Although Lamine Yamal wasn’t at his best, Spain passed a litmus test in the knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup. Thanks to Mikel Merino’s goal in the dying minutes, eliminated Belgium in the quarterfinals. The Spaniards know when and where they will play France next.
Yamal and Spain are well aware of the big test ahead, as La Furia Roja will face France in the upcoming round. Moreover, if Luis de la Fuente and his side want to plan even further ahead, other threatening names emerge.
In order to reach the 2026 World Cup final, Spain must take down some true contenders. To become the best team in the world, one must defeat the best teams in the world. Clearly, Spain’s potential road to glory in the United States, Mexico, and Canada will be no different.
Spain’s potential path to World Cup final
Spain move on to the semifinals; they officially go up against France, scheduled on Tuesday, July 14, at 3:00 p.m. ET at Dallas Stadium, with a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final at stake. The contest would bring back old storylines for La Furia Roja and make for must watch TV.
Marc Cucurella #24 of Spain.
As for a potential World Cup final appearance in 2026, Spain’s opponent would be one of Norway, England, Argentina, or Switzerland. That will be something for Spain to worry about later. For the time being, the Spaniards must play the board in front of them.
Cristiano Ronaldo praises Lamine Yamal before Portugal vs Spain: ‘His future will be bright’
| Elimination Round | Possible opponents |
| Semifinals | France |
| Final | Norway, England, Argentina, Switzerland |
Spain’s dream World Cup bracket
Spain’s road to a World Cup final could look more like their run at UEFA Euro 2024 than one in a FIFA World Cup. In 2010, however, three of the four teams Spain eliminated in the knockout stage were European. Maybe it’s a theme in tournaments in which La Furia Roja go the distance.
Although some fans may argue they’d like Spain to face the easiest opponents possible, others want the national team to meet historic rivals and take down some of the top contenders in the 2026 World Cup. In that sense, there’s a scenario in which Spain meet—and defeat—some of their biggest antagonists.
That dream path to a World Cup championship could look something like this: France in the semifinals. In the final, one of two opponents: England or Argentina, two sides Spain have bad blood with on the pitch—and in history books.
