Spain recovered from their goalless draw with Cape Verde with victories over Saudi Arabia and Uruguay at the 2026 World Cup.
Spain’s campaign quickly swung from frustration to reassurance after a shock goalless draw with Cape Verde was followed up by an emphatic 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia in Atlanta.
Luis de la Fuente’s side were wasteful and predictable in their opening match, dominating possession without finding a breakthrough, but they responded exactly as expected against Saudi Arabia with a far sharper and more aggressive display in the final third.
They then had no true incentive against Uruguay after guaranteeing a first-place finish in Group H but still won, despite a poor performance.
La Roja are aiming to win the World Cup for the second time in their history, having lifted the trophy in South Africa back in 2010, and they arrived in North America among the favourites after an impressive run of tournament performances in recent years. Spain reached the semi-finals of Euro 2020 and then went one step further by winning Euro 2024, with their blend of technical control and emerging young talent making them one of the most balanced squads in the competition.
Their dominant response in the group stage has quickly restored confidence that they can mount another deep run this summer.
Spain odds to win the World Cup
After beginning at 4/1 as tournament favourites, Spain’s price dropped to around the 11/2 mark following the draw with Cape Verde. There’s been no movement since that result despite swatting away Saudi Arabia with ease, leaving them as second-favourites behind France.
Spain odds to win Group H
Spain were odds-on favourites to win Group H from the start and made it count.
In fact, no other team won a single game, as Cape Verde went through with three draws and Uruguay and Saudi Arabia finished with two points each.
Spain World Cup top goalscorer odds
At the time of writing, Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal is Spain’s frontrunner to be the top goalscorer at the World Cup. While the teenager has struggled with injuries this season, Yamal’s form could be key in their bid for success.
Mikel Merino and Mikel Oyarzabal are at also in the running to claim the Golden Boot. Ferran Torres, meanwhile has seen his odds drift slightly since the opening game. He wasted a golden opportunity to get in the scoresheet against Uruguay as well.
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