Madrid: Spain have named their squad for the 2026 World Cup, and for the first time in history, no player from Real Madrid has been included in the final selection.
According to Ghana Web, the shock omission comes despite Spain's 26-man list featuring a strong mix of youth and experience, with several top European clubs heavily represented. Injured Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal remains part of the squad after suffering a hamstring tear in late April 2026. The 18-year-old's inclusion highlights Spain's faith in his long-term importance.
Among the notable absentees are Dean Huijsen, Raºl Asencio, Dani Carvajal, lvaro Carreras, Fran Garca, Dani Ceballos, and Gonzalo Garca, all linked with Real Madrid. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente defended his selection process, stressing that club affiliation played no role. 'I don't look at one club or another. I don't have that local bias a fan might have. For me, it's more global. The only thing I want is for these footballers to feel proud of representing the national team,' he said.
FC Barcelona, Arsenal, and other European clubs dominated the squad, with key names like Rodri of Manchester City and David Raya also included.
Spain's World Cup squad consists of goalkeepers Unai Simon (Athletic Bilbao), David Raya (Arsenal), and Joan Garcia (Barcelona). The defenders include Marcos Llorente and Marc Pubill from Atletico Madrid, Pedro Porro (Tottenham), Aymeric Laporte (Athletic Bilbao), Eric Garcia and Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona), Marc Cucurella (Chelsea), and Alejandro Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen).
Midfielders selected are Rodri (Manchester City), Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino (Arsenal), Pedri and Gavi (Barcelona), Fabian Ruiz (Paris St-Germain), and Alex Baena (Atletico Madrid).
For the forward positions, Spain has chosen Yeremy Pino (Crystal Palace), Victor Munoz (Osasuna), Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad), Ferran Torres, Lamine Yamal, and Dani Olmo (Barcelona), Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao), and Borja Iglesias (Celta Vigo).