A retrospective look at the journey of José Lana and his squad as they chased glory in the intercontinental championship.
What can be expected from Spain’s U-17 national team in the World Cup category? Led by José Lana, the young squad aims to push deep into the intercontinental tournament staged in Indonesia this year, showcasing talent and teamwork on a global stage.
U-17 World Cup 2023: schedule, host cities, qualified teams, groups, matches and results
The major World Cup event for La Rojita begins on Friday, November 10, 2023, with the Spanish side opening against Canada. The tournament runs through Saturday, December 2, culminating in the final match. It features 24 teams from six confederations UEFA, Conmebol, CAF, AFC, OFC and Concacaf.
Spain at the 2023 U-17 World Cup: fixtures and group stage overview
The Spanish national team is placed in Group B for the 2023 U-17 World Cup, alongside Canada, Mali and Uzbekistan. The schedule unfolds as follows:
Spain U-17 at the 2023 World Cup: group standings and progression
Coaching staff for Spain’s U-17 squad at the 2023 World Cup
In January 2023, the Royal Spanish Football Federation announced changes to the organizational structure of the youth categories to continue growing with the stated goals in mind.
Santi Denia shifted to take the reins of the U-21 team, assuming the role previously held by the man who had led the U-21 setup and later stepped aside from the top job to this new position. He was followed by a reshuffle that saw José Lana take charge of the U-19 group and also lead the U-17 project. Lana, born in 1976 in the Asturian town of Mieres, had been a technical analyst within the federation’s youth divisions, arriving from Real Racing de Santander in the 2018-2019 season where he served as assistant coach for the first team.
A graduate of Physical Education from the National Institute of Physical Activity and Sports Sciences in Castilla y León, affiliated with the University of León, Lana accumulated experience as a second coach in several teams. His early years included roles at Caudal Deportivo de Mieres, Pájara Playas de Jandía and as a physical trainer at Burgos CF, with stints in Canada at Chinooks SC and Calgary West SC.
Lana’s career path has been unconventional. “I’m from Mieres. I studied a degree in physical education and began my coaching journey at Caudal Deportivo in 1999. I served as a second in the first team, led the youth sides, and directed the academy. Then came a turning point in 2007: my first overseas assignment with Pájara-Playas de Jandía in the Canary Islands,” he explained in an interview with a media outlet.
There he spent three seasons as a physical trainer before returning to Caudal and later joining Racing de Santander in 2013. After a short spell at Burgos, he ventured to Canada in 2018, continuing to broaden his coaching influence.
Spain’s roster for the 2023 U-17 World Cup
The list features 21 players selected by José Lana for the tournament…
Source: Goal