‘Any team can beat you’, warns Ruiz as Spain seek end to World Cup woe

Spain is gearing up to face Austria in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, with midfielder Fabián Ruiz expressing optimism about the team's current form and momentum. The European champions are determined to end a 16-year drought in World Cup knockout games.

“

The first match didn’t go the way we wanted. It was a game about finding our feet and Cape Verde made things difficult for us.

Ruiz acknowledged Spain's sluggish start, including a 0-0 draw against Cape Verde, but highlighted the team's subsequent victories over Saudi Arabia and Uruguay, which secured their top spot in Group H. "I believe the team has been gradually getting better over the last few matches," Ruiz told AFP, emphasizing the team's self-belief despite the tournament's challenges.

Since their historic 2010 World Cup triumph, Spain has faced difficulties on the global stage. They were eliminated in the group stage in 2014 and lost in penalty shootouts in the last 16 in the subsequent two tournaments. "We've seen that nowadays, any team can beat you," Ruiz commented, referencing Paraguay's elimination of Germany.

“

I believe the team has been gradually getting better over the last few matches.

Despite his own success at the club level, Ruiz has been benched for Spain's recent matches due to the team's slow start. He stated his commitment to supporting the team and being ready when called upon. "What matters is winning; what matters is the team," he asserted.

“

We know that the World Cup is very tough, but we have a lot of confidence in ourselves and in our work.

Coach Luis de la Fuente faces challenges with several players sidelined due to injuries, including Nico Williams and Yeremy Pino. Ruiz might be deployed in an unfamiliar wide role. Spain remains frustrated by what they perceive as lenient refereeing, particularly after a rough challenge that injured Williams.

“

We’ve seen that nowadays, any team can beat you.