The squad greeted the prime minister at the Royal Spanish Football Federation’s headquarters near Madrid.

"I can only wish you good luck and all the best. No matter what, Spanish fans will support their team. Best of luck and I hope you win!" Sanchez said.

Sanchez also told footballers that the first match against Portugal would be tough and it would be the first step in Spain's "big adventure" at the tournament.

He awarded the Grand Cross of the Royal Order of Sports Merit, the highest honor in Spanish sport, to veteran midfielder Andres Iniesta. He also recalled that the player scored the winning goal in the 2010 World Cup final.

"I would like to say what a wonderful professional and a person you are," Sanchez told Iniesta.

Russia will host its first World Cup from June 14 to July 15. The fixtures will be played at 12 stadiums across 11 cities.  

Spain were drawn in Group B where they will play Portugal in Sochi on June 15, Iran in Kazan on June 20 and Morocco in Kaliningrad on June 25.