Spain Set for Changes in First Squad Since World Cup Triumph
Luis de la Fuente will unveil his first squad since winning the World Cup, with several absences potentially opening the door for new faces.
The Spain national team is ready to begin a new chapter. Luis de la Fuente will announce his first squad since winning the 2026 World Cup on Friday, September 18, making this a particularly symbolic roster as La Roja begin life with a second star above their crest.
The head coach will be forced to make some changes ahead of Spain’s upcoming UEFA Nations League matches, with right back emerging as one of the biggest areas of uncertainty.
Marcos Llorente’s international retirement, combined with Pedro Porro’s injury concerns, means De la Fuente must consider alternatives. Iván Fresneda is an option following his strong start with Sporting CP, while Marc Pubill and Eric Garcia can also operate in that position.
The Door Could Reopen for Dean Huijsen
Those potential changes at right back could create room for Dean Huijsen to return. The Real Madrid center back missed the World Cup following a difficult end to last season, but he continues to have the confidence of Luis de la Fuente.
Huijsen has started the new campaign looking to rediscover his best form under José Mourinho and could become one of the most notable additions to the world champions’ first post-tournament squad.
Few surprises are expected elsewhere in defense, with Pau Cubarsí, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella and Alejandro Grimaldo all expected to remain part of De la Fuente’s core group.
Fermín Could Return as Goalkeeper Questions Remain
Another potential change could come in midfield. Fermín López, who missed the World Cup through injury despite previously being an important option for De la Fuente, has made an impressive start to the season with Barcelona.
The midfielder has recorded four goals and two assists and could earn his place back in the national team. His return could come at the expense of Gavi, who has seen limited action early in the campaign.
There is also uncertainty in goal. Unai Simón remains a strong candidate for the starting role, while David Raya has enjoyed an impressive start with Arsenal. Meanwhile, an injury concern involving Joan Garcia in Barcelona’s latest match adds another question ahead of Friday’s announcement.
Camello and Roberto Fernández Push for a Chance
One of the most intriguing changes could come in attack. Borja Iglesias started the season dealing with an injury and has played only 34 minutes across two of Celta Vigo’s last three matches.
That situation could create an opportunity for Sergio Camello and Roberto Fernández, who have both started the campaign with six goals apiece. The Rayo Vallecano and Espanyol strikers, respectively, are among the candidates to claim the second center-forward spot.
Spain face a demanding return to competition following their World Cup triumph. La Roja will visit England, host Croatia and the Czech Republic, and then face Croatia away in an expanded international window featuring four matches.
De la Fuente also begins this new cycle with his own future taking shape. Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president Rafael Louzán recently confirmed that the World Cup-winning coach is expected to extend his contract through at least 2030. Before that comes a highly anticipated announcement: the first squad of Spain’s new two-star era.
Key Takeaways
- Luis de la Fuente will announce Spain’s first squad since winning the 2026 World Cup on Friday.
- The situations involving Marcos Llorente and Pedro Porro could create changes in defense and potentially open the door for Dean Huijsen.
- Fermín López, Sergio Camello and Roberto Fernández are among the players pushing for places in the new squad.
