By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente on Monday announced his squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, confirming that Lamine Yamal, Gavi, and Mikel Merino made the final list while no Real Madrid player earned selection. The announcement answered who made the squad, what decisions shaped the list, when Spain begin their campaign on June 15, where they will compete in Group H, and why De la Fuente said club affiliation played no role in his choices.
De la Fuente Explains Real Madrid Exclusion
De la Fuente dismissed suggestions that leaving out Real Madrid players influenced his selections.
According to the Spain coach, he focused only on players who fit his plans.
“I’m the national team coach and I don’t look at where players come from,” he said.
He added that supporters may think in club terms, but his approach remains broader.
“The only thing I want is for these footballers to feel proud of representing the national team,” De la Fuente explained.
As a result, Spain will enter a World Cup without a Real Madrid player for the first time.
Defender Dean Huijsen missed out, while veteran full-back Dani Carvajal also failed to make the final list after an injury-disrupted season.
Gavi’s Emotional Return Captures Attention
One of the biggest stories from the announcement involved Gavi.
The Barcelona midfielder returned to action in March after recovering from a serious knee injury. Since then, he has impressed during the closing weeks of the season.
A social media video posted by teammate Lamine Yamal showed Gavi celebrating emotionally during a gym session after hearing the news.
De la Fuente praised the reaction and highlighted the unity inside the squad.
He said the emotional moment reflected the character and togetherness that strengthen the national team.
Yamal Faces Fitness Race Ahead of Opening Match
Although Yamal remains Spain’s headline name, his availability for the opening games remains uncertain.
The winger has missed action since late April because of a hamstring injury suffered with Barcelona.
However, De la Fuente said Spain’s medical staff continues to work closely with club doctors.
He expressed confidence that injured players should become available for either the opening game or shortly after.
Yamal joins fellow Barcelona players Gavi, Pedri, Ferran Torres, Dani Olmo, Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi and Joan Garcia in the squad.
Merino Returns After Injury Layoff
Midfielder Mikel Merino also secured a place after overcoming injury concerns.
The Arsenal player returned to action as a substitute against Crystal Palace in the final Premier League fixture after missing months with a foot fracture.
De la Fuente has consistently shown confidence in Merino and rewarded his recovery with selection.
Spain’s 2026 World Cup Group Fixtures
Spain begin their World Cup journey in Group H:
- June 15 – Spain vs Cape Verde
- Spain vs Saudi Arabia
- Spain vs Uruguay
The European champions will aim to build on their recent success and challenge for another major international title.
Spain 2026 World Cup 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
