Spain include Lamine Yamal to World Cup squad, exclude Real Madrid players
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has included teenage forward Lamine Yamal in his squad for the 2026 World Cup despite the Barcelona star still recovering from injury, while no Real Madrid player made the final selection.
Yamal has been sidelined since suffering a hamstring injury during Barcelona’s clash against Osasuna in April, but De la Fuente remains optimistic that the 18-year-old will be fit in time for the tournament in North America.
The Spain manager also left out Real Madrid defenders Dean Huijsen and Dani Carvajal, meaning no player from the Spanish giants will represent La Roja at the World Cup for the first time.
De la Fuente explains Real Madrid omissions
Speaking after unveiling his 26-man squad, De la Fuente dismissed suggestions that club loyalties influenced his selections.
“I don’t look at one club or another. I don’t have that local bias a fan might have. For me, it’s more global,” De la Fuente said.
“The only thing I want is for these footballers to feel proud of representing the national team.”
Real Madrid endured a disappointing campaign, finishing eight points behind La Liga champions Barcelona and ending the season without silverware.
Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams was also included despite recent fitness concerns, with the Spain coach confident the squad would be fully ready before the tournament begins.
“We’re very relaxed. Barring any setbacks, we’ll have everyone available from the very first match,” he added.
Premier League stars make final squad
Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino earned a call-up after recovering from a long-term foot injury that kept him out for four months. He is joined by fellow Premier League players David Raya, Martin Zubimendi, Pedro Porro, Marc Cucurella, Rodri and Yeremy Pino.
Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez was ruled out after suffering a broken foot last week.
Spain will begin their World Cup campaign against Cape Verde on June 15 before facing Saudi Arabia and Uruguay in Group H.
De la Fuente believes the national team heads into the competition with strong backing from supporters across the country.
“Excitement is the key word. Passion,” he said.
“The reaction of people all over Spain – adults and children alike – is that they are fully behind the national team.”
Spain World Cup squad
Goalkeepers: Unai Simon (Athletic Bilbao), David Raya (Arsenal), Joan Garcia (Barcelona).
Defenders: Marcos Llorente (Atletico Madrid), Marc Pubill (Atletico Madrid), Pedro Porro (Tottenham), Aymeric Laporte (Athletic Bilbao), Eric Garcia (Barcelona), Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona), Marc Cucurella (Chelsea), Alejandro Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen).
Midfielders: Rodri (Manchester City), Martin Zubimendi (Arsenal), Mikel Merino (Arsenal), Pedri (Barcelona), Gavi (Barcelona), Fabian Ruiz (Paris St-Germain), Alex Baena (Atletico Madrid).
Forwards: Yeremy Pino (Crystal Palace), Victor Munoz (Osasuna), Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad), Ferran Torres (Barcelona), Lamine Yamal (Barcelona), Dani Olmo (Barcelona), Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao), Borja Iglesias (Celta Vigo).