Spain World Cup 2026 Squad — All 26 Players Named by Luis de la Fuente

No Real Madrid players for the first time since 1950

It is a remarkable fact and it tells you everything about where the Spanish game is right now. Dean Huijsen was left out of the squad. Dani Carvajal is still injured. The result is a squad where the Real Madrid presence is completely absent for the first time in over seventy years. Instead the spine of this team comes from Barcelona, Arsenal, Athletic Bilbao and Atletico Madrid. Spain without a single Real Madrid player heading to a World Cup. Whatever you think about club loyalties, you have to acknowledge how striking that is.

Lamine Yamal fit and in the squad

There was a genuine scare when Yamal picked up a hamstring issue at the end of the Barcelona season. De la Fuente has confirmed he will be fit. At 18 years old Yamal is already one of the best players in the world and he is Spain's most important player going into this tournament. His ability to beat defenders, to find pockets of space, to deliver in big moments — these are things that cannot be replaced. The fact that he is fit changes the entire picture for Spain. Without him the squad looks very different. With him they have a genuine chance of winning this.

Nico Williams and the two brothers storyline

Nico Williams carries a hamstring concern into the tournament but De la Fuente included him anyway. His brother Inaki is in Morocco's squad. Two brothers at the same World Cup playing for different countries is one of the great human stories of this tournament. On the pitch Nico has been one of the most exciting wide players in Spain this season. In tandem with Yamal on the opposite flank, Spain have a width and pace in attack that very few teams can match.

Rodri returning from ACL injury as captain

Rodri missed nearly the entire club season with a long-term ACL injury. He returns as Spain's captain for this World Cup. If he is back to full fitness then Spain are almost unstoppable in midfield. Rodri, Pedri, Gavi, Zubimendi and Merino — that is an extraordinary level of depth in the centre of the pitch. The question is whether Rodri will be at his absolute best after such a long layoff or whether he will need the tournament itself to get back to peak form. De la Fuente is clearly confident enough to make him captain. That is a statement of intent.

Fermin Lopez missing — a real blow

Fermin Lopez fractured his metatarsal at the end of the season and misses the tournament entirely. He was one of Spain's most important players at Euro 2024, capable of producing moments of brilliance from midfield positions and scoring important goals. His absence leaves a gap in Spain's attacking midfield options that is genuinely difficult to fill. The depth in the rest of the squad means Spain can cope but they will miss what Fermin brings at his best.

Spain in Group H — reigning European champions as favourites

Spain are in Group H alongside Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay. The reigning European champions should progress comfortably. Uruguay with Nunez and Valverde could be an interesting test but Spain have more than enough quality to come through. Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia are unlikely to cause problems. The real tournament for Spain begins in the knockouts and that is where this squad, with Yamal and Rodri fit, becomes genuinely frightening for any opponent. Spain are one of the favourites and rightly so.

Who is in Spain's World Cup 2026 squad?

Luis de la Fuente named a 26-man squad for World Cup 2026. The squad includes Rodri as captain, Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams in attack, Pedri, Gavi and Martin Zubimendi in midfield, and Unai Simon and David Raya as goalkeepers. Fermin Lopez, Dean Huijsen and Dani Carvajal all miss out.

Is Lamine Yamal in Spain's World Cup 2026 squad?

Yes. Lamine Yamal is in Spain's World Cup 2026 squad despite ending the Barcelona season with a hamstring issue. Luis de la Fuente confirmed he will be fit. At 18 he is already one of the best players in the world and Spain's most important player.

Why are there no Real Madrid players in Spain's World Cup 2026 squad?

There are no Real Madrid players in Spain's World Cup 2026 squad for the first time since 1950. Dean Huijsen was left out and Dani Carvajal is still recovering from injury. The squad draws its strength from Barcelona, Arsenal, Athletic Bilbao and Atletico Madrid instead.

Who is Spain's captain at World Cup 2026?

Rodri is Spain's captain at World Cup 2026. The Manchester City midfielder is returning from a long-term ACL injury and leads the reigning European champions.

What group are Spain in at World Cup 2026?

Spain are in Group H at World Cup 2026 alongside Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay. As reigning European champions they are expected to qualify comfortably and are among the genuine favourites to win the tournament.

Is Nico Williams fit for the World Cup 2026?

Nico Williams carries a hamstring concern into World Cup 2026 but has been included in Spain's squad by Luis de la Fuente. His brother Inaki Williams is representing Morocco at the same tournament.