Zubimendi States Spain Focuses Solely on World Cup Qualification Without Looking Ahead
Spain’s midfielder Martin Zubimendi emphasized that the national team is focused solely on World Cup qualification, rather than being labeled as favorites for the 2026 tournament. Currently, the reigning European champions have enjoyed a commendable start to their qualification campaign.
Spain’s Strong Qualification Performance
The Spanish team has won their first four qualification matches, scoring 15 goals while maintaining a clean sheet. They are set to face Georgia on Saturday, followed by a match against Turkey three days later. The main objective is to secure a spot in the World Cup finals next year.
Current Statistics
- Matches Played: 4
- Goals Scored: 15
- Goals Conceded: 0
Impressive Streak
Under coach Luis de la Fuente, Spain has not lost in their past 29 matches across all competitions, achieving 24 victories and five draws. This record matches their best unbeaten streak from 2010 to 2013, which was established under Vicente del Bosque.
Focus on Qualification
Zubimendi maintains that the team’s focus remains on the upcoming fixtures against Georgia and Turkey. He remarked, “It’s about qualification right now. Even if we perform perfectly, we still depend on other results.” He highlighted the importance of securing qualification before thinking ahead to the World Cup.
Key Players and Team Cohesion
Midfielder Mikel Merino leads the Spanish scoring charts in the current qualifiers with six goals. Teammates Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedri have also contributed significantly to the team’s success.
Team Solidarity
Zubimendi attributes the team’s success to the strong bonds formed among the players over the years. He stated, “One of our strengths is the group’s solidarity. A similar core group over the past two to three years has streamlined our play and made us stronger.” This cohesion is seen as a pivotal factor in their ongoing success as they aim for World Cup qualification.
