De la Fuente’s ‘Operation Second Star’: Spain Eyes Glory as World Cup Campaign Begins

Luis de la Fuente’s squad faces Cape Verde in their 2026 World Cup opener, balancing high-stakes expectations with tactical selection dilemmas.

The air in the Spanish camp is thick with the weight of history and the nervous energy that only a FIFA World Cup can generate. As Luis de la Fuente prepares his side for their tournament opener against Cape Verde, the narrative in the Spanish press—from Marca to Diario AS—is clear: this is the start of "Operation Second Star." After a successful preparation phase, which included a decisive 3-1 victory over Peru, the focus has shifted entirely to the tactical puzzle facing the manager.

Selection debates have dominated the lead-up to the match. De la Fuente has finally put the most persistent question to rest, confirming that Unai Simón will be his starting goalkeeper for the tournament, effectively silencing the murmurs of a late-game rotation. Meanwhile, the fitness of young sensation Lamine Yamal has been a subject of intense scrutiny. Recent reports confirm he is in "good condition" and ready to feature, a massive relief for a squad that cannot afford to bench its brightest sparks.

Tactical Shifts and Dressing Room Dynamics

The competition for spots in the starting eleven remains fierce. Dani Olmo has been pushing hard for a starting berth, putting pressure on the coaching staff to reconsider their attacking setup. While the team remains united—with veterans insisting that "nobody would do anything to harm the group"—the bench is clearly packed with enough talent to change the complexion of a match at any moment.

Behind the scenes, the atmosphere is professional but grounded. Even minor friction, such as a training ground collision between Rodri and Gavi, has been brushed off with characteristic humour. Rodri, ever the team leader, laughed off the rough tackle, proving that the camaraderie within the camp remains intact despite the intensity required to compete at this level.

Why it matters: The bigger picture

For Spain, this tournament isn't just about the opening match against Cape Verde; it’s about managing the immense pressure of expectation. De la Fuente, who has candidly admitted he "never dreamed of being here," finds himself the architect of a transition period for Spanish football. The decision to finalize his core lineup early suggests a move toward stability over experimentation, a crucial trait for any side hoping to survive the knockout rounds of a World Cup.

The pattern here is unmistakable: Spain is leaning on a mix of established figures and breakthrough talent. By settling the goalkeeper debate and prioritizing the health of key players like Yamal, the management is attempting to insulate the squad from the media circus. If they can replicate the clinical efficiency they showed against Peru, they may well find the momentum needed to turn this "Operation" into a reality.