Torres and Mikel Oyarzabal could lead the attack, while Rodri and Pedri anchor midfield.
Marcos Llorente may start at right back, with Dean Huijsen also in line to feature, and Unai Simon in goal. Fabian Ruiz, Mikel Merino, Gavi and Alvaro Morata are among the notable absentees.
Serbia team news
Serbia will rely on experience against Spain, with Aleksandar Mitrovic aiming to add to his 63 international goals. Luka Jovic could lead the attack, while Nemanja Gudelj looks set to earn his 75th cap.
Nikola Milenkovic of Nottingham Forest is also expected to start, making Serbia a seasoned side in terms of appearances.
Conclusion
Spain are the favourites to lift the World Cup this summer and we feel they may lay down a statement here. Friendlies are traditionally low-scoring but we are backing a 3-0 correct score at 11/1, along with a Spain win to nil at 11/10.
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