Four Burning Storylines That Will Define Spain's Quest at the 2026 World Cup

Sixteen years after claiming their first World Cup title, Spain is considered one of the top contenders to add another star to their shirt at this summer's tournament across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Luis de la Fuente's side may have shifted and transformed since their European Championship triumph in 2024, but the confidence and positive team spirit endures.

Few nations can match Spain's compelling combination of a gifted squad, a tactically sharp coach and recent silverware. Yet, while everything looks impressive on paper, the Spanish know better than most that a glittering résumé only takes you so far at a World Cup.

Here are four key storylines to follow with Spain this summer.

Lamine Yamal's Fitness

While it would be unfair to say he carries the entire team, Spain are a considerably different side when Lamine Yamal is absent from the starting eleven.

The 18-year-old Barcelona sensation was a standout performer at Euro 2024 and has continued to grow into a world-class talent for both club and country in the two years since. The Ballon d'Or runner-up netted 24 goals and contributed 15 assists for Barça last season and is crucial in delivering match-changing energy and dazzling footwork for Spain.

A serious hamstring injury sustained in mid-April initially had many fearing Yamal would be ruled out of this summer's competition altogether. However, he has been named in Spain's World Cup squad, with De la Fuente optimistic his star attacker could even feature in the opening group stage clash against Cabo Verde on June 15.

Rushing Yamal back too quickly from injury, however, risks aggravating the problem further.

While Spain and De la Fuente anxiously monitor their talisman's recovery, there is the added concern that two other wingers, Nico Williams and Víctor Muñoz, are also in a race against time to be ready for the tournament's kick-off.

The Case for the Defense

Spain's midfield trio, wingers—when available—and striker practically pick themselves at this stage, yet questions remain over De la Fuente's preferred defensive unit.

Marc Cucurella and Marcos Llorente appear nailed on for the fullback roles, but it remains uncertain who will line up at center back from Pau Cubarsí, Eric García, Aymeric Laporte and Marc Pubill.

The 32-year-old Laporte, the only defender in the squad with more than 25 caps, may ultimately be the first-choice option alongside one of the younger players given his experience, though the veteran has endured a below-par season in a struggling Athletic Club side.

Cubarsí's inclusion in the pre-tournament friendly victory over Peru could hint that the teenage Barcelona defender will be favored over Pubill and García.

Meanwhile, De la Fuente has remained faithful to Unai Simón as his first-choice goalkeeper, but there is genuine debate over whether Premier League Golden Glove recipient David Raya or Barcelona's Zamora Trophy holder Joan Garcia might be stronger selections. Having three elite goalkeepers is a luxury, but only one can take to the field.

Oyarzabal's Time to Shine

Amid all the discussion about Spain's star-studded roster, La Roja may quietly possess one of the most underappreciated strikers at the entire tournament.

Mikel Oyarzabal struck a highly respectable 15 goals for Real Sociedad in La Liga in 2025–26, but it is on the international stage where he truly excels. The 29-year-old has 25 goals in 53 appearances for Spain—including 12 in his last 11 matches.

The No. 9 role had been a persistent headache for Spain since Fernando Torres and David Villa called time on their careers, but Oyarzabal—who also netted the decisive goal in the Euro 2024 final against England—has firmly made the position his own.

The converted winger unleashed a thunderous strike to open the scoring just two minutes into Spain's final warm-up fixture against Peru, sending a warning to World Cup defenses everywhere.

Meeting Expectations

Spain has experienced remarkable success in recent times, claiming Euro 2024, the 2022–23 Nations League, an Olympic silver medal and numerous age-group titles under De la Fuente. However, the World Cup has proven to be a far less forgiving stage for La Roja.

Since their historic first triumph in South Africa in 2010, Spain has failed to win a single knockout round match.

Arriving at the 2014 tournament in Brazil as reigning champions, Spain were brought crashing back to earth by the Netherlands, suffering a humiliating 5–1 defeat in their opener. After crashing out at the group stage that year, Spain could advance no further than the round of 16 in the next two World Cups, falling to Russia and then Morocco in 2018 and 2022 respectively—on both occasions via penalty shootouts. Notably, Spain holds the unwanted record of the most shootout defeats of any nation in World Cup history, with four losses from five.

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Expectations are understandably elevated this time following the Euros glory and an impressive qualifying campaign, but old demons will need to be exorcised if Spain is to mount a deep run this summer.