In our World Cup preview series, we assess each of the tournament favourites featuring Barcelona stars, examining their key strengths and predicting how far they can go in the competition. Previously we covered Brazil.
Spain are among the favourites to win the World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada, with much of the excitement centred on two Barcelona stars who are expected to play key roles in their pursuit of glory.
Barcelona boast nine representatives in Spain's World Cup squad, while rivals Real Madrid have none. The squad is brimming with talent, featuring a strong core of La Liga players alongside several standout performers from the Premier League.
The European champions will set up base in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and will be playing their first two games in Atlanta with the final fixture, probably the most critical, being played in Zapopan (Mexico).
The crucial players
Spain's squad is overflowing with talent and it is no surprise that they enter the tournament as the bookmakers' favourites. With a strong Barcelona contingent at the heart of the team, there will be plenty of reasons for Blaugrana supporters to follow La Roja closely.
Central to Spain's hopes are two of the finest players in world football: Pedri and Lamine Yamal. Pedri remains the conductor of the side, dictating the tempo with his intelligence, vision and ability to unlock defences with passes between and beyond the lines, much as he does for Barcelona.
Meanwhile, Lamine Yamal could be Spain's ultimate game-changer. After managing an injury issue in the build-up to the tournament, the group stage may serve as an opportunity to build rhythm and sharpness. If he reaches the knockout rounds at full fitness, the Barcelona winger has the talent to define Spain's campaign, just as he played a decisive role in their triumphant European Championship run.
Expectations for La Roja
Spain arrive at the 2026 World Cup carrying the weight of expectation. As reigning European champions and one of the most talented squads in the tournament, Luis de la Fuente's side are widely viewed as genuine contenders to lift the trophy.
The nation possesses the perfect blend of technical quality, experience and youthful exuberance. Many observers consider them among the leading favourites, with their success at Euro 2024 only strengthening belief that this generation is ready to conquer the world stage.
The biggest challenge for Spain will be turning potential into silverware. Much of the spotlight will fall on the Barcelona contigent, whose creativity and match-winning ability could define the tournament. Spain are expected to progress comfortably from the group stage, but anything less than a final appearance would likely be viewed as a disappointment.
Winning Group H?
If that is the question, then the answer is yes. Spain should win the group quite comfortably, as none of the other three teams are expected to pose a significant challenge.
The opening match against Cape Verde is widely expected to be one-sided, with Spain likely to establish a commanding lead. Saudi Arabia, their second opponents, may provide a sterner test. It is worth remembering that Saudi Arabia famously defeated Argentina at the Qatar World Cup, despite Argentina ultimately going on to win the tournament, so they should not be underestimated.
The standout fixture comes on Matchday 3. If both teams enter the final game level on six points, the battle for top spot in Group H could become very interesting indeed with Uruguay having the players and potential to upset.
Date | Fixture |
|---|---|
Mon 15 Jun, 16:00 UTC | Spain vs Cape Verde |
Sun 21 Jun, 16:00 UTC | Spain vs Saudi Arabia |
Sat 27 Jun, 00:00 UTC | Spain vs Uruguay |
The knockout rounds
Finishing top of the group would set up a last-16 tie against the runner-up from Group J, which features Argentina, Austria, Algeria and Jordan, likely to be Algeria. Beyond that, a quarter-final clash could await against one of Colombia, Portugal, Croatia, Ghana or England.
Should they progress further, a potential semi-final against either France or Brazil looms in the top half of the draw. At that stage of the tournament, there are no easy routes to the trophy, to become champions, you have to overcome the very best.
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