Spain head into their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Cape Verde carrying the weight of expectation, but head coach Luis de la Fuente believes the unity within his squad could be the crucial factor in their quest for a second world title.
Having arrived in the United States as one of the tournament favourites following their UEFA Euro 2024 triumph, La Roja have embraced the pressure rather than shied away from it. The mood in camp ahead of Monday’s Group H encounter at Atlanta Stadium is relaxed yet focused, with players and staff projecting confidence as they prepared for their first assignment.
For De la Fuente, the excitement surrounding Spain’s campaign is matched by the determination he sees in his players, many of whom are experiencing the World Cup stage for the first time. “There is excitement, hunger… They’re very competitive players, determined to always do things right,” the Spain coach said. “They’re aware how important this moment is for them at the World Cup.”
The 64-year-old believes that mentality, combined with the close-knit culture developed within the squad over several years, gives Spain every reason to believe they can challenge for football’s biggest prize.
Family First
While discussions around Spain often focus on their technical quality and attacking talent, De la Fuente pointed to something less tangible as the foundation of the team’s success.
The coach repeatedly referred to his squad as “the family“, a term that has become central to the identity of the current Spanish side.
Having worked with many of the players throughout the national team’s youth ranks, he has built relationships that stretch back more than a decade. “We really value the family,” De la Fuente explained. “Family is about togetherness, support, closeness, and doing everything a family member asks of you and beyond. That’s what being in a team is all about.”
According to the coach, the phrase emerged naturally during Spain’s victorious European Championship campaign two years ago and has remained a defining feature of the squad ever since.
Character Over Reputation
De la Fuente also stressed that success at a World Cup requires far more than talent alone. He argued that character and resilience are often the qualities that separate champions from contenders.
“A winning mentality is acquired through competition, but not without character. What counts is character and the right attitude towards competition, which can then lead to a win.”
Luis De la Fuente, Spain Head Coach
The coach acknowledged that football offers no guarantees, regardless of a team’s reputation.
However, he believes the mentality of his players increases Spain’s chances of navigating the pressures that come with being considered one of the favourites. “I pick players according to my understanding of the raw talent available, knowing that their character, attitude and commitment come as part of the package,” the coach added.
Players Embrace Expectations
The confidence expressed by De la Fuente was echoed by members of his squad, who appear comfortable with the spotlight that accompanies Spain’s status.
Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino warned against underestimating Cape Verde but insisted Spain possess the quality required to make a deep run in the competition.
“The opening game is never easy, but expectations are high because we know our potential. However, we must tread carefully. Our main strength is our self-confidence. We have an incredible squad, which makes all the difference in tournaments like this.”
Mikel Merino
Atletico Madrid winger Alex Baena was equally enthusiastic about La Roja’s prospects and welcomed the pressure that comes with being labelled favourites. “Everyone loves being the favourite. That just goes to show we have a great team.”
The winger also highlighted the positive atmosphere within the camp, describing his call-up as a privilege and a source of motivation.
As Spain prepare to face FIFA World Cup debutants, Cape Verde, the challenge now is to translate confidence into results. Yet if De la Fuente is correct, it may not be tactics or individual brilliance alone that determine their fate.
Instead, Spain’s hopes of lifting the World Cup trophy could rest on the family bond that has become the heartbeat of their squad.
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