Spain’s dominant win in Tbilisi, a 4-0 performance that all but confirmed the national team’s ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, has already pushed conversation toward next summer. With only an implausible scenario against Turkey in Sevilla able to derail qualification, attention has shifted to which players Luis de la Fuente should bring to North America.
The discussion surfaced this week on Radioestadio Noche on Onda Cero, where journalist Santiago Segurola highlighted two names. Speaking about Alejandro Balde, he said that “I think Balde is not liked by De la Fuente.” Meanwhile he said that “for me Dani Olmo is a lock for this team” and adding that Spain cannot afford to exclude him when he is fully fit.
Segurola went further, voicing optimism about Spain’s overall prospects next summer. “Spain has the team to win the World Cup, just like Argentina, Brazil or Germany. A lot can happen in a World Cup,” he said.
The young left-back has seven caps for Spain, not a bad return perhaps, but not a lot for a player who starts for Barcelona.
The conversation around Balde is also mirrored at club level, which could put him as a further doubt for the World Cup. Barcelona has shown signs of defensive vulnerability this season, and while the problems extend beyond individual names, there is internal concern about the form of both starting full-backs. After a good campaign last year, Balde has struggled to regain rhythm following a muscular injury in September that cost him five matches. In his 11 appearances so far, he has delivered two assists and won the penalty that Robert Lewandowski failed to convert in Sevilla, but has not reached the explosiveness that made him such a key part of Barça’s system.
Jules Koundé, his counterpart on the right, is also navigating a more difficult year despite his secure status with coach Hansi Flick and a contract renewal through 2030. Last season’s high point, scoring the Copa del Rey winning goal against Real Madrid, feels distant as he works to rediscover consistency. Internally, the French international is viewed as less confident in both phases of play, though he remains a guaranteed starter and has contributed a goal against Real Sociedad and an assist versus Newcastle.
