Atlanta (GNP): Spain FIFA World Cup 2026 Campaign gets underway on Monday as La Roja face Cabo Verde at Atlanta Stadium, carrying with them the weight of expectation that comes with being one of the clear favorites to lift the trophy and repeat their famous 2010 triumph.
Inside the stadium ahead of the game, there was a relaxed but focused atmosphere as head coach Luis de la Fuente and his players spoke to the media with smiles, laughter, and a clear sense of purpose that suggested a squad fully at ease with the pressure that surrounds them.
Spain arrives at the FIFA World Cup 2026 as UEFA Euro 2024 champions, having claimed the European title just two years ago. That success has only strengthened the belief within the camp that this group of players has both the quality and the character to challenge for football’s biggest prize. De la Fuente, who has been central to building this squad’s identity and confidence over many years, was direct when asked about the pressure of being among the favorites.
“There is excitement, hunger. They’re very competitive players, determined to always do things right,” De la Fuente told the media ahead of the Spain FIFA World Cup 2026 Campaign opener. “They’re aware how important this moment is for them at the World Cup. Several are making their debut. Nothing in life can compare to the feeling of taking on a challenge with excitement, purpose, and determination. That’s something I think really stands out about this squad.”
De la Fuente was also thoughtful when discussing what separates great teams from good ones. He said a winning mentality is built through competition but cannot exist without character. He noted that in real life, and even more so in football, you lose more often than you win. What matters is character and the right attitude toward competition, and those qualities are what he looks for when selecting his players. He described his selection process as straightforward because the talent, character, attitude, and commitment of his players all come as part of the same package.
Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino also addressed the media ahead of the Spain FIFA World Cup 2026 Campaign opener and urged a degree of caution despite the high expectations surrounding the team.
He acknowledged that the opening game is never easy and called on the squad to tread carefully while also expressing strong confidence in what this group of players can achieve. He described the squad’s self confidence as their greatest strength and said having such an incredible group of players makes all the difference in a tournament of this magnitude.
Atletico Madrid winger Alex Baena was equally upbeat and said he is relishing every moment of being part of this squad. He said being called up to the national team is a huge boost and that he spends his days smiling and laughing with a group of players he gets on brilliantly with. He embraced Spain’s role as favourites and said it simply goes to show how great a team they are.
Also read: DG Sports Board reviews facilities at PSB
One of the most striking aspects of De la Fuente’s squad is the sense of unity and togetherness that runs through it. The coach refers to his players not as a squad but as a family, a term that he said began naturally during the European Championship and has stuck ever since. He described the family as being about togetherness, support, closeness, and going beyond what is asked of you for each other. It is a bond that De la Fuente believes sets this group apart and gives them the mental foundation to handle the pressure of a World Cup.
Spain’s Spain FIFA World Cup 2026 Campaign now begins against Cabo Verde, but De la Fuente and his family have their eyes firmly fixed on New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, where the World Cup final will be held.
