Fermin and Huijsen return to Spain squad
Luis de la Fuente has named his first Spain squad since La Roja's 2026 FIFA World Cup triumph, with Fermin Lopez and Dean Huijsen included for the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures.
Spain was crowned world champion for the second time in July, beating defending champion Argentina 1-0 in extra-time thanks to a Ferran Torres goal.
Of those who were not a part of its tournament success, Huijsen and Fermin are just some of the names to come into the squad.
Roberto Fernandez of Espanyol and Inter Milan goalkeeper Josep Martinez have received their first call-ups, while Gavi, Borja Iglesias, Joan Garcia and Marcos Llorente all miss out, the latter having retired from international football.
Huijsen was overlooked by De la Fuente for a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup squad despite impressing at Madrid, while Fermin was unavailable after sustaining an injury with Barcelona.
Fernandez has been rewarded for a fantastic start to the 2026-2027 LaLiga campaign. He has scored six goals in six league appearances for Espanyol so far.
Martinez comes in to replace the injured Garcia, while Gavi also fails to make the cut, although he would have missed Spain's first UEFA Nations League game after receiving a one-match suspension for his involvement in the aftermath of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
Spain's forward line consists of an abundance of quality, with Lamine Yamal the standout player alongside Paris Saint-Germain's Ferran and Mikel Oyarzabal of Real Sociedad.
Golden ball winner Rodri, young player of the tournament Pau Cubarsi and golden glove winner Unai Simon are also among De la Fuente's 26-man squad.
Spain, which won the UEFA Nations League in 2023, begins its campaign against 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finalist England on 27 September (AEST), with a clash against Czechia sandwiched between two games against Croatia.
Spain squad:
Unai Simon (Athletic Bilbao), David Raya (Arsenal), Josep Martínez (Inter Milan); Aymeric Laporte (Athletic Club), Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona), Eric Garcia (Barcelona), Marc Pubill (Atletico Madrid), Alejandro Grimaldo (Atletico Madrid), Marc Cucurella (Real Madrid), Dean Huijsen (Real Madrid), Pedro Porro (Tottenham Hotspur); Rodri (Barcelona), Pedri (Barcelona), Fermin Lopez (Barcelona), Martin Zubimendi (Arsenal), Mikel Merino (Arsenal), Fabian Ruiz (Paris Saint-Germain), Alex Baena (Atletico Madrid); Lamine Yamal (Barcelona), Dani Olmo (Barcelona), Ferran Torres (Paris Saint-Germain), Yeremy Pino (Crystal Palace), Nico Williams (Athletic Club), Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad), Victor Munoz (Liverpool), Roberto Fernandez (Espanyol).
