Here is everything you need to know:
Group fixtures (all times GMT)
Wednesday 23 November: Spain vs Costa Rica – 19:00
Sunday 27 November: Spain vs Germany – 22:00
Thursday 1 December: Japan vs Spain – 22:00
Spain’s last trophy came at Euro 2012, as they won their third straight tournament
Confirmed squad
Goalkeepers: Unai Simon (Athletic Club), Robert Sanchez (Brighton), David Raya (Brentford)
Defenders: Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Eric Garcia (Barcelona), Hugo Guillamon (Valencia), Pau Torres (Villarreal), Aymeric Laporte (Manchester City), Jordi Alba (Barcelona), Jose Gaya (Valencia)
Midfielders: Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Rodrigo (Manchester City), Gavi (Barcelona), Carlos Soler (Valencia), Marcos Llorente (Atletico Madrid), Pedri (Barcelona), Koke (Atletico Madrid)
Forwards: Ferran Torres (Barcelona), Nico Williams (Athletic Club), Yeremy Pino (Villarreal), Alvaro Morata (Atletico Madrid), Marco Asensio (Real Madrid), Pablo Sarabia (PSG), Dani Olmo (Leipzig), Ansu Fati (Barcelona)
Ones to watch
Star –Pedri: The Barcelona midfielder, who turns 20 during the group stage of this World Cup, almost should be a ‘breakout talent’, but he featured heavily for Spain at last summer’s Euros, where he even made the team of the tournament. Pedri has excellent ball control and is nimble in possession, with a great ability to unlock opposition defences. Look for him to take responsibility despite his youth and be a key part of any success Spain have.
Barcelona playmaker Pedri will turn 20 between Spain’s first two group games
Breakout talent – Nico Williams: The Liberian-born 20-year-old made his senior debut for Spain during September’s Nations League fixtures, playing twice and recording an assist. The Athletic Bilbao winger was a substitute in both of those games so may not be a starter for Luis Enrique yet, but if he is provided enough of a platform, he should exhibit glimpses of the exciting play that has made him one to watch in La Liga so far this season.
Odds to win the World Cup (taken from Betfair)
15/2
Recommended
Prediction
Expectations are high for Spain. Alongside Brazil, they are one of the most favoured teams, in large part due to their possession-heavy approach and what should be a complementary climate in Qatar. However, the mentality of recent Spain squads has left a fair bit to desire, and whether or not this set of players can hold their nerve in key moments could decide their fate. It is tempting to say they will struggle to deal with adversity and will bow out sooner than many are predicting. Defeated in the quarter-finals.
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