With all eyes now fixed on North America, there are a string of eye-catching summer betting promotions and bonuses available.

Verdict: Argentina win to nil 

Best Odds: 17/20

Bookmaker: BetUS

Argentina

Starting with Argentina, making major history out in Qatar four years ago as they got their hands on a first World Cup crown since back in 1984, Lionel Scaloni’s superstar squad officially get proceedings underway on June 17th when they meet Algeria in Kansas City. Arriving in North America widely regarded as a standout contender this summer, the mood in Scaloni’s camp appears to be at a red-hot high. Last seen getting the final stint of their pre-World Cup preparations underway over the weekend with a routine 2-0 win against Honduras, Argentina have now won all of their previous six consecutive friendly appearances and they have gained a reputation for their rugged defensive grit. Looking to make one final early summer statement in midweek, La Selection have conceded just a single strike since way back in September.

Argentina Team News

While talismanic skipper and eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi might have been left as an unused substitute during Argentina’s 2-0 victory against Honduras over the weekend, Lionel Messi should get some minutes under his belt.

Likewise, making a valuable second-half appearance on Sunday, Tottenham defender Cristian Romero will also be desperate to regain some essential fitness here. Linked with a string of heavyweight European giants this summer, Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez could also be handed a full recall in the middle of the park.

Iceland

As for Iceland, failing to find any kind of momentum during their downbeat World Cup qualifying adventure last year, Arnar Gunnlaugsson’s side have continued to show the same issues since opening 2026. Eventually falling to a 1-0 defeat against Japan last time out, the Blues have mustered just a sole win from any of their previous nine consecutive appearances across all competitions – a rut that stems back over the past nine months. Opening the New Year with a nightmare 4-0 drumming at the hands of World Cup finalists Mexico, Iceland couldn’t have asked for a tougher examination when they travel to the Jordan-Hare Stadium in the early hours of Wednesday. It should also be highlighted, Gunnlaugsson’s side have secured just a single victory on their travels since June 2025.

Iceland Team News

Despite only making a single Premier League appearance for Brentford this season, Hakon Rafn Valdimarsson will start between the sticks and earn a 23rd international cap. While Mikael Egill Ellertsson might have endured a nightmare maiden campaign with Serie A side Genoa, the 24-year-old will start in the middle of the park.

Playing his domestic football with Stockport County in England’s third-tier, 20-year-old Benony Andresson made his international debut against Japan last week and has been included in Iceland’s travelling squad.

Argentina vs Iceland Key Factors to Consider

• When Argentina and Iceland met for their only previous meeting at the 2018 World Cup, Wednesday’s opponents played out a 1-1 stalemate in Russia.
• Argentina have won all of their previous six consecutive international friendlies on either side of opening 2026.
• The reigning world champions have conceded just a single strike over the past nine months.
• Iceland mustered just a sole win from any of their previous nine consecutive appearances across all competitions.
• The Blues have claimed just a single victory on foreign soil over the past 12 months.

Conclusion

Making their final pre-World Cup adventure in the early hours of Wednesday, Argentina will be looking to lay down one final statement of intent at the at the Jordan-Hare Stadium. Winning all of their previous six consecutive friendly appearances, the South American icons have also gained a real reputation for their defensive grit. Shipping just a sole strike over the past nine months, Iceland couldn’t have asked for a tougher examination here.

Verdict: Argentina win to nil 

Best Odds: 17/10

Bookmaker: BetUS

The post Prediction: Argentina vs Iceland appeared first on SoccerNews.

“It’s no secret we’re following Curtis Jones. He’s a player we like, we’re not hiding”, Ausilio said.

“We will see the developments”.

Jones has been heavily linked with a move away from Anfield for some time now, and Inter were always the club mentioned the most in that aspect. Though a midfielder by trade, the 25-year-old’s versatility has seen him frequently deployed in the right-back position throughout the 2025-26 season, and his game time was rather limited. However, Liverpool parted ways with head coach Arne Slot at the end of the campaign and have already confirmed Andoni Iraola as his successor, which obviously means much will depend on the way the former Bournemouth boss sees Jones’ role in his squad.

It has been reported that Inter have already had an offer for Jones rejected, but the negotiations continue.

Inter director Piero Ausilio: “It’s no secret we’re following Curtis Jones. He’s a player we like, we’re not hiding”.

“We will see the developments”. pic.twitter.com/8ezAISe7Df

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 7, 2026

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While the Lions of Teranga come off a narrow defeat to the United States, they appear far better positioned than a Saudi side undergoing transition.

Verdict: Senegal win

Best odds: 4/7

Bookmaker: 888sport

Senegal

Senegal arrive in this fixture with a point to prove after being stripped of their African title, which they had claimed against hosts Morocco on penalties, with the outcome now pending a decision from CAS. With that matter unresolved, attention must quickly shift to the World Cup, where they face a challenging Group I alongside France, Norway and Iran.

Preparation time has been limited for Pape Thiaw’s squad, largely due to the late conclusion of European domestic seasons. Their only opportunity to build momentum has come through this short window of friendly fixtures, making each outing particularly important.

Their most recent performance, a 3–2 defeat to the United States, was not entirely discouraging despite the result. Senegal edged possession but were heavily outshot, suggesting some defensive vulnerability, even as their attacking play remained effective. Sadio Mané stood out with two goals, continuing his influence in the final third.

Team News

With a crucial rematch against France scheduled just seven days after this fixture, rotation is expected. Mané, despite his brace, may be rested as Thiaw looks to manage workloads ahead of the tournament.

There are also injury concerns. Kalidou Koulibaly and Idrissa Gueye have not featured in competitive action since early April due to muscle issues and are unlikely to be risked, further limiting experience in key areas of the pitch.

As a result, fringe players are set to feature prominently. Assane Diao is expected to provide width in attack, while Mamadou Sarr could start in central defence and El Hadji Malick Diouf may also be given an opportunity from the outset. Despite these changes, Senegal retain considerable depth and attacking quality.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia enter this fixture in a far more unsettled state, with significant upheaval affecting their preparation. The appointment of Georgios Donis in April, following the abrupt departure of Hervé Renard, has left the Green Falcons with limited time to adapt before the World Cup.

Results leading up to the managerial change were disappointing, including a heavy 4–0 loss to Egypt and a 2–1 defeat to Serbia, which ultimately contributed to Renard’s exit. Donis now faces the challenge of stabilising the team ahead of a demanding World Cup group featuring Uruguay, Spain and Cape Verde.

With only a short preparation window available, cohesion remains a concern. The managerial transition so close to the tournament has disrupted continuity, making it difficult to establish a clear tactical identity.

Team News

Despite these challenges, Saudi Arabia still possess attacking talent capable of influencing matches. Salem Al‑Dawsari remains the primary creative force and goal threat, while Saleh Al‑Shehri and Firas Al‑Buraikan offer additional firepower. All three players have proven capable at international level and will be relied upon heavily.

Unlike Senegal, Saudi Arabia do not report major injury absences, but their struggles have been more systemic, particularly defensively. A lack of organisation at the back has been evident in recent matches and remains a major issue heading into this contest.

Key Factors to Consider

• Senegal’s squad depth remains strong even with expected rotation and key absences.
• Saudi Arabia are dealing with a recent managerial change, which may impact tactical cohesion.
• The Lions of Teranga showed attacking promise against the USA despite defeat.
• Saudi Arabia’s defensive instability has been evident in recent losses to stronger opponents.
• Senegal may conserve energy and rotate heavily with a crucial World Cup opener approaching.
• The Green Falcons rely heavily on a small core of attacking players for goals.

Conclusion

Even with potential rotation and key players unavailable, Senegal’s overall quality and structure should give them a clear advantage in this encounter. Their attacking depth and experience at the highest level allow them to remain competitive regardless of lineup changes.

Saudi Arabia, while capable of creating moments through their attacking stars, are still finding stability under new management and may struggle to contain Senegal’s forward threat across the full 90 minutes.

While the result is secondary to preparation, the Lions of Teranga are expected to edge this final warm‑up clash, heading into the World Cup with greater confidence than their opponents.

Verdict: Senegal win

Best odds: 4/7

Bookmaker: 888sport

The post Prediction: Senegal vs Saudi Arabia appeared first on SoccerNews.

While neither Hungary or Kazakhstan might not be set to feature in North America this summer, there are plenty of intriguing 2026 World Cup betting promotions and bonuses available.

Competition: International Friendly

Market: Goal to be scored in both halves

Odds: 7/101xBet

Starting with the hosts, suffering the most public of World Cup qualifying heartbreak last year as they watched their ticket to North America slip away in a sensational fashion, Hungary found themselves at the heart of a public backlash. Signing off their Group F campaign back in November as they eventually fell to a 3-2 loss at home against Ireland, many were wondering how Marco Rossi’s camp would respond when opening 2026. However, getting the New Year underway with a gritty 1-0 win against Slovenia, they were also last seen over the weekend clinching a 2-1 victory against Finland in Budapest. Pencilled in as a standout contender in midweek, Tuesday’s hosts have suffered just a sole defeat across all competitions from their previous seven outings – a run that stems back to September 2025. Although Hungary might not be set to feature in North America this month, Rossi’s side will be desperate to sign off their summer with a flurry in Debrecen.

As for the visitors, while Kazakhstan might have got their FIFA Series campaign underway with a flurry earlier in the year, Talgat Baysufinov’s side have drastically failed to find any kind of stability. Despite being last seen over the weekend snatching a 1-1 stalemate against Armenia, the Hawks have won just a trio of their previous 11 appearances across all competitions – a run that stems back over the past 15 months. Signing off 2025 with a toothless 1-0 loss against the Faroe Islands, Kazakhstan have also gained a reputation for their struggles on foreign soil. Including a 6-0 drumming at the hands of European heavyweights Belgium back in September 2025, Tuesday’s guests have landed just a sole win on their travels over almost the past three years. However, despite being pencilled in as a landslide underdog here, it should be noted that Baysufinov’s men secured a shock 3-2 win when they last travelled to Hungary back in 2018.

Bet: Goal to be scored in both halves at Hungary vs Kazakhstan 7/10 for Tuesday’s international friendly matchup @ 1xBet

The post Bitesize Prediction: Hungary vs Kazakhstan – 09/06/26 appeared first on SoccerNews.

The Lionesses lost 4-0 to Spain on Friday after goals from Patri Guijarro, Alexia Putellas (two) and Claudia Pina secured the win in Mallorca for the reigning world champions.

It was the biggest loss of Wiegman's tenure as Lionesses head coach and her career as an international manager, while it was England's largest margin of defeat since 2009.

Spain are now top of the qualifying group ahead of the last round of fixtures, with England taking on Ukraine while their rivals face Iceland.

England must better Spain's result against Iceland if they want to automatically qualify for next year's Women's World Cup, or they will have to progress via a two-legged play-off.

"Of course it was a difficult Friday night that hurt. But we've moved on too because we have another game [on Tuesday]," said Wiegman.

Putting in the work  pic.twitter.com/VQbP30G8k2

— Lionesses (@Lionesses) June 7, 2026

"There was good energy in the team, the team stuck together and we really want to show that.

"We sat on the pitch straight after the game and said, 'okay, this one is really hard to take'. It felt like a hit on the chin.

"You can't always control everything. We wanted to control more last Friday, definitely. We want to get control of the game on Tuesday also. But how are you going to make sure that it's never going to happen?

"You're not going to be sure. You want to make the chance as high as possible to improve your style of play, and to get your game plan right and execute it. And that's what we always want to do."

England have won each of their five meetings with Ukraine across all competitions, winning 6-1 in their most recent in Turkiye back in March, their biggest victory over their opponents.

England have also won each of their last five home matches without conceding in all competitions and could equal their longest run of wins alongside a clean sheet on home turf, set in September 2010, April 2013 and August 2014 (all runs of six).

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With just a matter of days until the 2026 World Cup officially gets underway, there are there are plenty of intriguing betting promotions and bonuses available.

Verdict: Spain win to nil 

Best Odds: 3/4

Bookmaker:  1xBet

Peru

Starting with Peru, while La Rojiblanca might have opened their World Cup qualifying campaign last year knowing that they were seeking a real miracle, Mano Menezes’ side endured another public struggle. Only registering 12 points from their 18 qualifying appearances and eventually forced to settle for a ninth-place finish, the Reds couldn’t have asked for a tougher examination when they travel to Puebla in the early hours. Despite marking their return over the weekend with a 2-1 victory against Haiti, Peru have continued to gain a reputation for their glaring inconsistencies. Opening 2026 with a 2-0 loss against Senegal, Menezes’ squad have won just a pair of their previous 15 appearances across all competitions – a run that stems back to March 2025.

Peru Team News

While skipper Andre Carrillo might still be waiting to open his domestic account with Brazilian giants Corinthians, the 34-year-old will lead Peru out on Tuesday and earn a 106th international cap in Puebla.

Although Bassco Soyer might still be waiting to make a maiden senior appearance for Portuguese outfit Gil Vicente, the 19-year-old has been included in Menezes’ squad. Enjoying what was an eye-catching campaign with Danish giants Copenhagen, Marcos Lopez will start at left-back.

Spain

As for Spain, suffering major frustration in La Coruna over the weekend as they were eventually forced to settle for an infamous 1-1 stalemate at home against Iraq, the reigning European champions will be desperate to immediately dust themselves down. Nevertheless, enjoying a sensational World Cup qualifying adventure last year, La Roja arrive in North America regarded as a standout title contender. Despite playing out a draw in three of their previous four appearances on either side of opening the New Year, Spain have remarkably not suffered a single defeat across any competition since way back in March 2024. Officially getting their World Cup charge underway on June 15th when they meet Cape Verde, Luis de la Fuente’s superstar squad will be desperate to claim an immediate response in Puebla.

Spain Team News

While 18-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal might be set to spearhead Spain’s attack this summer, the Barcelona superstar is recovering from a muscle issue and is not expected to play any part here. However, recently returning from a long-term foot injury, Arsenal’s Mikel Merino could get some crucial minutes under his belt.

Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper Unai Simon could be handed a full recall on Tuesday and start between the sticks. Likewise, left as an unused substitute in La Coruna over the weekend, Barcelona youngster Pau Cubarsi could start at the heart of de la Fuente’s defence.

Peru vs Spain Key Factors to Consider

• When Peru and Spain last met for a friendly battle way back in May 2008, La Roja claimed a 2-1 victory on home soil.
• Spain have been forced to settle for a stalemate in three of their previous four appearances on either side of opening 2026.
• However, the reigning European champions have remarkably not suffered a single defeat across any competition since way back in March 2024.
• Peru have won just a pair of their previous 15 appearances across all competitions – a run that stems back to March 2025.
• La Rojiblanca have recorded just a sole clean sheet across any completion over the past 12 months.

Conclusion

Suffering a real blow over the weekend as they eventually had to settle for a 1-1 stalemate at home against Iraq, Spain are desperately searching for an immediate boost when they arrive in Mexico in the early hours of Tuesday. Making their final appearance before getting their World Cup adventure underway on June 15th, La Roja are desperate to make some kind of early summer statement here.

Verdict: Spain win to nil

Best Odds: 3/4

Bookmaker: 1xBet

The post Prediction: Peru vs Spain appeared first on SoccerNews.

The hosts arrive after a useful win over Finland, while Kazakhstan continue their preparations after a 1-1 draw against Armenia.

Verdict: Hungary to win
Best odds: 1/4
Bookmaker: 888sport

Hungary

Hungary enter this friendly in a positive mood after beating Finland 2-1 in Budapest. Barnabas Varga scored twice in that match, giving Marco Rossi’s side a good result before their second June fixture.

The Magyars missed out on the 2026 World Cup, but they remain a competitive European side with enough quality to control this type of match at home. They have experience through Willi Orban, Zsolt Nagy, Roland Sallai and Barnabas Varga, while Dominik Szoboszlai remains the obvious creative leader.

Rossi may still use this game to test a few players, especially with Hungary already looking toward their next Nations League campaign. Even so, the spine of the team should be strong enough to give the hosts control in Debrecen.

Hungary’s main advantage should come in midfield and attacking areas. Szoboszlai can dictate the rhythm, Sallai offers movement and directness, while Varga gives them a reliable penalty-box presence after his goals against Finland.

Hungary Team News

Marco Rossi has several goalkeeping options available, with Peter Szappanos, Aron Yaakobishvili, Balazs Toth and Armin Pecsi all listed in the squad. With Peter Gulacsi and Denes Dibusz not involved, there is room for another goalkeeper to get minutes.

In defence, Hungary can call on Willi Orban, Milos Kerkez, Kornel Szucs, Attila Osvath, Mark Csinger and Akos Markgraf. Orban remains the key figure in the back line, while Kerkez gives the team energy and width from the left side.

The midfield group includes Dominik Szoboszlai, Andras Schafer, Callum Styles, Zsolt Nagy, Peter Barath, Milan Vitalis, Alex Toth, Rajmund Toth and Norbert Szendrei. Szoboszlai should be central to Hungary’s attacking play if he starts.

Further forward, Barnabas Varga is likely to be considered after scoring twice against Finland. Roland Sallai, Daniel Lukacs, Zsombor Gruber, Bendeguz Kovacs, Tamas Szucs and Damir Redzic are also among the attacking options available to Rossi.

Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan arrive in Hungary after drawing 1-1 with Armenia in their previous friendly. That result was useful enough, especially away from home, but this should be a harder test against a Hungary side with more technical quality and stronger attacking options.

The Hawks also missed out on the 2026 World Cup, and their focus is now on building toward the next Nations League campaign. Talgat Baisufinov has a squad with a mix of experience and younger players, which makes this friendly an important chance to test depth.

Kazakhstan’s defensive structure will probably decide how competitive they can be. Nuraly Alip, Sergei Malyy, Yan Vorogovskiy and Alibek Kassym give them useful options at the back, but they will need to stay compact for long spells if Hungary dominate possession.

The attacking threat is less reliable. Kazakhstan have players who can carry the ball and break forward, including Maxim Samorodov, Islam Chesnokov and Dastan Satpayev, but their impact will likely be limited, as Hungary is expected to be a dominant force in Debrecen.

Kazakhstan Team News

Talgat Baisufinov has Bekkhan Shaizada, Temirlan Anarbekov and Alexandr Zarutskiy available as goalkeeping options for this match.

In defence, Kazakhstan can call on Sergei Malyy, Nuraly Alip, Arsen Ashirbek, Alibek Kassym, Yan Vorogovskiy, Sanzhar Satanov, Alexandr Mrynskiy and Sagi Sovet. Alip should be one of the most important players in the visitors’ defensive setup.

The midfield group includes Islambek Kuat, Zhassulan Amir, Islam Chesnokov, Maxim Samorodov, Dinmukhamed Karaman, Ramazan Orazov, Yerkin Tapalov and Adilet Sadybekov. Samorodov and Chesnokov could be important if Kazakhstan want to break quickly after winning the ball.

Further forward, Galymzhan Kenzhebek, Abinur Nurymbet, Roman Murtazayev, Magzhan Toktybay, Dastan Satpayev and Maksat Abrayev are listed among the attacking options. Satpayev is one of the more interesting young names in the squad and could get another chance to show his quality.

Hungary vs Kazakhstan Key Factors to Consider

• Hungary beat Finland 2-1 in their previous June friendly, with Barnabas Varga scoring both goals.
• Kazakhstan drew 1-1 away to Armenia in their previous friendly.
• Hungary and Kazakhstan have met twice before in friendlies, with one win each.
• Kazakhstan won the most recent meeting 3-2 in 2018.
• Hungary have the stronger squad on paper, especially through Dominik Szoboszlai, Roland Sallai, Willi Orban and Barnabas Varga.

Conclusion

Hungary have home advantage, better individual quality, and a stronger recent performance to build on. Even if Rossi rotates, the hosts should have enough control in midfield and enough threat in the final third to create chances.

Kazakhstan can make this awkward if they stay compact and limit space around their own box. They have already shown that they can compete in friendlies, and the 2018 win over Hungary gives them a small psychological reference point, even if the current squads are very different.

Still, Hungary look like the safer pick. Szoboszlai’s creativity, Varga’s form and the home setting should give the Magyars enough to finish the June window with another win.

Verdict: Hungary to win
Best odds: 1/4
Bookmaker: 888sport

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The current Manchester United captain spent three seasons with Udinese in Italy, before a move to Sampdoria preceded a return to his native Portugal with Sporting CP.

He made 86 Serie A appearances with Udinese, scoring 10 goals and providing 11 assists between 2013-14 and 2015-16.

Fernandes' time at the club coincided with that of Di Natale, who spent the majority of his career with Udinese after joining from Empoli in 2004.

Di Natale scored 209 goals in 445 Serie A games, the sixth-most in the competition's history, behind Silvio Piola (274), Francesco Totti (250), Gunnar Nordahl (225), Jose Altafini and Giuseppe Meazza (both 216).

Fernandes, meanwhile, was named Premier League Player of the Season for 2025-26, and he credited Di Natale, and Udinese, with playing a key role in his development.

"It's about not thinking too much," when asked about the reasons for his impressive form by ESPN.

Bruno Fernandes is inevitable 

Last night our captain was on the scoresheet for @SelecaoPortugal against Chile  pic.twitter.com/xE1JkXOSJV

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) June 7, 2026

"I think that, obviously, it's work, it's training, and also something that has been born with me a bit since my childhood, which has always been one of my attributes, the pass and the shot.

"But with that came a lot of work. I remember my time in Italy, which was difficult for me.

"In the first year at Udinese, I had been signed from the Italian second league and I arrived thinking; 'I was signed for €5m, which at the time was a lot of money, I'm going to play.'

"And I ended up having a year, four months there, where I had to train a lot, work a lot. And I had two coaches who trained with me separately, technical coaches, so to speak, who made me even better.

"With all this, I also had Di Natale, who taught me how to hit the ball, how to position the body, how to take the steps before hitting the ball, the positioning of the goalkeeper and the positions where we are shooting."

Fernandes is currently with Portugal's squad, as they prepare to face Nigeria in a friendly on Wednesday before taking on DR Congo in their World Cup opener on June 17.

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Olise enjoyed an impressive campaign with Bayern in 2025-26, helping Vincent Kompany's side complete a Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal double.

Olise ended the Bundesliga season with 34 goal involvements (15 goals, 19 assists), a new record for a winger since detailed Opta data collection began in the German top-flight 2004-05.

Only team-mate Harry Kane (41) directly contributed to more Bundesliga goals than Olise, who also scored five goals and provided seven assists in 13 Champions League games.

The Frenchman has been linked with a move to Real Madrid in recent days, following a comment made by Los Blancos president Florentino Perez.

Perez revealed the club would break their transfer record by spending €150m on a 'Galactico' player this summer if he won the election, which he did.

Reports then emerged suggesting Olise was the player Perez hinted towards, but Bayern have no interest in letting their winger go.

Hainer told Bild: "Michael Olise is a Bayern Munich player who still has a long-term contract – and we are not a club that sells players.

Never change, Michael  pic.twitter.com/MmZ74mD8Ax

— FC Bayern (@FCBayernEN) June 7, 2026

"If Florentino Perez wants to send us an offer – which hasn't happened yet – he can save himself the trouble."

Since the start of 2024-25, Olise's 88 combined goals and assists (42 goals, 46 assists) are the third-most of any player from Europe's top five leagues, only behind Kane's 121 and Kylian Mbappe's 97.

In that same timeframe, Olise is the only player from Europe's top five leagues to register 40+ goals and 40+ assists in all competitions.

Olise's current deal with Bayern expires in June 2029, though the Bavarian giants may look to extend his deal following Madrid's interest.

The 24-year-old is currently away on international duty as he looks to help France win the 2026 World Cup this summer.

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Yamal suffered a season-ending hamstring injury in April, causing him to miss the final six matches of Barcelona's LaLiga-winning campaign and be doubtful for Spain's Group H opener.

Williams, meanwhile, sustained a muscle issue in early May and sat out Athletic Club's final three league games. 

Yamal and Williams – as well as Osasuna forward Victor Munoz – have remained at Spain's training base in Tennessee rather than travelling to Mexico for Monday's friendly versus Peru, which comes after a 1-1 draw with Iraq on Thursday.

But with just seven days to go until the European champions begin their push for a second World Cup triumph, De la Fuente is optimistic regarding their chances of being involved.

"If there are no setbacks in the coming days, we expect them to be ⁠available on the 15th," De la Fuente told reporters. "I think all three ⁠will be in a position ‌to play.

"The most important thing is that those timelines are being met and will continue to be met, so they can be ⁠with us and be available to be selected at some point in the match.

"I have in my head how to start the World Cup if there are no adverse circumstances. Football can always surprise you, but I won't tell you our lineup."

11 – Lamine Yamal ha logrado 11 asistencias en 25 partidos con la @SEFutbol entre todas las competiciones, más que cualquier otro jugador bajo las órdenes de Luis de la Fuente. Estelar. pic.twitter.com/4yFvNfSp2z

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) June 3, 2026

On Sunday, footage shared on social media showed Gavi catching Rodri with a late challenge during a training session, with the Manchester City star going down awkwardly after his ankle was trodden on.

Gavi was criticised over the incident, but De la Fuente says there is no issue between the pair and that the Barcelona midfielder's feisty approach is one of his best attributes. 

"This is football, it's training. The players give everything and no one has to apologise. Everything is perfect," he insisted. 

"Gavi has energy, impetus, and that is one of his virtues. He has to ration the energy, but I want this Gavi in my team, without any doubt."

Spain are hoping to become only the fourth nation to simultaneously hold both the European Championship and World Cup crowns, after West Germany (Euro 1972, World Cup 1974), France (World Cup 1998, Euro 2000), and La Roja themselves (Euro 2008, World Cup 2010, Euro 2012).

However, Spain's 2010 triumph is the only time they have gone further than the quarter-finals in their last 14 participations at the World Cup, while they have only won one of their last six matches at the 2018 and 2022 tournaments (D4 L1).

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