This summer, the eyes of billions of people will be on North America for the 2026 World Cup, which is being held in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Many sides will fancy themselves capable of becoming world champions, but perhaps none will go into the tournament with as much confidence as Spain.

Luis de la Fuente’s Spain side have been in sensational form since he took over from Luis Enrique at the start of 2023. They have avoided defeat in their last 31 matches, and during this time, they achieved glory in the 2022-23 UEFA Nations League and Euro 2024 – and because of this, it’s no surprise they feature among the favourites in the 2026 World Cup winner betting odds.

Spain may have missed on the chance of another trophy when the 2026 Finalissima was cancelled due to all parties being unable to agree upon a venue. That proposed match against Argentina, the reigning world champions, would have been a good barometer for La Roja to judge themselves ahead of the World Cup, but they will still feel suitably prepared for the trip to North America.

Can Spain get their crown back 16 years later?

Anything other than winning 2026 World Cup will feel like a failure for Spain, such is the condition of their squad leading into the tournament. De la Fuente’s squad is perfectly balanced with a mix of world class players in the goalkeeping department, as well as in defence, midfield and attack. Others will point to Argentina, France and England, but La Roja will go into it in their best standing since their success in South Africa in 2010.

The current Spain side definitely has shades of the all-conquering outfit that won Euro 2008, 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012 in a four-year span. They already have a taste of success after the aforementioned wins in the 2022-23 UEFA Nations League and Euro 2024, and they will hope that this summer’s World Cup is their crowning glory.

Lamine Yamal – will he be at his best?

The only real concerns going into the World Cup for Spain regard a couple of their best players, those being Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal. Both players have suffered season-ending injuries in recent weeks, and while the latter is expected to be fit to be included in de la Fuente’s squad, it is much less clear whether the former will recover in time.

Lamine Yamal and Williams are crucial to the way that Spain play, so even being without one of them would be a hammer blow. Regardless, they will still believe in themselves to take home the trophy, such is the quality they have in their squad.