Spaincoach Luis de la Fuente Names 26-Man World Cup Squad: No Real Madrid Players Included

Spain’s national football team is gearing up for the 2026 World Cup with a fresh and exciting squad announcement by head coach Luis de la Fuente. On Monday, De la Fuente released a 26-man roster featuring some new talents, including Lamine Yamal, but notably absent are any Real Madrid players. This bold decision signals a new era for Spain as they prepare to defend their Euro 2024 title and compete strongly in the upcoming tournament.

Spain’s World Cup Group and Schedule

Spain has been drawn into Group H for the World Cup, playing matches against:

• Cape Verde (June 15, Atlanta)
• Saudi Arabia
• Uruguay

The team’s opening match against Cape Verde marks the beginning of what many expect to be an impressive campaign. Following a disappointing exit in the round of 16 during the 2022 World Cup, Spain returned to glory by winning Euro 2024 in style, positioning them as one of the favorites this summer.

No Real Madrid Players in the Squad

One of the biggest talking points from Luis de la Fuente’s squad announcement is the absence of Real Madrid players. Defender Dean Huijsen and veteran Dani Carvajal both miss out, with Carvajal recently saying farewell to Madrid in their last game of the season at the Bernabéu.

De la Fuente praised both Carvajal and former Spain captain Álvaro Morata, acknowledging their contributions and leadership:

“They’ve left an unforgettable legacy of leadership, but the generation behind them are perfectly prepared, they’re cut from the same cloth.”

This shift highlights a new, younger crop of players leading Spain’s national side.

Key Players and Squad Composition

The squad reflects a mix of youth and experience across all positions, with notable inclusions and exclusions:

Goalkeepers:

• Unai Simón (Athletic Club)
• David Raya (Arsenal)
• Joan García (Barcelona)

Real Sociedad’s Álex Remiro was absent from the list, while De la Fuente named nine “support players,” among them Real Madrid’s Gonzalo García and Barcelona’s Marc Bernal, who will train with the squad ahead of the tournament.

Defenders:

• Marc Cucurella (Chelsea)
• Pau Cubarsí (Barcelona)
• Aymeric Laporte (Athletic Club)
• Álejandro Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen)
• Pedro Porro (Tottenham Hotspur)
• Eric García (Barcelona)
• Marcos Llorente (Atlético Madrid)
• Marc Pubill (Atlético Madrid)

Midfielders:

• Gavi (Barcelona)
• Rodri (Manchester City)
• Pedri (Barcelona)
• Martín Zubimendi (Arsenal)
• Fabián Ruiz (PSG)
• Álex Baena (Atlético Madrid)
• Mikel Merino (Arsenal)

Forwards:

• Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
• Nico Williams (Athletic Club)
• Dani Olmo (Barcelona)
• Ferran Torres (Barcelona)
• Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad)
• Yéremy Pino (Crystal Palace)
• Borja Iglesias (Celta Vigo)
• Víctor Muñoz (Osasuna)

Fitness and Availability Concerns

De la Fuente addressed fitness concerns surrounding key players Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, and Mikel Merino, all of whom have had recent injuries or fitness doubts.

Speaking calmly about their condition, he said:

“We’re very calm. I think that if there are no setbacks, we can almost have everyone available from the first game.”

Yamal and Merino recently made returns to club action — Merino notably featuring for Arsenal in their final Premier League game of the season. Coordination between Spain’s medical team and club doctors remains strong, ensuring key players are ready for the tournament kickoff against Cape Verde.

Pre-Tournament Friendlies and Preparation

Spain will prepare for the World Cup with two friendly matches:

• Against Iraq in A Coruña, Spain on June 4
• Against Peru in Puebla, Mexico on June 8

These matches will help De la Fuente finalize his tactics and give players valuable match practice ahead of the group stage.

Outlook for Spain at the 2026 World Cup

With a confident squad blending young promise and experienced internationals, Spain looks well-positioned to make a deep run. The absence of Real Madrid players breaks with recent tradition but underscores the depth that Spanish football has developed beyond its historical powerhouse.

Coach Luis de la Fuente’s squad selection highlights a faith in emerging talent like Lamine Yamal and others, balanced with trusted veterans who have helped shape Spain’s triumphant recent history.

Spain’s fans will be eagerly watching as their team looks to soar beyond their 2022 World Cup exit and bring home another major trophy this summer.

Stay tuned for further updates on Spain’s World Cup journey as the tournament approaches.