Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has officially confirmed his 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with teenage sensation Lamine Yamal leading the attacking line and no players from Real Madrid C.F. included for the first time in the nation's World Cup history. Spain enter the tournament among the favorites after their dominant UEFA Euro 2024 triumph, following a disappointing round-of-16 exit at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
No Real Madrid Players in Spain's World Cup Squad
The biggest talking point surrounding Spain's squad is the complete absence of Real Madrid representation. With both Dani Carvajal and Dean Huijsen omitted, this marks the first time no Real Madrid player has been included in a Spain World Cup squad. Huijsen and Carvajal had also failed to make Spain's provisional 55-player long list ahead of the tournament.
De la Fuente insisted that club affiliation played no role in his decisions during Monday's press conference in Madrid. "I don't look at one club or another. I don't have that local bias a fan might have. For me, it's more global," the Spain manager said. "The only thing I want is for these footballers to feel proud of representing the national team." Spain's lack of Real Madrid representation comes after the club endured a disappointing domestic campaign, finishing eight points behind FC Barcelona in La Liga and ending the season without a major trophy.
Lamine Yamal Leads Attacking Group Despite Fitness Concerns
Lamine Yamal will appear at a FIFA World Cup for the first time after emerging as one of European football's biggest stars over the last two seasons. He made his Spain debut in September 2023 at just 16 years and 57 days old, becoming the youngest player in the nation's history to represent the senior team. Yamal also played a key role in Spain's UEFA Euro 2024 triumph, winning the tournament's Young Player Award.
There had been some concerns surrounding the fitness of Yamal, Nico Williams, and Mikel Merino heading into the tournament, but De la Fuente dismissed fears over their availability. "We're very calm," he said. "I think that if there are no setbacks, we can almost have everyone available from the first game. The doctor and fitness coach have been visiting the clubs and talking to them. We've been coordinating. I have no doubt they'll be ready for the first game, and if not, they'll be ready for the second." Merino recently returned for Arsenal F.C. during the final Premier League match of the season, while Yamal and Williams also entered the squad carrying minor fitness concerns.
Spain Retain Experienced Core Despite Several Notable Omissions
De la Fuente selected Unai Simón, David Raya, and Joan García as his three goalkeepers, leaving out Álex Remiro. Spain's defensive group includes Marc Cucurella, Pau Cubarsí, Aymeric Laporte, Alejandro Grimaldo, Pedro Porro, Eric García, Marcos Llorente, and Marc Pubill. In midfield, De la Fuente retained experienced figures including Rodri, Pedri, and Fabián Ruiz alongside younger players such as Gavi and Álex Baena. The attacking line features Yamal, Williams, Dani Olmo, Ferran Torres, Mikel Oyarzabal, Yéremy Pino, Borja Iglesias, and Víctor Muñoz. There was no place for Robin Le Normand, while Fermín López missed out after suffering a broken foot.
"It's difficult," De la Fuente said when discussing the omissions. "We think about every possible scenario that can happen in games with our opponents, and their characteristics. We've chosen these 26. I think we've covered the needs of the team."
Spain Manager Praises Departing Leadership Figures
De la Fuente also paid tribute to Carvajal and former Spain captain Álvaro Morata, both of whom played major leadership roles during Spain's Euro 2024 triumph. "They've left an unforgettable legacy of leadership," the coach said. "But the generation behind them are perfectly prepared, they're cut from the same cloth." Carvajal also recently bid farewell to supporters during Real Madrid's final game of the season at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Spain to Play Iraq and Peru Before World Cup Opener
Spain will continue preparations with two pre-tournament friendlies before traveling fully into World Cup competition. They first face Iraq in A Coruña on June 4 before traveling across the Atlantic to face Peru in Puebla, Mexico, on June 8. Spain will begin their World Cup campaign against debutants Cape Verde on June 15, followed by Saudi Arabia on June 21 and Uruguay on June 26 in Group H.
Spain's Full 26-Man Squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Goalkeepers: Unai Simón (Athletic Club), David Raya (Arsenal F.C.), Joan García (FC Barcelona)
Defenders: Marc Cucurella (Chelsea F.C.), Pau Cubarsí (FC Barcelona), Aymeric Laporte (Athletic Club), Alejandro Grimaldo (Bayer 04 Leverkusen), Pedro Porro (Tottenham Hotspur F.C.), Eric García (FC Barcelona), Marcos Llorente (Atlético Madrid), Marc Pubill (Atlético Madrid)
Midfielders: Gavi (FC Barcelona), Rodri (Manchester City F.C.), Pedri (FC Barcelona), Martín Zubimendi (Arsenal F.C.), Fabián Ruiz (Paris Saint-Germain F.C.), Álex Baena (Atlético Madrid), Mikel Merino (Arsenal F.C.)
Forwards: Lamine Yamal (FC Barcelona), Nico Williams (Athletic Club), Dani Olmo (FC Barcelona), Ferran Torres (FC Barcelona), Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad), Yéremy Pino (Crystal Palace F.C.), Borja Iglesias (RC Celta de Vigo), Víctor Muñoz (CA Osasuna)
