Lamine Yamal's ambition to conquer the World Cup and add a second star to the Spanish national team's record is palpable. The young attacker repeatedly expresses his desire to lift the trophy, showing a confidence reminiscent of his attitude during the last European Championship, which Spain went on to win.
Coach Luis de la Fuente, whose football career was marked by a crucial decision in 1994, now leads the reigning European champions. That year, while Roberto Baggio missed a decisive penalty in the final of the USA World Cup, De la Fuente received a call urging him to continue in football instead of pursuing a career in fashion, a turn of events that has led to his current position.
At 18 years old, Yamal has established himself as a global reference, compared to figures like Messi. The Spanish team, which could face Argentina in the round of 16, is positioned as one of the favorites alongside France and Portugal. The tournament, to be held in the United States, will feature twice the number of teams as in 1994 and will take place in a geopolitical context shaped by the figure of Donald Trump.
The Spanish squad enters the tournament with some significant absences, including Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, and key players like Rodri and Mikel Merino are recovering. The defense blends experience with Laporte and youth with Cubarsí, while in attack, Oyarzabal might replace Morata. The squad, with a strong Barcelona contingent, aims to replicate their European Championship success.
This year's World Cup is notable for the participation of debutant nations such as Cabo Verde, Curazao, Jordania, Tahití, and Uzbekistán. The tournament promises to uncover new stories and unsung heroes over 38 days of competition, culminating on July 19th at the MetLife Stadium in New York.
