Much of the conversation around Spain's FIFA World Cup 2026 chances begins and ends with Lamine Yamal — but former Spain captain Cesar Azpilicueta insists the squad is far deeper than any single player, however brilliant.

Writing for BBC Sport, Azpilicueta pointed to Mikel Oyarzabal as the clearest example of what makes this Spain side so difficult to stop. At Euro 2024, Oyarzabal started only one of seven matches — the dead-rubber group game against Albania — yet delivered the decisive moment when it mattered most, coming off the bench to score the winner against England in the final.

That goal was his only strike of the entire tournament, but it underlined a quality Azpilicueta values above all else: the ability to produce when the pressure is at its highest.

A striker who defies easy labels

Oyarzabal, 29, may not carry the global profile of Kylian Mbappe or Harry Kane, but Azpilicueta argues his record for Spain speaks for itself. After a strong La Liga campaign with Real Sociedad, Oyarzabal arrived at this World Cup in form — and demonstrated it immediately, scoring twice and adding an assist in the first half against Saudi Arabia.

"I have heard people say that Spain are missing a really elite number nine," Azpilicueta wrote, "but with Oyarzabal, we have someone who we know can score the big goals, when it matters."

Originally a wide player, Oyarzabal has evolved into a striker over the past two seasons — one capable of running in behind defenders or dropping deep to link play. His intelligence in finding the pockets of space created when opponents concentrate on Yamal makes him doubly effective.

Azpilicueta also highlighted Ferran Torres and Borja Iglesias as valuable alternatives. Iglesias, who plays for Celta Vigo outside the UEFA Champions League spotlight, offers a different profile — a target-man capable of occupying centre-backs. Azpilicueta knows this first-hand: his final professional appearance, less than a month ago in Vigo, came against Iglesias.

Defensive solidity to match the attacking flair

Spain have yet to concede a goal in this tournament, and Azpilicueta believes that defensive record reflects genuine quality rather than fortunate scheduling. Goalkeeper Unai Simon brings tournament experience and the kind of commanding presence that settles a backline, while Aymeric Laporte provides the personality and leadership a dressing room needs when the pressure rises.

At the heart of midfield, Rodri anchors everything. "He is so strong physically that he controls everything," Azpilicueta wrote, describing the captain as the bridge between defence and attack — in and out of possession.

Spain's defensive strength, Azpilicueta argues, is directly tied to their pressing. Against Saudi Arabia, they won the ball back high up the pitch, cutting off counter-attacks before they could develop — a marked improvement on the more passive display in the draw against Cape Verde.

De la Fuente: the father figure

Azpilicueta reserved particular praise for head coach Luis de la Fuente, whom he described as a father figure to a generation of players who have come through Spain's youth system under him. That familiarity, he believes, is crucial in a month-long tournament where not every performance will be perfect.

Spain's draw against Cape Verde surprised everyone, but Azpilicueta saw the reaction against Saudi Arabia as exactly the response a champion needs. The squad now face Uruguay with the group leadership in their sights.

"You can see the team is still improving and growing together," he wrote. "The more Yamal plays, the more expectation grows — but we also know everyone else will play their part."