Spain’s national team departed their base in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on Wednesday afternoon as they prepare to face Austria in their next World Cup match. The squad moved on to Los Angeles with plans to continue to Dallas, carrying both physical and tactical uncertainties into the next stage of the tournament.

Midfielder Fabián Ruiz, one of several key players returning from injury this season, emphasized a sense of unity and resilience within the team despite external doubts. “Sometimes things don’t go the way we would like; we’re working to ensure they do,” Fabián said following the final training session before departure.

Spain’s tournament start has been influenced heavily by fitness concerns, notably the return of winger Lamine Yamal, who had been sidelined since April. Alongside Yamal, other vital attacking players, including Nico Williams and Mikel Merino, have dealt with injury troubles, complicating the task of maintaining Spain’s possession-based style under coach Luis de la Fuente. This injury context has prompted ongoing adjustments in lineups and formations.

The team’s midfield remains a focal point of tactical questions, with Pedri and Rodri starting every game. The identity of their midfield partner has varied across the tournament’s group stage, with Fabián, Dani Olmo, and Merino all receiving starts at different times. Fabián started in the opener against Cape Verde but has not consistently featured since, highlighting a broader strategic dilemma for the coaching staff.

Adjustments in formation have also affected player roles. Fabián’s inclusion has involved shifts from de la Fuente’s preferred 4-2-3-1 to a 4-3-3 shape or moving Pedri into more advanced positions where his influence appears diminished. Fabián downplayed concerns about the team’s pace or cohesion, calling the changes “totally natural” and stressing the midfielders’ interchangeable capabilities as key to Spain’s playing philosophy.

Leadership within the squad has evolved since the European Championship, where a trio of captains — Álvaro Morata, Dani Carvajal, and Rodri — provided a balance of empathy, competitiveness, and tactical acumen. With Morata and Carvajal no longer present, responsibility increasingly falls to Rodri, goalkeeper Unai Simón, and forward Mikel Oyarzabal, whom Fabián described as a quieter yet authoritative voice.

Fabián, despite his significant credentials—including winning two consecutive UEFA Champions League titles with Paris Saint-Germain and being a standout performer at Euro 24—maintains a reserved profile. He focuses on contributing quietly within the group and providing support to younger teammates. “I’ve always said I am reserved. I’m not someone who likes to speak much in public, but within the group, I always give my little bit to help,” he explained.

Coach de la Fuente has praised Spain’s midfield roster as among the best globally, underscoring the depth and quality Spain possesses despite the challenges. As the team moves forward, integrating returning players and refining their tactical identity remain critical tasks ahead of their match against Austria.