Spain coach de la Fuente names 26-man World Cup squad with no Real Madrid representation
Lamine Yamal included despite injury concerns as Spain prepares for Group H campaign
Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has confirmed a 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, a selection notable for excluding any players from Real Madrid for the first time in the tournament’s history. The announcement, made by the national team’s coaching staff, signals a shift in personnel selection as the team prepares for its Group H fixtures against Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, and Uruguay.
The squad includes 18-year-old forward Lamine Yamal, who was a standout performer at Euro 2024, despite him missing the final month of the Barcelona season after tearing his left hamstring on 22 April. De la Fuente expressed confidence in the squad's physical readiness, stating that barring any setbacks, the team expects to have everyone available from the opening match on 15 June.
Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, who is also managing a hamstring issue, has been retained in the 26-man list. In contrast, Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez has been ruled out of the tournament due to a broken foot. The inclusion of injured players highlights the coaching staff's reliance on key talent despite recent medical setbacks.
Real Madrid defenders Dean Huijsen and Dani Carvajal were omitted from the final roster. The squad instead features uncapped defenders Eric Garcia from Barcelona and Marc Pubill from Atletico Madrid, both of whom were selected following strong performances for their respective clubs.
The selection includes seven Premier League players, reflecting the league's growing influence on national team dynamics. These players include Arsenal’s David Raya, Martin Zubimendi, and Mikel Merino; Tottenham’s Pedro Porro; Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella; Manchester City’s Rodri; and Crystal Palace’s Yeremy Pino. Merino’s inclusion follows his return from a four-month absence due to a foot stress fracture.
De la Fuente described the mood surrounding the squad announcement as one of "excitement" and "passion," noting the strong public support across Spain. The 2026 World Cup is scheduled to run from 11 June to 19 July, with Spain’s campaign beginning against debutants Cape Verde.
