Spanish
MADRID. – The Spanish national team will face the 2026 World Cup with a historic call-up: for the first time it will not have any Real Madrid players in its official squad, announced this Monday by coach Luis de la Fuente.
The list includes the injured Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, who are dealing with muscle issues suffered at the end of the season, although the coaching staff is confident that both will be ready for the World Cup debut.
"We are very calm. If there are no setbacks, we will be able to count on almost everyone from the start," De la Fuente said, referring to the physical condition of his main offensive players.
Spain will debut on June 15 against Cape Verde in Atlanta, within Group H. Then it will face Saudi Arabia on June 21, also in Atlanta, and will close the group stage against Uruguay on June 26 in Guadalajara, Mexico.
The absence of Real Madrid players marks an unprecedented event for La Roja, traditionally nourished by figures from the merengue club. One of the candidates to join the call-up was defender Dean Huijsen, but he was ultimately left out.
"Fortunately, I don't look at where each player comes from. I only look at whether they can help us," stated the Spanish coach.
In contrast, FC Barcelona contributes eight players to the squad, consolidating the weight of the Blaugrana team in the current cycle of the Spanish national team after once again conquering LaLiga.
Among those called up are Pedri, Gavi, Dani Olmo, Ferran Torres and the young phenomenon Lamine Yamal, as well as experienced figures such as Rodri, Fabián Ruiz and Mikel Oyarzabal.
Mikel Merino also returned to the call-up, despite having had little activity with Arsenal after an injury suffered in January. Fabián Ruiz was also included after overcoming recent physical problems.
Spain will begin its preparation this weekend and will play friendly matches against Iraq and Peru before the start of the World Cup.
The Spanish national team arrives at the tournament as one of the favorites after winning the 2024 European Championship and the 2023 Nations League, although they will seek to overcome their pending debt in the World Cups, where they have not passed the round of 16 since they won the title in South Africa 2010.
