Spain’s World Cup Preparation Hits Full Stride
Spain delivered an authoritative performance in their final friendly before the 2026 World Cup, defeating Peru in a display that showcased the remarkable depth of talent available to Luis de la Fuente. Even without their talismanic teenager Lamine Yamal, La Roja demonstrated that they possess multiple avenues to goal and a tactical flexibility that could make them genuine contenders in the tournament.
The match served as a crucial dress rehearsal, with De la Fuente fielding what appeared to be his strongest starting eleven to build rhythm and understanding ahead of the opening fixture. From the first whistle, Spain controlled possession and dictated the tempo, a hallmark of their approach under the current coaching staff.
Defensive Solidity and Midfield Control
Unai Simon had a quiet evening in goal, with Peru’s rare attacking forays drifting wide of the post rather than testing the Athletic Club goalkeeper. His replacement David Raya faced slightly more action but was helpless to prevent Peru’s consolation strike, which came through a well-worked move rather than any defensive lapse.
At the back, Pau Cubarsi stood out with his ball-playing ability, matching Aymeric Laporte’s pass completion statistics with an equal number of passes in the opposition half as in his own half. The young Barcelona defender looks increasingly comfortable at this level, a testament to his rapid development. Marcos Llorente provided athleticism and physical presence on the right flank, his explosive stride repeatedly solving defensive situations before they became dangerous.
Marc Cucurella was even more adventurous than his counterpart on the right, combining relentless energy with intelligent recovery runs. One particular intervention, tracking back to cut out a dangerous cross, drew applause from the coaching staff and underscored his importance to the defensive structure.
Rodri: The Master Regulator
Rodri once again demonstrated why he is arguably the most important player in this Spain side. When he plays well, Spain plays well, and against Peru he looked physically sharp and mentally alert. His presence brought security and balance to the midfield, allowing Pedri the freedom to create and roam between the lines. The Manchester City midfielder completed the match looking like a player peaking at exactly the right moment.
Fabián Ruiz earned his first minutes since winning the Champions League, with De la Fuente clearly prioritizing chemistry building among his midfield core. Pedri, meanwhile, thrived in the absence of Lamine Yamal, stepping into a leadership role both on the pitch and as the focus of the crowd’s affection.
Attacking Versatility Without Yamal
Ferran Torres has removed any doubt about his place in the squad. Serving as De la Fuente’s utility man, Torres stepped in whenever needed and delivered another convincing performance. Mikel Oyarzabal continued his remarkable scoring run for Spain, adding another goal to his tally of 11 in his previous 10 international appearances.
Alex Baena, deputizing for the absent Nico Williams, worked tirelessly and showed a willingness to run at defenders. Yeremy Pino made an immediate impact off the bench, barely touching the ball before his cross created a goal. The Villarreal winger’s ability to make an instant contribution is exactly the kind of impact substitute De la Fuente will rely on during the tournament.
Squad Depth as a Decisive Factor
The performance against Peru confirmed that Spain enters the World Cup with enviable squad depth. Dani Olmo remained active between the lines, Gavi brought his trademark intensity to set-piece situations, and Marc Pubill demonstrated that Spain’s fourth-choice center back is still a player of international quality.
Mikel Merino, returning from injury, gained valuable minutes and looks physically improved, though there remains work to do before he reaches full sharpness. Martin Zubimendi enjoyed a comfortable evening shielding the defense, facing minimal pressure from a Peru side that rarely pressed aggressively.
With Lamine Yamal potentially returning for the opening match, De la Fuente faces the enviable problem of selecting from a squad where every player appears ready to contribute. Spain may not be the favorites on paper, but this performance suggested they have the tools to trouble any opponent in the tournament.
