Learn Spanish with “La Roja”: The 2026 World Cup Kicks Off!
The FIFA 2026 World Cup has already begun – the biggest edition ever organized: 48 national teams, 104 matches, and three host countries (United States, Mexico, and Canada). The opening match, Mexico vs. South Africa, took place at the legendary Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.
But for iNMSOL, your Spanish School in Granada, there is a special excitement. Our team, the Spanish National Team – affectionately known as “La Roja” – steps onto the pitch in search of a new world title. And this is not just a sports celebration, but also an incredible opportunity to improve your Spanish.
Join us as we tell you all about Spain’s first matches, where to watch them for free, and why this World Cup could be your best Spanish “teacher”.
Spain’s First Matches in the 2026 World Cup
The Spanish National Team is in Group H alongside Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, and Uruguay. Here are their first three matches. Take note!
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Monday, June 15: Spain vs. Cape Verde (6:00 PM)
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Wednesday, June 18: Spain vs. Saudi Arabia (6:00 PM)
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Sunday, June 21: Spain vs. Uruguay (9:00 PM)
How to Watch the 2026 World Cup from Spain
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Free option (open broadcast): La 1 on RTVE and RTVE Play (website and app). All Spain matches, plus a selection of the best games of the tournament.
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Full option (all 104 matches): DAZN (paid platform). Also available through Movistar Plus+ and Orange TV if you have their football packages.
Why the 2026 World Cup Can Be an Extra Spanish Lesson
Did you know that football is the “king of sports” in Spain? Millions of people follow La Liga, the Champions League, and of course, La Roja’s matches every week. That’s why watching the World Cup is not just entertainment – it’s live linguistic and cultural immersion.
Take note of this essential vocabulary for watching the World Cup:
During matches you will hear phrases like:
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“¡Golazo de España!” (a beautiful goal by Spain)
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“El árbitro ha mostrado tarjeta amarilla” (the referee has shown a yellow card – a caution)
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“El delantero ha entrado en el área” (the forward has entered the penalty area)
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“¡Qué paradón del portero!” (what a great save by the goalkeeper!)
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“El partido se va a la prórroga” (the match is going to extra time)
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“¡Penalti! ¡Penalti!” (penalty! penalty!)
How to Turn the 2026 World Cup into a Learning Tool
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Watch the matches in Spanish: switch the commentary to Spanish and listen to the broadcasters. You learn a lot.
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Read the match reports: the next day, read how Marca, AS, or El País narrate the game.
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Talk about football with classmates: share your opinion, simulate a football chat session.
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Follow the national team’s social media in Spanish: comments, memes, press conferences – it’s all real input.
At iNMSOL, football brings us together: improve your Spanish while cheering on La Roja!
