It is no surprise that Spain is the favourite to win the World Cup this summer. Even with the likes of reigning champions Argentina, France, and England, it is the consistency and overall talent of La Roja that convinces many that it will end up lifting the famous trophy aloft in New York in July.
The Soccer World Cup 2026 is to be the largest ever, of course, meaning that Spain will face more challenges than ever before to achieve that feat. But many fans are already backing Luis de la Fuente’s team to go all the way. VegasBetting.net is the place to go if you want to find the sites to make your own predictions, but what variables do you need to consider before backing Spain to win a second World Cup?
In this article, we will take a look at some of the factors that could be the difference between Spain winning the World Cup, as expected, or returning home early.
One of the biggest stories in Spanish football, if not around the globe, in recent weeks has been the injury to Lamine Yamal. He captured the attention of the wider world at the European Championship in 2024, teaming up with Nico Williams to destroy opponents with his dizzying pace and bag of tricks.
But after being ruled out until the end of the La Liga season, there is now a rush to ensure that the young star is available for the finals. It already seems as though his game time will be closely managed in the group stage to ensure he can be on top form later on in the tournament.
Part of the confidence in Spain’s potential at the World Cup this summer is because of its incredible record over the last few years. The last time La Roja lost a competitive game of football in 90 minutes was a 2-0 reverse against Scotland at Hampden Park in 2023. Since then, Spain has navigated qualifying campaigns with relative ease.
Although a record like Spain’s can end at any time, winning does become a habit, making the team stronger with every game. Luis de la Fuente’s side has just two more friendlies scheduled before the first group game against Cape Verde, and the record should still be ongoing at that point.
There used to be an unwritten rule that European teams would win World Cups hosted in Europe and South American sides would be triumphant everywhere else. That kind of ended when Spain won its first final in South Africa, and Germany lifted the trophy in Brazil, but the climate this summer should suit South American teams better.
Modern professionals are far more used to dealing with any conditions these days, of course, but there will be temperature and humidity issues to deal with in the US and Mexico, and Spain will need to plan accordingly. There is also the more recent trend for reigning Euro champions to struggle at the World Cup, so Spain needs to prepare thoroughly.
Spain’s previous success at the World Cup was when the team emulated the tiki-taka style of football made famous by the Barcelona team of the 2000s. That golden era of Spanish football heralded a new way of playing the game that championed possession of the ball, but it was a tactic that was ultimately its downfall.
As opponents figured out how to play against Spain, early tournament exits became more common. But in the last few years, a change in playing style has mixed the best of that era with a new pragmatism that has brought Spain glory. A quicker way of attacking has evolved, utilizing pacey wingers, allowing Spain to attack more decisively. This style of play will be needed if La Roja is to be successful this summer.
Although the injury to Lamine Yamal has concerned every Spain fan, the team’s potential success might be more reliant on another of its stars remaining fit and healthy for the finals this summer. Spain can probably afford to be without the Barcelona youngster for some of its World Cup campaign, but the absence of Rodri would be a much bigger blow.
It is true that Spain has still been able to win most of its games since Rodri suffered an ACL tear that kept him out of much of the 2024/25 campaign. But the national team is so much stronger defensively when he is playing, so further injuries towards the end of this season are a real worry. Spain is able to win a World Cup without Rodri, but it will be so much harder.
As much as Spain will be hoping that it can rely on all of its top players to be available in North America, there are other teams to consider if success is to come La Roja’s way. Spain has been drawn in a relatively straightforward group, but finishing top could be very important.
By winning Group H, Spain could avoid the likes of Brazil and Argentina, as well as a potential matchup with Mexico on home soil. La Roja could come up against teams like France and Germany in the group-winning side of the draw, but fewer big teams and potentially easier knockout ties give Luis de la Fuente a better chance of leading Spain to another World Cup triumph, and a second star being sewn onto the shirt.
