Spain's World Cup challenge built on record-breaking historic defence
If Spain are to get their hands on the World Cup trophy again, they may have their defence, rather than their attack, to thank.
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
""This team knows how to compete," Spanish football expert Guillem Balague told BBC Sport."
— Guillem Balague , Celebrity
""This is the result and fruits of collective work - great defensive solidity of course," said De La Fuente after their win against Portugal."
— Luis de la Fuente , Athlete
Key People
Aymeric Laporte is a French-Spanish footballer who plays as a defender for Spain.
Cristiano Ronaldo is a Portuguese professional footballer and the all-time leading scorer in international football.
Guillem Balague is a Spanish football journalist and commentator.
Luis de la Fuente is the coach of the Spanish national football team.
Mikel Oyarzabal is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a winger.
Pau Cubarsi is a defender for the Spain national football team.
Rodri is the captain of the Spanish national football team.
Unai Simon is the goalkeeper for the Spanish national football team.
All Coverage
If Spain are to get their hands on the World Cup trophy again, they may have their defence, rather than their attack, to thank.
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
Spain into semi-finals at expense of Belgium after Merino's late winner
Mikel Merino emerges as Spain's hero yet again as the substitute scores in the 88th minute to stun Belgium and set up a World Cup semi-final against France.
July 10, 2026 at 10:01 PMHow De la Fuente's Spain are closing in on greatness
Before Spain's World Cup quarter-final against Belgium, Guillem Balague talks to Spain boss Luis de la Fuente about their identity and Lamine Yamal.
July 10, 2026 at 06:47 AMDifficult for goalkeeper to come into game so late - analysis of Spain winner
BBC Sport World Cup pundits Micah Richards and Wayne Rooney analyse substitute Belgium goalkeeper Senne Lammens' mistake which lead to Spain's winner in their World Cup quarter-final in Los Angeles.
July 10, 2026 at 09:40 PMSpain into quarter-finals after Merino's late winner against Portugal
Spain leave it late as super-sub Mikel Merino scores a stoppage-time winner to send his side into the quarter-finals, ending Cristiano Ronaldo's hopes of World Cup glory.
July 6, 2026 at 09:46 PMSuper-sub Merino delivers 'killer goal' for Spain
Spain midfielder Mikel Merino coolly scores in added time to break Portuguese hearts, sending his side through to the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup.
July 6, 2026 at 09:14 PMSpain face toughest World Cup test against Belgium, coach says - Reuters
Spain face toughest World Cup test against Belgium, coach says Reuters
July 10, 2026 at 12:45 AM