Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso said the current Spanish national squad possesses all the qualities necessary to win the FIFA World Cup [1].
Alonso's assessment comes as Spain prepares for a high-stakes encounter against France. The match represents a critical juncture in the tournament, as the winner will advance to the final of the competition hosted across North America.
The two teams met in a semifinal on Tuesday, July 12, 2026 [2]. This matchup marks the second straight major tournament semifinal meeting between France and Spain [3]. The contest took place at Dallas Stadium in the U.S. [4].
Alonso, a former Spain midfielder, said that the current team's energy and control mirror the characteristics of the 2010 champions. He said these specific traits—composure and control—are what give the squad the ability to lift the trophy [1].
"Spain can win the World Cup," Alonso said [1].
The manager's confidence reflects a belief in the technical proficiency and mental fortitude of the current generation of players. By drawing parallels to the 2010 victory, Alonso said that Spain has reclaimed the psychological edge required to dominate on the world stage.
The semifinal in Dallas serves as the final hurdle before the championship match. Both France and Spain have established themselves as the dominant forces in international football over recent years, making this recurring semifinal pairing a defining rivalry of the current era [3].
“"Spain can win the World Cup"”
The endorsement from Xabi Alonso, a key figure in Spain's 2010 success and current manager of Real Madrid, provides a psychological boost to the squad. By comparing the current team to the 2010 champions, Alonso is framing the 2026 campaign not just as a competitive effort, but as a return to a gold standard of Spanish football dominance.
