Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino has declared that Spain are capable of defeating any side at the FIFA World Cup 2026, backing the European champions to channel their tournament-favourite status into fuel rather than complacency.

From Underdogs to Favourites

Spain arrived at UEFA Euro 2024 without widespread recognition as title contenders, yet departed with the trophy — a result that fundamentally shifted how the football world perceives Luis de la Fuente's side. Merino, speaking in an interview with FIFA, acknowledged the transformation in expectations.

'It's true that teams didn't see us as one of the favourites for the EURO or as a side to be feared, but thanks to what we achieved in that competition and what we've done since, I think people now see us as real trophy contenders,' the 30-year-old said.

Merino's Message: Belief Without Arrogance

The midfielder was careful to draw a distinction between healthy self-belief and overconfidence, a balance he insists the squad is actively managing ahead of the World Cup.

'Now that everyone sees us as being among the tournament favourites, we should draw confidence and energy from it and make sure we don't get complacent. If that's how everyone sees us, then it's because we've earned it and we should believe in ourselves,' Merino said.

He added: 'We shouldn't be overconfident or feel that we're automatically better than anyone else. Any side can beat you on their day, but it should fuel our self-belief. If we play our best football, we can beat anyone.'

Squad Balance a Key Strength

Merino pointed to the blend within De la Fuente's group as a central pillar of Spain's confidence. 'We're very well prepared. We've got that blend of youth, energy and desire to win trophies. Then there's the fact that we're European champions, and we've brought in players who know the system and the coaching staff very well,' he said.

Notably, Spain's squad continuity — with several players having operated under the same tactical framework for multiple cycles — is widely regarded as one of their structural advantages heading into the tournament.

Collective Over Individual

Beyond individual quality, Merino identified the team's collective identity as their defining asset. 'When it comes to individual talent, we're up there with the best, but our biggest strength is the collective, the family we've become, the fact that we play as a team and support each other through tough times at long tournaments,' he said.

This comes amid growing consensus among football analysts that Spain's pressing system and positional fluidity make them one of the most cohesive units in international football — a cohesion built over years rather than months.

World Cup Outlook

Spain begin their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign as one of the tournament's most watched sides, carrying both the weight of the European crown and the expectations of a nation with a rich history of international success. If Merino's confidence is any measure, the squad appears mentally primed for the challenge ahead.