The last call before the 2026 World Cup

Spain is tested against Serbia in Villarreal: The last call before the 2026 World Cup

Crucial friendly in La Cerámica to define the final list of Luis de la Fuente

The Spanish soccer team is in a decisive moment. Just a few months before the start of the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico, the national team will play a highly relevant friendly match against Serbia. This match, which will take place at the La Cerámica Stadium in Villarreal (Castellón), will serve as the last opportunity for the coach, Luis de la Fuente, to evaluate the players and make crucial decisions regarding the final call-up.

The cancellation of the Finalíssima, which was scheduled for this Friday, March 27 in Saudi Arabia due to the conflict in Iran, has led the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) to look for alternatives. The RFEF has reacted quickly, ensuring this duel against Serbia and another so that the national team does not miss the opportunity to refine its preparation in this last selection window prior to the World Cup event.

This match against Serbia is not just any match. For Luis de la Fuente, it represents the perfect opportunity to carry out the latest tests and observe the performance of those players who aspire to a place on the final list. The RFEF, after the cancellation of the match against Argentina, has managed to finalize this duel against a European rival that, although it will not be in the World Cup, has high quality footballers capable of testing the strengths and weaknesses of the Spanish team.

The call-up of Joan García, young FC Barcelona goalkeeper, has revived the debate about goalkeeping. The coach's decision to call up four goalkeepers underlines the importance of this aspect of the game and internal competition. In other words, the presence of Christian Mosquera (Arsenal) in the defense, Pablo Fornals (Real Betis) and Carlos Soler (Real Sociedad) in the midfield, and Ander Barrenetxea (Real Sociedad) together with Víctor Muñoz (CA Osasuna) in the forward, gives these talents the opportunity to shine and fight for a ticket to the World Cup.

Lamine Yamal emerges once again as the central figure of this project. The young FC Barcelona talent will lead an elite midfield, where he will share the spotlight with players of the caliber of Rodri (Manchester City) and Zubimendi (Arsenal). The midfield will be reinforced by Pedri (FC Barcelona), despite the absences due to injury of Fabián (PSG), Pablo Barrios (Atlético de Madrid) and Merino (Arsenal), who unfortunately will not be able to participate in this preparation phase.

For its part, Serbia presents itself as a formidable rival, despite not having qualified for the 2026 World Cup. Since competing as Serbia (after the dissolutions of Yugoslavia and Serbia and Montenegro), it had only been left out of the World Cup event in Brazil 2014. The Balkan team has an arsenal of top-level players, including Dusan Vlahovic and Filip Kostic (Juventus), Sergej Milinkovic-Savic (Al Hilal), Strahinja Pavlovic (AC Milan), Sevilla player Nemanja Gudelj and Luka Jovic (AC Milan), among others. His presence guarantees a high-voltage challenge for Spain.

The meeting is scheduled for this Friday, March 27, starting at 9:00 p.m. Fans will be able to follow the excitement of the match live through TVE's La 1 and its web platform, RTVE Play. In addition, for those who wish to be up to date with all incidents, the Mundo Deportivo website will offer exhaustive coverage of the match live.

This friendly against Serbia is more than just a warm-up match; It is a final exam for the Spanish team. Every minute on the field will be an opportunity to demonstrate potential, refine strategies and consolidate the team's confidence before facing the most important challenge in world football. The Spanish fans look forward to seeing their players display their best football at La Cerámica and face the World Cup with the greatest guarantees.

The choice of Villarreal as the venue is not coincidental. The La Cerámica Stadium, with its passionate atmosphere, becomes an ideal setting for this type of meeting. The closeness to the fans and the energy that is breathed in the province of Castellón can be an additional motivational factor for Luis de la Fuente's players, who will seek to leave a good impression in this last stretch of preparation.

The Spanish squad, despite the significant losses, presents a mixture of experience and youth that is exciting. The presence of established players alongside promising young players looking to make a place for themselves in the starting eleven generates a climate of healthy competition. The coaching staff will analyze every detail, from defensive transitions to attacking effectiveness, seeking to identify the strengths to enhance and the areas of improvement to correct.

Serbia, for its part, comes to this match with the ambition to prove its worth and deliver a memorable performance. Despite not having reached the World Cup, their squad is full of individual and collective talent. The tactical duel between both coaches promises to be exciting, with strategies designed to neutralize the rival's strengths and exploit their weaknesses.

The expectation around this match is maximum. Spanish fans long to see their team display quality football and obtain a positive result that serves as a morale boost. The last call before the 2026 World Cup is a golden opportunity for Spain to send a strong message to its rivals and build confidence on its path to glory.

The friendly match against Serbia in Villarreal is shaping up to be a first-rate sporting event, an exciting prelude to what awaits us at the 2026 World Cup. The quality of the players, the importance of the match and the passion of the fans promise an unforgettable night of football.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• When and where is the friendly match between Spain and Serbia played?
  The match will be played this Friday, March 27 at the La Cerámica Stadium in Villarreal (Castellón).
• What time does the meeting start?
  The match will begin at 9:00 p.m.
• Who is the Spain coach?
  The Spain coach is Luis de la Fuente.
• What notable players does Serbia have in its squad?
  Serbia has footballers such as Dusan Vlahovic, Filip Kostic, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Strahinja Pavlovic, Nemanja Gudelj and Luka Jovic, among others.
• Why was the Finalíssima cancelled?
  The Finalíssima was suspended due to the war in Iran.
• What other young players will have a chance in the Spanish team?
  In addition to Lamine Yamal, Christian Mosquera, Pablo Fornals, Carlos Soler, Ander Barrenetxea and Víctor Muñoz will have opportunities.
• Where can the game be seen on television?
  The meeting can be seen openly on TVE's La 1 and on its website, RTVE Play.
• Will Serbia play in the 2026 World Cup?
  No, Serbia has failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
• How important is this match for Spain?
  This match is crucial in preparation for the 2026 World Cup and for Luis de la Fuente to define the final squad list.
• What other important players are absent from the Spanish team due to injury?
  Due to injury, Fabián Ruiz (PSG), Pablo Barrios (Atlético de Madrid) and Mikel Merino (Arsenal) are absent.

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