Atlanta [US], June 14 (ANI): Ahead of the FIFA World Cup campaign opener against Cape Verde, Spain midfielder Marc Cucurella spoke about the lucky charms he has brought to the United States for good fortune, including his wife's red pyjama top worn during the European Championships title win.
Spain's World Cup Opener
Spain will kick off their FIFA World Cup campaign against Cape Verde in Atlanta on Sunday. Cucurella played a pivotal role in Spain's European Championships 2024 victory, scoring the winner in the 119th minute against Germany in the quarterfinal. In the final, Spain defeated England 2-1 to lift their fourth Euro title.
Cucurella hopes that the same red pyjama top worn by his wife during the tournament and key rings made by his children will bring him luck as Spain aims to add a second star to their shirt.
Cucurella's Lucky Charms
"I have got some key-rings that my children made for me," Cucurella told Marca, as quoted by Reuters on Saturday. "I am also taking my wife's pyjama top, which she wore when she was with me during the European Championship, and I have packed it in my suitcase again to see if it brings the same luck," he added.
Lucky charms are common among footballers. Argentina's World Cup-winning icon wore a red ribbon around his left ankle in the 2018 and 2022 editions, and his ritual paid off in Qatar as his side overcame a Kylian Mbappe-powered France in the final. Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo keeps an old coin given to him by his grandfather as a lucky charm.
Boost for Spain
Spain's campaign has received a massive boost, with Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, two vital parts of the team's attacking setup, resuming full training. The duo was doubtful for the opener against Cape Verde, but their presence at the team's Tennessee base camp has given hope that they could be ready to battle for the second star on their shirts from match one. According to Goal.com, both Yamal and Williams were seen training with full intensity in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on Thursday.
After their opener against Cape Verde, Spain will face Saudi Arabia on June 21 in Atlanta and Uruguay on June 26 in Guadalajara, Mexico. Spain will be eyeing their second FIFA World Cup title, having last won in 2010. Spain has strong recent performances, including a title win at Euro 2024 and a runners-up finish in the UEFA Nations League.
Spain Squad for 2026 World Cup
- Goalkeepers: Unai Simon (Athletic Club), David Raya (Arsenal), Joan Garcia (Barcelona)
- Defenders: Marc Cucurella (Chelsea), Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona), Aymeric Laporte (Athletic Club), Alex Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen), Pedro Porro (Tottenham Hotspur), Eric Garcia (Barcelona), Marcos Llorente (Atletico Madrid), Marc Pubill (Atletico Madrid)
- Midfielders: Gavi (Barcelona), Rodri (Manchester City), Pedri (Barcelona), Martin Zubimendi (Arsenal), Fabian Ruiz (PSG), Alex Baena (Atletico Madrid), Mikel Merino (Arsenal)
- Forwards: Lamine Yamal (Barcelona), Nico Williams (Athletic Club), Dani Olmo (Barcelona), Ferran Torres (Barcelona), Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad), Yeremy Pino (Crystal Palace), Borja Iglesias (Celta Vigo), Victor Munoz (Osasuna)
