Alexia Putellas: '100% confident' Spain can retain World Cup despite Cape Verde stumble

Spain women's national team captain Alexia Putellas has declared she is '100% confident' that La Roja can lift the World Cup again this summer, despite a recent hiccup in their preparations. The reigning world champions suffered a surprise friendly defeat to Cape Verde, but Putellas insists the squad's belief has not wavered.

What happened

Spain's summer preparations hit a minor speed bump when they lost to Cape Verde, a team ranked significantly lower in the FIFA world rankings. The result sparked some concern among fans and pundits, especially given Spain's status as defending champions after their historic triumph in 2023. However, Putellas, the Barcelona midfielder and Ballon d'Or winner, was quick to downplay the setback. Speaking after the match, she emphasized that the team is still building fitness and sharpness, and that friendlies are ultimately about experimenting with lineups and tactics. 'There is a long way to go,' she said, 'and I am 100% confident in this group.'

Why it matters

Spain's journey to the 2023 World Cup title was built on a foundation of resilience and technical brilliance. The core of that squad, including Putellas, Aitana Bonmatí, and Irene Paredes, remains intact. Yet the women's game has evolved rapidly, with traditional powerhouses like the United States, Germany, and England all reloading their squads. The Cape Verde loss, while only a friendly, serves as a reminder that no opponent can be taken lightly. For Putellas, it's a chance to refocus. 'Every game teaches us something,' she said. The team's depth and ability to adapt under pressure will be tested as they enter the group stage of the World Cup.

What's next

Spain's group-stage fixtures are yet to be confirmed, but the team is expected to be among the favorites. Putellas' return to full fitness after her ACL injury in 2022 has been a major boost. The 30-year-old playmaker brings creativity, leadership, and a winning mentality. If Spain can channel the disappointment of the Cape Verde result into a sharper performance when it counts, they could become the first women's team since Germany in 2007 to successfully defend the World Cup. For Putellas, the message is clear: confidence is non-negotiable. 'We know what we're capable of,' she said. 'The result doesn't change that.'