Spain’s coach, Luis de la Fuente, emphasizes the need for a “win, win, win” mindset as his team prepares for the 2026 World Cup. After being drawn in a group with Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, and Uruguay, he insists the team must leave nothing to chance.
The Euro 2024 champions will kick off their World Cup journey against tournament newcomers Cape Verde, followed by a match against Saudi Arabia, notable for being the only team to defeat Argentina in the previous World Cup.
The final group match against a tough Uruguay side, managed by former Leeds coach Marcelo Bielsa, could be pivotal for securing the top position in the group.
“Our focus must be on winning every match,” De la Fuente commented after the draw. “It’s crucial since we bear a significant responsibility. We need to take it one game at a time while concentrating on our performance.”
“Respect for our opponents is vital, as each match presents its challenges. Progressing beyond the group stage is our first goal, which will be no easy task, but we aim to advance as far as possible.”
De la Fuente is aware that if both Spain and defending champions Argentina top their respective groups, they could potentially meet only in the final.
“I just had a brief chat with (Argentina coach Lionel) Scaloni, and we both agreed that a slip-up from either of us could mean facing each other earlier than the final,” he added.