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Spain World Cup 2022 squad list, fixtures and latest odds

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Spain have underperformed at the past two World Cups. After a spell of dominance on the international stage – winning two Euro tournaments and a World Cup between 2008 and 2012 – they were surprisingly knocked out in the group stage in 2014 and in the Round of 16 against hosts Russia in 2018.

Spain World Cup 2022 squad list fixtures team news fixtures players - Marco Betorello/POOL/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

Spain World Cup 2022 squad list fixtures team news fixtures players – Marco Betorello/POOL/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock© Marco Betorello/POOL/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

But under the guidance of Luis Enrique, they are currently undergoing a transitional period with a host of young players being bedded into the side over the last two years.

They impressed in qualifying, losing only one of their eight matches as they finished top of their group, and will be hoping to progress considerably further in Qatar.

Spain World Cup 2022 squad

Each country’s final World Cup squad of 23-26 players must be submitted to Fifa by November 13. The replacement of injured or Covid-19 positive players is allowed up to 24 hours before a team’s first match. This year the World Cup will run from November 20 to December 18.

But one key omission in Enrique’s provisional 55-man, published at the beginning of November, is Manchester United’s No 1 David De Gea. The veteran stopper failed to make the five-keeper shortlist, which includes Athletic Bilbao’s Unai Simon, Brighton’s Robert Sanchez, Brentford’s David Raya, Getafe’s David Soria, and Kepa Arrizabalaga, who has been going through a purple patch under new manager Graham Potter.

Who are likely to be their key players?

Pau Torres is a commanding centre-back constantly linked with moves away from Villarreal, where he made 33 league appearances last season. He has earned 21 caps for Spain at the age of 25 and he will be a solid presence at the back for Luis Enrique’s side.

Pedri is one of the players at the forefront of the new generation of young Spanish talent. Still only 19, the creative midfielder was a key figure for Barcelona during the 2020-21 season and it was only injuries and fitness issues that prevented him making as many appearances the year after. A roaming playmaker with outstanding technical ability, this will be Pedri’s first World Cup and a chance to impress on the biggest stage of all.

Pedri - Spain World Cup 2022 squad list, fixtures and latest odds - Adria Puig/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

Pedri – Spain World Cup 2022 squad list, fixtures and latest odds – Adria Puig/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images© Provided by The Telegraph

Similarly to Pedri, Gavi is another teenager who has been handed an extended run in the Barcelona first team as well as the Spain senior squad. With 10 caps before his 18th birthday in August, the midfielder’s technical abilities have earned him comparisons with Xavi, his current manager at Camp Nou. The World Cup in Qatar could be the first of many for a player of such high potential.

Related video: SNTV’s 2022 World Cup team preview of Spain

 

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SNTV’s 2022 World Cup team preview of Spain

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What are Spain’s fixtures?

Spain are in Group E alongside Germany, Costa Rica and Japan.

What is Spain’s World Cup record?

Spain’s 2010 success in South Africa is their only World Cup title so far. A star-studded line-up containing Iker Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Xavi, Iniesta, David Villa and Fernando Torres came out on top against Netherlands in the final, thanks to Andreas Iniesta’s extra-time winner.

They have qualified for every World Cup since 1978 but have failed to make it past the quarter-final stage in any other tournament. Spain are in a somewhat difficult group for Qatar, with Germany, 2018 excepted, typically rising to the occasion plus the gritty Costa Rica and slick Japan.

It may be a tournament too soon for them to fulfil their potential but Luis Enrique is building something special.

Argentina | Australia | Belgium | Brazil | Cameroon | Canada | Costa Rica | Croatia | Denmark | Ecuador | England | France | Germany | Ghana | Iran | Japan | Mexico | Morocco | Netherlands | Poland | Portugal | Qatar | Saudi Arabia | Senegal | Serbia | South Korea | Spain | Switzerland | Tunisia | Uruguay | USA | Wales

What are the latest odds?

Back Spain in their World Cup matches with these betting offers and free bets

Spain are currently the best price of 15/2 to win the World Cup.

Other leading contenders…

  • Brazil 4/1
  • France 6/1
  • Argentina 6/1
  • England 8/1
  • Germany 10/1
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