Spanish national team head coach Luis de la Fuente said that opponents in the 2026 World Cup group should not be taken lightly. He emphasized that the analysis and data collection process is still ongoing, but Spain's goal is not just to get out of the group - to move step by step and reach the final.
The coach acknowledged the concept of a "relatively comfortable group," but this doesn't mean complacency. Because Saudi Arabia defeated Argentina in the last World Cup - this fact forces the opponent to take it tighter. Uruguay, in de la Fuente's view, is a living part of football history and tradition: a team rich in experience, character, and high-level performers.
In his opinion, it is very important to take first place in the group. The reason is simple: any mistake could lead to a serious clash against Argentina in Miami's hot and humid climate in the next round. "The plan is one - to win every game. It's difficult to calculate the playoff pairings in advance, but to reach the final, you'll still have to play several extremely difficult matches against the world's strongest," he pointed out.
De la Fuente also highlighted Argentina: it's not just the championship team, but also possesses the superpower of Messi, who "can instantly change the fate of the game." "Football players like Messi and Ronaldo shouldn't stop their careers too early. Regardless of Leo's position, he can turn everything upside down with a single detail," said the coach.
Another important point: Finalissima. Spain wants to play against Argentina in this tournament - for de la Fuente, this is not only a "European and South American champions" duel, but also an opportunity to thoroughly test the team's chances and claim a new trophy in another final. In short, Spain won't deceive itself on the eve of the 2026 World Cup: there's no easy way, and the biggest challenges will find you anyway.
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