Spain's Marc Cucurella Shares Lucky Charms Ahead of FIFA World Cup Opener
Cucurella's Lucky Charms for the World Cup
As Spain prepares for its FIFA World Cup opener against Cape Verde, midfielder Marc Cucurella has revealed the lucky charms he has brought to the United States. Among these is a red pajama top worn by his wife during their Euro Championship victory. Spain is set to kick off their World Cup journey in Atlanta this Sunday.
Cucurella played a pivotal role in Spain's triumph at the 2024 European Championships, scoring the decisive goal in the quarterfinal against Germany in the 119th minute. Spain ultimately defeated England 2-1 in the final, securing their fourth Euro title. He hopes that the same pajama top and key rings crafted by his children will bring good fortune as Spain aims for a second star on their jersey.
Cucurella Discusses His Lucky Items
In an interview with a media outlet, Cucurella expressed, "I have some key rings made by my children. I'm also bringing my wife's pajama top, which she wore during the European Championship, hoping it brings the same luck again."
Lucky charms are a common practice among football players. For instance, Argentina's legendary player wore a red ribbon around his ankle during the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, a ritual that proved successful when his team triumphed over France in Qatar. Similarly, Cristiano Ronaldo carries an old coin given to him by his grandfather as a good luck charm.
Spain's Injury Update
Spain's squad has received a significant boost with Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams returning to full training. Initially doubtful for the match against Cape Verde, their presence at the team's training camp in Tennessee raises hopes for their participation in the opening match.
Reports indicate that both players were seen training vigorously in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on Thursday.
Following their opener against Cape Verde, Spain will face Saudi Arabia on June 21 in Atlanta and Uruguay on June 26 in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Spain's World Cup Aspirations
Spain is aiming for its second FIFA World Cup title, having last won in 2010. The team has shown strong performances recently, 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
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).