World Cup 2026: Spain end their warm-up with a win, Oyarzabal and Pedri the difference

Friendly: Spain outclass Peru and wrap up their build-up in style

Spain signed off their preparations with a comfortable win. In the night from Monday to Tuesday in Puebla, Mexico, La Roja beat Peru 3-1 in their final game before the 2026 World Cup. Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring in the 2nd minute with a left-footed strike from 22 metres, before Pedri made it two by steering home a fine Ferran Torres cross in the 32nd minute. An own goal from Peru keeper Gallese early in the second half killed the contest, even if Jairo Vélez did pull one back on the break in the 66th minute.

Luis de la Fuente used the match to rotate his squad, replacing his entire starting XI at half-time. It was the sort of calm, measured management that says plenty about a staff who know their first-choice side is drilled, settled and ready for the tournament. Against a Peru side who have not made it to the World Cup, Spain showed control without ever needing to get out of second gear, with the usual starters in the first half and the back-ups after the break.

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Let’s do it

Spain ready to defend their crown, with Group H in sight

Reigning world champions Spain begin the defence of their title this Monday 15 June against Cape Verde at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. They then face Saudi Arabia on 21 June before finishing their group stage against Uruguay on 27 June. On paper, Group H looks manageable enough, but La Roja still have to prove they belong among the favourites and avoid any hint of complacency.

These two warm-up games, against Iraq and Peru, gave Luis de la Fuente a chance to fine-tune the last details and hand minutes to his fringe players. The bigger picture is what matters now: Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Nico Williams and the rest of the core group arrive at the tournament fresh and brimming with confidence. Spain head to North America aiming to do the Euro-World Cup double, something only Spain themselves have ever pulled off between 2008 and 2010.

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