Predicted Spain 2026 World Cup XI

The World Cup isn’t far away now. As reigning European champions, Spain look to finalise their plans – but who will make it into their starting XI?

Most of the players in our XI play in La Liga, but we’ve also managed to squeeze Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur players in there – how does your Spain team look?

GK: Unai Simon

David Raya might be a superior shot-stopper to Unai Simon, especially so this season, but Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente doesn’t seem to think so.

Simon has been his number one almost exclusively over the last year – with the World Cup being just a few months away, he is unlikely to change his mind in the interim.

RB: Pedro Porro

Pedro Porro is a perfect fit for the mould as a full-back in the Spanish national team. While he often struggles defensive, Porro is excellent at surging down the wing and launching crosses into the box.

Spain aren’t blessed for quality in this position at the moment – as such, Porro seems like the most obvious option to field in this case.

CB: Pau Cubarsi

Pau Cubarsi is one of the fastest-rising defenders in the world – despite being just 19 years of age, he is already an established member of the Spanish national team.

Fielding young defenders always carries a risk, but so long as he is accompanied by an experienced professional, Cubarsi will be allowed to shine without any snags.

CB: Aymeric Laporte

Aymeric Laporte has seen it all. At 31 years of age, he certainly isn’t over the hill, but he still brings a wealth of experience to the table that will be invaluable to Spain’s efforts.

Having played for Manchester City and Al-Nassr in the past, he is currently back at Athletic Bilbao after a two-year stint in the Saudi Pro League.

LB: Marc Cucurella

Marc Cucurella won’t win any popularity contests any time soon, but his consistently battling displays in a Spain shirt make him good value for his place in this XI.

An indomitably hard worker with excellent defensive instincts and limitless tenacity, Cucurella is a nightmare for wingers to come up against.

DM: Martin Zubimendi

Martin Zubimendi has been a phenomenal signing for Arsenal since his arrival in the summer. He looks set to win the Premier League title in his first season at the club, providing a deft midfield metronome for the Gunners.

An excellent passer of the ball with underrated defensive acumen, Zubimendi has usurped and replaced Rodri in the Spain team.

CM: Pedri

Pedri’s career has been plagued by injuries, so his spot in this team certainly isn’t a given. However, if fully fit, the Barcelona ace definitely deserves a spot in Spain starting XI.

This season alone, Pedri has suffered three seperate injuries – his inclusion in the team will remain touch-and-go until the tournament commences.

CM: Dani Olmo

While Pedri and Zubimendi can provide industry from deeper positions, Dani Olmo can burst through the lines and create chances with positive progressive play.

With six goals and six assists in La Liga for Barcelona this season, Olmo makes it into our XI even amid some intense competition.

RW: Lamine Yamal

Is Lamine Yamal the best player in the world? Whatever you may think of him, his inclusion in Spain’s World Cup XI seems inevitable.

The 18-year-old superstar has scored 13 goals in La Liga this season, alongside nine assists – despite having some tough competition for the right wing spot, no one else can claim to be on Yamal’s level at the moment.

LW: Nico Williams

Nico Williams’ current campaign has been well below his lofty standards, but he still remains the top pick for Spain on the left wing.

He has only scored four goals this season, alongside two assists. Nevertheless, Williams’ electric pace and adroit dribbling ability will surely serve him well in the World Cup.

ST: Mikel Oyarzabal

Mikel Oyarzabal became a national hero during Euro 2024, when he scored the winning goal in the final against England – given his solid goalscoring record this season, he should retain his spot.

With ten goals in La Liga during the 2025/26 campaign, Oyarzabal won’t be expected to be Spain’s main source of goals at the World Cup – his high-work rate will be his main selling point.