World Cup 2023: All you need to know about Spain

Spain have never won a major title and must overcome a number of challenges if they are to break their duck.

Their World Cup preparations have been severely hampered by the decision of 15 players to jointly announce their resignation in September via an open letter complaining about manager Jorge Vilda. 

Despite this controversy, the tactician remains in the dugout and has selected three of those stars for the competition.

Spain's group stage fixtures and UK kick-off times

Spain vs Costa Rica (Friday, July 21, 8.30am) 

Spain vs Zambia (Wednesday, July 26, 8.30am)

Japan vs Spain (Monday, July 31, 8am)

How Spain qualified for Australia and New Zealand 2023

Spain's qualification campaign was superb, winning all eight matches, scoring 53 goals and conceding none. 

As a result, they cruised to top spot in their group, finishing eight points ahead of Scotland.

Their standout result was a 10-0 victory against the Faroe Islands, with Amaiur Sarriegi bagging four goals in an impressive win.

Predicted XI

GK: Misa Rodriguez 
RB: Oihane Hernandez 
CB: Irene Paredes 
CB: Ivana Andres 
LB: Olga Carmona 
CM: Alexia Putellas 
CM: Teresa Abelleira 
RW: Marta Cardona 
CAM: Jennifer Hermoso 
LW: Athenea del Castillo 
ST: Esther Gonzalez

Star player: Alexia Putellas

It is a huge relief for Spain to have their superstar Alexia Putellas back in action. 

Putellas missed out on the 2022 Euros with an ACL injury and has spent the past year recovering. 

However, she has since returned, featuring in Barcelona's Champions League final win over Wolfsburg, and the midfield general will be key for her nation in both attack and defence.

One to watch: Athenea del Castillo

With some veterans not involved, opportunities have emerged for younger talent to prove their worth. 

Real Madrid's Athenea del Castillo was named in Vilda's Cup of Nations squad earlier this year and scored an important goal in their 3-0 win over the Czech Republic. 

The 22-year-old also found the back of the net for Spain in their qualification game against Hungary and can pose an unexpected threat at the World Cup this summer.

The boss: Jorge Vilda

Vilda, 41, took charge of the national team in 2015, having previously coached the Under-17s and U-19s. 

He has improved them since and they were among the favourites to win Euro 2022 before elimination at the quarter-final stage by eventual winners England. 

There has been plenty of disruption behind the scenes but the Spanish FA have kept faith with their man.

Spain’s official 23-player World Cup squad

Goalkeepers: Misa Rodriguez (Real Madrid), Enith Salon (Valencia), Cata Coll (Barcelona).

Defenders: Irene Paredes (Barcelona), Ivana Andres (Real Madrid), Ona Batlle (Manchester United), Laia Codina (Barcelona), Olga Carmona (Real Madrid), Rocio Galvez (Real Madrid), Oihane Hernandez (Athletic Bilbao).

Midfielders: Teresa Abelleira (Real Madrid), Irene Guerrero (Atletico Madrid), Aitana Bonmati (Barcelona), Maria Perez (Barcelona), Alexia Putellas (Barcelona), Claudia Zornoza (Real Madrid), Jennifer Hermoso (Pachuca).

Forwards: Mariona Caldentay (Barcelona), Eva Navarro (Atletico Madrid), Salma Paralluelo (Barcelona), Athenea del Castillo (Real Madrid), Esther Gonzalez (Real Madrid), Marta Cardona (Atletico Madrid).

All information correct as of July 13