Spain's 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America has been officially announced, giving head coach Luis de la Fuente three weeks to refine his starting lineup. La Roja will face Cape Verde in their opening group stage match on June 15. During these 21 days, the manager must not only finalize tactical details but also closely monitor the recovery progress of injured players in the team.
Prior to the Cape Verde clash, Spain will play two friendly matches against Iraq and Peru respectively. These games serve as crucial opportunities for fringe players to showcase their abilities, while also allowing the team to regain match rhythm and test tactical adjustments. Naturally, the coaching staff's top priority is to avoid any non-competitive casualties before the official tournament commences.
Defensive Line: Core Structure Taking Shape
Goalkeeper Position: Despite occasional external debates over the starting goalkeeper, Unai Simón's status remains unshakable in de la Fuente's mind. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, Simón will continue to guard Spain's goal at the World Cup.
Full-backs: On the right flank, Marcos Llorente currently leads the competition against Pedro Porro; on the left side, Marc Cucurella has firmly secured the starting spot with his consistent performances for the national team.
Center-backs: Pau Cubarsí and Aymeric Laporte are the most likely pairing, with Eric García (a surprise inclusion in the squad) and Marc Pubill waiting on the bench.
Three Core Concerns: Merino, Yamal, and Nico Williams
Currently, de la Fuente's most pressing issue revolves around the physical conditions of three key players:
Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal: Both wingers are nursing injuries. According to internal team feedback, Williams' recovery is progressing more positively, making him more likely to be fit for the opening match than the Barcelona prodigy Yamal.
Martin Merino: Although Merino came on as a substitute for Arsenal in the final round of the Premier League, his form remains under observation.
De la Fuente insists on waiting for the recently recovered Merino due to his versatility. Under Mikel Arteta at Arsenal, Merino can play not only in midfield but also as a "false nine." With excellent aerial ability, strong game awareness, and multi-position adaptability, he is an indispensable tactical asset for the team.
Considering injury recovery factors, it is highly probable that the aforementioned three players will not be risked in the starting lineup against Cape Verde.
Midfield: The trio of Rodri, Pedri, and Fabián Ruiz is currently the favored combination.
Attack: Pablo Muñoz will occupy one wing, while the other flank will be manned by Dani Olmo or Alejandro Baena. Leading the line will be Mikel Oyarzabal—a forward who always delivers his best performances when representing the national team.
