Spain‘s quest to win a be two-time world champions remains on track with La Roja advancing to the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals.
The quest got off to a rocky start, with Spain held to a shock goalless draw by Cape Verde in their opening match. But Luis de la Fuente’s side have responded in great fashion. They won their next two games without conceded to finish top of the group, beating Saudi Arabia and Uruguay.
Spain still having conceded a goal, now five games into the tournament. They’re the only team yet to concede at the World Cup this summer. La Roja were comfortable in their 3-0 in over Austria in the last-32, but they left it late to beat rivals Portugal to reach the quarter-finals.
Get all the latest Spain stats as the tournament jets into the knockout stages, including their potential route to the final, next match, and tactical analysis.
Spain World Cup 2026 route to the final
Spain’s route to the World Cup final is becoming a lot clearer. They face Belgium in the quarter-finals on Friday 10th July. Should they win that, one of France or Morocco will await in the semi-finals on 15th July.
The 2026 World Cup final, of course, is on 19th July and could see Spain take on Norway, England, Argentina or Switzerland.
READ MORE: Get the latest Spain World Cup 2026 outright odds here
Spain World Cup 2026 stats
Spain’s key players for World Cup 2026
Spain top World Cup Golden Boot contender: Mikel Oyarzabal
- Key stat: Mikel Oyarzabal has scored four goals at the 2026 World Cup so far.
There was a lot of conversation surrounding Spain’s striker role at the World Cup this summer. They are still without a natural striker, though it hasn’t hurt them in the past. And it’s not hurting them now. That’s because Mikel Oyarzabal has stepped up when playing through the middle. He has scored four goals at the World Cup so far, almost half of Spain’s total tally of nine.
Spain primary playmaker: Pedri
- Key stat: Pedri has created eight chances at the World Cup so far.
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. He’s very much an important part of this Spain side, though the creativity is spread out a bit. Pedri is one of three Spain players to create eight chances at the World Cup, with one of those being a big chance. He is yet to provide an assist, but it will come.
Spain card magnet & top tackler: Rodri
- Key stat: Rodri has made 17 tackes for Spain at the World Cup.
While Pedri has been the creative force from midfield, Rodri has been the stopper. Not much has got past the midfielder this summer, with Rodri a perfect shield for the defensive line. He’s made 17 tackles at the World Cup this summer, almost twice as many as any other Spanish player. Alongside those tackles, Rodri has also committed five fouls. While that may not sound like much, only two Spanish players have committed more.
Spain rising star: Lamine Yamal
There may not be a more obvious rising star at this World Cup than Lamine Yamal. It feels like a lot of Spain’s hopes rest on Yamal, and that was shown in their performances without the teenager in their opening game. Yamal has the world at his feet and could already announce himself as among the best should he guide Spain to glory.
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’s set-piece specialists
- Penalties: Mikel Oyarzabal
- Free-kicks: Pedri
- Corners: Nico Williams, Lamine Yamal
Spain tactical analysis and formation
Spain’s team stats (average per game at World Cup 2026)
- Corners: 7.8
- Shots on target: 6.4
- Shots on target conceded: 1.0
- Offsides: 1.8
De la Fuente has alternated between Spain’s tried-and-tested 4-3-3 formation and a 4-2-3-1. Regardless of the setup, two of the midfield three have remained the same. Rodri and Pedri have been ever-present, joined by a different man depending on what De la Fuente wants from a game. Dani Olmo appears to have found favour, though, both as a No.10 and an attacking No.8.
As Nico Williams is still struggling with injuries, Alex Baena has made the left-wing spot his own, with Lamine Yamal on the right. There has also been a battle for the left-back spot, that Pedro Porro appears to have won over Marcos Llorente. Unai Simon remains Spain’s first-choice goalkeeper, despite David Raya’s strong club season.
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 | Win % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luis de la Fuente | Spain | 46 | 34 | 10 | 2 | 73.91 |
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?
Rodri has been captaining Spain at the World Cup this summer, with Alvaro Morata missing out on the squad.
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, scoring nine goals.
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