Spain without Real Madrid stars for the 2026 World Cup
The Spanish national team is preparing for the 2026 World Cup with a squad that will mark a milestone: for the first time in its history, it will not have any Real Madrid players in its official roster, according to the coach Luis de la Fuente. The presented list includes Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, who are dealing with muscle discomfort. The coaching staff is confident that both will be recovered for the World Cup debut. “We are very calm. If there are no setbacks, we will be able to count on almost everyone from the start,” said De la Fuente. Spain will debut on June 15 against Cape Verde in Atlanta, within Group H. Subsequently, they will face Saudi Arabia on June 21, also in Atlanta, and will close the group stage against Uruguay on June 26 in Guadalajara, Mexico. The absence of Real Madrid players is unprecedented for La Roja. One of the candidates to be included in the squad was defender Dean Huijsen, but he was ultimately left out.In contrast, FC Barcelona contributes eight players to the squad, solidifying the weight of the Blaugrana team after once again conquering LaLiga. Among those called up are Pedri, Gavi, Dani Olmo, Ferran Torres and Lamine Yamal, as well as Rodri, Fabián Ruiz and Mikel Oyarzabal. Mikel Merino also returns to the squad, despite his limited activity with Arsenal due to an injury suffered in January. Fabián Ruiz was included after overcoming recent physical problems. Spain will begin its preparation this weekend and will play friendly matches against Iraq and Peru before the start of the World Cup. The Spanish national team arrives at the tournament as one of the favorites after winning the 2024 European Championship and the 2023 Nations League, seeking to overcome its pending debt in the World Cups.“Fortunately, I don’t look at where each player comes from. I only look if they can help us,” stated the Spanish coach.
Luis de la Fuente, Spanish coach
