Spanish fans will put aside La Liga rivalries to support the national team at the World Cup

The Spanish team is about to face Cape Verde in their first match of this FIFA World Cup. Before the tournament began, TA interviewed Spanish fans to learn their views on the team's prospects in this FIFA World Cup.

"Unity makes us stronger" (La unidad nos hace fuerte)

"In many ways, we are a complex country, but it's interesting that once the Spanish national team plays, we truly unite," David Pinillos, a Spanish fan, told The Athletic.

"Football, especially major events, has a special power to connect entire communities, entire cities, and every football-loving family."

Spain is composed of multiple ethnicities, cultures, and languages. This complex structure has coexisted within the existing national borders since the 16th century, often accompanied by tensions.

Regions such as Castile, Catalonia, Andalusia, the Basque Country, and the Canary Islands have continuously integrated over centuries, while also welcoming immigrants from former Latin American colonies. Today, many families also have African and Asian ancestry.

This diverse structure is also reflected in the national team's roster, including players like Rodri, Fabian Ruiz, Oyarzabal, Pedri, Williams Jr, Cucurella, and Yamal.

"During matches, people across the country hang national flags on their balconies to support the national team," said fan Adrian Nuñez. "We temporarily set aside all our differences or political issues. The team comes from all over the country, and the players have diverse family backgrounds. This is 21st-century Spain."

In contemporary Spain, intense political debates still exist around issues such as ideology and immigration. However, national team matches provide a space to temporarily "bypass disagreements."

Epifanio Pastor, born in Cusco, Peru, who moved to Spain 25 years ago for work, said: "In Spain, there are many different cultures, which is actually great: people speak, prefer, and think differently. But when supporting the national team, we don't talk politics or club rivalries. When everyone moves in the same direction, everything goes smoothly."

How Football Shapes Spanish National Identity

International football has not always played such a "cohesive role." In Spain's early, less successful years, this effect was particularly limited.

Around their 1964 European Championship win, Spain often "seemed strong but failed to deliver" in major tournaments. In the 1950 FIFA World Cup, their best result was only fourth place.

During the Franco dictatorship from 1939 to 1975, political and cultural pressures were even stronger. Even after the return to democracy in 1978, talented squads made up of players from clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Athletic Club often underperformed in major tournaments. At the same time, fans from Madrid, Catalonia, or the Basque Country were not very interested in the national team, as they were more loyal to their local clubs.

The turning point came in the 2008 European Championship. Coach Luis Aragonés assembled a highly unified team of club rivals and won the title.

Subsequently, the Spanish team coached by former Real Madrid player Vicente del Bosque won the 2010 FIFA World Cup (Iniesta's last-minute goal against the Netherlands) and completed a hat-trick of titles in the 2012 European Championship.

This historic success occurred during a social low point following the Spanish economic crisis, when national pride was battered, and the national team's victories became a spiritual support for many.

Fan Núñez recalled: "Sometimes Spaniards doubt themselves, thinking other countries are better. But victory can change that feeling. In 2010, I was unemployed, and I traveled from Asturias to Madrid for the championship celebration. That feeling of 'we won' made us feel like the best for at least a few years."

Fan Culture and National Team Identity

One of the most famous fans of that era was "Manolo el del Bombo" (Manuel Cáceres), who became a symbol of the national team stands with his drum and iconic hat.

During the 2010 FIFA World Cup, he was present at almost every match. Fan David Cebollada recalled: "I met him at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, and the sense of connection was very strong."

Later, in 2012, he founded the semi-official fan organization "La Marea Roja" (The Red Tide), aiming to organize the previously loose national team fan base.

"In Spain, it's easy to overlook the national team because La Liga is so strong," said Cebollada. "Before us, there was no real organizational system. You had to create that culture yourself."

Fans from different regions also share similar views.

Nievas Calvo said: "Many people say Spain doesn't have a national team culture, which isn't entirely true. But many fans do love their clubs more. However, when the national team plays, all disagreements disappear."

Integration of National Team and Regional Differences

Some of Spain's most loyal fans often come from smaller cities or regions with weaker football, as they lack the experience of success from top clubs.

Members of "La Marea Roja" come from Madrid, Barcelona, but also from Almería, Alicante, Las Palmas, and even Italy, UAE, Mexico, and the United States.

Núñez said: "Many people who travel with the national team come from places without top-tier league teams. Compared to Real Madrid fans, they might crave the passion brought by the national team even more."

In the 2024 European Championship final, Spain defeated England 2-1 to win the title, with Oyarzabal scoring the winning goal, and Yamal and Williams performing outstandingly, reigniting national enthusiasm once again.

"Football makes us cry and unites us"

Cebollada said: "Spaniards are more emotional than most Europeans. That day in Berlin, I cried like a baby."

He also mentioned the incident in the 1994 FIFA World Cup where Luis Enrique was elbowed by Tassotti: "At that time, I felt like I was hit too. That's football; it connects you with the people of your country."

2026 FIFA World Cup Expectations

Spanish fans are expected to be in an away atmosphere during the group stage matches in the United States, especially on June 27 against Uruguay in Guadalajara, Mexico.

Fan Cebollada said: "Playing against 'brother nation' Uruguay will be very special, but there will definitely be more Uruguayan fans present."

Calvo said: "I've already bought tickets for the final. I believe this team can bring the unity the nation needs. Football can bring us together again."

Regardless of victory or defeat, the Spanish national team will continue to carry a special meaning: in a complex, diverse, and even divided society, it provides a brief but real sense of unity.

As Cebollada said: "My life is family, then the Spanish national team, and then work. Spain gives me a sense of life. To represent the country is the greatest thing."