Fernando Hierro will lead Spain at the World Cup after head coach Julen Lopetegui was dramatically sacked on the eve of the tournament. Spanish preparations were thrown into turmoil as Lopetegui lost his job following Tuesday's announcement he would leave to take over at Real Madrid after the finals in Russia.

Spanish Football Federation chief Luis Rubiales removed Lopetegui from the post just two days before the team's opener against Portugal. Rubiales had been riled by being told of Lopetegui's decision to take the Real job just five minutes before it was made public.