Spain’s World Cup campaign begins Monday, but the biggest story isn’t who’s on the field—it’s who’s not.
Head coach Luis de la Fuente has confirmed his starting lineup for the Group H opener against Cape Verde, and two of the team’s most electric young talents—Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams—will begin the match on the bench. According to the Spanish federation, both are not fully fit, though the team has not disclosed specific injuries or expected return dates.
Instead, de la Fuente has turned to Ferran Torres and Gavi to join Mikel Oyarzabal in attack. It’s a notable shift from the lineup many fans expected, and one that raises questions about Spain’s depth in a group where every point matters.
Why This Decision Matters
Yamal and Williams have been two of Spain’s most dynamic players in recent months. The 19-year-old Yamal, already a regular for Barcelona, has drawn comparisons to early-career Lionel Messi for his dribbling and vision. Williams, meanwhile, has been a breakout star for Athletic Bilbao and became a household name during Euro 2024. Sitting them both from the start is a calculated risk.
De la Fuente clearly values caution over spectacle. The thinking likely runs that Cape Verde—while no pushover—doesn’t justify rushing either player back. Spain’s bigger tests come later, starting with Uruguay and Saudi Arabia in the same group. Losing either player to a more serious injury in the opening match would be catastrophic.
But fans online have been quick to question the decision. Social media lit up with reactions ranging from confusion to frustration, with some pointing out that Spain’s attack now lacks the raw speed and unpredictability that made it so dangerous in recent friendlies.
The Lineup That Will Start
As confirmed by the federation, Spain will line up in a 4-3-3 formation against Cape Verde:
Unai Simón in goal, ahead of Arsenal’s David Raya in what was the only real position battle in camp. The back four features Marcos Llorente, Pau Cubarsí, Aymeric Laporte, and Marc Cucurella. In midfield, the trio of Rodri, Fabián Ruiz, and Pedri provides both defensive stability and creative control. Up front: Ferran Torres, Gavi, and Oyarzabal.
Group H Dynamics
Spain is the clear favorite in Group H, but it’s far from a free pass. Uruguay, led by veteran coach Marcelo Bielsa, has been rebuilding with a mix of experienced players and emerging talent. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, famously stunned Argentina in the 2022 World Cup and cannot be taken lightly. Cape Verde, making just their second World Cup appearance, will look to upset the order.
Monday’s other group match pits Saudi Arabia against Uruguay at 7 p.m. local time. A Spain win over Cape Verde would put La Roja in strong position—but with two stars watching from the bench, the margins are thinner than they appear.
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