Marc Cucurella has been named in Spain’s starting lineup as the reigning European champions kick off their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign. The left-back, who cemented his reputation during Spain’s Euro 2024 title run, continues to be a trusted option for coach Luis de la Fuente on the biggest stage.

From Euro 2024 hero to World Cup starter

Cucurella’s path to becoming a World Cup starter has been anything but ordinary. The Chelsea defender was a key figure in Spain’s Euro 2024 championship squad, earning consistent minutes throughout that tournament and establishing himself as one of Europe’s most reliable fullbacks.

On September 4, 2025, Cucurella scored his first senior international goal in a World Cup qualifier against Bulgaria. That milestone underlined his growing influence in the national setup, transforming him from a dependable squad player into a genuine contributor at both ends of the pitch.

De la Fuente confirmed Cucurella’s place in Spain’s 26-man World Cup squad on May 25, 2026. Alejandro Grimaldo, the talented Bayer Leverkusen fullback, has been pushing hard for the left-back spot, creating one of the more intriguing positional battles in Spain’s deep roster.

Spain’s World Cup campaign begins

Spain’s Group H opener against Cape Verde is set for June 15, 2026, with kickoff at 5 PM local time in Atlanta.

For Cucurella personally, starting a World Cup match represents the culmination of a career that saw him bounce around Spain’s lower divisions before eventually landing at Brighton and then Chelsea in England’s Premier League.