Manager Luis de la Fuente has officially unveiled the 26-man Spain squad for the FIFA World Cup. Notably, for the first time since 1950, the national team does not include any Real Madrid players in its World Cup roster.
Two Real Madrid players were initially considered—Dean Huijsen and Dani Carvajal—but neither made the cut. Huijsen was ruled out due to injury, while Carvajal was omitted after a season hampered by fitness issues.
Despite the absence of Real Madrid stars, the squad features eight Barcelona players, including teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. The 18-year-old, a key figure in Spain's Euro 2024 triumph, remains under a fitness cloud with a hamstring injury sustained in late April, casting doubt on his availability for the opening matches.
Alongside Yamal, Barcelona representatives include Joan Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Eric Garcia, Gavi, Pedri, Dani Olmo, and Ferran Torres. Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams, another standout from Euro 2024, also made the squad despite a season affected by physical setbacks.
Seven players in the lineup ply their trade in the Premier League, with Arsenal contributing three: goalkeeper David Raya, midfielder Martin Zubimendi, and Mikel Merino, who returned from injury to earn a call-up. Manchester City's midfielder Rodri offers stability in the engine room.
Commenting on the absence of Real Madrid players, De la Fuente stated: "I am the head coach; I don't look at where players come from. They are national team players; I don't care which club they belong to. All I want is for these players to feel proud to represent the team."
Regarding the fitness status of Yamal and Williams, De la Fuente expressed optimism: "We are very comfortable. If there are no obstacles, we will have everyone available from the first match. We are in close contact with the clubs' medical staffs."
Spain heads to the World Cup as the reigning European champions, carrying confidence but also bearing high expectations from fans.
Spain's 26-man World Cup 2026 Squad:
Goalkeepers: Unai Simon, David Raya, Joan Garcia
Defenders: Marcos Llorente, Marc Pubill, Pedro Porro, Aymeric Laporte, Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Marc Cucurella, Alejandro Grimaldo
Midfielders: Rodri, Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino, Pedri, Gavi, Fabian Ruiz, Alex Baena
Forwards: Yeremy Pino, Victor Munoz, Mikel Oyarzabal, Ferran Torres, Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Nico Williams, Borja Iglesias
