Spain have included Lamine Yamal in their World Cup squad, excluding Real Madrid players
coach of Spain Luis de la Fuente turned on the teenage forward Lamine Yamal in his squad for World Cup 2026 despite Barcelona the star is still recovering from injury, while no Real Madrid players made the final selection.
Yamal has been sidelined since picking up a hamstring injury during Barcelona’s clash with Osasuna in April, but De la Fuente remains optimistic the 18-year-old will be ready in time for the North American tournament.
The Spanish coach also left out Real Madrid defenders Dean Huijsen and Dani Carvajal, meaning neither player from the Spanish giants will represent La Roja at the World Cup for the first time.
De la Fuente explains Real Madrid’s failings
Speaking after revealing his 26-man squad, De la Fuente dismissed suggestions that club loyalty had influenced his selections.
“I don’t look at one club or another. I don’t have that local bias that a fan can have. For me it’s more global,” De la Fuente said.
“The only thing I want is for these footballers to feel proud to represent 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 has also been included despite recent fitness issues and the Spain coach is confident the squad will be fully fit before the tournament begins.
“We are very relaxed. Barring any problems, we will have everything at our disposal from the first game,” he added.
Premier League stars make up the final squad
Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino has 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 has been 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 that the national team is going into the competition with strong support from fans across the country.
“Excitement is the key word. Passion,” he said.
“The reaction from people all over Spain – both adults and children – is that they are fully behind the national team.”
The composition of Spain at the World Cup
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).
