Top News

Just a week remains before the 2026 World Cup kicks off in North America, hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

One football enthusiast from Dualaus Village, Kakuluk Mesak District, Belu Regency, Adrianus Tali, has a favourite team that has qualified for this edition of the World Cup.

Adi Tali is backing Spain to recreate their historic triumph from 16 years ago when they claimed the World Cup title in 2010.

Spain is once again among the top contenders for the championship, boasting a squad full of talented players from major European clubs and a proud record of success on the international stage.

Currently, one of the most talked-about players is Lamine Yamal. Despite his young age, he has already demonstrated exceptional quality and has become a key figure in Spain’s attacking line.

With a blend of youthful energy, experience, and their trademark possession-based and team-oriented playing style, Spain stands a strong chance of contending for the 2026 World Cup title.

Spain’s head coach Luis de la Fuente announced his provisional squad on Monday, 25 May 2026, at 18:30 WITA.

There had been concerns about the fitness of star player Lamine Yamal after he suffered a hamstring injury following his penalty goal for Barcelona against Celta Vigo in April.

As expected, many questioned whether Yamal would be fit enough to represent Spain at the 2026 World Cup.

On 18 May, The Athletic released an update on the player’s condition, reporting that the young star would likely miss Spain’s opening World Cup match against Cape Verde on 15 June.

His participation in Spain’s second group-stage match against Saudi Arabia on 21 June was also uncertain. However, that doubt was dispelled when Luis de la Fuente included Yamal’s name in the squad list.

The 2010 World Cup champions will also face Uruguay on 27 June. Despite injury concerns, Yamal was reportedly named in Luis de la Fuente’s provisional list of 55 players for the tournament, which will later be trimmed to 26 players on 25 May.

Meanwhile, a new concern has arisen regarding Yamal’s Barcelona teammate, Fermin Lopez. The 23-year-old attacking midfielder sustained a metatarsal fracture during Barcelona’s 3-1 victory over Real Betis last weekend.

Barcelona confirmed through an official statement that Lopez would undergo surgery on his right foot. Several reports suggest he may miss the World Cup entirely.

Fermin has contributed 13 goals and 17 assists in 48 appearances for the reigning La Liga champions this season and was expected to play a key role in Spain’s World Cup squad.

His absence could open the door for Villarreal’s Alberto Moleiro to earn a spot in the team.

Former West Ham midfielder Pablo Fornals and Crystal Palace’s Yeremy Pino are also among those who could benefit and be considered for the final selection by De la Fuente.

Spain enters the tournament as one of the favourites, also holding the status of reigning European champions after defeating England in the Euro 2024 final.

Spain has a strong pool of goalkeepers, including David Raya, Unai Simon, Joan Garcia, and Alex Remiro—all highly capable options.

Defenders Pedro Porro, Marc Cucurella, Marcos Llorente, Robin Le Normand, and Pau Cubarsi are also expected to make the trip to North America.

Sergio Gomez is reportedly preferred over Alejandro Balde in the pecking order for the full-back positions.

In midfield, Rodri, Dani Olmo, Martin Zubimendi, Carlos Soler, Pedri, and Gavi are all likely to compete for inclusion in the final squad.

Among the forwards, Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, Mikel Oyarzabal, Borja Iglesias, and Ferran Torres are expected to feature prominently during the tournament.

Spain has enjoyed a flawless run in their World Cup qualifying campaign, winning all four of their matches.

They scored a total of 15 goals without conceding any, recording victories of 3-0 against Bulgaria, 6-0 against Turkey, 2-0 against Georgia, and 4-0 against Bulgaria.

Spain has won the World Cup once, lifting the trophy in South Africa in 2010 after defeating the Netherlands in the final.