Lamine Yamal leads team
Historic decision about Spain’s World Cup squad
May 25, 2026 – 1:48 p.mReading time: 2 minutes
Spain is traveling to the World Cup with eight Barça players – not a single professional from arch-rival Real Madrid is there. It is also striking who made it into the squad despite injury.
Spain’s national coach Luis de la Fuente announced his 26-man World Cup squad in Madrid. The squad is led by 18-year-old Lamine Yamal – although the offensive star recently struggled with a thigh injury.
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In addition to Yamal, there are seven other Barça players in the squad. De la Fuente did not call up a single professional from arch-rivals Real Madrid – not even right-back Daniel Carvajal, for whom it was his last season at Real. Never before has the Spanish national team competed in a World Cup finals without a “Royal” professional. Robin Le Normand (Atlético Madrid), one of the regulars from the 2024 European Championship squad, is also missing.
The team again includes Marc Cucurella from Chelsea FC and midfield strategist Rodri from Manchester City. Alejandro Grimaldo from Bayer Leverkusen is there from the Bundesliga and ex-Leipzig player Dani Olmo.
Spain strengthens team with B squad
In addition, de la Fuente nominated a B squad of nine players who will be present during the first training sessions and the first friendly match against Iraq (June 4). Attacker Gonzalo Garcia, a Real Madrid player, is represented there.
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The reigning European champions will start against World Cup newcomers Cape Verde in Atlanta on June 15th. In Group H there will be games against Saudi Arabia on June 21st in Atlanta and against two-time world champions Uruguay on June 27th in Zapopan near Guadalajara.
Four years ago, Spain was eliminated by Morocco in the round of 16. After Luis Enrique’s resignation, his successor de la Fuente made the change and won the title at the 2024 European Championships in Germany. The 2010 world champion is now aiming for his second world title.
