Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente was not afraid to say that his side are one of the favourites to win the 2026 World Cup, welcoming the challenge that comes along with the expectations.

De La Fuente led Spain to continental success in 2024, defeating England in the Euros final, and his team are in top form ahead of this summer's World Cup.

Spain won five of their six matches in qualifying (D1), scoring 21 goals and conceding just two on their way to booking their place in the finals.

They will face Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay in Group H of the competition, looking to win their second World Cup after their 2010 triumph.

Spain host Egypt on Tuesday as they continue their preparations for the tournament, and De La Fuente is eager for his side to relish their status ahead of the World Cup.

"There's no doubt that we're among the favourites and I like that, I don't shy away from the challenge," said the Spain boss.

"We're going to have to put on a perfect performance to win the World Cup and we're aware that there are teams just as strong as us.

"For us, these matches are very important. Since last Monday, we've already been working on preparing for the World Cup.

"That is our focus, and we are centred solely and exclusively on that goal."

One of the reasons Spain are favourites for the World Cup is the form of winger Lamine Yamal.

Only Kylian Mbappe (44) has directly contributed to more goals than Yamal (36 – 21 goals and 15 assists) in all competitions this season among LaLiga players, and De La Fuente has backed the teenager to continue improving.

"Lamine is a much better footballer than he was two years ago and worse than he will be in another two years," added De La Fuente.

"He's in a development phase and is contributing more and more to the team with each passing day. He has a long way to go, and his best version is yet to come."