Marc Cucurella. (Photo: @cucurella3 Instagram)
As the excitement builds for the FIFA World Cup, Spain’s midfielder Marc Cucurella has shared a personal touch that he hopes will bring him good fortune during the tournament. Ahead of Spain’s campaign opener against Cape Verde, Cucurella revealed that he has packed some sentimental lucky charms, including a red pyjama top worn by his wife during the Euro Championships, where Spain clinched the title.
Spain is set to kick off their World Cup journey in Atlanta on Sunday, and Cucurella’s contributions to the national team have been significant. He played a pivotal role in Spain’s recent European Championship victory, scoring a dramatic winner in the quarterfinals against Germany, and helping the team secure a 2-1 win over England in the final. With such a successful backdrop, the midfielder is keen to replicate that magic on the world stage.
In an interview with Marca, Cucurella expressed his hopes that the same red pyjama top, which holds special memories from the Euro triumph, will bring him luck once again. “I have got some key-rings that my children made for me,” he mentioned, emphasizing the importance of family in his journey. These personal tokens of affection serve as a reminder of his loved ones and the support they provide, especially during high-stakes moments like the World Cup.
Lucky charms are a common practice among footballers, often seen as a way to channel positive energy and good fortune. For instance, Argentina’s Lionel Messi has been known to wear a red ribbon around his ankle during World Cups, a ritual that paid off when he led his team to victory in Qatar. Similarly, Cristiano Ronaldo carries an old coin given to him by his grandfather, which he believes brings him luck. These personal beliefs highlight the psychological aspect of sports, where mental fortitude can be just as crucial as physical skill.
Spain’s squad has received a boost with the return of key players Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, who are vital to the team’s attacking strategy. Initially doubtful for the opener against Cape Verde, their full training sessions in Chattanooga, Tennessee, have raised hopes for their participation. Their presence could be instrumental as Spain aims to secure their second star on the national jersey, having last won the World Cup in 2010.
Following their match against Cape Verde, Spain will face Saudi Arabia on June 21 in Atlanta and Uruguay on June 26 in Guadalajara, Mexico. With a strong performance in the recent Euro Championships and a solid roster, Spain is poised to make a significant impact in this World Cup. The team boasts a mix of seasoned players and emerging talents, creating a dynamic squad ready to compete at the highest level.
Here’s a look at 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).
(The above story is verified and authored by ANI staff, ANI is South Asia’s leading multimedia news agency with over 100 bureaus in India, South Asia, and across the globe. ANI brings the latest news on Politics and Current Affairs in India & around the World, Sports, Health, Fitness, Entertainment, & News. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)
