Spain's fortunes have fallen since they were kings of the world more than a decade ago.
Their only FIFA World Cup win came in 2010, between two European Championship titles in 2008 and 2012, as part of a period of complete dominance for La Roja on the international scene.
Powered by the talents of Pep Guardiola's Barcelona, Spain finally ended their long wait for a major international title in spectacular style. However, they have struggled to build on that in the following years, with an embarrassing group-stage exit at World Cup 2014.
A run to the semifinals of Euro 2020 last year was their best competition showing since 2012.
Luis Enrique's return as head coach after a period away following the tragic death of his daughter has reinjected confidence into Spain, with some of their old swagger also back, and they will be looking to offer a reminder of their place at the top table in Qatar.
MORE: Spain World Cup squad 2022: Who is making the trip to Qatar for La Roja?
Spain World Cup odds to win
Their now famous drop off since 2012 has impacted Spain's status amongst the leading betting candidates in recent tournaments, and they are considered to be slight outsiders in Qatar.
A solid World Cup qualifying campaign has steadied their ongoing momentum, and a place in the 2022/23 UEFA Nations League finals has also offered a timely boost.
Here's how Spain's pre-tournament chances to win the World Cup are rated by sportsbooks in several of the major global territories.
| Territory | Odds to win World Cup |
| U.S. (BetMGM) | +800 |
| U.K. (Sky Bet) | 8/1 |
| Canada (Sports Interaction) | 5.81 |
| Australia (Ladbrokes) | 9.00 |
Spain World Cup fixtures schedule
Group E match schedule
| Date | Match | Time (ET) | Stadium |
| Wed, Nov. 23 | Spain 7, Costa Rica 0 | 11 a.m. | Al Thumama |
| Sun, Nov. 27 | Spain 1, Germany 1 | 2 p.m. | Al Bayt |
| Thurs, Dec. 1 | Japan vs. Spain | 2 p.m. | Khalifa Int'l |
Spain route to World Cup final
Spain looks set to fight it out with Germany to secure top spot in Group E, and that will determine their potential knockout-stage pathway.
Round of 16
If Spain win Group E they will take on the runners up of Group F, which looks to be a battle between Belgium and 2018 finalists Croatia.
Second place in Group E pairs them with the winners of Group F.
Quarterfinals
First or second place in Group E will decide which side of the draw Spain head into for the knockout stages.
Top spot in Group E could pair them with the winners of Group G, which looks likely to be tournament heavyweights Brazil.
Second place in the group could mean a clash with Iberian rivals Portugal, if Cristiano Ronaldo and his compatriots win Group H.
Semifinals
Either instance, of first or second place, brings the potential of a clash with England or France in the last four, but those two sides could also face each other in the last eight, if the draws falls that way.
Final
If Spain can repeat the trick of 2010, and reach the final, they are likely to face one of France or England, or potentially Argentina.
Potential knockout round schedule — if Spain finishes 1st in Group E
| Date | Match | Time (ET) | Stadium |
| Mon, Dec. 5 | Round of 16 | 10:00 a.m. | Al Janoub Stadium |
| Fri, Dec. 9 | Quarterfinals | 10:00 a.m. | Education City Stadium |
| Tue, Dec. 13 | Semifinals | 2:00 p.m. | Lusail Stadium |
| Sat, Dec. 17* | Third Place Match | 10:00 a.m. | Khalifa International Stadium |
| Sun, Dec. 18 | Final | 10:00 a.m. | Lusail Stadium |
*Only in event of defeat in semifinals
Potential knockout schedule — if Spain finishes 2nd in Group E
| Date | Match | Time (ET) | Stadium |
| Tue, Dec. 6 | Round of 16 | 10:00 a.m. | Education City Stadium |
| Sat, Dec. 10 | Quarterfinals | 10:00 a.m. | Al Thumama Stadium |
| Wed, Dec. 14 | Semifinals | 2:00 p.m. | Al Bayt Stadium |
| Sat, Dec. 17* | Third Place Match | 10:00 a.m. | Khalifa International Stadium |
| Sun, Dec. 18 | Final | 10:00 a.m. | Lusail Stadium |
*Only in event of defeat in semifinals
