Spain faces England at Wembley in Nations League after World Cup triumph
World champions Spain visit Wembley Stadium on Saturday to play England in the Nations League, debuting their two-star kit under Luis de la Fuente.
World champions debut two-star shirt at Wembley
Spain returns to competitive action on Saturday, facing England at Wembley Stadium at 20:45 in the Nations League. The fixture marks the team's first match since 19 July, when Spain defeated Argentina at MetLife Stadium in New York to earn their second World Cup title. Head coach Luis de la Fuente, who took charge in 2023 following the 2022 World Cup, enters the game on a 38-match unbeaten run after reaching every tournament final during his tenure. At the World Cup, Spain conceded one goal and allowed 11 shots on target against goalkeeper Unai Simón. The team will also debut their official home kit featuring two stars to commemorate world titles won in 2010 and 2026. The CLIMACOOL+ kit by Adidas went on sale in August for 100 euros.
- Luis de la Fuente takes charge of Spain following the 2022 World Cup
- Thomas Tuchel is appointed England manager
- Spain defeats Argentina at MetLife Stadium in New York to win the World Cup
- Adidas releases Spain's two-star home kit for 100 euros
- England hosts Spain at Wembley Stadium in the Nations League
Continuity in Spain's roster
Only four of the 26 players who won the World Cup in New York have been left out of the traveling squad. Goalkeeper Joan García is absent due to injury, while Marcos Llorente announced his retirement from international football. Borja Iglesias, who has scored zero goals for Celta, and Gavi, who lost his starting spot at Barcelona, were dropped on technical grounds. De la Fuente recalled Fermín and added Roberto Fernández to complete the squad list. De la Fuente addressed his roster continuity in comments before the match.
How am I not going to give them my trust if they have won everything?
Tactical scrutiny and squad absences for England
England manager Thomas Tuchel enters the fixture under public scrutiny regarding tactical decisions and team selections since his appointment in January 2025. England finished third at the World Cup following a 6-4 victory over France, after losing a 1-0 lead against Argentina in the 72nd minute of the semifinal when Tuchel substituted attacking players for defenders. For Saturday's match, five English players withdrew citing physical complaints, including Valentino Livramento, Kobbie Mainoo, Marcus Rashford, Declan Rice, and Cole Palmer, who cited load management. Palmer had previously been excluded from England's World Cup squad alongside Phil Foden, Harry Maguire, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Jarrod Bowen. Tuchel, whose contract extends through the summer of 2028, outlined his target ahead of kick-off.
We have a plan and the ambition to beat Spain.
