Alexia Putellas insists Spain’s men’s team remain firmly in contention to lift the World Cup trophy this summer despite their frustrating opening tie against Cape Verde.
The European champions were held to a 0-0 draw by Cape Verde in their World Cup opener, a result that raised early questions about their status as one of the favourites of the 2026 World Cup.
But Putellas, one of Spain’s most decorated players and a key figure in the women’s team’s success on the international stage, believes there is no reason for concern.
Alexia Putellas sooths Spain World Cup fears
“I’m super excited,” Putellas said. “They are really good players so we are very excited and it was a draw, but we know it’s just the beginning so we are 100% confident with them.
“We have a lot of games so it’s not how you start, it’s how you progress . Now it’s too early to talk about favourites, but I’m sure we will see a great football and great games, I expect that.”
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Spain arrived at the tournament with significant expectations in Group H alongside Uruguay, Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde.
It felt like a given that La Roja, ranked second in the world would beat Cape Verde, who sit 65 places behind them in the world rankings and are embarking on their first World Cup, in the newly-expanded 48-team tournament.
Cape Verde’s historic World Cup debut was marked by a disciplined defensive display and a standout performance from 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha to restrict Luis de la Fuente's team to one point.
Spain are the reigning European champions and have already written their name into football history by winning the World Cup in 2010.
Putellas’ side matched that achievement in 2023, when they beat England to become World Champions for the first time, with the Barcelona legend knowing exactly what it takes to navigate the pressure of international football on the big stage.
She also knows the unique responsibility and feeling that comes with wearing the Spanish national shirt.
“I love when we play with the national team," Putellas added. "It’s a special feeling because you feel like you represent all of your country, everybody.
"It doesn’t matter the club you support, it’s the team of everybody you know so it’s very special.
“The feeling you have that everybody is watching the competition, all the world is focused on that so you feel that. It's super exciting because it's like everybody is watching what you are doing and what's happening on the pitch - that’s my favourite thing about World Cups."
When asked if the men’s tournament gets her excited for next year, when Spain will look to retain their title at the 2027 Women’s World Cup, Putellas said it was one of her objectives to ensure she is there competing in Brazil.
Spain are already looking forward having beaten Saudi Arabia 4-0 in their second group game, putting themselves in the driving seat to make the Round of 32 with their Cape Verde draw firmly in the rear-view mirror.
Putellas was speaking as part of Lay’s ‘No Lay's No Game’ campaign.
