Coach Luis de la Fuente has recently reassured the public about the relationship between stars Lamine Yamal and Dani Carvajal, who drew attention following their dispute in the latest El Clasico match.
The disagreement originated from a collision between the two during the match El Clasico, where Carvajal showed frustration over some pre-match comments made by Yamal. However, De la Fuente emphasized that such incidents are common in highly competitive football environments and do not affect the harmony within La Roja.
Currently, Carvajal is recovering from injury but is expected to be fit in time to join the Spanish national team next year. Meanwhile, Yamal continues to perform excellently at Barcelona, becoming a major hope for the team’s attack.
In an interview with Marca, De la Fuente stressed that he has been closely monitoring the situation and has spoken individually with each player: “My role is to maintain harmony within the team. I have talked to both players and understand that such incidents are entirely normal in football, especially in such a competitive environment. It is important to separate what happens on the pitch from the spirit of representing the national team. Both understand this and are looking forward to meeting again and sharing a hug.”
The 63-year-old coach also reiterated that the team must stay focused on their main goal: the 2026 World Cup. Spain enters the tournament as one of the top contenders, currently ranked number one in the FIFA standings. However, De la Fuente warned that being highly rated does not guarantee success.
He stated: “Being a favorite doesn’t mean you will definitely win. There are still many strong teams like France, Argentina, Brazil, England, Portugal… All have the potential to claim the title. Being considered a contender makes me proud, especially since no one has handed us anything. Leading the FIFA rankings is the result of serious work and an outstanding generation of players.”
At the 2026 World Cup, Spain is grouped with Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, and Cape Verde. While this is seen as a manageable group, De la Fuente believes the team must prepare thoroughly to avoid any unwelcome surprises.
Team harmony in the locker room is viewed as a crucial key to championship ambitions, and the quick resolution of tensions between Yamal and Carvajal is a positive sign for La Roja ahead of the biggest tournament on the planet. With a blend of youth and experience, along with impressive form throughout the year, Spain clearly has reasons to dream of a successful World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.