Coach Luis de la Fuente has named Spain's 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be held in the USA, Mexico, and Canada. Meanwhile, the selection has become talk of the town, marking a historic moment as it includes no Real Madrid players for the first time in the national team's history.
Spain announces World Cup squad with no Real Madrid players but 8 Barca stars
The European champions will head to the tournament with a roster heavy on talent from other clubs, particularly rivals FC Barcelona, as they seek to add a second World Cup title.
Eight players from the Catalan side feature in the squad, including teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, midfielders Pedri and Gavi (returning from a long-term injury), defenders Pau Cubarsí and Eric García, plus Dani Olmo, Ferran Torres, and goalkeeper Joan García.
The list also features key names such as Mikel Merino, Nico Williams, and Mikel Oyarzabal, providing a blend of youth, experience, creativity, and defensive strength based on recent club form and fitness.
The absence of any Real Madrid representation, including notable omissions like Dani Carvajal and Dean Huijsen, has sparked significant discussion. Spain opens Group H against Cape Verde on June 15, followed by clashes with Saudi Arabia and Uruguay.
ALSO READ: Harry Kane wins European Golden Boot beating Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe