Spain

Spain's World Cup story is defined by patience, heartbreak and eventual glory. For decades, La Roja were known as a talented side who often promised more than they delivered on the biggest stage. That changed in 2010, when Spain became world champions for the first time, beating the Netherlands in the final and completing one of the most iconic eras in international football history.

The 2026 World Cup brings a different kind of Spain. This is no longer just the tiki-taka generation of Xavi, Iniesta and Sergio Busquets — it is a younger, sharper and more direct Spain built around fearless wide players, elite midfield control and a defence full of modern ball-playing quality.

Spain open their Group H campaign against Cabo Verde, then face Saudi Arabia, before finishing the group against Uruguay. It is a group with a proper mix of stories: Cabo Verde are making history on the world stage, Saudi Arabia are capable of causing problems after their famous win over Argentina in 2022, and Uruguay bring heavyweight World Cup heritage. Spain will expect to qualify, but Group H is not a free ride — especially with Uruguay waiting in the final match.

Cabo Verde are one of the great stories of this World Cup. For Spain, this is the kind of opening match they will be expected to control, but tournament football is never just about reputation. Cabo Verde will bring pride, energy and the freedom of a team with nothing to lose.

Saudi Arabia are dangerous because they have already shown they can shock a giant on the World Cup stage. Their famous victory over Argentina in 2022 is a reminder that Spain cannot afford to treat this as a routine group match.

Uruguay are the heavyweight test in Group H. A country with two World Cup titles, elite football culture and a reputation for producing aggressive, streetwise, technically gifted players. Spain against Uruguay could be the match that decides the top of the group.

Red and yellow — one of international football's most recognisable colour combinations. Spain's home identity is built around the famous red shirt, usually paired with yellow detailing and darker accent colours. It is a kit that instantly carries history, from World Cup glory in 2010 to generations of elite midfielders, elegant passers and match-winning forwards.

For mystery shirt fans, Spain are one of the strongest countries to pull. The shirt carries both football heritage and modern star power — a country with a golden past, a dangerous present and a future generation that could dominate major tournaments for years to come.