Marc Cucurella Shares Lucky Charms Ahead of Spain's FIFA World Cup Opener

As Spain prepares for their FIFA World Cup opener against Cape Verde, midfielder Marc Cucurella reveals the lucky charms he has brought along, including a red pajama top worn by his wife during their Euro Championship victory. With key players Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams returning to full training, Spain is optimistic about their chances of securing a second star on their jersey. Cucurella's hopes for good fortune reflect a common tradition among footballers, as they rely on personal tokens for luck. Read on to discover more about Spain's squad and their World Cup aspirations.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 14, 2026, 04:10 IST

Spain's World Cup Journey Begins

Atlanta, US - On the eve of their FIFA World Cup opener against Cape Verde, Spanish midfielder Marc Cucurella revealed the lucky items he has brought to the United States, including a red pajama top worn by his wife during their Euro Championship victory.

Spain is set to kick off their World Cup campaign against Cape Verde this Sunday. Cucurella was instrumental in Spain's triumph at the European Championships 2024, scoring the decisive goal in the 119th minute against Germany during the quarterfinals. Ultimately, Spain secured their fourth Euro title by defeating England 2-1 in the final.

Cucurella expressed hope that the same red pajama top, along with key rings crafted by his children, will bring good fortune as Spain aims to earn a second star on their jersey.

"I have some key rings that my kids made for me," Cucurella shared with a media outlet. "I’m also bringing my wife’s pajama top, which she wore during the European Championship, packed in my suitcase once more to see if it brings the same luck," he added.

Lucky charms are a common practice among football players. For instance, Argentina's World Cup champion has been known to wear a red ribbon around his ankle during the 2018 and 2022 tournaments, a ritual that proved successful in Qatar when his team triumphed over France in the final. Similarly, Cristiano Ronaldo carries an old coin gifted by his grandfather as a good luck charm.

Spain's squad has received a significant boost with the return of Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, two key players in their attacking lineup, who have resumed full training. Initially uncertain for the opening match against Cape Verde, their presence at the team's training camp in Tennessee has raised hopes for their readiness to compete right from the start.

According to reports, both Yamal and Williams were observed training vigorously in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on Thursday.

Following their match against Cape Verde, Spain will take on Saudi Arabia on June 21 in Atlanta and Uruguay on June 26 in Guadalajara, Mexico. The team is eager to capture their second FIFA World Cup title, having last won it in 2010. Spain boasts a strong track record, including a title win at the 2024 Euro Championships and a runner-up finish in the UEFA Nations League.

Spain's squad for the 2026 World Cup includes:

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)