Spain will arrive at World Cup 2026 as one of the favorites, but anxiety is already rising just four months before the tournament. Several key players are struggling with injuries or poor form, raising doubts about the squad’s physical readiness.
Nico Williams is battling recurring fitness issues, Álvaro Morata is enduring a difficult season in Italy, and Samu Omorodion’s serious knee injury has ruled him out entirely, weakening Spain’s attacking options.
The problems extend well beyond the forward line. In midfield, Dani Olmo has lacked consistency, Fabián Ruiz is returning slowly from injury, and Rodri is still trying to regain his best level after a long absence. Defensively, concerns are just as serious, with Dani Carvajal barely playing, Marc Cucurella injured, and several central defenders either short on form or struggling physically. The accumulation of these issues is feeding growing pessimism in Spain.
Still, there are reasons for cautious optimism. Several younger players are pushing strongly for selection and could benefit from the situation, while others already in the squad may gain more responsibility. Luis de la Fuente has options to adjust his plans, but the margin for error is shrinking. Unless Spain’s injured stars recover quickly, the months leading up to the World Cup could be far more stressful than expected.