The World Cup lesson: why your tactical plan matters off the pitch
The 2026 World Cup is in full swing, and for British expats in Spain it is the perfect reminder that strategy, preparation and a clear end goal matter just as much off the pitch as on it.
The 2026 World Cup is in full swing, and for many of us British expats here in Spain it is a time of excitement, rivalry and national pride. Whether you are cheering on England or keeping a supportive eye on our hosts, there is something about a major tournament that reminds us of the value of strategy, preparation and knowing exactly what your end goal is.
Under Thomas Tuchel’s leadership, the England squad is proving that a clear, well executed strategy is what separates the contenders from the rest. They have navigated their group stage matches with focus and precision. But as we watch the matches, it is worth asking: does your life in Spain have a game plan that is just as solid?
The off-field reality for expats
In football, you would not head into a knockout match without a plan for penalties, substitutions and defensive coverage. Yet many British expats living in Spain treat their estate planning with a hope for the best approach.
Relying solely on a UK Will while living in Spain can often lead to a bureaucratic own goal. Here is why, like any good manager, you need to be proactive:
The forced heirship trap: without a clear declaration in a Spanish Will, Spanish forced heirship laws (legitima) can default to your estate. This can override your wishes, potentially mandating that two thirds of your assets go to children, even if you intended for everything to pass to your spouse.
The penalty shootout of probate: if you rely only on a UK Will, your heirs will face months of delays. They will need to arrange apostilles, sworn translations and potential court proceedings in two different countries. This adds thousands of euros in costs and immense emotional strain at a time when your family should be supported, not bogged down in paperwork.
The Power of Attorney (Poder Notarial): if you were to lose mental capacity, a UK Lasting Power of Attorney is not automatically recognised for your Spanish assets or daily affairs. Without a Spanish Poder Notarial, your family might find themselves unable to access your bank accounts or make critical decisions for you in Spain, essentially being forced to play with ten men during a crisis.
Your tactical substitutions: the strategy
The good news? Fixing this is often faster and cheaper than the emotional and financial cost of leaving it to chance.
- Draft a separate Spanish Will. This is the single most important document for an expat. It allows you to include a Brussels IV election clause, specifically stating that you wish for the law of your home nation to govern your estate. This switches off Spanish forced heirship and secures your testamentary freedom.
- Appoint your captain with a Poder Notarial. Setting up a notarised Power of Attorney ensures that your chosen representative can step in immediately if needed, avoiding any unwanted intervention at the worst possible moment.
- Keep it simple. Just as a well drilled team knows their roles, having a Spanish Will ensures your beneficiaries know exactly what to do. It removes the guesswork and speeds up the entire inheritance process significantly.
Do not wait for extra time
The most successful expats are those who enjoy their life in Spain while having the peace of mind that their affairs are in order. Do not wait for an emergency to realise you are offside. Just like watching the Three Lions in the knockout stages, you want to be able to enjoy the moment, confident that you have done the preparation necessary to secure the win.
Are your legal documents ready for the final whistle?
If you need clarity on how these rules apply to your own situation, the team at Thy Will Be Done is here to help. Spanish office 0034 865 756 058 or UK office 0044 1903 900257.