Spain has officially chosen its squad to chase a second star

The Spain national team officially confirmed the players who will represent the country at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where La Roja will attempt to win football’s biggest prize for the first time since South Africa 2010.

The team managed by Luis de la Fuente heads to the tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada with an extremely talented generation led by names such as Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Rodri, Nico Williams, and the emotional return of Gavi, one of the biggest stories of the squad announcement.

The list also featured several major surprises, especially the complete absence of players from Real Madrid, reflecting the difficult season experienced by the Spanish giants.

Spain’s official squad for the 2026 World Cup

Goalkeepers

Unai Simón — Athletic Club (LaLiga)
David Raya — Arsenal (Premier League)
Joan García — FC Barcelona (LaLiga)

Defenders

Marcos Llorente — Atlético de Madrid (LaLiga)
Pedro Porro — Tottenham Hotspur (Premier League)
Eric García — FC Barcelona (LaLiga)
Marc Pubill — FC Barcelona (LaLiga)
Aymeric Laporte — Athletic Club (LaLiga)
Pau Cubarsí — FC Barcelona (LaLiga)
Marc Cucurella — Chelsea (Premier League)
Alejandro Grimaldo — Bayer Leverkusen (Bundesliga)

Midfielders

Pedri — FC Barcelona (LaLiga)
Fabián Ruiz — PSG (Ligue 1)
Martín Zubimendi — Real Sociedad (LaLiga)
Gavi — FC Barcelona (LaLiga)
Rodri — Manchester City (Premier League)
Álex Baena — Villarreal (LaLiga)
Mikel Merino — Arsenal (Premier League)

Forwards

Mikel Oyarzabal — Real Sociedad (LaLiga)
Dani Olmo — FC Barcelona (LaLiga)
Nico Williams — Athletic Club (LaLiga)
Yeremy Pino — Villarreal (LaLiga)
Ferran Torres — FC Barcelona (LaLiga)
Borja Iglesias — Celta de Vigo (LaLiga)
Víctor Muñoz — CA Osasuna (LaLiga)
Lamine Yamal — FC Barcelona (LaLiga)

Head Coach

Luis de la Fuente

Player to watch

Even with Spain arriving full of elite talent, all eyes will be on Lamine Yamal. The FC Barcelona wonderkid will play in his first World Cup already established as one of the most important footballers on the planet despite being only 18 years old.

After a spectacular season with Barcelona, the Spanish winger is expected to become the main attacking star of a national team dreaming of ruling world football once again.

Gavi’s return brings excitement back to Spain

One of the most emotional stories of the squad announcement was the return of Gavi. The Barcelona midfielder missed the European Championship after suffering a serious injury while playing for Spain.

For months, there were real doubts surrounding when he would return to top-level football, but Luis de la Fuente ultimately decided to include him in the World Cup squad, creating huge excitement both inside the team and among Spanish supporters.

No Real Madrid players were selected

The biggest controversy surrounding the squad came from the complete absence of Real Madrid players. Neither Dean Huijsen nor Dani Carvajal managed to make Luis de la Fuente’s final list.

The disappointing season experienced by Los Blancos ended up directly affecting several Spanish internationals, something that also happened with major names from other countries such as Eduardo Camavinga for France and Trent Alexander-Arnold for England.

Everything you need to know about Spain in the World Cup

Spain dreams of conquering the world again

After recently winning the European Championship and reestablishing itself among football’s elite, Spain heads into the 2026 World Cup as one of the most dangerous teams in the tournament.

With a mixture of youth, technique, and experience, La Roja will attempt to win the second World Cup title in the country’s history and confirm that the new generation led by Lamine Yamal is ready to define a new era in international football.

Follow all the action from the 2026 FIFA World Cup on beIN SPORTS.

Watch beIN SPORTS Xtra live for free on YouTube