Spain enter Group H as a possession favorite, but Uruguay's pressure and Saudi Arabia's compactness will test their rest defense early.
Spain can dominate territory through their interiors, yet the tournament depends on whether the fullbacks and midfield pivots protect counter-attacking lanes.
Key question: Can Spain turn possession into enough penalty-box threat without opening the game for Uruguay's direct runners?
Knockout ceiling: Final contender if chance creation becomes more vertical and defensive transitions stay clean.
Euro 2024 winners. The most technically gifted squad in Europe. Spain in 2026 are building something that could rival the golden era of 2008-2012.
Spain won Euro 2024 playing the most fluid, attacking football of any international team in years. At 2026, Lamine Yamal is 18 and Pedri is 24. This is their moment.
Spain's tiki-taka revival under De La Fuente faces Uruguay's experienced defensive unit. Cape Verde are Africa's surprise package.