In every major international event on the Asian stage, Spain returns with a history of top performances. In 2006, the team earned a world title in Japan. It has featured Olympic finalists and many star players who illuminated the court in Beijing 2008. Four years later, the squad again defended the world crown, this time in the Chinese capital, showcasing resilience and continued excellence.
Beyond the weight categories and the discipline on the scales, the team has shown a steady, purposeful evolution. The upcoming World Cup opener confronts Ivory Coast (15:30, La 2 de TVE), a match that highlights Sergio Scariolo’s rebuilt squad. The program emphasizes a blend of veteran know-how and fresh energy, proving that Spain can reinvent itself while preserving its core competitive DNA after the departure of the earlier golden generation.
The Hernangómez brothers lead a lineup that combines seasoned players like Llull, Rudy, and Claver with rising talents such as 19-year-old Juan Núñez and center Santi Aldama, who are slated to contribute in Jakarta. The Indonesian capital carries pressure to defend the 2019 world title while aiming to project a strong, composed image. The team’s first objective is to reach the quarterfinals, with the path unfolding from there.
1⃣ Ready for the World Cup @juaan_ng #Family #We are a team
– Basketball Spain
There are teams with greater physicality, more athleticism, and higher scoring edges. Yet Spain has always relied on collective play, unwavering teamwork, and a deeply competitive spirit that refuses to abandon games midway. The coach noted that the squad would begin with the ambition to advance beyond the group stage and, if successful, to push for the quarterfinals. The hope is to capitalize on a strong start and see how far the team can go.
Both Barça guard Darío Brizuela and Valencia forward Víctor Claver stressed the importance of entering the tournament fully focused. Achieving wins in the first three matches, with Ivory Coast followed by Brazil and Iran, and maintaining humility are crucial for sustained success.
a physical competitor
Humility is identified as a cornerstone for this group. As champions, they cannot assume success. The team has learned from past years that tournaments demand constant resilience, and the players are aware that the broader tournament landscape can be unpredictable. From practice sessions held at the Indonesia Arena, the team prepared to confront direct rivals France and Canada while keeping its own standards high.
This is how the coaching staff sees Saturday’s challenge. The focus remains on exploiting opponents’ strengths while maintaining the team’s distinctive identity.
Ivory Coast is seen as a physically ready opponent with potential for disruption. It won’t be easy, and a strong start will likely define the early phase. The next stages could become highly demanding, and achieving a 3-0 start would provide a cushion, whereas a 2-1 start might complicate the road ahead, according to the team’s players.
There is a strong push to begin on the right note, with preparation already well underway for a fresh World Cup campaign. The players recognize the importance of opening victories, not only for momentum but for confidence as the competition progresses. The team believes it can elevate its defensive level and deliver a more cohesive performance on the court.
I’m getting ready #Family #We are a team
– Basketball Spain
Brizuela expressed optimism about the group’s dynamics. The player known as the Basque Mamba explained that, despite the substantial losses en route to Jakarta, fatigue is countered by focus and momentum. With Lorenzo and Ricky absent, Juan Núñez comes in, Llull remains strong with ball-handling, and Aldama provides finishing力—an asset in pace and precision. The sense is that the squad will rely on a balanced rotation, with the on-court chemistry proving crucial as the competition unfolds.