Albert Luque backs Luis de la Fuente for Spain’s 2026 World Cup campaign success

Albert Luque, during his time as sporting director at the RFEFÓscar Barroso / Spain DPPI / DPPI via AFP

Albert Luque, former sporting director of the Spanish national team, endorses Luis de la Fuente as head coach to lead Spain’s 2026 World Cup campaign. Luque expressed confidence in the current squad’s mix of young talent and experienced players ahead of the tournament scheduled in Mexico, the USA, and Canada next year.

Albert Luque, the former sporting director of the Spanish national team, highlighted the strength of Spain’s current squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup in Mexico, the USA, and Canada. He emphasized that Spain enter the tournament as European champions, Nations League winners, and runners-up in the previous edition, naming them as one of the favorites.

Luque credited the balance within the squad, composed of young talent and internationally proven veterans, as a major asset. He pointed out players like Nico Williams, Lamine Yamal, Pedri, and Gavi, stressing they handle pressure well during critical moments on both the national and club levels. According to Luque, the expected leaders of the team will perform, with few surprises as any new standouts are already established performers.

Regarding the comparison with Spain’s 2010 World Cup-winning side, Luque noted that while the 2010 team was more experienced and slightly stronger position by position, the current squad is capable of competing against any top-level opponent, including the last Argentine squad.

The former sporting director also spoke about the Luis de la Fuente appointment as head coach, which he described as a strategic decision made after the end of Luis Enrique’s era. Luque explained the appointment followed several years of close cooperation, believing de la Fuente had proven himself by winning with youth teams. Initially debated, de la Fuente proved his ability to manage the senior squad while allowing the players to take the main stage, creating an easy-to-manage environment.

Luque acknowledged the challenge of ending the Luis Enrique era—which featured a top-level coach—but confirmed transforming the coaching leadership had paid off positively for the team’s performance. Besides Spain, Luque identified Portugal and England as notable teams to watch at the upcoming World Cup, in addition to usual contenders like France, Argentina, and Brazil.

On selecting top Spanish goalkeepers ahead of the tournament, Luque placed David Raya as one of the world’s best, following a long period of training commitment and recent Champions League performances. He recognized Unai Simón’s near-perfect record for Spain and praised Joan Garcia’s standout qualities at Barcelona.