Is Spain Really a Contender to Win the World Cup?
The goalless draw against Cape Verde has raised questions about Spain’s World Cup credentials. While they remain one of the tournament’s most talented squads, Luis de la Fuente’s side left important doubts about whether they truly have what it takes to lift the 2026 FIFA World Cup trophy.
For months, Spain had been considered one of the leading favorites to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Their combination of youth, talent, and experience created enormous expectations around the project led by Luis de la Fuente. However, their opening match against Cape Verde produced a very different impression than many anticipated.
The Spanish national team was unable to overcome a side making its World Cup debut and settled for a 0-0 draw in one of the most surprising results of the group stage so far. Although Spain dominated possession and generated a significant number of shots, they never found the cutting edge required to break through the African side’s defensive wall.
A Draw That Exposed Some Weaknesses
Beyond the result itself, what concerns many observers is the way Spain performed throughout the match. The team controlled the ball for long stretches but lacked creativity, penetration, and attacking variety to consistently threaten the opposition.
Players expected to make the difference, such as Pedri, Fabián Ruiz, and Mikel Oyarzabal, were far from their best, while Ferran Torres missed some of the clearest chances of the game. Even the introductions of Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams in the closing stages failed to change the outcome.
Criticism has also been directed toward Luis de la Fuente, who was slow to adjust his tactical approach despite the match clearly demanding different solutions much earlier. The lack of tactical reaction allowed Cape Verde to grow increasingly comfortable defending the draw.
The Quality Remains, but the Margin for Error Is Gone
Despite this setback, it would be premature to rule Spain out as a title contender. The squad remains one of the most complete in the tournament, featuring elite players such as Rodri, Pedri, Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, Marc Cucurella, and Unai Simón.
World Cups often reward teams that learn from their mistakes at the right time. History has shown that several champions began their campaigns with underwhelming performances before finding their best form in the knockout rounds.
Still, what happened against Cape Verde should serve as a warning. Talent alone does not guarantee results, and no opponent will simply step aside because of a team’s reputation. If Spain wants to justify its status as a favorite, it will need to produce a far more convincing performance in its upcoming matches.
