How this Spain squad is throwing back to 2010 in its quest to win the World Cup

How This Spain Squad Is Throwing Back to 2010 Glory

How this Spain squad is throwing back to the magic of 2010 has become the defining narrative of their 2026 World Cup campaign. Before watching Spain face France in the semifinal, I felt genuine anxiety. The French team appeared nearly unbeatable throughout the tournament, while our Spanish side had been securing victories without truly captivating audiences. Kylian Mbappé stood at the top of the Golden Boot standings with eight goals, whereas Lamine Yamal had shown inconsistency and failed to deliver a decisive moment. I had mentally prepared for a respectable defeat. Then the whistle blew, and Spain secured a convincing 2-0 victory. Suddenly, everything felt wonderfully familiar to any Spanish supporter watching.

Tracing the Path Back to 2010

The patterns emerged quickly. Spain controlled possession with authority, maintained defensive solidity, and gave observers few genuine concerns. This approach initially worried fans during the opening matches, especially that surprising first encounter against Cape Verde. Yet gradually, the team advanced through the tournament, dominating rivals either overtly or through subtle control, occasionally benefiting from fortunate moments along the way.

Then the realization struck: this was Spain at the 2010 World Cup. Back then, La Roja arrived as one of the tournament favorites after capturing the 2008 European Championship. Their midfield was extraordinary, much like the current squad in 2026. The opening match brought heartbreak when Switzerland defeated them 1-0, resurrecting memories of past Spanish disappointments. The manager addressed concerns calmly, remarking that the tournament was far from over. Cooler minds eventually prevailed, and Spain began winning consecutive matches, frequently by narrow margins, as they approached the semifinals against another European powerhouse.

During that 2010 semifinal against Germany, Spain dominated possession and controlled most of the contest. The Germans created opportunities but could not find the net. The result, of course, is history.

An Evolved Spanish Identity

The similarities between these two generations are remarkable, yet the current team has evolved beyond its predecessor. The tiki-taka machine that ruled football from 2008 through 2012 has transformed. Observers need only examine the 2024 European Championship to understand this progression. The repetitive, possession-heavy style that opponents eventually learned to neutralize has been replaced by something more dynamic. Wingers now drive the attack, creating excitement and unpredictability that captivated global audiences.

Throughout Spanish football history, the midfield has remained the foundation, supported by an often-underappreciated defense. These elements enabled victories in various ways. The Euro 2024 triumph featured two exceptional flank players: Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams. Unfortunately, both arrived at this World Cup carrying injuries. Coach Luis de la Fuente exercised patience, gradually reintegrating them into the squad.

During the opening match against Cape Verde, de la Fuente attempted to maintain his Euro 2024 approach despite missing his key wingers. The strategy failed without their speed and creativity. Many critics, myself included, questioned whether the manager could adapt. Some even mourned the departure of Pablo Amo, the former assistant many credited as the true architect of the European title.

Midfield Mastery on Display

Instead of abandoning his vision, de la Fuente returned to Spanish fundamentals while adding his personal signature. The result is tiki-taka enhanced with wing magic. Tuesday night’s performance against France showcased this beautifully. The midfield proved decisive once again, creating countless problems for the French and reducing them to a shadow of their earlier tournament form.

Fabián Ruiz and Dani Olmo delivered outstanding performances, but Rodri stood above all others. The Manchester City midfielder has fully recovered his 2024 Ballon d’Or-winning brilliance. He controlled the center, linked defense to attack seamlessly, and even employed clever gamesmanship to frustrate French players in the closing stages. The defense remained equally reliable, completing a performance that felt destined for greatness.

“It wasn’t our day … the World Cup hasn’t ended”

As Spain continues this remarkable journey, the parallels with 2010 grow stronger with each passing match. How this Spain squad is throwing back to past glory while building something new has captivated football fans worldwide. The question now is whether history will repeat itself once more, or if this evolved version of La Roja will write an entirely new chapter in football lore.