Spain 2026 World Cup Preview - La Roja Favourites to go All the Way

Matthew Marshall

Editor

Last updated: Thu 11 Jun 2026 09:22

Matthew Marshall 11 Jun 2026

Share this article

Spain enter World Cup 2026 as favourites after Euro 2024 win
Luis de la Fuente leads a squad with no Real Madrid players
La Roja have failed to reach the quarter-finals after 2010 success

Following their Euro 2024 triumph and a clinical qualifying run, Spain head to the 2026 FIFA World Cup as one of the frontrunners to lift the trophy.

World Cup History
The Road to 2026 - Comfortable Qualification
The Manager - Luis de la Fuente
The Squad - Tuchel Springs Some Surprises
Players to Watch
Group H Schedule and Path to the Final
2026 World Cup Winner Betting Odds
Group H - Straight Forecast Betting Odds
2026 World Cup - To Reach The Semi-Finals Betting Odds
Spain - Stage of Elimination Betting Odds

Striking a balance between seasoned, world-class veterans and talented youngsters, La Roja enter the tournament with an attacking brand of football in contrast to the possession based sides of previous years.

World Cup History

Spain rewrote their legacy at the 2010 World Cup with a dominant defensive effort, winning 1-0 in all three knockout matches. Andrés Iniesta's extra time goal in the final secured a 1-0 victory over the Netherlands.

That generation featured Gerard Pique, Carles Puyol and Sergio Ramos in defence with Sergio Busquets, Xabi Alonso, Cesc Fabregas, Andres Iniesta and Xavi Hermandez in midfield.

La Roja have disappointed since, crashing out in the group stage in 2014 before two Round of 16 exits. They were eliminated by Russia in 2018 and Morocco in 2022.

Year	Host	Stage Reached
1934	Italy	Quarter-finals
1950	Brazil	Fourth Place
1962	Chile	Group Stage
1966	England	Group Stage
1978	Argentina	Group Stage
1982	Spain	Second Round
1986	Mexico	Quarter-finals
1990	Italy	Round of 16
1994	United States	Quarter-finals
1998	France	Group Stage
2002	South Korea & Japan	Quarter-finals
2006	Germany	Round of 16
2010	South Africa	Winners
2014	Brazil	Group Stage
2018	Russia	Round of 16
2022	Qatar	Round of 16

The Road to 2026 - Comfortable Qualification

Spain secured direct qualification by dominating UEFA Group E. Competing against Turkey, Georgia, and Bulgaria, La Roja picked up 16 out of a possible 18 points.

They scored an emphatic 21 goals while conceding twice, both in a 2-2 draw against Turkey on the final matchday.

Mikel Merino and Mikel Oyarzabal scored six goals each with Pedri and Ferran Torres scoring twice.

The Manager - Luis de la Fuente

Luis de la Fuente enjoyed successful stints leading Spain’s U19 and U21 squads before replacing Luis Enrique after the 2022 World Cup.

He immediately had an impact and has been the architect behind Spain's resurgence. Moving away from a passing and possession based style, De la Fuente has implemented a direct, high-pressing system that leverages devastating wing-play and midfield verticality.

Spain won the 2022/23 UEFA Nations League and backed up by winning Euro 2024, defeating Germany and France on their way to the final where they beat England 2-1 in Berlin.

The Squad - Tuchel Springs Some Surprises

Luis de la Fuente surprised many by selecting no players from Real Madrid, Dean Huijsen and Dani Carvajal left out.

He said: "I don't look at one club or another. I don't have that local bias a fan might have. For me, it's more global. The only thing I want is for these footballers to feel proud of representing the national team."

Uncapped defenders Eric Garcia and Marc Pubill have been called up alongside two players who have been battling injuries. Lamine Yamal hasn't featured for Barcelona since April and Nico Williams has been dealing with a hamstring injury.

Spain possess a strong midfield and explosive wingers capable of destroying a low block. The weakness revolves around an inexperienced backline.

Pos	Player	Age	Caps	Goals
GK	David Raya	30	12	0
GK	Joan Garcia	25	1	0
GK	Unai Simon	28	57	0
DF	Marc Pubill	22	0	0
DF	Alex Grimaldo	30	12	0
DF	Pau Cubarsi	19	11	0
DF	Marcos Llorente	31	23	0
DF	Eric Garcia	25	19	0
DF	Pedro Porro	26	16	0
DF	Aymeric Laporte	31	44	2
DF	Marc Cucurella	27	23	1
MF	Mikel Merino	29	41	10
MF	Fabian Ruiz	30	41	6
MF	Rodri	29	61	4
MF	Martin Zubimendi	27	25	3
MF	Pedri	23	40	5
MF	Gavi	21	28	5
MF	Dani Olmo	28	48	12
FW	Alex Baena	24	15	2
FW	Ferran Torres	26	55	23
FW	Borja Iglesias	33	6	0
FW	Yeremy Pino	23	21	4
FW	Nico Williams	23	30	6
FW	Lamine Yamal	18	25	6
FW	Mikel Oyarzabal	29	52	24
FW	Victor Munoz	22	2	1

*Caps and goals are correct as of 22 May 2026 before the friendly against Iraq

Predicted XI (4-3-3): Unai Simon; Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella; Fabian Ruiz, Rodri, Pedri; Lamine Yamal, Mikel Oyarzabal, Nico Williams

Players to Watch

Aymeric Laporte: The anchor of the backline. With Spain transitioning through a phase of inexperienced central defenders, Laporte’s elite positional awareness, composure, aerial dominance and veteran leadership are indispensable.

Rodri: The heartbeat of the team. Serving as the tactical anchor, his ability to break up play, intercept counters and recycle possession provides the platform for Spain's attackers to shine.

Pedri: The creative visionary. Pedri's vision and spatial awareness in the final third elevates Spain to an artistic powerhouse.

Lamine Yamal: The generational phenom is soon to turn 16 but is already a primary offensive outlet. His decision-making and 1vs1 ability on the right wing makes him a nightmare for defenders.

Mikel Oyarzabal: Spain's Swiss Army knife. Adept as a winger or a false nine, his clinical form during qualification makes him an invaluable weapon up front.

Group H Schedule and Path to the Final

Spain are in Group H alongside Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay. They play their first two matches in Atlanta before taking on Uruguay in Mexico.

Datw	Opponent	Venue
June 15	Cape Verde	Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
June 21	Saudi Arabia	Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
June 26	Uruguay	Estadio Akron, Zapopan

Spain should have few problems topping the group which would set up a Round of 32 clash against the runners-up in Group J - Austria, Algeria or Jordan. They would then face a group runner up in Arlington - Portugal, Colombia, England or Croatia.

Possible quarter-final opponents on that path include the United States, Paraguay, Australia, Turkey, Belgium and Egypt. France are in line to be their semi-final opponents.

2026 World Cup Winner Betting Odds

Spain are the World Cup favourites with separation from France.

Team	Odds
Spain	5.50
France	6.00
England	7.00
Brazil	9.00
Argentina	9.00
Portugal	12.00
Germany	13.00
Netherlands	21.00
Norway	26.00
Belgium	34.00
Colombia	34.00
Japan	51.00
Morocco	51.00
USA	67.00
Uruguay	67.00
Mexico	81.00
Switzerland	81.00
Croatia	81.00
Turkey	81.00
Ecuador	101.00
Senegal	101.00

Source: Stake.com and correct on 25 May 2026

Group H - Straight Forecast Betting Odds

Spain are clearly the best team in Group H followed by Uruguay. It would be a big surprise if the former World Cup champions didn't finish in the top two positions.

First/Second	Odds
Spain/Uruguay	1.80
Spain/Saudi Arabia	4.33
Uruguay/Spain	6.00
Spain/Cape Verde	8.50
Saudi Arabia/Spain	21.00

Source: Stake.com and correct on 25 May 2026

2026 World Cup - To Reach The Semi-Finals Betting Odds

Spain are expected to top Group H which would set up a tricky Round of 16 tie. If they navigate their way through that, La Roja are likely to get to the semi-finals where France are likely opponents.

Teams	Odds
Spain	2.38
France	2.50
England	2.75
Argentina	3.25
Brazil	3.25
Portugal	3.50
Germany	3.75
Netherlands	4.75
Norway	5.00
Belgium	6.50
Colombia	7.00
Japan	10.00
Uruguay	10.00
USA	10.00
Morocco	10.00
Turkey	11.00
Mexico	12.00
Switzerland	12.00
Croatia	12.00

Source: Bet365 and correct on 25 May 2026

Spain - Stage of Elimination Betting Odds

With Spain top of the winner market, there is value for those opposing the 2010 champions.

Stage	Odds
Round of 16	3.00
Round of 32	4.50
Winner	5.50
Quarter-finals	5.50
Semi-finals	7.00
Runner-Up	8.00
Group Stage	21.00

Source: Stake.com and correct on 25 May 2026

Verdict

I think Spain will cruise to the top of Group H followed by Uruguay. La Roja have a fantastic squad, but their defence is susceptible so I am looking elsewhere in the winner market.

It wouldn't be a surprise if Luis de la Fuente's side came unstuck in the Round of 16. If not, I think their tournament will end against France in the semi-finals.

Spain/Uruguay

Group H Straight Forecast

@4/5 - 3 Units

Bet £10 Get £30

with bonus code NEWBONUS

Available to new customers only. Make a qualifying deposit of £5 or more and claim the offer within 30 days of registering your account to qualify for 300% of that amount in Bet Credits, up to a maximum of £30 in Bet Credits. Once released, your Bet Credits will be held in your account balance and are non-withdrawable. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Registration required. Time limits and T&Cs apply. The bonus code NEWBONUS can be used during registration but does not change the offer amount in any way. #ad

Bet at bet365

Spain

To Reach The Semi-Finals

@11/8 - 1 Unit

Bet £10 Get £10

Promo Code: NEWBONUS

New customers only. Bet £10+ to receive £10 in Free Bets. 7-day free bet expiry. Stake not returned. Promotional Terms Apply. 18+. GambleAware.org

Bet at dabble

Semi-Finals

Stage of Elimination

@6/1 - 1 Unit

Bet £20 Get £10

Use promo code NEWBONUS

18+ New customers only. Bet £20 (or more) EVS (2.0) or greater Get 2 x £5 Free Bets. 1 x £5 Free Bet paid automatically & following £5 Free Bet after 24hrs. Min Free Bet odds 4/1 (5.0) on accumulators Trebles & upwards. Expires after 24hrs. Full T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org

Bet at Star Sports

Matthew Marshall is an Australian who worked in a number of industries before combining his love of football and media communications degree to become a sports journalist. Now living in Portugal, he is a Portuguese football expert at PortuGOAL and has covered multiple UEFA U21 European Championships, the 2022 and 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2024 European Championship.