Spain include injured Yamal in World Cup squad

Spain's squad for the 2026 World Cup, announced by coach Luis de la Fuente, features young sensation Lamine Yamal and Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino, who has recovered from injury. The selection marks a historic moment as it is the first time a Spanish World Cup squad will not include any Real Madrid players.

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We’re coordinating with the medical departments of all the clubs. The reports that we have say all the players will be ready for the first game or the second.

Veterans Dani Carvajal and Dean Huijsen were among the Real Madrid players excluded, with Carvajal having struggled with injuries throughout the season. Merino, a trusted player under De la Fuente, made his return for Arsenal in their final Premier League match after a foot fracture sustained in January. Defenders Eric Garcia and Marc Pubill also earned call-ups following strong seasons with Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, respectively.

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That shows the human quality this group of players have… one of our strengths, and that’s just as important as what they do on the pitch.

Despite a season disrupted by fitness issues, Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams, a key player in Spain's Euro 2024 victory, has been included. Eight Barcelona players are in the squad, including midfielders Gavi and Pedri, alongside 18-year-old star Yamal, who is recovering from a hamstring injury sustained in late April. De la Fuente indicated that all players are expected to be fit for the tournament's opening matches.

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I’m glad he got emotional, because we know how much this means to him.

Addressing the absence of Real Madrid players, De la Fuente emphasized his selection process is global and free from club bias. "They're national team players. I don't look at one club or another. I don't have that local bias a fan might have," he stated. He stressed his sole desire is for the players to feel proud representing their nation. Spain will begin their World Cup campaign on June 15 against Cape Verde.

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Luckily, I’m the national team coach, and I don’t look at where the players come from. They’re national team players… I don’t look at one club or another. I don’t have that local bias a fan might have, for me it’s more global… The only thing I want is for these footballers to feel proud of representing the national team.