Luis de la Fuente has announced the Spanish squad for the 2026 World Cup, and the absence of all Real Madrid players marks the first time this has happened in the country’s history.
Youngster Lamine Yamal is in line for a place after the Barcelona teenager made the squad for his first World Cup after another successful season. However, the 18-year-old looks to be missing Spain’s first group match against Cape Verde with a hamstring problem and is touch-and-go for their encounter with Saudi Arabia.
Barcelona midfielder Gavi has also been called back into the side by De la Fuente after a period of seven months out through knee injury, with Arsenal’s Mikel Merino included after his return from a foot injury.
Dean Huijsen was the name omitted, which marked Real Madrid’s exclusion from the squad for the first time in 92 years. Robin Le Normand was also dropped as Spain’s squad was revealed, with Pau Cubarsi, Eric Garcia, Aymeric Laporte, and Marc Pubill preferred in defense.
After his selections had been announced, the Spanish boss stated club interests would have no bearing in his selections.
“I don’t look at where the players are from, all I want is for these players to feel proud to represent the nation,” De la Fuente said.
Spain has been drawn in the same group as Saudi Arabia, Uruguay and Cape Verde as they aim for a second World Cup triumph.
Spain Full World Cup Squad
Goalkeepers: Unai Simon (Athletic Club), David Raya (Arsenal), Joan Garcia (Barcelona)
Defenders: Marc Cucurella (Chelsea), Alex Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen), Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona), Aymeric Laporte (Athletic Club), Marc Pubill (Atletico Madrid), Eric Garcia (Barcelona), Marcos Llorente (Atletico Madrid), Pedro Porro (Tottenham)
Midfielders: Pedri (Barcelona), Fabian Ruiz (PSG), Martin Zubimendi (Arsenal), Gavi (Barcelona), Rodri (Manchester City), Alex Baena (Atletico Madrid), Mikel Merino (Arsenal)
Forwards: Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad), Dani Olmo (Barcelona), Nico Williams (Athletic Club), Yeremy Pino (Crystal Palace), Ferran Torres (Barcelona), Borja Iglesias (Celta Vigo), Víctor Muñoz (Osasuna), Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
