Midfielder Pedri (right) celebrates with Lionel Messi after scoring Barca's second goal against Getafe in La Liga at Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain on 22/4/2021. Photo: AFP

Spanish midfielder Pedri Gonzalez recently shared his thoughts on the upcoming 2026 World Cup, his personal growth, and the strength of the Spanish national team. He highlighted Argentina, France, and Portugal as the main contenders for the title, emphasizing the enduring brilliance of Lionel Messi.

When asked about his World Cup favorites, Pedri stated, "Argentina, France, and Portugal are the top contenders. Argentina has Messi, and he is still the best player in the world. I trained with him and have never seen anyone like him. Portugal has a strong midfield, and Cristiano Ronaldo can always score. France is exceptionally strong in both attack and defense."

It is hard to believe Pedri is only 23 years old, a fact he acknowledges. "It might not seem that way, but I have been here for quite a while," he said. "Just the other day, we were talking about how it's been five, six years since my debut. Everything goes by very fast, but I have enjoyed every step of my short career. And I have changed. Initially, I was quite shy, a bit reserved. It was harder to open up off the field, but not on it. Now I am much more comfortable. I am more myself, a bit more outgoing. However, I am not the type of person to stand up and speak in front of the whole team. If I see something during a game, for example, open space, I will speak directly to the player in that position. That's all."

Regarding his role in the locker room, Pedri prefers a natural approach. "If one day I feel comfortable and it comes naturally, then yes," he explained. "Otherwise, I prefer to let others do it. Those things have to come from within; they cannot be forced."

Pedri also addressed the recognition he receives outside of Spain. "Some people tell me, 'If your name was Pedrinho, your value would be higher'," he shared. "But those who follow La Liga understand my level. If they don't watch, it's hard to judge. I only care about those who truly follow me."

At Barcelona, Pedri forms an effective partnership with Frenkie de Jong. He compared this dynamic to playing alongside Rodri. "The difference is that Rodri and Zubimendi are more position-oriented; they hold the midfield, while I have more freedom," Pedri noted. "De Jong tends to push higher, participating more in attack. Each player has a different style, and I have to adapt to the coach's requirements."

Mbappe dribbles past Pedri during Real's 3-4 loss to Barca in La Liga Matchday 35 on 11/5/2025. Photo: AFP

Spain's national team coach, Luis de la Fuente, initially wanted Pedri to play higher up the pitch but has since moved him to a deeper role. "Perhaps it's because he saw me playing at the club," Pedri explained. "For the past two years, I have played deeper at Barca and performed well. I feel comfortable in that position, so he changed my role in the national team. I can play both, but currently, I prefer playing deeper."

Spain's consistent production of talented midfielders is attributed to their football philosophy. "It's because of our football style, which always emphasizes ball control," Pedri stated. "This generation grew up watching Xavi, Iniesta, Busquets. Everyone wanted to emulate them, which is why there are so many talented players. Until we win the World Cup like them, it will be difficult to compare. Football today is also very different from before; it has evolved and changed over time. Now teams prepare much better tactically. Previously, there weren't as many tactics. Xavi and Iniesta played a type of football that had never been seen before."

Drawing parallels to Spain's 2010 World Cup victory, which followed a Euro win, Pedri remains cautious. "Repeating what the older players did is very difficult," he admitted. "Of course, I always want to win every title. But I don't think that if we win, we will be like them. Comparisons should be avoided, as the two generations are very different."

Coach De la Fuente has openly embraced Spain being considered World Cup contenders, a sentiment echoed by the team. "In the locker room, we also believe this," Pedri confirmed. "If you are called a contender, it means you deserve it. Why not accept it? We also know it will be very difficult. Nevertheless, the team has the ability to win. This confidence comes from our achievements and squad quality. We just won the 2023 Nations League and Euro 2024, and have played well for many years. If we fail, we must accept it. The important thing is that we gave our all. Nothing is certain in football."

Lamine Yamal takes a shot during Spain's World Cup 2026 qualifier against Turkey at Konya Stadium, Turkey on 7/9/2025. Photo: AP

Pedri highlighted the significant changes since the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. "Mainly, it's the results," he explained. "Back then, we had just lost to Italy in a penalty shootout at Euro 2021. Now, we arrive as European champions. The confidence is much greater, and it shows both on and off the field."

The confidence of young star Lamine Yamal has also positively impacted the team. "I like that confidence," Pedri said. "In big games, he doesn't shy away, always wants the ball. Despite failing a few times, he continues. I believe he will succeed. He was born for big moments. Yamal is also a key difference compared to the 2022 World Cup. Back then, we controlled the ball well but lacked players who could create one-on-one breakthroughs. Now, with Yamal and Nico Williams, the squad is more complete. We cannot say we would have beaten Morocco in 2022 if we had Yamal and Williams. But clearly, we lacked the one-on-one ability we have now."

Spain's tactical flexibility also gives them an advantage. "We have many options," Pedri noted. "We can use players who play centrally or hug the touchline. The current squad allows us to be flexible. I don't know much about Cape Verde yet, but will watch video analysis."

Xuan Binh (according to El Pais)