Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has named an ambitious 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with teenage star Lamine Yamal included despite concerns over his fitness.
The 18-year-old Barcelona winger has been sidelined since April after suffering a torn hamstring, but the national team remains confident he will recover in time for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The squad announcement also marked a historic moment for Spanish football, as no player from Real Madrid was selected for the first time in the nation’s history.
Defenders Dean Huijsen and Dani Carvajal were both omitted following a disappointing campaign in which Madrid failed to win a major trophy and finished eight points behind La Liga champions Barcelona.
Speaking after unveiling the squad, De la Fuente insisted club loyalties played no role in his decisions.
The Spain manager said he was focused only on selecting players capable of representing the country at the highest level, adding that he wanted every member of the squad to feel proud of wearing the national shirt.
He also expressed optimism over the fitness of Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, who has been managing a hamstring issue in recent weeks.
Spain received another boost with the return of Mikel Merino after four months out with a stress fracture in his foot.
The Arsenal midfielder is joined in the squad by Premier League-based players David Raya, Martin Zubimendi, Pedro Porro, Marc Cucurella, Rodri and Yeremy Pino.
Barcelona youngsters Eric Garcia and Pau Cubarsi were also rewarded for strong domestic campaigns, while Atletico Madrid defender Marc Pubill earned his first senior call-up.
The build-up to the tournament has not been without setbacks for the European giants. Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez was ruled out of the World Cup after suffering a broken foot during his club’s recent La Liga victory over Real Betis.
Lopez, who scored 13 goals and registered 17 assists this season, described the injury as “a very tough time” but vowed to support his team-mates from home as Spain pursue global glory.
Spain will begin their World Cup campaign in Group H against debutants Cape Verde on June 15 before facing Saudi Arabia and Uruguay later in the group stage.
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