Spain will open their 2026 World Cup campaign in North America facing Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, and debutants Cape Verde in Group H. The tournament kicks off on June 11, with Spain a clear favorite to advance from the group stage [1, 2, 3, 4].

Currently ranked second in the FIFA world rankings, Spain enters the tournament as reigning European champions and the 2010 World Cup winners. They qualified with five wins, zero losses, and one draw, scoring 21 goals in six qualifier matches [1, 2, 3, 4].

Spain's squad boasts a blend of seasoned and emerging talent. Head coach Luis de la Fuente has refined the team’s style to combine possession with directness and high pressing. He said, "Do we think we’re favourites? Yes. Can we win the World Cup? Yes. But that doesn’t guarantee anything" [4].

The young prodigy Lamine Yamal is a focal point. At just 18 years old, Yamal has already made 151 appearances for Barcelona, outpacing Lionel Messi’s 41 appearances by the same age. Messi named Yamal "the best player of the new generation," saying, "It would be Lamine. No doubt about it: for me, he is the best." Former stars Ronaldinho and Rio Ferdinand also praised Yamal’s talent, with Ronaldinho stating, "What he has already shown at such a young age is extraordinary," and Ferdinand comparing his potential favorably to legends [5].

Other key Spanish players include midfielders Rodri, Pedri, Fabian Ruiz, and Martin Zubimendi, as well as attackers Mikel Oyarzabal, Ferran Torres, Borja Iglesias, and winger Nico Williams. The defense features Eric García, recently recalled for his reliability on and off the ball, and goalkeeping options Unai Simón, David Raya, and Joan García [4].

Cape Verde will make their World Cup debut after topping their African qualifying group ahead of Cameroon, holding a FIFA ranking of 69th with a 7-1-2 qualifying record. Their captain and all-time top scorer, Ryan Mendes, is expected to lead the team’s efforts in the tournament [1, 2, 3].

Saudi Arabia qualified with eight wins, four losses, and six draws, holding a ranking of 61st. Their best World Cup finish came in 1994, reaching the Round of 16 [1, 2, 3].

Spain’s first matches against their group rivals will begin in June, kicking off what coach Luis de la Fuente hopes will be a deep run in the tournament [1, 2, 3, 4].