Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has announced a 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup that contains no players from Real Madrid — a historic first for the national team, known as La Roja ("the Red"), in any World Cup since Spain's debut at the tournament in 1934. The announcement was made in a promotional video featuring King Felipe VI alongside supporters from across the country.
The absence of Real Madrid players is the result of several converging circumstances. Veteran right-back Dani Carvajal missed most of the season through injury and had already been left off the preliminary 52-man list. Defender Dean Huijsen, born in Amsterdam and eligible for Spain, endured a difficult season at the club and was passed over in favour of Eric García and Marc Pubill. Real Madrid striker Gonzalo García also missed out. The exclusion is further explained by the club's broader makeup: Real Madrid currently fields relatively few Spanish players, leaning heavily on international talent. The club finished second in La Liga, eight points behind champions Barcelona, and was eliminated in the Champions League quarter-finals by Bayern Munich.
By contrast, Barcelona supplies eight players to the squad — the largest contingent from any single club. Among them is 18-year-old winger Lamine Yamal, one of the most prominent figures in the team, though he is recovering from a hamstring injury sustained in late April and may miss Spain's opening group-stage matches. His attacking partner from Spain's Euro 2024 triumph, Athletic Club Bilbao winger Nico Williams, is also included despite recent fitness concerns. Midfielder Rodri of Manchester City and Arsenal's Mikel Merino, who returned from a broken foot injury just days before the squad announcement, round out the midfield options. The full squad also draws players from Atlético Madrid, Real Sociedad, Athletic Bilbao, Osasuna, Celta Vigo, and clubs in England, Germany, and France.
De la Fuente was candid about Yamal's availability, telling reporters: "We won't rush things. According to the information we have, everyone should be ready for the first or second match. We won't risk any player — but if there is a time to take a risk, it's at a World Cup." Asked whether Spain are contenders to lift the trophy, he said: "Yes. But that doesn't guarantee anything — there are other strong teams like England, France, Brazil, and Argentina."
Spain open their Group H campaign on 15 June in Atlanta against Cape Verde, who are making their World Cup debut, before facing Saudi Arabia on 21 June and Uruguay on 26 June. The tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, runs from 11 June to 19 July. Spain will also play warm-up friendlies against Iraq and Peru before the competition begins.