Spain Announce FIFA World Cup 2026 Squad Featuring Young Prodigy Lamine Yamal

Lamine Yamal has been included in Spain’s squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026. Coach Luis de la Fuente announced the team on Monday, with Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino also making the cut after recovering from injury.

For the first time in World Cup history, Spain’s squad does not include a Real Madrid player. Dean Huijsen was left out, while experienced defender Dani Carvajal also missed selection after dealing with injuries throughout the season.

Merino, who is highly rated by De la Fuente, returned to action for Arsenal on Sunday against Crystal Palace in their last Premier League game of the season. It was his first appearance since January after recovering from a foot fracture.

De La Fuente also included defenders Eric Garcia and Marc Pubill after both impressed this season with Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. Meanwhile, Dean Huijsen and Atletico defender Robin Le Normand were left out of the squad.

Together with rising Barcelona talent Yamal, Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams was an important part of Spain’s Euro 2024 winning campaign. Despite dealing with several fitness setbacks this season, he has still managed to earn a place in the squad.

However, 18-year-old Yamal could miss Spain’s opening matches of the tournament after picking up a hamstring injury while playing for Barcelona. He has not featured since late April.

Talking about the absence of Real Madrid’s players, Coach Luis de la Fuente said that he has picked the squad purely on the basis of merit, and there are no bias related selections behind that.

"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," said Spain coach Luis de la Fuente.

"The only thing I want is for these footballers to feel proud of representing the national team." added Luis de la Fuente.

Spain Squad for FIFA World Cup 2026

Goalkeepers: Unai Simon (Athletic Bilbao), David Raya (Arsenal), Joan Garcia (Barcelona).

Defenders: Marcos Llorente (Atletico Madrid), Marc Pubill (Atletico Madrid), Pedro Porro (Tottenham), Aymeric Laporte (Athletic Bilbao), Eric Garcia (Barcelona), Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona), Marc Cucurella (Chelsea), Alejandro Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen).

Midfielders: Rodri (Manchester City), Martin Zubimendi (Arsenal), Mikel Merino (Arsenal), Pedri (Barcelona), Gavi (Barcelona), Fabian Ruiz (Paris St-Germain), Alex Baena (Atletico Madrid).

Forwards: Yeremy Pino (Crystal Palace), Victor Munoz (Osasuna), Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad), Ferran Torres (Barcelona), Lamine Yamal (Barcelona), Dani Olmo (Barcelona), Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao), Borja Iglesias (Celta Vigo).