Spain's manager Luis de la Fuente named the national squad for the 2026 World Cup on May 25, omitting all Real Madrid players from the 26-man roster for the first time since 1950 [1]. The squad includes eight Barcelona players: Joan Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Eric Garcia, Gavi, Pedri, Dani Olmo, Lamine Yamal, and Ferran Torres [2, 3, 1]. Defenders Dean Huijsen and Dani Carvajal, both from Real Madrid, were notably excluded [2, 3, 1].
Seven players in the squad play in the Premier League, including Arsenal's David Raya, Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino, and Manchester City's Rodri [2, 3, 1] [1]. De la Fuente emphasized that club affiliation did not influence selection, stressing the pride of representing Spain. "For me, the greatest team there is — the very greatest — is the Spanish national team. I don't look at where players come from or their background," he said, "What matters are Spanish players who are proud to represent their country's national team and to be part of a united nation" [2].
De la Fuente defended his choices, saying, "The day I make a mistake, fail to make the right choice, or act in a way that might be beneficial just to get a result, I'm putting my job on the line" [2]. He also addressed fitness concerns for Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, and Mikel Merino, who are recovering but expected to be available. "We're in contact with all the clubs. We know that these players are in good physical shape; each one is making good progress in their recovery process. I'm very optimistic; I think they'll be available for the first match," he said [3].
Spain will open Group H against Cape Verde, followed by matches against Saudi Arabia and Uruguay [2, 3]. De la Fuente noted, "If we have to take a risk, mate, we'll take it in a World Cup. But... our view goes beyond the first match and also the second. So, if we have to wait a little longer, we'll wait" regarding player availability [3].
Spain won their only World Cup in 2010 in South Africa [2, 3, 1]. The team's first 2026 World Cup match will take place next month, where they enter the tournament as one of the favorites [2, 3, 1].
