Zubimendi: Spain not looking past World Cup qualification

Spain midfielder Martin Zubimendi insisted that they are not focused on being labelled as favourites to win the 2026 World Cup.

The reigning European champions have won all four of their qualifying matches so far, scoring 15 goals without reply ahead of their final two games.

Luis de la Fuente’s side face a trip to Georgia on Saturday before hosting Turkey three days later, as they look to guarantee their spot in next year’s finals.

Excluding friendlies, Spain have not lost any of their last 29 matches in all competitions (won 24, drawn five), equalling their best unbeaten run, which was previously achieved between 2010 and 2013 under Vicente del Bosque.

Despite their strong run under De la Fuente, though, Zubimendi refused to look past their upcoming challenges in Georgia and Turkey.

29 – Excluding friendlies, Spain have not lost any of their last 29 matches in all competitions (W24 D5), equalling their best ever unbeaten run, which was previously achieved between 2010 and 2013 under Vicente del Bosque (G29 W24 D5). Dream. pic.twitter.com/PGLexLfTyF

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) November 12, 2025

“It’s the trophy that proves you’re the best in the world,” the midfielder said. “First, we have to qualify. And then, when it really matters, we have to be on point.

“Right now, I don’t see myself playing in the World Cup. It seems crazy because we still have to qualify.

“Even if we do everything perfectly, we’re still dependent on other results. Right now, I’m just focused on us qualifying, nothing more.”

Mikel Merino is Spain’s top scorer in their qualifying matches, netting six times so far, while Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedri have also starred for La Roja.

Zubimendi feels the good relationships the players have formed over the course of the last few years has led to their success.

“One of our strengths is our tight-knit unit,” he added. “We’ve had a very similar core group for two or three years now, and that helps our football flow and play more freely. That makes us stronger than others.”