Spain's World Cup Squad: No Room for Real Madrid Players

The Surprising Squad Selection

Lamine Yamal has been included in Spain’s squad for the World Cup named by coach Luis de la Fuente, who also included Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino to the European champions’ roster after his recent return from injury.

Real Madrid's Absence

For the first time since 1950, Spain’s World Cup squad will not include a Real Madrid player as De la Fuente opted against naming one in his 26-man squad named on Monday.

Real Madrid’s Dean Huijsen was dropped due to an injury and veteran Dani Carvajal also excluded after struggling through an injury-hit campaign.

Yamal's Inclusion and Injury Concerns

Along with teenager Barca star Yamal, Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams played a key role as Spain won Euro 2024 and he is in the squad despite a season badly disrupted by fitness issues.

Yamal, 18, is a doubt for the first matches of the tournament after suffering a hamstring injury with Barca which has kept him out since late April.

De la Fuente's Perspective

De la Fuente played down the absence of Madrid’s players, preferring to highlight those who are in the squad.

“I’m the manager and I don’t look at where the players come from. They’re ‌national team players; I don’t look at one club or another. I don’t have the same local bias that a fan might have. All I want is for these players to feel proud to represent the national team,” De la Fuente told reporters.

Spain's World Cup 2026 Squad

Goalkeepers: Unai Simon, David Raya, Joan Garcia

Defenders: Marcos Llorente, Marc Pubill, Pedro Porro, Aymeric Laporte, Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Marc Cucurella, Alejandro Grimaldo

Midfielders: Rodri, Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino, Pedri, Gavi, Fabian Ruiz, Alex Baena

Forwards: Yeremy Pino, Victor Munoz, Mikel Oyarzabal, Ferran Torres, Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Nico Williams, Borja Iglesias