Spanish goalkeeper, Athletic Bilbao and Spain national team
Spain headlines Group H with Lamine Yamal fit to come off the bench as the defending European champions prepare for Cape Verde. Colombia and Belgium sit in the mix with other title contenders, while opening matches begin in North America and across groups. The field features a mix of Europe and Middle East teams with a focus on young talents like Yamal and Suarez.
Spain has named its 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, with Lamine Yamal as a star presence. For the first time since 1950, no Real Madrid player features as Dean Huijsen is injured and Dani Carvajal is left out. Mikel Merino has returned from injury, and Yamal faces a potential hamstring issue ahead of the tournament.
Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente is overseeing a squad built on youth and experience as uncertainty surrounds Lamine Yamal's fitness ahead of the World Cup opener. The team remains among the favorites, with Nico Williams and a strong midfield backing them, while Spanish football's development system is highlighted by the coach's background.
Cape Verde holds Spain to a 0-0 draw in its World Cup debut, with 40-year-old Vozinha delivering a man-of-the-match performance and Diney Borges and Pico Lopes among late-round threats. Spain, despite heavy favorites and a bar-hit by Ferran Torres, cannot break the stubborn defense.