When begin their campaign on Monday, La Roja do so in the knowledge they are one of the favourites to lift the trophy and repeat their 2010 triumph.
Inside ahead of the game, there were smiles, laughter and a clear sense of purpose as head coach and his players addressed the media. UEFA EURO 2024 winners two years ago, Spain believe they have the quality and character to challenge for football's biggest prize.
"There is excitement, hunger… They’re very competitive players, determined to always do things right," De la Fuente told the assembled media. "They're aware how important this moment is for them at the World Cup. Several are making their debut.
"Nothing in life can compare to the feeling of taking on a challenge head-on with excitement, purpose and determination. That's something I think really stands out about this squad and these players. If they’re feeling like that, you can imagine how I feel."
De la Fuente understands Spain are positioned among the tournament favourites and stressed that his squad is packed with players who have the strength of personality to carry such expectations.
"A winning mentality is acquired through competition, but not without character," De la Fuente explained. "People use a lot of flowery phrases, but in real life, you lose more than you gain. Even more so in football. What counts is character and the right attitude towards competition, which can then lead to a win.
"It generally increases your chances of winning, but you don't always win. I pick players according to my understanding of the raw talent available, knowing that their character, attitude and commitment come as part of the package. That makes things a lot simpler."
Earlier in the day, Arsenal midfielder urged a degree of caution ahead of Spain's first game against Cabo Verde, but echoed his coach’s confidence in La Roja’s squad.
"The opening game is never easy, but expectations are high because we know our potential,” Merino said. “However, we must tread carefully. [Our main strength is] our self-confidence. We have an incredible squad, which makes all the difference in tournaments like this."
Atletico Madrid winger Alex Baena also spoke of Spain’s ‘favourites’ tag in positive terms and insisted he is relishing the opportunity to be part of the group.
"Being called up to the national team is a huge boost because I’m with a group of players I get on so well with," Baena said. "I’m smiling and having a laugh all day long. The World Cup is every footballer's finest hour. Every footballer dreams of playing in it.
"Everyone loves being the favourite. That just goes to show we have a great team."
Spain coach De la Fuente has played a key role in developing and improving many of the players in his World Cup squad; his familiarity with them goes back at least a decade in many cases. When he refers to his current group of the players, he calls them "the family".
"We really value the family," De la Fuente said. "Family is about togetherness, support, closeness, and doing everything a family member asks of you and beyond. That's what being in a team is all about.
"It’s a term that rolls off the tongue, which we started using during the European Championship. It just happened naturally because we used to say we spent more time with each other than with our families. Family, family, family. And it's true."
For now, Spain's focus is firmly on Cabo Verde. But if De la Fuente's "family" can navigate seven more matches after that, there may yet be a much bigger gathering awaiting them at New York New Jersey Stadium on 19 July.
Sources: FIFA Official
