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Madrid: Spain have announced their 26-man squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026 to be held across the United States, Canada and Mexico, with manager Luis de la Fuente making several high-profile selections and omissions, including a squad featuring multiple Barcelona players but no representatives from Real Madrid.

The squad announcement has drawn attention across Europe due to the strong presence of FC Barcelona players and the complete absence of players from Real Madrid CF.

Spain will begin their World Cup campaign against Cape Verde on June 15, followed by group-stage matches against Saudi Arabia and Uruguay.

Barcelona core dominates Spain squad

The squad features eight players from Barcelona, underlining the club’s continued influence on Spain’s national team setup.

Among the key inclusions are young star Lamine Yamal and midfielder Pedri, both of whom are expected to play central roles in Spain’s campaign. Other Barcelona players selected include Gavi, Dani Olmo, Ferran Torres, Eric García, Pau Cubarsí and goalkeeper Joan García.

The strong Barcelona presence reflects the club’s ongoing contribution to Spain’s technical and possession-based style of play, which has long been a defining feature of the national team.

No Real Madrid players included

One of the biggest talking points of the squad announcement is the absence of any Real Madrid players.

Despite Real Madrid’s strong domestic and European performances in recent years, no player from the club was selected in the final 26-man squad by head coach Luis de la Fuente.

This decision has sparked debate among fans and analysts, especially given the historical importance of Real Madrid players in Spain’s national team setups.

Defenders Dean Huijsen and Dani Carvajal were among those who missed out, further highlighting the surprising nature of the selection.

Strong midfield and attack options

Spain’s midfield remains one of the strongest areas of the squad, with experienced and in-form players such as Rodri, Pedri, Gavi, Fabián Ruiz, Martín Zubimendi, Álex Baena and Mikel Merino included.

The midfield combination offers a balance of creativity, control and defensive stability, which has been central to Spain’s recent success in international tournaments.

In attack, Spain have included Mikel Oyarzabal, Nico Williams, Dani Olmo, Ferran Torres, Yeremy Pino, Borja Iglesias, Victor Munoz and Lamine Yamal, giving the team multiple attacking options across the front line.

Goalkeepers and defensive lineup

Spain’s goalkeeping department includes Unai Simón, David Raya and Joan García, providing a mix of experience and youth.

In defense, the squad features Marc Cucurella, Alejandro Grimaldo, Pau Cubarsí, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Pubill, Eric García, Marcos Llorente and Pedro Porro.

The defensive unit combines Premier League, La Liga and Bundesliga experience, giving Spain tactical flexibility heading into the tournament.

Spain eye historic achievement

Spain, winners of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, are aiming to add a second world title to their history while building on recent international success.

The team won every match at the 2024 European Championship and also secured gold at the Paris Olympics, further strengthening expectations ahead of the World Cup.

If successful, Spain could become the first nation to hold the World Cup, European Championship and Olympic gold simultaneously, a historic achievement in international football.

Manager Luis de la Fuente has expressed confidence in the squad, particularly in the fitness of key players such as Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams and Mikel Merino, all of whom are expected to be available for the opening match.

Spain now enter the tournament as one of the favourites, backed by a young but experienced squad and strong recent form on the international stage.