Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has benched midfielder Pedri for the 2026 World Cup final against Argentina, sticking with the midfield trio of Dani Olmo, Rodri, and Fabián Ruiz.
The decision follows Pedri's earlier demotion to the substitutes' bench during the tournament's knockout stages in North America.
According to reports, the Barcelona playmaker remained among the substitutes purely due to performance reasons rather than fitness concerns.
Fabián Ruiz secured his starting role after impactful displays, including scoring Spain's opening goal in the quarter-final victory over Belgium in Los Angeles.
De la Fuente Defends Selection
Luis de la Fuente defended his selection strategy by emphasizing squad depth and professionalism, particularly regarding midfielders who accepted limited starting opportunities.
"It's unfair that Mikel doesn't play from the start, but it would also be unfair if someone else were left out," stated de la Fuente.
The manager explained that players understand their specific roles within the squad structure during different phases of the international tournament.
"Only 11 can play, and they understand that – the role they have to play at any given moment.
When they take to the pitch, they know what they have to do; that's why it's a pleasure to be their manager," added de la Fuente.
He further noted that individual starting status is secondary to collective tournament objectives.
"What matters is the team. It doesn't matter who starts the match.
Everyone is important, even those who haven't played," remarked de la Fuente.
The coach acknowledged Pedri's elite status but noted structural differences between Spain's tactical setup and that of Barcelona.
"Pedri is a class player, one of the best in the world, if not the best," acknowledged de la Fuente.
"But Fabian is also one of the best players in the world if not the best."
The tactical requirements for the national team differ from domestic club styles due to personnel variations.
"But Pedri can't play like he does for Barca, because we play differently. We have similarities, but it's not the same.
We don't have the same players either," explained de la Fuente.
The presence of Manchester City midfielder Rodri requires custom tactical analysis for each specific opponent.
"We have Rodri, so of course his partner in midfield is different.
For me, Pedri could play as a 6, 8, or 10, but we have to make decisions that are always very elaborate, very analysed, very tailored to the opponent," detailed de la Fuente.
Simón on Squad Reaction
Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón spoke to reporters regarding the squad's internal reaction to the selection shifts following the quarter-final victory against Belgium.
"He's taken it well," revealed Simón. "We all want to play but, in the end, there isn't room for everyone."
He pointed out that substitute goalkeepers maintain a similar professional focus toward winning the tournament.
"How must David (Raya) and Joan (Garcia) feel knowing they're world-class goalkeepers? Everyone wants to play, but everyone wants to win the World Cup.
So, when it's your turn to accept that role, you do it," commented Simón.
Simón also praised the abilities of Fabián Ruiz within the current squad configuration, calling him "an immense talent" who "won two Champions Leagues in a row."
