Spain names World Cup squad with Barcelona dominance and no Real Madrid players
The European champions prioritise national unity over club allegiance as the squad prepares for Group H, with the manager maintaining a cautious approach to injured key players.
Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has announced a 26-man squad for the upcoming World Cup, a selection defined by a distinct Barcelona presence and the historic absence of any Real Madrid players. The European champions, who are considered favourites for the tournament, will look to secure their second World Cup title since their 2010 triumph in South Africa. The composition of the squad brings the fierce El Clasico rivalry into the national team debate, with De la Fuente emphasising that the Spanish national team is the greatest team and that national unity must supersede club allegiance.
The Barcelona contingent comprises eight players: Joan Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Eric Garcia, Gavi, Pedri, Dani Olmo, Lamine Yamal, and Ferran Torres. In contrast, the squad includes seven players based in the Premier League, while no representatives from Real Madrid were selected. Notable omissions from the Spanish capital’s biggest club include defenders Dean Huijsen and Dani Carvajal. De la Fuente stated that sporting considerations alone guided his selection, although he acknowledged that squad decisions inevitably carry a subjective element.
Speaking at a breakfast with media representatives organised by Spanish public broadcaster RTVE and news agency EFE, De la Fuente dismissed the notion that the selection could cost him support among Real Madrid fans. He stressed that he does not look at where players come from or their background, but rather focuses on Spanish players who are proud to represent their country. The manager asserted that his job is on the line if he fails to make the right choice or acts in a way that might be beneficial just to get a result, rather than for long-term success.
Spain will open Group H against Cape Verde, followed by matches against Saudi Arabia and Uruguay. De la Fuente expressed optimism regarding the fitness of Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, and Mikel Merino, who are recovering from injuries. While he indicated he is very optimistic that they will be available for the first match, he adopted a cautious approach, stating that if they need to wait a little longer, the team will wait. The manager emphasised that Spain’s view extends beyond the opener and the second match, prioritising long-term tournament success over immediate availability.
On the subject of 18-year-old Lamine Yamal, who is expected to carry much of Spain’s attacking threat, De la Fuente highlighted the player’s maturity despite his youth. He described Yamal as absolutely thrilled and raring to go, noting that the young winger has a remarkable sense of maturity and understands that this is his moment to seize. The squad’s composition reflects a strategic focus on unity and performance, with the manager confident in the group’s ability to navigate the challenges of the tournament.
