Spain Dominates Again and Moves Within Inches of World Cup Qualification

The Spain National Team reinforced its status as a top contender for the 2026 World Cup after a convincing 4–0 victory over Georgia. A brace from Mikel Oyarzabal, along with goals from Martín Zubimendi and Ferran Torres, cemented La Roja at the top of Group E, three points ahead of Türkiye and with a significantly better goal differential.

Under Luis de la Fuente, Spain has shown solidity, rhythm, and a clear identity on the field. But even the emphatic win did not fully overshadow the coach’s frustration regarding the situation surrounding Lamine Yamal, who was withdrawn from the squad by Barcelona due to lingering physical issues.

De la Fuente Sends a Subtle but Firm Message to Barcelona

While praising his players for their performance, De la Fuente used his post-game remarks to send yet another hint of discontent toward the Catalan club. Without explicitly naming Hansi Flick, he made it clear he was unhappy with how Yamal’s absence was handled.

“The player’s well-being always comes first, even if some people don’t seem to understand that,” he said, referencing both medical communication and the level of commitment he expects from his players. He also praised Dean Huijsen, who insisted on staying despite discomfort — a contrast De la Fuente seemed eager to highlight.

The young star from Barcelona continues recovering from pubalgia, an issue that has affected him for weeks. Although doctors recommended 7–10 days of rest, the federation felt the communication from the club lacked transparency.

Spain Nears the World Cup… and Keeps an Eye on Yamal

Despite the off-field tension, Spain’s path looks nearly guaranteed: only a seven-goal loss to Türkiye could keep them from earning a direct ticket to the 2026 World Cup — an almost impossible scenario. Still, De la Fuente insists on maintaining focus.

“It’s an honor and a privilege to coach them. They are the best players in the world,” he said. But the coach also emphasized that his biggest concern now is having Lamine Yamal healthy and fully available ahead of the World Cup.

On November 18, Spain could officially seal their qualification without complications. What remains unresolved is smoothing things over with Barcelona — and ensuring that their brightest young talent is ready for football’s biggest stage.