Luis de la Fuente delivers the Lamine Yamal news Spain fans wanted to hear

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente spoke to the media on Sunday ahead of Monday’s World Cup opener against Cape Verde (12 p.m. ET), which will mark La Roja’s debut at World Cup 2026 and the opening match in Group H.

As expected, a couple of questions focused on the fitness of Lamine Yamal and the future of Marc Cucurella, who is set to join Real Madrid. Here are the key takeaways from De la Fuente’s press conference.

Cucurella is the name of the week. His move to Real Madrid appears imminent. Could it distract him?

Not at all. I know these players well, and I know their commitment. We experienced similar situations at the European Championship and handled them very naturally. No one would do anything that could hurt the group. And if it’s good news for Cucurella, we’re happy for him. It’s good for the player and it’s good for the team.

Everyone is good, but especially Lamine. Is the plan for him to play in the second half?

I’ll make that decision. Lamine is in perfect condition and has reached this tournament exactly when we wanted him to. I can tell you that everyone is available. Some players aren’t ready for every minute, but the best news is that everybody is fit.

Do you still have your starting lineup in mind?

Everything has gone exactly as we expected. The players make you question things because they’re so good and always do special things. But I still have the same idea I had before.

You’ve spent many years at the Spanish federation. Did you dream of reaching this moment?

I’d be lying if I said I did. Life has taught me to take small steps. I’ve been at the federation for 13 years. I didn’t dream about being here. I dreamed about doing my job every day. When you’re consistent, good things happen. I’m enjoying this moment at the best stage of my life and I want to enjoy it. With responsibility, but calmly, because I’m surrounded by great people.

Does the expanded first round take away some pressure?

I don’t think that’s exactly true. There are always surprising results, and we’ve already seen that. For us, the next match is always the most important match of the World Cup. Then you’ll hear me say the same thing about the following one. We need to perform at the highest possible level because every game demands it.

What did you see in the players’ eyes after training?

Excitement. Enthusiasm. They know this is a special moment. Many of them are making their World Cup debuts, and there is nothing more beautiful for a player. We are also happy with the kickoff time. It’s fantastic for us.

Why do you talk so much about family?

Because it comes naturally. We used the concept during the European Championship and it developed organically. The bond between these players and the coaching staff is incredibly strong. It’s healthy to lead that way. These players come with commitment and attitude built in. That makes everything easier. They’re fantastic teammates because they’re never satisfied competitively.

This World Cup includes cooling breaks in every game. Have you prepared for that?

It’s not as necessary in cooler weather, but we’ve seen the temperatures we’re dealing with here. It’s difficult to maintain that level of effort in those conditions. At those moments, players need to hydrate and slow things down. We’ve already practiced similar situations.

How have you managed Lamine’s eagerness to play?

The doctors say he’s ready. Soccer is a risk sport. He’s not ready for 90 minutes, but he is ready to contribute.

Is Spain a favorite?

What does favorite mean in sports? Being considered a contender is part of the game, and I view it as recognition for the players. But I was listening to Carlo Ancelotti talk about this recently. He said being a favorite means nothing, and I don’t remember a World Cup with so many genuine contenders. We approach this tournament with humility. Winning a World Cup is incredibly difficult. Right now, Cape Verde is the most important match of the tournament. We’ll take it one step at a time.

You once said you’d like to be reincarnated as Cucurella. Is Real Madrid signing the best left back in the world?

For Spain, he has always been a conviction selection. Not just since the European Championship. He’s been with me since he was 17 and I know how well he handles pressure. He’s always there when you need him. He’s a safe bet. For Spain, he could be one of the best left backs in the world.

What has impressed you most about Cape Verde?

They are a team with very clear tactical concepts and very quick players. Many of them play in European leagues. They could be one of the surprises of this World Cup.

How important is the opener?

I’ve said it many times. It’s one of the most important matches of the World Cup. It affects confidence and everything that comes afterward. That’s why we have to be fully focused. In a short tournament, the first game is crucial. We’ll try to control every aspect of it.

Will you need to calm the players down?

They’re eager to compete and you’ll probably see that at the start. Then a few minutes will pass and we’ll settle down. We want to find ourselves on the field and play our soccer. Nobody is asking us to build a wall. They’re asking us to play football. We have to go out there and do what we’ve prepared to do.

What’s Nico’s situation?

Exactly the same as Lamine and Víctor. They could play if the game requires it. We’ll see how the match develops. Sometimes you think a game is going one way and then it takes a completely different direction. If you saw them in training, you’d be pleasantly surprised.

What condition is the midfield in?

Everyone is in perfect shape. I’m glad you asked because I think we have the best midfield in the world. We have the Ballon d’Or winner, Pedri, Fabián, Zubimendi, Gavi. We have so much quality that some players won’t get minutes. But for me, we have the best team in the world and the best players.

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