According to Marca, the Spanish national team will continue to pursue victory, with Fermín expected to return, and competition also existing at right-back and third striker positions.

The World Cup is now history, in more ways than one. What Spain achieved in New Jersey on July 19 will be eternal. It is the second star on the Spanish national team's crest. Next, Spain will face England, Croatia, and the Czech Republic in four Nations League matches at Wembley, Sánchez Pizjuán, Split, and Prague, respectively.

But the World Cup is also behind us. The message from Las Rozas does not stop at celebrating achievements, nor at emphasizing that the Spanish national team holds both European and World champion titles. "We want to keep winning." This phrase is repeated throughout De la Fuente's coaching staff. The Spanish national team hopes to continue the path that led the team to dominate the world and maintain an unbeaten record.

This squad has taken shape because the World Cup confirmed the team's philosophy, roster, and overall framework. The core of the Spanish national team will remain intact after success, but the door is not closed. Some things are already confirmed, such as Fermín's return. He suffered an injury in the final round of the league last season, thus missing out on becoming a world champion.

Right-back... and Hüjsen?

One change will be at right-back. Following Marcos Llorente's retirement, a spot opened up in this position. Last year, this position was still awaiting Carvajal's return, but one of the World Cup's surprises, Porro, changed the situation. The Spanish national team's scouting list includes Álex J. M. Giménez (Fiorentina), Fresneda (Sporting CP), Víctor Gómez (Braga), and Andrés García (Getafe).

However, De la Fuente also has a natural option from the World Cup squad. Eric García and Marc Pubill can both play right-back. Eric García has played in this position in every match this season. If this approach is taken, Hüjsen might get another call-up opportunity for the Spanish national team. The Real Madrid player missed the World Cup last season due to injury and has since recovered to the level he was at when selected for the Spanish national team in March 2025.

Third striker

The situation at other positions is clear, including Zubimendi, despite the San Sebastián player having lost his starting role at Arsenal. The only room for change is at the third striker position. Oyarzabal and Ferran's positions are unshakeable, and what might change is the spot occupied by Iglesias during the World Cup.

The Celta striker participated in the World Cup, originally waiting for his chance to play, but ultimately only appeared briefly in the round of 16 against Portugal. Iglesias has played very little this season, and competition for his spot is intensifying. Among striker types, Roberto Fernández is the frontrunner. The Espanyol striker has scored 6 goals in 6 appearances for Espanyol and is characterized as a pure center-forward.

Sergio Camello has also scored 6 goals. The Rayo Vallecano striker offers a different profile, more adept at making runs into the box rather than holding play there. Gonzalo, Espi, and Toni Martínez are also in contention. Gonzalo previously made his Spanish national team debut against Iraq at Riazor before the team traveled to Chattanooga.

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