Spain are undoubtedly one of the most feared international teams in the world. After a period of transition, they announced their return to the top table by winning Euro 2024, defeating England 2-1 in the final. Winning the Euros has made everyone take note of Spain again, and with that comes the pressure of being seen as serious contenders to win the upcoming World Cup this summer.
Tournament football, especially at international level, is something quite unique. It’s not something that every team can take on, with many nations often underperforming at the big events. That’s why having not only experience of winning major tournaments, but recent winning experience, is seen as a huge advantage heading into a competition such as the World Cup.
Spain, the favourites according to World Cup betting odds to triumph in North America this summer, have, in part, earned that tag because they won the European Championships in 2024. It’s not only evidence of Spain proving recently that they’re capable of winning a major tournament, but it also brings back memories of their run of winning Euro 2008, then the 2010 World Cup, and then Euro 2012.
The first target for any team at the World Cup, even in its expanded format, is to make it out of their group, ideally as group winners. While anything can and does happen in football, Group H looks to be in Spain’s favour in terms of the teams they will come up against. They’re set to take on Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay, with the latter expected to be their toughest test.
If Spain top Group H as expected, it means they will face weaker opposition in the next round. They should have far too much for Cape Verde, who they play in their World Cup opener, and Saudi Arabia, who are their second opponents at the tournament. These games will help them acclimatise to the conditions without having to take on strong opposition, and they will also help Spain get into their groove.
What will ultimately make the difference at the World Cup are quality players and strength in depth, and Spain tick both boxes. There’s quality running through Luis de la Fuente’s squad, from the goalkeeper department to the forwards. It’s a group of players that is the envy of many other nations, and one that includes world-class footballers who can make a telling difference.
Players like Marc Cucurella, Martin Zubimendi, Rodri and Lamine Yamal consistently deliver for Spain, even against the toughest opponents. What the squad also has, alongside depth, is the right balance between youth and experience. At one end of the scale, you have the likes of Yamal (18), Pau Cubarsi (19) and Dean Huijsen (21). And at the other, Rodri (29) and Marcos Llorente (31). Having this balance is key in tournament football.
Spain start as favourites at the World Cup, and for good reason. But the question is whether they can live up to their billing as the team to beat. The proof will be in the pudding, but history shows Spain have delivered more times than they’ve failed to, and this includes at major tournaments, with a World Cup and a record four European Championship titles to their names.
