The World Cup has for the most part of its history been defined by miserly defences, and an ability to score whenever given the opportunity, at least that has been the path of the majority of winners. Spain are one of the favourites for the 2026 World Cup, but in that regard, they are somewhat different from many of the previous victors.

Not least their only World Cup-winning side in 2010, who were stacked with midfield talent, and had plenty of firepower in Fernando Torres, Pedro Rodriguez and David Villa, but mostly got through games relying on a sturdy defence, a controlled performance and a goal or two here or there. This summer Luis de la Fuente will need to work out another route to the World Cup, with much of his best talent lying in the midfield again, but with a stronger forward line than defence.

It may well require Spain to outscore their opponents, something that did prove successful at Euro 2024, It will be a tall task in the United States, Mexico and Canada. In order for that to happen, La Roja will need to be clinical too. France’s Kylian Mbappe leads the way on many online sportsbook websites to be the top scorer at the tournament, but Mikel Oyarzabal is climbing the ranks below him, with likes of Harry Kane and Julian Alvarez also in the running.

Oyarzabal is set to be Spain’s number nine option this summer, having been in excellent form at international level since his winning goal in Germany. Over the last 10 Spain games, he has a remarkable 17 goal contributions. He also has one of the best supply lines in football. Lamine Yamal will be the creative outlet for Spain, while the likes of Pedri, Martin Zubimendi, Alex Baena and potentially Nico Williams are all able to provide chances for him.

Lamine Yamal could also lead La Roja in front of goal. This season he has reached 24 goals for Barcelona, a career best, bearing in mind that he will miss the final month through injury, and has already been out of action earlier in the season with a sports hernia. The teenage star will no doubt be keen to take on responsibility in big moments too.

Spain certainly have the stye and talent to produce the Golden Ball at the 2026 World Cup, but it may depend on what state of form Lamine Yamal, Williams and Oyarzabal arrive at the tournament in, following an exhausting season.