Spain, reigning European champions, head to World Cup 2026 as hot favorites after topping qualifying in an unbeaten campaign and scoring 21 goals in six games. Spain are drawn in Group H with Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, and Uruguay, with qualification expected to be straightforward and top spot viewed as the minimum requirement. Lamine Yamal is a key focus after missing the end of the season with a hamstring injury, though he is expected to be fit. Barcelona players are heavily represented, including Pedri, Gavi, Ferran Torres, Dani Olmo, and Pau Cubarsi. The squad also includes Premier League names such as Martín Zubimendi, Rodri, David Raya, and Marc Cucurella, while no Real Madrid players are selected. Spain aim to win the World Cup for only the second time, first since 2010.
"Reigning European champions Spain head to World Cup 2026 as one of the hot favorites to lift the trophy. Luis de la Fuente's side made light world of qualifying, topping the group in an unbeaten campaign and powering home 21 goals from just six games. La Roja will play Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay in Group H and qualification will be the minimum expected. Indeed there will be eyebrows raised if Spain don't take top spot given the depth of talent available."
"All eyes will obviously be on Barcelona superstar Lamine Yamal to make an impact and show why he's one of the most exciting youngsters on the planet. Yamal missed the end of the season due to a hamstring injury but is expected be fit in time. Barcelona will be heavily represented in the Spain squad as stars including Pedri, Gavi, Ferran Torres, Dani Olmo and Pau Cubarsi have all been called up."
"There are no Real Madrid players on the list but Premier League big names such as Martín Zubimendi, Rodri, David Raya, Marc Cucurella are also on the list as Spain aim to be crowned world champions for only the second time and the first since 2010. The most eye-catching game of the group is undoubtedly the showdown between Uruguay and Spain which could decide which team finishes top of the pile."
"The fixture will see Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo come up against Yamal and many other of his team- Spain vs Cape Verde - June 15 - 12 p.m. ET from Atlanta (Mercedes-Benz Stadium) Uruguay vs Cape Verde - June 21 - 7 p.m. from Miami (Hard Rock Stadium) Spain vs Saudi Arabia - June 21 - 12 p.m. ET from Atlanta (Mercedes-Benz Stadium) Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia - June 26 - 9 p.m. ET from Houston (NRG Stadium) Spain vs Uruguay - June 26 - 8 p.m. ET from Zapopan, Mexico (Akron Stadium)"
Read at Barca Blaugranes
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