Favourites Spain aim to reclaim glory on world stage

Doha, Qatar: Spain head into the 2026 FIFA World Cup determined to reassert themselves among football’s elite, carrying both the legacy of past triumphs and the ambition of a new generation ready to define a new era. ipl-cricket.in

La Roja arrive with an impressive record in international football. Their finest moment came at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, where they defeated the Netherlands 1-0 after extra time to secure their first and only world title.

Since then, Spain have remained a major force in European football. They have won a record four UEFA European Championship titles (1964, 2008, 2012 and 2024), including becoming the first nation to retain the trophy with back-to-back triumphs in 2008 and 2012. Spain also lifted the UEFA Nations League in 2023.

Their most recent World Cup campaign in 2022 ended in disappointment, as they were eliminated in the Round of 16 after a penalty shootout defeat to Morocco. That result has since fuelled a renewed sense of purpose within the squad.

This time, expectations are high but carefully measured. Spain’s blend of emerging talent and experienced leaders has positioned them as one of the most balanced sides heading into the tournament, with belief growing that they can challenge for the title once again.

Spain’s Group H campaign begins with an opening fixture against Cape Verde on June 15 at Atlanta Stadium. The match will be an important initial test for the squad before they face their remaining group opponents, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay, later in the stage.

Head coach Luis de la Fuente has repeatedly cautioned against overconfidence despite Spain’s status among the favourites.

“If we think that being favourites guarantees anything, we’re on the wrong track… it guarantees nothing!” he said, underlining the competitiveness of modern international football.

He also highlighted the physical strain of the tournament schedule, noting the importance of squad rotation and player management across a demanding month of football.

De la Fuente has built a squad that blends technical quality with tactical discipline, led by midfield anchor Rodri, whose control and intelligence remain central to Spain’s system.

Alongside him, Pedri and Gavi continue to shape Spain’s midfield identity, while the emergence of Lamine Yamal has added fearlessness and creativity in attack. Nico Williams and Dani Olmo provide further attacking depth, giving Spain multiple options in the final third.

Rodri has stressed humility as key to success at the highest level. “We need to try to play without the ball like a small team. With that mindset of not thinking you’re the best,” he said.

Gavi, reflecting on his continued involvement with the national team, spoke of the pride of representing Spain on football’s biggest stage. “Representing Spain in the World Cup is one of the greatest things there is,” he said.

Yamal enters the World Cup with high confidence after fully recovering from his April hamstring tear. Backed by his coach’s total trust and his own quick return to training, he is mentally and physically ready to make an immediate impact for Spain.

The young star has also highlighted the team’s belief in their style of play while acknowledging the challenge ahead. “Being the favourites doesn’t mean anything once you’re on the pitch. You still have to take it match by match.” he said.

Coach de la Fuente believes Spain’s strength lies not only in talent, but in unity and mentality.

“We’ve always been aware of our potential but, at the same time, we realise that every match presents different challenges,” he said.

Doha, Qatar: A record eight Arab nations will compete at this month’s expanded FIFA World Cup 2026. As well as every minute of all104 matches available to watch live across the Middle East and North Africa exclusively on beIN Sports, the region’s leading sports and entertainment broadcaster will also air specially produced original content.

Alongside a series of documentaries profiling each of the participating Arab teams– exploring their strengths, ambitions, and journey to the World Cup–beIN Sports Max 1-4,as well as beIN 4K, will broadcast Legend & Legacy, a 30-minute documentary on the legacy of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and Qatar’s continued development since hosting the tournament.

Featuring a range of prominent voices and contributors, including Sir David Beckham, Ronaldo Nazario, and Kaka, the documentary offers insights into the country’s world-class infrastructure, its position as a global events destination, and the growing international recognition of its diplomatic, organisational and leadership capabilities.

Once the competition gets underway on 11 June, beIN will also broadcast a series of short films spotlighting the journeys of the Arab sides.

Entitled My Country, beIN goes behind the scenes during a World Cup match of each of the eight countries, from Iraq to Saudi Arabia, Jordan to Algeria, living the build-up, watching the game, and capturing the passion for football in each nation.

Revisiting those teams who progress, an evergreen documentary will also be produced to run after the final wraps on 19 July.

With beIN closely following each of the eight teams, we take a look at one star from each expected to shine in North America this summer.

Riyad Mahrez, Algeria (Group J)

Captain Riyad Mahrez will be trusted to help the Fennec Foxes progress to the knockout stages — a feat they have achieved only once. The Al-Ahli Jeddah winger averages a goal every three games at international level and will be extra motivated as, with 113 caps, he is just four appearances away from being Algeria’s most-capped player of all time.

Also keep an eye on: Houssem Aouar (Al-Ittihad)

Catch Algeria’s opening match against Argentina on 17 June at 04:00 MECCA, live on beIN Sports Max 1 & beIN Sports Max 3 in Arabic, and on beIN Sports Max 5 in English.

Mohamed Salah, Egypt (Group G)

Where Mohamed Salah will be playing post-World Cup remains unknown, but for now his focus is on Egypt. The Pharaohs are huge underachievers on the global stage having qualified for the World Cup only once since 1990 and are yet to ever win a World Cup match. With a motivated Salah, they will fancy progressing from a group that includes Belgium, Iran, and New Zealand.

Also keep an eye on: Omar Marmoush (Manchester City)

Catch Egypt’s opening match against Belgium on 15 June at 22:00 MECCA, live on beIN Sports Max 2 & beIN Sports Max 4 in Arabic, and on beIN Sports Max 5 in English.

Aymen Hussein, Iraq (Group I)

The decisive goal that saw Iraq qualify came from the 30-year-old Al-Karma striker, who celebrated his country’s return to the global stage for the first time in 40 years by posting a video from 2017 in which he stated his goal was to take Iraq back to the World Cup. Mission accomplished, the Lions of Mesopotamia will hope to surprise in a group that includes France, Senegal, and Norway.

Also keep an eye on: Ali Al Hamadi (Luton Town)

Catch Iraq’s opening match against Norway on 17 June at 01:00 MECCA, live on beIN Sports Max 2 & beIN Sports Max 4 in Arabic, and on beIN Sports Max 5 in English.

Musa Al-Taamari, Jordan (Group J)

Jordan will make their World Cup debut this summer, 40 years after their first qualifying campaign. Rennes winger Musa Al-Taamari is one of only a handful of players plying their trade outside of Asia and will carry the responsibility of a nation. Aged 28, the captain has netted 24 goals in 90 games, including in an Asian Cup semi-final win and a further seven during World Cup qualifying.

Also keep an eye on: Yazan Al Arab (FC Seoul)

Catch Jordan’s opening match against Austria on 17 June at 07:00 MECCA live on beIN Sports Max 2 & beIN Sports Max 4 in Arabic, and on beIN Sports Max 5 in English.

Achraf Hakimi, Morocco (Group C)

Having shocked the world by reaching the World Cup semi-finals in 2022, more focus will be on the Atlas Lions when they start their 2026 campaign. With the powerful presence of captain Achraf Hakimi — widely regarded as one of the best players on the planet — it speaks volumes that topping a group that includes Brazil, as well as Scotland and Haiti, would no longer be a surprise.

Also keep an eye on: Yassine Bounou (Al-Hilal)

Catch Morocco’s opening match against Brazil on 14 June live at 01:00 MECCA, on beIN Sports Max 2 & beIN Sports Max 4 in Arabic, and on beIN Sports Max 5 in English.

Akram Afif, Qatar (Group B)

Qatar will be looking to build on a maiden campaign that underwhelmed and much of their hopes are pinned on Akram Afif once again. The mercurial forward, twice named AFC Player of the Year and winner of the Golden Boot and Best Player at the Asian Cup Qatar 2023, will arrive determined to put points on the board in a favourable group that contains Canada, Bosnia, and Switzerland.

Also keep an eye on: Almoez Ali (Al Duhail)

Catch Qatar’s opening match against Switzerland on 13 June at 22:00 MECCA, live on beIN Sports Max 1 & beIN Sports Max 3 in Arabic, and on beIN Sports Max 5 in English.

Salem Al-Dawsari, Saudi Arabia (Group H)

Known as the man for the big occasion, the Al Hilal attacker shocked the world when he struck the decisive goal to beat Argentina 2-1 in 2022. Now 34, he is still putting in eye-catching performances, and in a group that includes Spain, Uruguay, and Cape Verde, nobody is more likely to help the Green Falcons progress than the reigning AFC Asian Player of the Year.

Also keep an eye on: Musab Al-Juwayr (Al Qadsiah)

Catch Saudi Arabia’s opening match against Uruguay on 16 June at 01:00 MECCA, live on beIN Sports Max 1 & beIN Sports Max 3 in Arabic, and on beIN Sports Max 5 in English.

Montassar Talbi, Tunisia (Group F)

Drawn with the Netherlands, Sweden, and Japan, Tunisia aim to progress for the first time in seven finals appearances.

Their hopes lie in a defence that did not concede a single goal during qualifying. Montassar Talbi, the 6ft3in centre-back, is key to the Eagles of Carthage’s impenetrable defensive structure.

His reading of the game and on-field leadership will prove critical.

Also keep an eye on: Hazem Mastouri (Dynamo Makhachkala)

Catch Tunisia’s opening match against Sweden on 15 June at 05:00 MECCA, live on beIN Sports Max 2 & beIN Sports Max 4 in Arabic, and on beIN Sports Max 5 in English.

أكد خالد مبارك الكواري مدير إدارة التسويق والاتصال في الاتحاد القطري لكرة القدم، اكتمال جميع الترتيبات الخاصة باستقبال الجماهير القطرية في مدينة سان فرانسيسكو بالولايات المتحدة الأمريكية، حيث تصل اليوم أولى رحلات بعثة المشجعين لمساندة المنتخب القطري خلال مبارياته في بطولة كأس العالم 2026 التي تقام في الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية وكندا والمكسيك خلال الفترة من 11 يونيو الجاري إلى 19 يوليو المقبل.
وقال الكواري، في تصريح لوكالة الأنباء القطرية «قنا»، إن رحلات بعثة المشجعين القطريين سوف تتواصل اليوم الأربعاء وغداً الخميس، حيث تم الانتهاء من جميع الإجراءات المتعلقة بالفنادق والمواصلات، لضمان تسهيل مهمة الجماهير وتوفير أفضل الأجواء لها لمساندة المنتخب في المونديال.
وأضاف: «لدينا مكاتب في الفنادق لتقديم التسهيلات اللازمة وخدمة جماهيرنا، ونشكر سفارتي دولة قطر لدى الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية وكندا والقنصلية في لوس أنجلوس على دورهم الكبير معنا».
وأوضح أن الاتحاد وجه دعوة للطلاب القطريين والخليجيين الموجودين في الولايات المتحدة وكندا، ومرافقي المرضى، إضافة إلى التنسيق مع الجاليات العربية في سان فرانسيسكو وسياتل وفانكوفر لحضور مباريات المنتخب.
وأشار الكواري، إلى أنهم يعملون كفريق عمل واحد في الاتحاد، بهدف خدمة الجماهير القطرية، حتى تعيش أجواء مثالية في نهائيات كأس العالم وأن تكون أفضل سند للمنتخب في مبارياته.
وقال: «كانت لدينا في الأيام الماضية زيارات للفنادق التي تم تخصيصها للجماهير القطرية، إضافة إلى الملاعب التي تقام عليها مباريات المنتخب في دور المجموعات، ضمن المجموعة الثانية التي تضم أيضا منتخبات سويسرا وكندا والبوسنة والهرسك، بهدف التنسيق على صعيد الجوانب كافة».
وختم خالد مبارك الكواري كلامة: «حملتنا ستكون تحت شعار «علمنا عالي»، ونثق في الجماهير القطرية التي ستكون مميزة بتشجيعها للمنتخب الوطني خلال نهائيات كأس العالم 2026، باعتبارها شريكا في أي نجاح».