2026 World Cup | Which Spain players could pose a threat to France?

Lamine Yamal will be the centre of attention at his first World Cup. The teenager will celebrate his 19th birthday on 13 July, the day before the semi-finals get under way, and yet his immense talent means he will carry the hopes of a nation on his shoulders. Cheeky and creative, the winger plays like he's just having a kickabout with his mates but has become a natural leader within the national team already. He played a big part in the Euro 2024 triumph and now steps on to the world stage. A muscle problem has affected the end of his season at Barcelona but no one doubts his ability to perform under pressure on the biggest stage.

Víctor Muñoz was the surprise inclusion in Luis de la Fuente's squad. The 22-year-old winger has enjoyed a breakthrough season at Osasuna after leaving Real Madrid, who still own 50% of his rights. Having clocked 35km/h this campaign, he is one of the fastest players in La Liga and makes very dangerous runs in behind. A direct dribbler, Muñoz could make a real difference off the bench for Spain this summer. He scored on his first cap in March, a 3-0 win against Serbia.

Eric García rarely makes the headlines. The former Manchester City player has quietly gone about his business at Barcelona, becoming a key figure for Hansi Flick thanks to his intelligence, positioning and composure when bringing the ball out from the back. The 25-year-old has grown in maturity and is an organiser, often dictating play from centre-back or even midfield. Reliable and consistent, García is now reaping the rewards: this is his first time in the Spain squad since 2022. "Since then I had to work a lot, without making noise, to be better," he says.

This piece is from Nadia Tronchoni for El País as part og the Guardian Sports Network