Spain's World Cup squad features Barcelona stars, omits Real Madrid players

Spain's national football team will head to the upcoming World Cup with a squad heavily influenced by Barcelona, featuring eight players from the Catalan club. This selection marks a historic moment as it is the first time Spain's World Cup contingent will not include any players from Real Madrid, a club with 15 Champions League titles.

Manager Luis de la Fuente defended his selection, stating that he selects players based on their national team status rather than their club affiliation. "I'm the manager 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," he told reporters. He stressed that his focus is on ensuring all players feel proud to represent Spain.

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I'm the manager 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 the same local bias that a fan might have. All I want is for these players to feel proud to represent the national team.

The squad also includes seven players based in the English Premier League, with Arsenal contributing three players. Manchester City's Rodri provides a strong midfield presence. De la Fuente expressed confidence that all players, including those nursing minor injuries like Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, will be fit for the tournament's opening matches.

Spain enters the World Cup with the confidence gained from their European Championship victory two years ago. The team carries the weight of expectation from a passionate fanbase eager for the nation's second World Cup title, following their 2010 triumph.

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Excitement is the key word. Passion. The reaction of people all over Spain - adults and children alike - is that they are fully behind the national team. It is an honor for me to represent the national team.