Spains 2026 World Cup squad released: No Real Madrid players

JAKARTA – Spain’s National Team (Timnas) coach, Luis de la Fuente, announced a 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup. Interestingly, none of the Real Madrid players made the squad.

Spain – who were knocked out in the 2022 World Cup but went on to win Euro 2024 with a flourish – are among the favourites to win this summer’s tournament, starting their campaign against Cape Verde on June 15, 2026 before playing Saudi Arabia and Uruguay in Group H.

De la Fuente said he was not worried about doubts over the fitness of Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, and Mikel Merino. He said he had no doubt that the three would be ready for Spain’s debut match in Atlanta.

De la Fuente said Spanish medical reports showed Yamal, Williams and Merino – who returned to play for Arsenal in their last game in the English League this season – would be available to play against Cape Verde on June 15, 2026.

“We are very calm. I think if there are no obstacles, we can almost bring down all the players since the first match.”

“Doctors and fitness trainers have visited the club and talked to them. We have coordinated. I have no doubt they will be ready for the first game. If not, they will be ready for the second game,” said the coach.

At an event in Madrid, Luis de la Fuente named Unai Simon (Athletic Club), David Raya (Arsenal), and Joan Garcia (Barcelona) as his three goalkeepers, with Real Sociedad’s Alex Remiro absent.

In defense, the coach included Marc Cucurella, Alejandro Grimaldo, Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Pubill, Eric Garcia, Marcos Llorente, and Pedro Porro.

In midfield, he named Pedri, Fabian Ruiz, Martin Zubimendi, Gavi, Rodri, Alex Baena and Merino.

Mikel Oyarzabal, Dani Olmo, Williams, Yeremy Pino, Ferran Torres, Borja Iglesias, Victor Munoz, and Yamal are the front line options.

In addition to Huijsen and Carvajal – who are not on the long list of 55 Spanish players – Atletico Madrid’s Robin Le Normand was also not included.

Barcelona’s Fermin Lopez will also miss out for Spain after breaking his leg.

“It’s difficult. We think about every possible scenario that can happen in the game against our opponents and their characteristics.”

“We have chosen these 26 players. I think we have met the needs of the team,” Luis de la Fuente said when asked about the players who were not included.

De la Fuente also mentioned nine support players including Gonzalo Garcia (Real Madrid) and Marc Bernal (Barcelona), who will join the squad in training ahead of the tournament.

Spain will play a friendly match before the 2026 World Cup against Iraq in A Coruna, Spain, on Thursday, June 4, 2026, before crossing the Atlantic for another friendly against Peru in Puebla, Mexico, on June 8, 2026.

Meanwhile, Luis de la Fuente praised Carvajal – who also said goodbye to Real Madrid in their final game of the season at the Bernabeu – and former captain Alvaro Morata, who led Spain at Euro 2024.

“They have left an unforgettable legacy of leadership. However, the generation behind them is very ready, they come from the same background,” said Luis de la Fuente.

Spain’s squad at the 2026 World Cup

Goalkeeper: Unai Simon (Athletic Club), David Raya (Arsenal), Joan Garcia (Barcelona)

Defenders: Marc Cucurella (Chelsea), Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona), Aymeric Laporte (Athletic Club), Alejandro Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen), Pedro Porro (Tottenham Hotspur), Eric Garcia (Barcelona), Marcos Llorente (Atlético Madrid), Marc Pubill (Atletico) Madrid)

Midfielders: Gavi (Barcelona), Rodri (Manchester City), Pedri (Barcelona), Martin Zubimendi (Arsenal), Fabian Ruiz (PSG), Alex Baena (Atletico Madrid), Mikel Merino (Arsenal)

Attackers: Lamine Yamal (Barcelona), Nico Williams (Athletic Club), Dani Olmo (Barcelona), Ferran Torres (Barcelona), Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad), Yeremy Pino (Crystal Palace), Borja Iglesias (Celta Vigo), Victor Munoz (Osasuna)

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