Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has named his 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, marking a historic first: for the first time in the tournament’s history, Madrid has no representation in the Spanish national side.
The omission comes as a major shock, particularly given that Real Madrid players have long been fixtures in La Roja squads across generations.
The most high-profile absentee is Dean Huijsen, whose exclusion is perhaps the biggest surprise, as he had previously been a player De la Fuente counted on as a starter.
Veteran right-back Dani Carvajal, who had been one of De la Fuente’s most-trusted lieutenants in recent years, also misses out, with his injury troubles and lack of minutes this season ruling him out of contention.
Barcelona, by contrast, dominated the squad with eight representatives from their La Liga-winning season, including Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Gavi, Pau Cubarsí, Dani Olmo, Ferran Torres, Eric García, and Joan García.
De la Fuente expressed confidence that key players Yamal, Nico Williams, and Mikel Merino would be fit in time for Spain’s tournament opener, saying he had “no doubt” the trio would be ready as the reigning European champions look to add a second World Cup title to their storied legacy.
FULL SQUAD:
Goalkeepers: Unai Simón (Athletic Club)
David Raya (Arsenal),
Joan Garcia (Barcelona).
Defenders: Pedro Porro (Tottenham)
Marcos Llorente (Atlético Madrid)
Aymeric Laporte (Athletic Club)
Pau Cubarsí (Barcelona)
Marc Pubill (Atlético Madrid)
Eric García (Barcelona)
Marc Cucurella (Chelsea)
Alejandro Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen).
Midfielders: Rodri (Manchester City)
Martín Zubimendi (Arsenal)
Pedri (Barcelona)
Fabián Ruiz (PSG)
Mikel Merino (Arsenal)
Gavi (Barcelona)
Álex Baena (Atlético Madrid).
Forwards: Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad)
, Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
Ferran Torres (Barcelona)
Borja Iglesias (Celta Vigo)
Dani Olmo (Barcelona)
Víctor Muñoz (Osasuna)
Nico Williams (Athletic Club)
Yéremy Pino (Crystal Palace).
