Former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole has expressed a lack of confidence in Spain’s prospects at the World Cup 2026, instead throwing his weight behind Portugal as the team with the tournament’s strongest midfield. Cole, speaking on The Dressing Room Podcast, did not mince words about Luis de la Fuente’s side, predicting they would exit early. “I’m going to throw it out there, I think this Spain team will limp out,” he stated. The Englishman emphasized that Spain’s fate hinges heavily on the availability of young star Lamine Yamal. “For instance, if Lamine Yamal doesn’t play, say he gets injured or something, I just don’t fancy them,” Cole explained. In contrast, he sees Portugal as a serious contender. “I think Portugal has got a chance,” he said. Cole pointed to their midfield depth, highlighting players like Vitinha, Nuno Mendes at left-back, and of course Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, and Joao Neves. “So the midfield is solid, I think the midfield is the best in the tournament,” he concluded, praising the collective strength of Portugal’s engine room.