Spain have underwhelmed at World Cups since lifting the trophy in 2010. La Roja were knocked out of the group stage in 2014, before suffering back-to-back last-16 exits in 2018 and 2022.
They’ve won just three of their past 11 World Cup games, only half of their victories achieved in 2010 alone. But Spain are also defending European champions. Can they rule Europe and the world at the same time once more?
Get all the latest Spain stats as the tournament unfolds plus the latest squad, manager and fixture information for the European side here.
Spain route to the World Cup
Spain secured their World Cup spot with minimal fuss. Luis dr la Fuente oversaw five wins from six as Spain earned 16 of a possible 18 points. They won all three away games without conceding a goal, which included a 6-0 victory at Turkey. Along with Georgia and Bulgaria, Spain’s qualifying opponents stood no chance.
Spain World Cup 2026 fixtures
Spain get their World Cup campaign underway with a meeting against lowly Cape Verde in Atlanta on 15th June. De la Fuente’s men then face 2034 hosts Saudi Arabia at the Mercedes-Benz Arena on 21st June.
La Roja then wrap up their group stage campaign with their toughest fixture as they meet Uruguay in Zapopan on 27th June.
READ MORE: Get the latest Spain World Cup 2026 outright odds here
Spain key players for World Cup 2026
Spain top World Cup Golden Boot Contender: Lamine Yamal
- Key stat: Despite only making two appearances, Lamine Yamal still registered three assists in World Cup qualifying. Only two players made more.
The 2025 Kopa Trophy winner has endured his fair share of injury issues this season. However, there is no denying that Lamine Yamal will be Spain’s star man this summer. An absolute menace from the right, the teenage sensation should have what it takes to fire Spain to glory.
Spain primary playmaker: Pedri
- Key stat: Pedri has provided seven assists for Barcelona in La Liga this season.
There are few better central midfielders in world football than Pedri. Barcelona boss Hansi Flick has previously stated that he’s the best in the game. If Spain are to fly like many expect, then Pedri will be the heartbeat of the team.
Spain card magnets & top tacklers: Marc Cucurella
- Key stat: Marc Cucurella has been shown more yellow cards (23) than any other full-back since the start of the 2023-24 Premier League season.
Marc Cucurella may have come through World Cup qualifying without a blemish, but at club level; the left-back is anything but angelic. The left-back is a tough-tackling full-back who’ll take no prisoners where needs must.
Spain rising star: Pau Cubarsi
Lamine Yamal may be the poster boy for Spanish football but his teenage Barcelona teammate who has also caught the eye. Pau Cubarsi continues to shine at club level and the centre-back is widely expected to start at the heart of the Spain defence next summer.
STAND-OUT STAT: Spain‘s World Cup triumph in 2010 is also the only time they have reached the semi finals of the tournament in their last 14 participations.
Spain set-piece specialists
- Penalties: Mikel Oyarzabal
- Free-kicks: Pedri
- Corners: Nico Williams, Lamine Yamal
Spain tactical analysis and formation
Team stats (average per game from World Cup qualifying)
- Chances created: 16.8
- Shots: 22.8
- Shots conceded: 6.2
- Take-ons completed: 6.5
Spain set up with the tried and tested 4-3-3 formation. It’s essentially ingrained into their players from a young age. Wingers Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams are free to cut in from the right and left, respectively, allowing the full-backs to overlap. There is usually a tempo-setter at the base of the midfield, be it Rodri when fit, or deputy Martin Zubimendi.
La Roja don’t use No.10s in the natural sense, relying on Pedri to push forward and Fabian Ruiz. Crucially is that De la Fuente has plenty of options having used no fewer than 32 players in World Cup qualification.
Get the latest Spain World Cup goals, assists, shots, passes and tackle stats here
Spain manager analysis
Luis de la Fuente doesn’t boast the most glamourous managerial CV. He succeeded Luis Enrique in the Spain hotseat following their disappointing 2022 World Cup campaign. The 64-year-old was initially handed a contract until Euro 2024, but success in Germany means he’ll remain at the Spain helm until after Euro 2028.
De la Fuente wants his Spain side to dominate opponents. It’s easy to do, too, given the calibre of personnel he’s able to call upon.
The stats below are from his current spell in charge of the team.
| Coach | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | Win % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luis de la Fuente | Spain | 38 | 29 | 7 | 2 | 105 | 32 | 76.32 |
Spain World Cup FAQs
Have Spain ever won the World Cup?
Yes, Spain have won the World Cup once in their history. Andres Iniesta scored the decisive goal in extra time in South Africa in 2010 to deliver their first ever World Cup during a period of dominance.
Where did Spain finish at the last World Cup?
Despite the quality of personnel available to Luis Enrique, Spain crashed out of the 2022 World Cup on penalties at the expense of Morocco at the round-of-16 stage.
Who will be Spain captain at the World Cup?
Alvaro Morata is currently Spain captain but is out of favour for the national team. Unai Simon was given the armband for their last game, which suggests the goalkeeper will be named skipper.
Who is Spain’s all-time top goalscorer at World Cups?
Former Barcelona and Valencia striker David Villa is currently Spain’s top scorer in World Cup history. Villa has scored nine goals in football’s showpiece, while Fernando Morientes, Raul, Emilio Butragueno and Fernando Hierro have all struck five times.
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