Spain at the FIFA World Cup 2026: The World's Best Team Going for Their Second Trophy

In a tournament that features teams of every calibre and variety, the only side Spain can boast of being better than is themselves, they are the best team in the world, and they are the defending European champions. It came as no great surprise when they won Euro 2024 in Germany; Spain beat France and England en route to the title with a scintillating attacking approach that proved beyond any shadow of a doubt that these are not just good players. They are a historically great team. Luis de la Fuente's side have rekindled the free-flowing, technically dazzling football that helped them conquer the world from 2008-2012, and there is no reason to believe that it won't happen once more. Spain are the number one seed at the 2026 World Cup, in a bracket designed to keep them away from Argentina until the final, and they go to the States as the team everyone expects to win this World Cup. A side that features a 17-year-old named Lamine Yamal as their best player, with Pedri to create for them and Rodri to run the midfield and a line of forwards of varying ages and styles to score goals, cannot be underestimated. If you're a fan of Spain and going to North America this summer then you better grab those World Cup 2026 Tickets now. This tournament will be packed with fans of the 48 participating nations, but the demand to watch Spain play in this World Cup is among the largest out of the whole lot.

Can Spain Win the World Cup?

The straightforward answer is, yes. Spain's midfield, which features Rodri, probably the world's best midfielder right now, makes them a formidable unit that can beat anyone at the World Cup. Spain can dictate possession and control the tempo of their games with their midfielders, with Pedri and his creative mates in midfield providing that little bit of magic needed to unlock defences. The only real question mark surrounding this team is the emergence of Lamine Yamal as a genuine, generational talent. We've already seen just how dangerous the Spaniard can be at this level, with an unforgettable strike against France in the Euro 2024 semi-final. He'll be older, stronger and more experienced when the World Cup rolls around. Spain's main weaknesses might lie at centre-back, and in terms of squad depth in a 48-team World Cup spread across three countries. Rodri in central midfield is a strong enough shield to cover any weakness at the back, so this is unlikely to be a problem for this La Roja team. Spain arrive as the tournament's clear favorites, and recent performances have firmly validated that designation.

Visa Rules for Spanish Fans Visiting North America

For supporters from Spain, crossing into the three host countries will likely be a hassle-free experience.

USA: Spain is currently included in the US Visa Waiver Program, enabling Spanish nationals to enter the United States visa-free for stays no longer than 90 days. Before you fly, though, you'll need to secure an approved ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). Applications are submitted online for a modest fee, with approvals often taking just a few minutes. That said, you should submit it early and give yourself ample time before leaving for the US. The US Department of State has a dedicated portal for World Cup visitors at state.gov/fifa-world-cup-26-visas, which covers all visa-related and tournament-specific information. Your passport should both be valid for your complete trip and also have electronic chips.

Canada: Spanish nationals can enter Canada without needing a visa for stays of six months or less. However, you will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) if flying into Canada. eTAs must be obtained online and will usually receive quick approvals. Spanish fans flying through Canada will need to confirm their eTA requirements before setting out on their journey.

Mexico: Spanish nationals can travel to Mexico without a visa for stays up to 180 days. Given the strong historical, linguistic and cultural connections between Spain and Mexico, the host cities of Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey will feel familiar territory for Spanish fans. A huge portion of Spanish support will likely use Mexico as their base during the early stages of the tournament.

Spanish Fan Destinations Across the Host Nations

With the #1 seed at the World Cup 2026, Spain will have a defined route through the tournament. The group games are going to be hosted at various locations in the US. The World Cup Final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium is where Spain's fans should be planning to be. With the current Spanish squad, you can't imagine them falling short of the latter stages, let alone the final, and fans should plan accordingly for this.

Miami has a large and vibrant Spanish-speaking population, including a very substantial number of Spanish residents, particularly in the city's Brickell and Coral Gables neighborhoods. Watching Spain play in Miami will probably have a closer feel to home than in other American cities: you'll be surrounded by the language, you'll be able to eat the food you are used to, and they also like football there, which is very important in Spain and Latin America.

New York/New Jersey are going to see the marquee games of the tournament. The Final will take place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, and the greater New York area will be the epicenter of World Cup action during the knockout stages. Any Spanish fan who can afford to relocate to the region for this part of the tournament will be in a perfect position to witness history unfold.

Los Angeles is well-equipped to host World Cup matches, with its top-tier transport infrastructure, good weather in July, and a first-rate host venue in SoFi Stadium. It also has a significant Latin American demographic to help boost Spain-related vibes off the pitch as well as on.

Accommodation: Where to Stay

Accommodation around the key World Cup cities will be tight. Here's some city by city advice:

Miami area: For Spanish fans, Brickell, Coral Gables and the Design District are natural starting points for accommodation near Hard Rock Stadium and offer access to Miami's excellent dining and cultural scenes. Aventura and Doral are further out but less expensive and have good public transport links.

New York/New Jersey: For MetLife Stadium proximity, East Rutherford and Secaucus in New Jersey are the main destinations. Manhattan, though significantly more pricey for the knockout phase, is a great option given that NJ Transit runs direct match-day trains.

Los Angeles: SoFi Stadium is in Inglewood; nearby El Segundo, Manhattan Beach and Marina del Rey are the most convenient neighborhoods for accommodation as they are all serviced by the Metro K Line.

Dallas: AT&T Stadium is in Arlington, about halfway between Dallas and Fort Worth. If you are only going to be in one city for one or two matches then this works perfectly; if you want to combine the games with some more general exploring then downtown Dallas is probably the better choice for a multi-day trip.

Whatever you do, make sure to check that any accommodation you book has free cancellation terms. The sites to use are Booking.com, Hotels.com and Expedia. Your location preference is likely to change depending on which cities Spain play in during the latter stages of the tournament.

Getting There: Flights and Internal Travel

The primary hub for flights to the US will be Madrid Barajas (MAD), with direct transatlantic services to JFK in New York, LAX in Los Angeles, Miami and Dallas DFW operated by Iberia, American Airlines, Delta and United. Barcelona El Prat (BCN) is also a good choice for fans traveling from the Spanish east, including the Catalonia region. Málaga, Bilbao and Valencia can all provide connecting flights to major US cities.

Transatlantic airfare will likely continue to increase as the tournament draws nearer, so any Spanish fans still needing to sort out international flight plans should do so as soon as possible. Within the US, Southwest Airlines, Delta and American Airlines will fly to all eleven venues multiple times per day, so you could easily book a multi-destination trip. Try and allow an additional day between cities to account for delays.

Tickets: The Practical Reality

Official tickets for the 2026 World Cup are sold through FIFA.com — this should be the first port of call for fans looking to acquire remaining ticket allocations, purchase an official resale ticket or investigate any available hospitality packages. If you can't secure tickets through official channels, steer clear of online fan forums on sites like Reddit, Facebook or anywhere else. Only buy from established ticket resellers like Ticombo or Seatpick, or any other trusted and verified secondary marketplace, that will guarantee each sale. Ticket prices could exceed face value. Group bookings should be carefully planned — you don't always get seats in a row, and each stadium is laid out in a different way.

Practical Tips for Spanish Fans

Currency: All host cities and stadiums use US Dollars. Don't change your Euros for USD at the airport. ATMs and providers like Wise will give you much better exchange rates.

Phone plans: Spanish SIM cards typically won't let you use your phone in the US for a reasonable price. Look at eSIM providers like Airalo or short-term tourist plans through US carriers such as T-Mobile as your best option.

Health insurance: America doesn't have public healthcare. You'll want comprehensive travel insurance that includes medical costs before you take flight. Your European health card won't help you.

Spanish Consulates: Spain has consulates in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Houston, Chicago, San Francisco, and Boston. Get in touch with the appropriate contact before you fly.

Weather: Miami and Dallas in July are super hot and humid. LA's warm, dry heat won't feel the same as a heat wave in Madrid. Keep hydrated if you're standing in an outdoor fan zone.

Final Thought

Spain enters the 2026 World Cup with one of the best lineups in tournament history. It has a number one world ranking as well as its recent Euros victory, a lineup built around Lamine Yamal who is set to get better and better. The conditions in 2026 will play to its strengths. The draw looks straightforward. The motivation to cement the 2010 golden era with another cup is real.

Spanish supporters who want to be there when La Roja make their case on the world stage should book their Spain World Cup 2026 Tickets now — they will be in very high demand, and it may be hard to get them without the help of a trusted ticket reseller.

Spain are ready. Who can stop them?

Disclaimer: Information regarding visa, hotels, flights, and tickets may be subject to change. Fans are asked to double check all information with their national government, FIFA and/or their airline regarding their travel plans. On the secondary market, ticket prices may be different to the face value.