For Spain, 2021 was the year of close but no cigar. First came the Euros, where Spain struggled mightily in the group stage until a rollicking 5–0 win over Slovakia in the final group match pushed it through into the knockout stages. From there, Spain squeaked past Croatia and Switzerland before falling to eventual champion Italy on penalties in the semifinals.
Then came the UEFA Nations League final in October, where Spain took a second-half lead only to see Karim Benzema and Kylian Mbappé see France through to the title. La Furia Roja’s hope will be that the third time's the charm after winning its qualifying group on the final day, when it defeated Sweden and avoided a playoff that saw the Swedes miss out.
After the debacles that were the 2014 and 2018 World Cups, Luis Enrique was brought in with this World Cup in mind. In 2014 as reigning champion, Spain failed to make it out of the group stage. In 2018, Spain fired manager Julen Lopetegui just two days before its opening game for going behind the federation’s back after Lopetegui was announced as Real Madrid manager. Now, under relatively calm circumstances, Spain is once again a contender.
Group E Schedule (all times Eastern)
- Costa Rica, Nov. 23, 11 a.m.
- Germany, Nov. 27, 2 p.m.
- Japan, Dec. 1, 2 p.m.
Coach
Luis Enrique, hired in July 2018
Xavier Bonilla/NurPhoto/Imago Images
Players to Watch
Pedri, midfielder
He is the 2021 Golden Boy (best young player in Europe) for a reason. Pedri’s performances at Euro 2020 and the Olympics mean that the 2022 World Cup is his chance to take the world by storm. The 19-year-old is one of the most dynamic midfielders in the game, drawing lofty comparisons to Andrés Iniesta and Lionel Messi, and will wow with his dribbling and vision.
Álvaro Morata, forward
While Spain’s midfield engine will always be the center of the team, Luis Enrique’s choice at forward could very well be a deciding factor. For better or worse, Morata has been Spain’s go-to No. 9 for the last few years with 27 goals in 57 caps, including four scores in 2022. His experience and prowess with the national team could be key to the biggest games, including against Germany (He scored in Spain’s 6–0 drubbing of Germany in November 2020).
Sergio Busquets, midfielder
With Sergio Ramos left off the roster, Busquets is the lone representative from the 2010 World Cup champions still in the Spanish squad. At 34, the Barcelona midfielder is still a maestro in midfield. Spain will rely on his seamless distribution, poise on the ball and uncanny ability to snuff out opposing attacks and passing lanes, while ushering in a new generation of Spanish midfield stars.
Mutsu Kawamori/AFLOSPORT/Imago Images
Breakout Candidate
Gavi, midfielder
While he may not yet receive as much acclaim as his fellow club and national team phenom in Pedri, the 18-year-old is also another young Barcelona product that deserves watching. In June, Gavi became the youngest player to score for Spain, and there are plenty more goals to be had. In October, he won the Golden Boy and Kopa Trophy, the latter of which is presented to the world’s best U-21 player. His rate of passing, distribution and ability to spark a counter attack will do nicely next to Pedri and Busquets.
World Cup History
- 16th appearance
- Last appearance: 2018 (Round of 16)
- Best finish: Winner in 2010
Outlook and Expectations
Spain should compete for the top spot in the group, but its clearest rival will be Germany. Spain has only lost once to Germany in their last seven meetings, so at least the Spaniards will have history on their side. Spain has drawn its opening game in its last two major tournaments (remember that stunning 3–3 draw with Portugal at the 2018 World Cup?), and it spelled trouble for the side by adding extra pressure when it wasn’t needed. Japan at the end of its World Cup group slate shouldn’t be overlooked; after all, this is a Spanish side that has drawn four of six group stage games in its last two major tournaments.
The expectation for Spain is always that it will go deep into a tournament without compromising its entertaining tiki-taka style. But Spain has only made the World Cup semifinals once in the modern era—during its winning run in 2010 with its golden generation—and it has a reputation for getting in its own way in big games. But with a mix of young generational stars, experienced veterans and a savvy coach, anything but a run to at least the semifinals would be a step backward after the relative success of the last two years.
World Cup Squad
GOALKEEPERS: David Raya (Brentford), Robert Sánchez (Brighton), Unai Simón (Athletic Bilbao),
DEFENDERS: Jordi Alba (Barcelona), César Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid), Eric García (Barcelona), José Gayà (Valencia), Hugo Guillamón (Valencia), Aymeric Laporte (Manchester City), Pau Torres (Villarreal)
MIDFIELDERS: Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Gavi (Barcelona), Koke (Atlético Madrid), Marcos Llorente (Atlético Madrid), Pedri (Barcelona), Rodri (Manchester City), Carlos Soler (Paris Saint-Germain)
