Lamine Yamal and renewed ambition: Spain’s biggest doubts in the World Cup.

The return of Spain to the world football stage promises to be one of the biggest attractions of the 2026 World Cup, especially as the team led by Luis de la Fuente emerges once again among the main favorites to win the trophy. Sixteen years after their first world title, the Spanish squad arrives in the United States, Canada, and Mexico with an explosive mix of talented youth, experience in finals, and a renewed hunger for glory, fueled by recent triumphs in Euro 2024 and the Nations League.

With a squad full of stars and a tactically astute coach, Spain arrives at the World Cup carrying the weight of expectations and the pressure to deliver on the pitch in line with their impressive track record. However, history teaches that being a favorite on paper guarantees nothing in this competition, where any slip can be fatal, as Spanish fans know all too well after disappointing campaigns since their 2010 title.

The World Cup is lived with LEGO.

One of the hottest topics this summer revolves around the physical condition of Lamine Yamal. The 18-year-old prodigy from Barcelona was the standout revelation of Euro 2024 and has continued to grow since then, becoming an undeniable reference both at the club and in the national team. Last season, Yamal was simply overwhelming: he scored 24 goals and provided 15 assists, carrying Barça on his back and positioning himself as a contender for the Ballon d’Or. However, a serious muscle injury in April raised alarms, with many fearing that the phenomenon might miss the World Cup. Despite the scare, Yamal was included in the squad, with De la Fuente admitting before the friendly match against Peru: “We hope that Lamine will be available for the first game against Cape Verde, but we will assess him day by day.” The Spanish coach is being cautious, as a rushed return could worsen the injury, especially with two other wingers, Nico Williams and Víctor Muñoz, also doubtful for the tournament’s start.

Another of the major dilemmas concerns the defense. While the midfield, wingers, and forward positions are practically defined, the back line remains shrouded in uncertainty. Marc Cucurella and Marcos Llorente seem secure in the flanks, but the competition in the center promises to be fierce among Pau Cubarsí, Eric García, Aymeric Laporte, and Marc Pubill. Laporte, the most experienced with over 25 international caps, has the advantage, but his season has been marked by mistakes while playing for Athletic Club. The young Cubarsí, who started in the friendly against Peru, could surprise and establish himself alongside the veteran. In goal, De la Fuente continues to trust Unai Simón, but the Spanish press demands explanations: David Raya, winner of the Premier League Golden Glove, and Joan Garcia, awarded the Zamora Trophy, are also vying for the position. “Having three top goalkeepers is a luxury, but only one can play,” De la Fuente emphasized after the victory over Peru.

In the attack, Mikel Oyarzabal emerges as the unexpected heir to the legendary ‘number 9’ position. The Real Sociedad forward finished the last season with 15 goals in La Liga and has been even more lethal for the national team: he has scored 25 goals in 53 matches, including 12 in the last 11 outings for La Roja. He was the author of the decisive goal in the Euro 2024 final against England and opened the scoring in the recent friendly against Peru, showing he is in great form. “I feel ready to take on this responsibility and help the team go far,” Oyarzabal assured after the match, eager to dispel doubts surrounding the most coveted position in the Spanish lineup.

Despite recent titles, the World Cup has proven to be an unforgiving competition for Spain since their triumph in 2010, with early eliminations and performances below expectations. The pressure to deliver and turn favoritism into tangible results is immense, especially in front of fans who have already tasted the sweetness of the summit. The journey in Group F, which includes Cape Verde, Japan, and Senegal, will be the first test of the cohesion and ambition of De la Fuente’s team. All eyes will be on Yamal — will he recover in time to shine? Can the defense withstand the pressure in crucial matches? Is Oyarzabal the goal-scoring man that Spain so desperately needs?

The immediate future involves ensuring a victorious start against Cape Verde on June 15, managing the squad and expectations game by game. A poor result could shake confidence and reignite old criticisms, while a strong beginning will consolidate Spain as a serious title contender. With a mix of bold youth and veterans eager for redemption, the Spanish national team is preparing to attack the 2026 World Cup with full force, determined to add a new star to the emblem and make history on the American continent.

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