Spain Names 26-Man Squad for 2026 World Cup Without Real Madrid Players

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente named a 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup on Monday that includes injured forward Lamine Yamal and excludes every player from Real Madrid. The 18-year-old Barcelona winger tore his left hamstring on 22 April and has not played since. De la Fuente said the medical teams of the clubs and the national side remain in close contact.

The roster lists eight Barcelona players and seven from the Premier League. Arsenal supplied goalkeeper David Raya and midfielders Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino, who returned from a four-month foot injury on Sunday. Real Madrid defender Dean Huijsen was omitted because of injury, and veteran right-back Dani Carvajal was also left out after an injury-affected season.

“I don't look at one club or another.”

I don't have that local bias a fan might have. " — Luis de la Fuente, 25 May 2026 (BBC News) De la Fuente added that the only objective is for the players to feel proud representing Spain.

Spain open Group H against Cape Verde on 15 June, face Saudi Arabia on 21 June and Uruguay on 26 June. The World Cup runs from 11 June to 19 July. Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, also carrying a hamstring issue, was included. Midfielder Fermin Lopez was ruled out last week with a broken foot.