Spain boss Luis de la Fuente said his players have been stung by the criticism that followed a shock 0-0 draw with Cape Verde, but he will put that right against Saudi Arabia on Sunday.
The European champion arrived in North America as one of the favorites for the tournament.
But with Lamine Yamal only able to come on as a substitute in the second half after returning from injury, La Roja had to work in attack as the African archipelago of just over 500,000 held out for a historic result.
«This generation of footballers is very competitive and very enthusiastic… It will be a completely different story,» De la Fuente said at his pre-match press conference in Atlanta on Saturday.
«There is no drama or crisis. The bottom line is we have to win tomorrow.»
Despite the disappointment, Spain is now unbeaten from open play in 32 competitive matches, a period of more than three years.
“This team has a lot of heart and is always responsive,” De la Fuente said.
“I’m sure tomorrow we will be better than what we showed yesterday.”
Yamal’s fitness has been the dominant topic of the Spanish World Cup so far.
The 18-year-old shot to fame with his performances as De la Fuente’s side romped to victory at the 2024 European Championship.
READ ALSO | Brazil remains confident in the injured Raphinha after the latest setback in the hamstrings
Yamal has since developed into one of the best players in the world at Barcelona, but suffered a hamstring injury in April that kept him out until his cameo off the bench against Cape Verde.
The winger is not yet ready to play 90 minutes, but the pressure is on De la Fuente to get him involved from the start, with Spain sorely lacking their attacking prowess.
“The most important thing is that he is back,” De la Fuente said.
“Seeing how he competes, how he rediscovers the feeling, the spirit and the finesse that he had and now has, is the best possible news.”
Yamal is expected to replace Barcelona teammate Gavi in the starting line-up, while De la Fuente hinted that other changes could also take place.
Saudi Arabia also drew its opening match 1–1 against Uruguay.
Published on June 21, 2026
