The story of Spain's World Cup squad announcement was supposed to be about Lamine Yamal's fitness. And it was. But then Luis de la Fuente read out the full list and people realised something extraordinary — there is not a single Real Madrid player in the squad. The first time that has happened since 1950. In a decade when Real Madrid have dominated European football and won four Champions Leagues, Spain have built a squad entirely without them. That tells you everything about the depth of talent available.
Yamal is fit. That is the most important sentence in Spanish football right now. He ended the Barcelona season early with a hamstring injury and there were genuine concerns about his availability. De la Fuente confirmed he will be ready. At 18 years old he is already the best player in Spain, possibly in the world, and his presence transforms this team from a very good side into a genuine tournament favourite.
Rodri captains the squad on his return from a long ACL injury. He missed almost the entire season but Guardiola has been clear that he looks like himself again in training. If the Rodri who won the Ballon d'Or turns up at this World Cup Spain are almost impossible to play against. That midfield with Pedri, Gavi, Merino, Zubimendi and Fabian Ruiz behind Yamal and Nico Williams is frightening.
The loss of Fermin Lopez to injury is a real blow. He was one of the standout performers at Euro 2024 and his energy and goals from midfield would have been valuable. De la Fuente has options but none that replicate exactly what Lopez offers.
Spain are in Group H with Uruguay, Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde. They will win that group. The knockouts are where reigning European champions earn their right to be called the best team in the world.
They won Euro 2024. They want the World Cup in 2026. Based on this squad they have every reason to believe they can get it.
Let me know your thoughts.