Spain – World Cup 2026

Widely regarded as the top favourites to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Spain head into this summer’s tournament with championship ambitions.

Read on as we offer a comprehensive guide to Spain at the World Cup this summer.

Spain at the 2026 World Cup

• Group: H
• Manager: Luis de la Fuente
• Captain: Alvaro Morata
• Best finish: Winners (2010)
• Next match: Spain vs Cape Verde

Heavily fancied to progress from Group H as winners, Spain will share the stage with Uruguay (FIFA-ranked 17th), Saudi Arabia (61st) and debutants Cape Verde (69th).

Given the strength of their opponents, the Iberian giants should uphold a proud record of reaching the knockout stages in six of their seven World Cup appearances this century.

Uruguay could challenge the reigning European champions for top spot, while Saudi Arabia’s famous victory over Argentina at the previous World Cup serves as a reminder that they are capable of springing a surprise against elite teams.

If Spain win the group, they will face the runner-up team from Group J in the round of 32.

Latest Spain News

• Arsenal agree deal to sign Leandro Trossard replacement
• Liverpool reach agreement in principle with Dominik Szoboszlai over new contract
• Manchester City set sights on exciting winger who is wanted by Tottenham and Villa
• AC Milan plot move for Man United defender Noussair Mazraoui
• FIFA to wait until after World Cup to bring disciplinary action against players and coaches

Spain Fixtures

Spain Results

Spain World Cup 2026 Squad

Player	Club	Position	Age	Caps	Goals
Unai Simon	Athletic Club	Goalkeeper	28	57	0
David Raya	Arsenal	Goalkeeper	30	12	0
Joan Garcia	Barcelona	Goalkeeper	25	1	0
Aymeric Laporte	Athletic Club	Defender	32	44	2
Marc Cucurella	Chelsea	Defender	27	23	1
Marcos Llorente	Atletico Madrid	Defender	31	23	0
Eric Garcia	Barcelona	Defender	25	19	0
Pedro Porro	Tottenham Hotspur	Defender	26	16	0
Alex Grimaldo	Bayer Leverkusen	Defender	30	12	0
Pau Cubarsi	Barcelona	Defender	19	11	0
Marc Pubill	Atletico Madrid	Defender	22	0	0
Rodri	Manchester City	Midfielder	29	61	4
Dani Olmo	Barcelona	Midfielder	28	48	12
Mikel Merino	Arsenal	Midfielder	29	41	10
Fabian Ruiz	Paris Saint-Germain	Midfielder	30	41	6
Pedri	Barcelona	Midfielder	23	40	5
Gavi	Barcelona	Midfielder	21	28	5
Martin Zubimendi	Arsenal	Midfielder	27	25	3
Alex Baena	Atletico Madrid	Midfielder	24	15	2
Ferran Torres	Barcelona	Forward	26	55	23
Mikel Oyarzabal	Real Sociedad	Forward	29	52	24
Nico Williams	Athletic Club	Forward	23	30	6
Lamine Yamal	Barcelona	Forward	18	25	6
Yeremy Pino	Crystal Palace	Forward	23	21	4
Borja Iglesias	Celta Vigo	Forward	33	6	0
Victor Munoz	Osasuna	Forward	22	2	1

Spain Manager

Many had expected Spain to pursue a high-profile appointment after parting ways with Luis Enrique in 2022, yet they opted for an internal solution, promoting Luis de La Fuente from the U23 team.

Though initially viewed as a temporary solution, the 64-year-old has quickly silenced his detractors, guiding Spain back to the summit of European football with a vibrant, modern style of play.

Spain’s superb triumph at the 2024 UEFA European Championship was De la Fuente’s crowning moment, solidifying his position in the dugout ahead of this summer’s showpiece.

La Furia Roja enjoyed another near-flawless qualifying campaign under his stewardship, dropping just two points in six Group E games while mustering an exceptional +19 goal difference.

Route to the Final

If Spain win their group:

• Round of 32: Thursday, July 2: Spain vs Group J runners-up
• Round of 16: Monday, July 6: Spain vs Group K/L runners-up
• Quarter-final: Friday, July 10: Spain vs Belgium
• Semi-final: Tuesday, July 14: Spain vs France
• Final: Sunday, July 19: Spain vs Argentina

If Spain are group runners-up:

• Round of 32: Friday, July 3: Spain vs Group J winners
• Round of 16: Tuesday, July 7: Spain vs Group D/G runners-up
• Quarter-final: Saturday, July 11: Spain vs Portugal
• Semi-final: Wednesday, July 15: Spain vs Brazil
• Final: Sunday, July 19: Spain vs France

Key Players

Pau Cubarsi

Cubarsi may be among the most inexperienced players in this squad, at least on paper, but the teenager already plays with the composure and maturity of a seasoned veteran.

After another remarkable season at Barcelona, the prodigious centre-back seems ready to showcase his potential on the grandest stages of all.

Rodri

Rodri has not been the player he was since returning from a lengthy spell on the sidelines earlier this season, yet the Manchester City ace remains a commanding presence in Spain’s midfield set-up.

He played a prominent role in La Furia Roja’s Euro 2024 triumph, and De la Fuente will need the 29-year-old at the top of his game if the Spaniards are to make another deep run in North America.

Pedri

In addition to being the beating heart of Hansi Flick’s system at Camp Nou, the skilled midfielder has established himself as one of the most influential figures at the national team.

Only a handful of midfielders can match Pedri’s vision, technical quality and ability to control the tempo of a match, making him a vital component of Spain’s hopes of enjoying another successful international campaign.

Nico Williams

Williams’ stellar performances at Euro 2024 made him one of the most in-demand prospects in European football, but his career has been on a downward trajectory.

The upcoming tournament could be a perfect opportunity for the Athletic Club talisman to get back on track and remind the world why he is regarded as one of the game’s most electrifying wingers.

Lamine Yamal

The 18-year-old has already become a global superstar, as he aims for another major international honour after guiding Spain to Euro 2024 glory two years ago.

Despite a recent injury setback, Yamal remains the X-Factor for both Barcelona and La Furia Roja, with De la Fuente likely to put the nation’s fate into the youngster’s hands this summer.

Spain World Cup History

Despite sitting second in the current FIFA men’s ranking, Spain have often faltered at World Cups, with the exception of their historic triumph in 2010.

Aside from that success, they have advanced out of the quarter-finals only once in their 15 remaining World Cup appearances.

Nevertheless, they have been ever-present on football’s biggest stage, with the 2026 tournament marking Spain’s 13th consecutive World Cup qualification.

A return to the United States could evoke fond memories for La Furia Roja, who reached the quarter-finals in 1994 before suffering a narrow defeat to eventual finalists Italy.

Against this backdrop, they’ve failed to progress beyond the first knockout round in the last two World Cups, bowing out at the hands of surprise package Morocco in Qatar four years ago.

Year	Round	P	W	D	L	F	A
1930	Did not enter
1934	Quarter-finals	3	1	1	1	4	3
1938	Rejected by FIFA
1950	Fourth place	6	3	1	2	10	12
1954	Did not qualify
1958	Did not qualify
1962	Group stage	3	1	0	2	2	3
1966	Group stage	3	1	0	2	4	5
1970	Did not qualify
1974	Did not qualify
1978	Group stage	3	1	1	1	2	2
1982	Second group stage	5	1	2	2	4	5
1986	Quarter-finals	5	3	1	1	11	4
1990	Round of 16	4	2	1	1	6	4
1994	Quarter-finals	5	2	2	1	10	6
1998	Group stage	3	1	1	1	8	4
2002	Quarter-finals	5	3	2	0	10	5
2006	Round of 16	4	3	0	1	9	4
2010	Champions	7	6	0	1	8	2
2014	Group stage	3	1	0	2	4	7
2018	Round of 16	4	1	3	0	7	6
2022	Round of 16	4	1	2	1	9	3

FAQs

Has Spain won the World Cup?

Yes. Spain won the World Cup in South Africa back in 1966. That was their only appearance in the final.

Who is the Spain manager?

Luis de la Fuente. He led La Furia Roja to Euro 2024 triumph, having previously won the European titles with U19 and U21 sides.

How did Spain fare in the last World Cup?

Spain reached the round of 16 in 2022. Morocco eliminated them on penalties.

Who has made the most appearances for Spain?

Sergio Ramos. He won 180 caps from 2005 to 2021.

Who has scored the most goals for Spain?

David Villa scored 59 goals in 98 appearances between 2005 and 2017.

World Cup 2026 Key Links

World Cup 2026 Preview
World Cup 2026 Fixtures & Results
World Cup 2026 Group Standings
World Cup Live Streams
World Cup All-Time Top Scorers
World Cup Host Stadiums & Cities
World Cup Winners