Spain arrive at the 2026 World Cup as tournament favorites, a status embraced by coach Luis de la Fuente but tempered with caution about the challenge ahead. "If we think that being favourites guarantees anything, we're on the wrong track ... it guarantees nothing!" he said, referring to the competitive nature of the expanded 48-team event held across Canada, Mexico, and the USA [1, 2, 3].

Luis de la Fuente, 64, has led Spain for over three years. He came to the senior role with a strong background in Spain’s youth systems and a playing career at Athletic Bilbao [4, 5, 6]. Under his management, Spain claimed the 2023 Nations League and the 2024 European Championship, boosting confidence heading into the World Cup [4, 5, 6]. De la Fuente said the team’s success rests on its "family" philosophy. "Some time ago, we began to emphasise a word that gave us a great deal of security, confidence and strength - family. We want the Spanish national team to be a family," he said [4].

The World Cup squad includes 26 players. De la Fuente explained the need for flexible squad management, given the tournament’s intense physical demands. "It's going to be a very unique tournament, with high demands and little time for recovery. A lot of fatigue, long journeys, intense heat, varying temperatures, humidity, time zones and so on," he said [1, 2].

Injuries affect some players but they are expected to be fit for the opener against debutants Cape Verde on June 15. Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams suffered hamstring injuries in mid-April. Mikel Merino has been recovering from foot surgery since January. While their playing time is uncertain, all are likely to be available for selection [1, 2].

Despite initial media skepticism that dubbed him "Luis de la Who?" when he was appointed, De la Fuente maintains the temperament and lifestyle he had before his promotion. "I'm not vindictive and I believe everyone should reflect on what they may have said or done and weigh it up. I haven't changed a bit since then. I'm still the same person, believe me ... My life hasn't changed," he said [4, 5, 6].

Spain will open Group H against Cape Verde on June 15, 2026, aiming to start their campaign strongly in what De la Fuente calls a tournament requiring both enthusiasm and resilience [1, 2].