Spain prepares for World Cup 2026 at Chattanooga training base

Spain's senior men's football team, coached by Luis de la Fuente, is set to begin its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign on Monday against Cape Verde. The 26‑player squad blends established stars such as David Raya, Rodri, Pedri, Gavi, Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres with emerging talents like Pau Cubarsí and Alex Baena, aiming to contend for the title.

The squad is headquartered at the Baylor School in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The 279‑hectare complex offers three football pitches, 18 tennis courts, a golf course, four swimming pools and seven residential halls, alongside modern training facilities and a video analysis suite. Tuition for boarders can reach €60,000 per year, reflecting the venue's elite status. A dedicated area honors 13‑year‑old Maria Caamaño, a young fan who died of Ewing sarcoma in 2024, with photographs and memorabilia intended to inspire the players. The environment is designed to balance intensive preparation with recovery and leisure as Spain readies for group‑stage matches against Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay.