Spain just locked up the 2026 FIFA World Cup, putting this generation of players squarely in the conversation with some of football’s absolute legends. Seriously, they’re the first team since the legendary 2010 Spain squad to follow up a European Championship with a World Cup title. That 2010 crew, who pulled off an unprecedented three-peat by winning Euro 2008, the 2010 World Cup, and Euro 2012, set the bar ridiculously high. Now, this 2026 squad is eyeing their own historic run, heading into Euro 2028 with a shot at matching those three consecutive major tournament titles. It’s time to stack these two powerhouse Spanish teams against each other in a combined XI, and some of these calls are tighter than a last-minute penalty shootout.
The Battle for the Goal: Simón vs. Casillas
First up, between the sticks, we have Unai Simón from the 2026 champions facing off against Iker Casillas, the icon of the 2010 squad. Both goalies had absolutely insane tournaments and earned the Golden Glove. Simón made history, pulling off an unbelievable seven clean sheets, which is the most by any goalkeeper in a single World Cup. He only let one goal past him through Spain’s entire campaign, the fewest ever allowed by a World Cup-winning team. Those are stats for the record books, no doubt! But here’s the kicker: Casillas still gets the nod. His overall pedigree and the fact he was simply the better goalie at his peak push him ahead. He only conceded two goals in 2010, kept five clean sheets, and made one of the most clutch saves ever in a World Cup final, denying Arjen Robben with an outstretched foot. Simón had the statistical edge, but Casillas remains Spain’s greatest keeper, hands down.
Shaping the Back Line: Youth vs. Experience
Moving to left back, Marc Cucurella from the 2026 team squares off against Joan Capdevila from 2010. Cucurella came into this tournament as one of the best left backs globally and absolutely proved it. He was a rock defensively but also a crucial part of the attack, bringing serious energy up and down that left flank. Capdevila wasn’t the flashiest name in 2010, but he was incredibly consistent, starting every game of that World Cup run and five of six Euro 2008 matches. However, Cucurella gets the definite nod as the better overall left back. At center back, we’ve got a fascinating matchup: Pau Cubarsí, the teenage sensation from 2026, against the legendary Carles Puyol of 2010. Cubarsí winning the World Cup as a teenager and starting at center back is just a remarkable story. His composure and ability to play out from the back were essential for a team that only conceded one goal! But Puyol? He was the absolute leader of the 2010 side, anchoring that back line with pure physicality, commitment, and insane defensive awareness. Plus, he scored the decisive header against Germany in the semifinal to send Spain to their first-ever World Cup final. Cubarsí might build a legendary career, but Puyol gets the clear pick here. Next to him, Aymeric Laporte from 2026 turned back the clock for this World Cup. The Saudi Pro League defender was pivotal, playing that experienced role next to the teenage Cubarsí and helping lead one of the greatest defensive campaigns in Worl
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