Iker Casillas Exclusive Interview - Football Insights on Stake
We recently caught up with the Spanish Football Legend and Stake Ambassador Iker Casillas, to discuss all things 2026 Cup! Discover Iker's exclusive insights on Spain's rock-solid defence, Lamine Yamal's brilliance, his score prediction for France vs Spain, how La Roja can stop Kylian Mbappé, the goalkeeper debate between Unai Simón and David Raya, and whether the World Cup truly stands above the Euros.
Spain's defence has been hugely impressive at the World Cup so far, how does it compare to the defence you played behind at the 2010 World Cup?
The truth is, we have a defense that's proving just how solid and well-drilled it is, but I have to root for my generation. I think we're very similar teams.
Is there a Spanish player in the current Spain team who you would have liked to play with during your career? If there is, why have you chosen that player?
I think Lamine Yamal is going to leave his mark on a generation, I would have loved to share a locker room with such a great talent at such a young age.
How important is Mikel Merino to this Spain side? Is he underrated?
He's a very underrated player, one of those players who steps up in the clutch and doesn't back down. Hopefully, he can continue to bring us more joy like he's been doing.
What is your score prediction for France vs Spain and why?
We'll win 2-1. I think France has a really good team, but we have what it takes to knock them out, just like we did at the Euro.
How can Spain stop Kylian Mbappe?
He's one of the best players in the world, and I'm sure the coach will have a plan to stop him, since he's really on a roll in this World Cup.
What have you made of Lamine Yamal's performances at the World Cup? Are we yet to see the best of him?
Lamine is a player who always has two or three defenders on him; he's one of the best players in the world, and I'm convinced that even though people might not be noticing it as much, he makes a huge difference when he's on the field.
There was a lot of debate about whether Unai Simon should play ahead of Arsenal's David Raya, has the manager made the right call there?
Well, I think the three goalkeepers the coach has brought along are all very good; all three deserve to play, and it's a very difficult situation that I'm lucky enough not to have to deal with.
Did Marc Cucurella make the right career move by leaving Chelsea to join Real Madrid? If so, why?
Who wouldn't want to play for the best club in the world? I love watching him play for the national team, and I'll really enjoy watching him play for Real Madrid.
Cristiano Ronaldo has claimed the European Championship is as big as the World Cup - do you agree?
Both competitions are extremely important for a country, but for me, the World Cup, because of what it meant for my country and for me, would be a cut above the rest.