Spain World Cup Squad Features No Real Madrid Players, With Yamal Leading The Selection

Spain has named a 26-player World Cup squad that features Lamine Yamal but no Real Madrid players, a first in the nation’s tournament history. Luis de la Fuente’s group is led by eight Barcelona footballers, while Dani Carvajal and Dean Huijsen are left out despite Huijsen making 40 appearances during the current season.

Yamal is selected while still recovering from a hamstring injury suffered in April, with medical staff expecting readiness for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Some reports suggest Yamal could sit out Spain’s opening two fixtures as recovery continues, though Spain values the winger’s influence after a standout LaLiga campaign.

Spain’s forward line leans heavily on Yamal’s production, after 27 goal involvements in LaLiga this season. The winger has scored 16 league goals and provided 11 assists, and no other player in the competition has delivered more assists. Spain views this creativity as central to ambitions of another deep World Cup run.

The defending European champions will try to hold both the Euros and World Cup at the same time again. Spain previously achieved this double between 2008 and 2012. According to the Opta supercomputer, La Roja enter the 2026 World Cup as favourites, winning 16% of all pre-tournament simulations.

Spain compete in Group H, opening against Cape Verde on June 15. De la Fuente’s team then meet Saudi Arabia before closing the group against Uruguay. The coach remains confident of having a complete squad available for the first match, despite lingering issues for Yamal, Mikel Merino and Nico Williams.

Merino travels with the squad while managing fitness concerns after a demanding club season. Nico Williams also faces late assessments before the group stage begins. De la Fuente still expects both to be available, adding depth to a midfield and attacking unit that already includes Pedri, Gavi and Ferran Torres.

Club balance inside the Spain World Cup squad

Barcelona supply eight players to the World Cup group, underlining the club’s continued influence on the national team. Alongside Yamal, De la Fuente selects Eric Garcia, Joan Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Pedri, Gavi, Dani Olmo and Ferran Torres. Eric Garcia’s inclusion stands out, with many observers not expecting selection.

The absence of any Real Madrid representative marks a historic shift for Spain. Every previous World Cup campaign included at least one Madrid player, but this squad breaks that pattern. Carvajal misses out, and Huijsen’s strong club season is not enough to secure a place in De la Fuente’s final list.

Domestic champions within the Spain World Cup squad

Three Premier League champions join the national side after lifting the English title. Goalkeeper David Raya, midfielder Martin Zubimendi and midfielder Mikel Merino all arrive from Arsenal as league winners. Their experience in a long title race is viewed as useful preparation for the demands of tournament football.

Spain’s squad also blends players from LaLiga, the Premier League, Ligue 1 and the Bundesliga. Rodri links midfield and defence after another season with Manchester City, while Fabian Ruiz travels from Paris Saint-Germain. Alex Grimaldo represents Bayer Leverkusen, and Pedro Porro comes from Tottenham, adding variety in tactical options across the back line.

Full list of the Spain World Cup squad

The full 26-player list covers three goalkeepers, nine defenders, eight midfielders and six forwards. The group mixes established starters with younger options, particularly from Barcelona and Athletic Club. Below is the complete squad, with each player’s club at the time of selection listed for reference.

Spain enter the 2026 World Cup with a youthful, Barcelona-influenced squad and no Real Madrid presence, a notable first. With Yamal’s form, Premier League title winners and a strong recent record in major tournaments, De la Fuente’s group is positioned among the leading contenders for another global trophy.