Spanish goalkeeper for Athletic Bilbao and Spain
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’s 0-0 draw with Spain has tested the expanded World Cup format, showing that emergent nations can compete at the highest level. Vozinha’s saves and a stubborn defense have elevated Cape Verde’s profile and sparked global attention.
Cape Verde has reached the World Cup round of 32 and will play defending champion Argentina in Miami on July 3 after finishing second in Group H. The island debutants have drawn with Spain and Uruguay and held Saudi Arabia to 0-0, becoming the smallest country ever to reach the knockout stage in World Cup history.
Spain has sealed a spot in the World Cup last 16 after a 3-0 win over Austria. Mikel Oyarzabal netted twice and Pedro Porro added another as Lamine Yamal starred, creating chances and tormenting the Austrian defense. The victory keeps Spain as one of the favourites and sets up a round-of-16 clash against Portugal or Croatia.
Portugal has beaten Croatia 2-1 after Gonçalo Ramos scored a stoppage-time header to win the last-32 tie. Cristiano Ronaldo has converted a penalty — his first World Cup knockout goal — after Ivan Perišić had opened the scoring. Croatia thought they had equalised late, but VAR used ball-sensor "snicko" data to rule the goal out for offside.
Spain advances to the World Cup quarter-finals after Mikel Merino’s stoppage-time winner in Dallas, sealing a 1-0 victory over Portugal. Ronaldo’s World Cup run ends as La Roja prepare to face the USA or Belgium in the next round.
FIFA has been selling souvenir turf pieces from the MetLife final for about $450 each, with larger tiers up to $3,000. The turf originates from a North Carolina farm and will ship after the final. Tickets for the final reach up to $32,970, with hospitality options at $34,500 and $32,500. Critics say prices are steep, while FIFA promotes the memorabilia as a historic collectible.
Spain has secured a second World Cup title with a 1-0 win over Argentina in New Jersey, sealed by Ferran Torres in the 106th minute after Enzo Fernandez was sent off. Spain dominated possession, Argentine resistance crumbled late, and coach Luis de la Fuente has crafted a distinctive, overload-heavy style.
Spain has claimed a 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina to win the World Cup, with Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal in the 106th minute. The win comes amid on-field confrontations that FIFA is probing, including clashes involving Leandro Paredes and Rodri. Spain’s defense held firm, securing a seventh World Cup shutout, while Argentina faced discipline questions.
The Guardian and New York Times pieces converge on Spain's ongoing World Cup campaign, highlighting the resilience of players like Mikel Merino and the rise of underdogs Cape Verde and Chwalinska. The narrative focuses on preparation, perseverance, and the balance between elite teams and surprising challengers.