Spain’s depth beyond Lamine Yamal impresses Bebe ahead of World Cup

Former Manchester United forward Bebé believes Spain possess far more than individual brilliance as they prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite the spotlight on rising stars like Lamine Yamal.

Speaking during an interview with Flashscore in Ibiza, the Cape Verdean striker pointed to Spain’s remarkable squad depth as a defining strength, stressing that their threat extends well beyond any single player.

While Yamal and Nico Williams have emerged as key attacking figures, Bebé suggested Spain’s strength lies in the variety and quality available across the pitch.

“Spain have top world players. The truth is that Lamine and Nico are missing a lot and I hope they get there well, that they recover. But apart from those two, I think the Spanish national team has top-level players, so I think they can come in from all sides.”

Bebé’s assessment reflects the growing perception of Spain as one of the most balanced teams heading into the tournament.

With multiple options in each position, the European side combines youth and experience in a way that makes them difficult to predict and even harder to contain.

The former Rayo Vallecano forward also highlighted the selection dilemma facing Spain’s coaching staff, noting that competition for places could be one of their biggest advantages. Rather than relying heavily on a core group, Spain’s depth allows for tactical flexibility and sustained performance levels throughout the tournament.

“The coach is having a headache about who he is going to call up for the World Cup, because the truth is that he has many interesting players and many players who can play perfectly well in that position.”

For Bebé, that internal competition is a sign of a team built to go deep into the competition. Spain’s ability to rotate without weakening the squad could prove decisive, particularly in a demanding tournament spread across multiple countries.