National Team

Luis de la Fuente: “I’m optimistic about the new challenges ahead”

The national coach appeared before the media after announcing the 26-man squad that will seek to secure qualification for next summer’s FIFA World Cup.

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Fri, 07/11/2025 - 14:23

A tribute to José Manuel Ochotorena

“I would like to express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of José Manuel Ochotorena. His passing is a great loss — he was someone who played a very important role in this organization.”

🎙️ "Quiero tener un sentido recuerdo para Ochotorena, un compañero muy querido y una persona importante para la @rfef".

➡️ "Nuestro más sentido pésame a sus familiares y amigos".

🗣️ Luis de la Fuente, seleccionador nacional.#VamosEspaña | #CopaMundialFIFA pic.twitter.com/0SbgzwWgPD
— Selección Española Masculina de Fútbol (@SEFutbol) November 7, 2025

An exciting year ahead for the national team

“I’m proud to be managing this national team and such wonderful players. We want to keep growing and improving, and I feel both hopeful and excited about the new challenges that lie ahead. We’ll take things step by step — and the first goal is to secure our place at the World Cup.”

🎙️ "Me siento muy orgulloso por poder dirigir a unos grandes futbolistas y grandes personas también en lo humano".

➡️ "Estoy esperanzado ante los nuevos retos que tenemos. El primero, clasificarnos".

🗣️ Luis de la Fuente, seleccionador nacional.#VamosEspaña | #CopaMundialFIFA pic.twitter.com/KkKrf0UZdt
— Selección Española Masculina de Fútbol (@SEFutbol) November 7, 2025

The health of Spanish football

“Fortunately, Spain has enjoyed an impressive run when it comes to qualifying for World Cups. We’re currently the No. 1 team in the FIFA ranking, unbeaten in 29 matches, and there’s still so much more we can achieve. That’s something we should really value.”

Upcoming challenges

“We’ll take it one step at a time. The match against Georgia will be a tough one, and we could all but secure qualification there. Regardless of what happens in that first game, in Seville we’ll field the best possible team, because we want to keep winning and stay at the top of the world ranking.”

🎙️ "Vamos a ir paso a paso. Primero tenemos que afrontar el difícil compromiso de Georgia y después ya veremos".

➡️ "Sacaremos dos equipos del máximo nivel, los mejores que podamos, en ambos partidos"

🗣️ Luis de la Fuente.#VamosEspaña | #CopaMundialFIFA pic.twitter.com/WgCsCkk1UB
— Selección Española Masculina de Fútbol (@SEFutbol) November 7, 2025

The return of Pablo Fornals

“I’m really happy for Pablo — I feel like he’s one of my own. He’s a player we’re very fond of, and together we won the Under-21 European Championship in 2019 in Italy and San Marino. I’m delighted for him, and I know how eager he is to be back with the team.”

The form of Fermín López

“We want to make the most of his qualities and his excellent form. Fermín fits perfectly into our playing style, and into his club’s as well. Right now, he’s a very important player who needs to operate close to the area.”

🎙️ "Vamos a ir paso a paso. Primero tenemos que afrontar el difícil compromiso de Georgia y después ya veremos".

➡️ "Sacaremos dos equipos del máximo nivel, los mejores que podamos, en ambos partidos"

🗣️ Luis de la Fuente.#VamosEspaña | #CopaMundialFIFA pic.twitter.com/WgCsCkk1UB
— Selección Española Masculina de Fútbol (@SEFutbol) November 7, 2025

The No. 9 position

“I’m very pleased with the options we have in that position. We’ve got a range of forwards with different characteristics, and fortunately, a lot of players in this team are capable of scoring goals. We’re not dependent on a single striker, and that gives me great peace of mind.”