Spain midfielder Mikel Merino has admitted the squad are still coming to terms with their disappointing start to the 2026 FIFA World Cup after being held to a shock goalless draw by tournament debutants Cape Verde.
The pre-tournament favourites failed to break down a resilient Cape Verde side in Atlanta, with veteran goalkeeper Vozinha producing a string of impressive saves and teenage star Lamine Yamal restricted to a substitute appearance due to fitness concerns.
Speaking from Spain’s training base in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Merino described the mood in camp as one of disappointment following the unexpected setback.
“Each player has his way of dealing with the mourning,” the Arsenal midfielder told reporters. “Some want to watch the match again immediately, others prefer to switch off. We are swallowing the disappointment of not taking the three points, but we are already focused on what we must improve.”
ESPN.com reports that the 30-year-old later clarified his remarks, stressing that he had used the term “mourning” as a metaphor.
“Perhaps I did not express myself well. Nobody has died. But when you are highly competitive and fail to achieve what you set out to do, it can feel like that. Sometimes you do not even want to speak to your family after a result like that.”
Merino pointed to examples of teams overcoming difficult starts at World Cups, notably Argentina national football team, who lost to Saudi Arabia in their opening match in Qatar before lifting the trophy.
“A lot of great stories begin with games that were not so good,” he said. “It is still early and we have plenty of room for improvement.”
He also referenced Spain’s own triumph at the 2010 World Cup, when they recovered from an opening defeat to Switzerland to become world champions.
Spain now face a crucial Group H encounter against Saudi Arabia on Sunday, with Merino optimistic that recovering players such as Yamal and Nico Williams will be closer to full fitness.
“After you fail to win, the first thing you want is another game,” Merino added. “Lamine looks fine. He is joking as usual and has not lost that energy. This squad has a good balance between youth and experience, and that gives us confidence going forward.”
