Spain named their 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup without any Real Madrid players for the first time in 76 years, since 1950 [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8]. Coach Luis de la Fuente revealed the squad on May 25, leaving out Real Madrid defenders Dean Huijsen and Dani Carvajal due to injuries and tactical reasons [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8].
Barcelona provides the largest contingent with eight players, including Joan Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Eric Garcia, Gavi, Pedri, Dani Olmo, Ferran Torres, and the injured 18-year-old forward Lamine Yamal [1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8]. Yamal has missed Barcelona matches since suffering a left hamstring tear on April 22 but is included in the squad [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, also hampered by a hamstring injury, was named as well [1, 3, 4, 5].
Mikel Merino, recently returned from a stress fracture and now playing for Arsenal, is recalled to the squad [1, 2, 4, 5, 6]. Seven players based in the English Premier League were called up, including Arsenal’s David Raya, Martin Zubimendi, and Merino; Tottenham’s Pedro Porro; Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella; Manchester City’s Rodri; and Crystal Palace’s Yeremy Pino [1, 3, 4].
Spain enter the 2026 World Cup, held June 11 to July 19, as reigning European champions and are considered among the favorites for the tournament [3, 4, 8]. They will open their Group H campaign against Cape Verde on June 15, followed by Saudi Arabia on June 21 and Uruguay on June 26 [1, 2, 8].
Luis de la Fuente said he selects players based strictly on form and fitness, without bias toward any club. "I don't look at one club or another. I don't have that local bias a fan might have," he said. "The only thing I want is for these footballers to feel proud of representing the national team" [1, 2, 3, 4, 8]. He expressed confidence that injured players like Yamal, Williams, and Merino will be ready by the first or second match. "We're very relaxed. Barring any setbacks, we'll have everyone available from the very first match," he added [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8].
Spain’s squad reflects a blend of domestic talent and Premier League experience as they prepare for their opening match against Cape Verde on June 15 [1, 2, 8].
