Spain news

Marc Cucurella is no stranger to making bold promises when it comes to international success, and the Chelsea defender has now hinted at his biggest sacrifice yet. After famously dyeing his hair red following Spain's Euro 2024 triumph, the full-back has suggested a much more permanent change could be on the cards for the 2026 World Cup.

We are now just days away, and World Cup fever is gripping the globe as teams from 48 countries descend on the United States, Mexico and Canada for the biggest tournament FIFA have ever staged. Managers are making their final plans ahead of the opening round of group games, but for some there are still massive decisions to be made.

Spain's young stars, Lamine Yamal (18) and Nico Williams (23), will be fit in time for the start of the World Cup.

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has hailed Lamine Yamal as a player who was "born for this," comparing the Barcelona sensation's natural talent to that of Lionel Messi. As La Roja prepare for the World Cup, the manager believes his young winger possesses a rare quality only seen in the game's true geniuses.

Spain's World Cup preparations have been rocked by an incident involving Barcelona star Gavi and Manchester City midfield anchor Rodri. During a training session in the United States, the young midfielder’s trademark aggression resulted in a challenge that left his veteran teammate crumpled on the turf in significant pain.

FIFA has announced a significant protocol modification that will see every squad member take part in the pre-match national anthems at the upcoming World Cup. Moving away from traditional sporting custom, football's global governing body has mandated that both starting line-ups and substitutes congregate together on the pitch ahead of kick-off.

Manchester City midfielder Rodri has conceded that winning the Ballon d'Or was never a personal childhood dream because he simply deemed the achievement impossible. The Spain international reflected on his historic individual triumph while tipping international team-mate Lamine Yamal to eventually claim football's ultimate individual accolade.

Explore our soccer expert’s Spain vs Iraq predictions, pre Thursday’s 3pm ET Friendlies clash (06/04).

There's just one week to go until the biggest show on earth gets underway, with the 2026 World Cup kicking off on June 11. If you haven't already caught a serious case of World Cup fever, what better way to get in the mood than by checking out the very best kits that will be on show in North America this summer.

How to watch the Friendlies match between Spain and Iraq, as well as kick-off time and team news

The 2026 World Cup was supposed to be another waypoint on Lamine Yamal's path to becoming a generation-defining superstar, but there is the genuine threat that an injury could deprive the tournament of one of its biggest names. The Spanish wonderkid made everyone sit up and take notice at Euro 2024, and two years on, the 18-year-old seemed primed to seize the limelight once again. But instead, it may well be a waiting game.

The 2026 World Cup is almost upon us. In just over a week, the time for talking will stop, and teams will have to prove their credentials with their performances on the pitch in North America. All roads, whether through the United States, Mexico or Canada, will lead to New Jersey on July 19, and the biggest football match on the planet: the World Cup final.