Spain Among World Cup Favourites, De La Fuente Embraces Challenge Ahead Of 2026

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Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has openly accepted the pressure, stating that Spain are clear contenders for the 2026 World Cup after lifting the Euros in 2024 against England and maintaining strong form, with the squad now fully focused on turning that continental success into a second global title.

The team arrive at the tournament after a dominant qualifying campaign, winning five of six fixtures and drawing the other, scoring 21 goals while conceding only two, figures that support Spain’s status among the leading nations expected to challenge for the trophy in 2026.

Spain are placed in Group H, where Spain will meet Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay, seeking to repeat the achievement of the 2010 World Cup triumph, and those varied opponents provide different tactical tests that will shape Spain’s route through the group stage and into the knockout rounds.

Preparation continues with Spain hosting Egypt on Tuesday, a fixture viewed as part of a longer process rather than an isolated friendly, as De La Fuente explained that the coaching staff and players have been working since last Monday with one objective in mind, sharpening every detail for the World Cup.

De La Fuente embraced the burden of expectation, saying: "There's no doubt that we're among the favourites and I like that, I don't shy away from the challenge," while also stressing that Spain must deliver a complete display to lift the trophy and that other teams match Spain for quality and strength.

The coach underlined the standards required, stating: "We're going to have to put on a perfect performance to win the World Cup and we're aware that there are teams just as strong as us. For us, these matches are very important. Since last Monday, we've already been working on preparing for the World Cup. That is our focus, and we are centred solely and exclusively on that goal."

One major factor behind Spain’s World Cup hopes is the rise of winger Lamine Yamal, who has produced 21 goals and 15 assists in all competitions this season, with only Kylian Mbappe, on 44 direct goal involvements, ahead among LaLiga players.

De La Fuente highlighted Yamal’s progress and potential, saying: "Lamine is a much better footballer than he was two years ago and worse than he will be in another two years. He's in a development phase and is contributing more and more to the team with each passing day. He has a long way to go, and his best version is yet to come."

With a solid qualifying record, a clear tactical plan, strong belief from De La Fuente and emerging stars such as Lamine Yamal, Spain approach the 2026 World Cup as genuine favourites, aware of tough rivals yet convinced preparation and growth can support another run at the sport’s biggest prize.