Spain World Cup draw 2022: Group E results with Germany, matches, fixtures, star players, roster and coach

Spain has been drawn to play against notorious rivals Germany, Japan, and the winners of the intercontinental playoff two that is set to be played between Costa Rica and New Zealand in FIFA World Cup 2022 Group E in Qatar.

The clash against Germany will be a repeat of the 2010 World Cup semifinals in South Africa, where Carles Puyol settled the score as Spain ran out 1-0 winners on their way to eventual tournament glory. 

Japan will also provide a stern test, after comfortably negotiating AFC World Cup qualifying Group B, where they finished in second place. Costa Rica or New Zealand will also lie in wait for Luis Enrique's men, with the winner of intercontinental playoff two set to face off against Spain in their opening Group E fixture on Nov. 23.

WORLD CUP DRAW BREAKDOWNS:
Group A | Group B | Group C | Group D
Group E | Group F | Group G | Group H

Spain World Cup draw Group E

* = Winner of Intercontinental Playoff (Costa Rica vs. New Zealand)

Group E match schedule

Spain's all-time World Cup groups

Spain World Cup snapshot

Spain's squad may not be as strong overall as it previously was but there are some very exciting young prospects who are establishing themselves on the international stage, including Barcelona trio Pedri, Gavi and Ferran Torres.

Winger Ansu Fati will also hope to be fully fit for the tournament in Qatar, while Adama Traore's January move to Barcelona also sees the former Wolves winger back in the Spanish league.

Star Players: Jordi Alba (Barcelona), Rodri (Manchester City), Aymeric Laporte (Manchester City)

Players to Watch: Pedri (Barcelona), Gavi (Barcelona), Ferran Torres (Barcelona)

Spain squad

Spain may not be quite as dynamic as they were in the past but they can still cause many problems for opponents with their passing and creativity. The experienced David De Gea and Sergio Busquets have been left out of the latest squad, which indicates something of a changing of the guard moment.

Spain projected World Cup starting XI

4-3-3 (left to right): Simon (GK) — Carvajal, Laporte, Garcia, Alba — Rodri, Pedri, Koke — Sarabia, Morata, Torres.

Spain strengths: 

Midfield has often been a strong area for Spain and that remains the case as they are able to call upon a mixture of experienced players and talented youngsters.

Spain weaknesses: 

Spain isn't the most prolific of teams, and they may not be able to compete with some of the other leading nations in terms of attacking firepower.

MORE WORLD CUP 2022:
Full draw results | TV schedule | Latest news

Spain roster (recent call-ups): 

Who is Spain's head coach?

After a successful career as a player, Luis Enrique has managed major clubs such as Barcelona and Roma, and he is currently in his second spell in charge of Spain. He took over again in November 2019 having previously left for personal reasons. Enrique is known for preferring quick transitions from defense to attack.

• Manager (Nationality): Luis Enrique (Spanish)
• Date hired: November 19th, 2019 (Initially July 9th, 2018)
• Record as national team manager (W-L-D): 19-10-5
• Major titles since hire: None

Notable victories: 5-0 v Slovakia (Euro 2020), 5-3 v Croatia (Euro 2020), 3-1 on penalties v Switzerland after 1-1 draw (Euro 2020).

Spain World Cup qualifying results

Spain qualified comfortably for the World Cup as they finished top of qualifying Group B, four points ahead of their closest challengers Sweden.

Spain World Cup Qualifying Leaders

Spain FIFA World Cup history

Spain won the World Cup for the first time in their history in 2010, with their previous best finish coming in 1950, when they were fourth.

• World Cups appearances: 14
• Best finish: Winners (2010)
• All-time goals scored: 99
• All-time goals conceded: 72
• All-time record (W-L-D): 30-18-15

*Host