Spain’s World Cup squad has been confirmed as NO Real Madrid players have been included
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has named his 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, with the North American-bound European champions among the favorites to lift the trophy.
La Roja is aiming to win this competition for only the second time in its history, having won it in 2010.
There have been injury concerns surrounding several key players in the build-up to the tournament, with Mikel Merino, Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal all recovering from recent fitness issues.
Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez has been ruled out after breaking a metatarsal.
Gavi returns as Huijsen misses out
One of the biggest talking points in De la Fuente’s appointment is the inclusion of Gavi, who has not featured for Spain since suffering a serious knee injury in 2023.
The Barcelona midfielder played one minute in last summer’s Nations League semi-final but has now been reinstated to the squad for the World Cup.
Barcelona team-mates Eric Garcia and Joan Garcia are also included, while Atletico Madrid defender Marc Pubill earns a place after an impressive campaign.
Going forward, veteran striker Borja Iglesias has been named to provide Spain with a physical attacking option, while Osasuna striker Victor Munoz retains his place after impressing during the international break in March.
No Real Madrid players included
The most notable omission is Dean Huijsen, with the Real Madrid defender left out despite his impressive performances this season.
According to Spanish reports, it means that the national team will go to the World Cup without a Real Madrid player for the first time.
Goalkeeper Alex Remiro also misses out, as Joan Garcia is preferred as De la Fuente’s third goalkeeper.
The absence of Huijsen, Dani Carvajal and Alvaro Morata means that the three players who started the Euro 2024 final are not part of the squad.
Support players called up for training camp
De la Fuente also confirmed that nine other players will train with the team before they go to the United States.
Those players may be included in the final squad if an injury occurs before the start of the tournament.
The supporting cast includes Marc Bernal, Javi Rodriguez, Jesus Rodriguez, Leo Roman, Gonzalo Garcia, Sergio Gomez, Jon Martin, Benat Turrientes and Javi Guerra.
Spain’s World Cup squad in full
Goalkeepers: Unai Simon (Athletic Club), David Raya (Arsenal), Joan Garcia (Barcelona)
Defenders: Marcos Llorente (Atletico Madrid), Pedro Porro (Tottenham), Eric Garcia (Barcelona), Marc Pubill (Atletico Madrid), Aymeric Laporte (Al Nassr), Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona), Marc Cucurella (Chelsea), Alejandro Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen)
Midfielders: Pedri (Barcelona), Fabian Ruiz (Paris Saint-Germain), Martin Zubimendi (Real Sociedad), Gavi (Barcelona), Rodri Hernandez (Manchester City), Alex Baena (Villarreal), Mikel Merino (Arsenal)
Forward: Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad), Dani Olmo (Barcelona), Nico Williams (Athletic Club), Yeremy Pino (Villarreal), Ferran Torres (Barcelona), Borja Iglesias (Celta Vigo), Victor Munoz (Osasuna), Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
