Spain Favourites Under De La Fuente: Poised For World Cup Challenge And High Expectations

Spain enter the World Cup carrying the favourites tag, and Luis de la Fuente accepts that status. The head coach sees the label as motivation rather than pressure, as Spain chase a second global title. Tournament data backs that view, with Spain rated ahead of major rivals before a ball is kicked.

According to Opta’s supercomputer, Spain have a 16.1% chance of lifting the trophy. That is higher than any other contender, with France next on 13%. De la Fuente and the squad know those projections increase scrutiny, yet the coach believes expectations can drive performance at this World Cup.

Spain also chase a rare double, aiming to hold the Euros and the World Cup at the same time. They would become the fourth nation to do so, and the first since Spain achieved that feat between 2008 and 2012. That previous cycle still shapes outside views of what this squad might reach.

Recent tournament form, however, shows a mixed World Cup picture for Spain. They have won only one of their last six matches at the finals, with four draws and one defeat. The single victory was a 7-0 win against Costa Rica during the 2022 group stage, highlighting inconsistency on football’s biggest stage.

The current Spain side arrive with a strong competitive record under De la Fuente. Spain are unbeaten in 31 competitive fixtures, with 25 wins and six draws. The last defeat in a non-friendly came in March 2023, when Scotland won 2-0. That stretch is the longest such run in Spain’s history.

De la Fuente insists confidence inside the camp is high, but carefully measured. "We're delighted that's the case," De la Fuente told Reuters. "It helps us approach this World Cup with great enthusiasm, with the enthusiasm of those who want to achieve something significant, of those who are insatiable in their competitive spirit and who want to keep improving."

The coach also warned against assuming the favourites tag decides anything. "If we think that being favourites guarantees anything, we're on the wrong track... it guarantees nothing! There are eight or 10 teams where you say, 'They're absolutely top-class teams'. As good as ours? Of course! Do we feel as strong as them at this point? Of course, we do! But that guarantees nothing."

Spain start their World Cup campaign in Group H against Cape Verde on June 15, then face Saudi Arabia and Uruguay. The schedule offers early tests against contrasting styles. De la Fuente’s side enter with strong numbers and high expectations, yet must now show that statistical advantage on the pitch.