Back to full fitness the Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino is ready to aid Spain’s pursuit of a second FIFA World Cup title. After a severe stress fracture in January nearly derailed his season, Merino's timely recovery provides a massive boost to a Spanish squad blending hungry youth with elite talent.
Under manager Luis de la Fuente, the UEFA Euro 2024 champions have moved away from their traditional tiki-taka roots, embracing a faster, more direct style of play. The tactical shift has paid off, resulting in an impressive 28-game unbeaten run in regular time. However, Spain faces immense pressure to perform on the global stage, having failed to advance past the Last 16 at a World Cup since their historic 2010 triumph.
The current squad is headlined by 18-year-old Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal, now widely regarded as one of the world's most exciting young attackers. Though managing a recent hamstring issue, he is expected to start.
In a major talking point ahead of the tournament, De la Fuente selected eight Barcelona players but omitted Real Madrid players entirely a historic first for La Roja. Dismissing the controversy, the manager stated, "I don't look at where the players come from. I don't have the local bias a fan might have. All I want is for these players to feel proud to represent the national team."
Spain’s midfield remains their engine room, featuring Pedri, Fabian Ruiz and Ballon d'Or winner Rodri. However, Rodri's form has fluctuated since a 2024 ACL injury, making his fitness a key concern for a deep tournament run.
Up front, the lack of an elite, specialist center forward remains Spain's most noticeable vulnerability. Without a standout number nine, the team must rely on captain Alvaro Morata, Mikel Oyarzabal, or Ferran Torres to capitalize on the chances created by Yamal and Nico Williams on the flanks.
In Group H, Spain will open their campaign against tournament debutants Cape Verde, followed by a clash with Saudi Arabia. Their toughest test will undoubtedly be Uruguay, managed by tactical mastermind Marcelo Bielsa, in the sweltering heat of Guadalajara, Mexico.
Equipped with a golden generation accustomed to winning, Spain boasts the depth and tactical flexibility to go all the way provided their key stars can stay fit and firing.
Spain’s World Cup squad
Goalkeepers: Unai Simon (Athletic Bilbao), David Raya (Arsenal), Joan Garcia (Barcelona)
Defenders: Pedro Porro (Tottenham Hotspur), Marcos Llorente (Atletico Madrid), Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona), Marc Pubill (Atletico Madrid), Aymeric Laporte (Athletic Bilbao), Eric Garcia (Barcelona), Alex Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen), Marc Cucurella (Chelsea)
Midfielders: Rodri (Manchester City), Martin Zubimendi (Arsenal), Gavi (Barcelona), Pedri (Barcelona), Fabian Ruiz (Paris St Germain), Mikel Merino (Arsenal), Alex Baena (Atletico Madrid)
