The Spain national football team has announced its final 2026 World Cup roster without a single player from Real Madrid, a historic first for the federation.
Manager Luis de la Fuente revealed the 26-man squad on Monday, leaving out Real Madrid players Dani Carvajal, Fran García, and Dean Huijsen.
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The decision breaks a long-standing tradition.
Spain had included at least one Real Madrid player in all 16 of its previous World Cup appearances.
Barcelona Dominates Selection
FC Barcelona players dominate the roster, with prominent call-ups including Pedri, Gavi, Dani Olmo, and Lamine Yamal.
The full squad features goalkeepers Unai Simón, David Raya, and Joan García.
Defenders include Marc Cucurella, Alejandro Grimaldo, Pau Cubarsí, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Pubill, Eric García, Marcos Llorente, and Pedro Porro.
Midfielders selected are Pedri, Fabián Ruiz, Martín Zubimendi, Gavi, Rodri, Álex Baena, and Mikel Merino.
Forwards consist of Mikel Oyarzabal, Dani Olmo, Nico Williams, Yeremy Pino, Ferran Torres, Borja Iglesias, Víctor Muñoz, and Lamine Yamal.
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De la Fuente defended his choices at a press conference, emphasizing a neutral approach toward club affiliations.
"I am a national team coach. I don't look at where any player comes from," he said.
"I just see if the player has the ability to play with us. For me, they are Spain national team players."
The coach added that local club rivalries do not influence his assessments.
"I don't have that local or club mentality that some fans might have. My vision is more global," he said.
The selected players will report to the Ciudad del Fútbol training center in Las Rozas on May 30.
Spain will play two warm-up friendlies: against Iraq on June 4 in Spain and Peru on June 8 in Mexico.
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Spain is drawn in Group H alongside Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, and Uruguay. Their opening match is against Cape Verde on June 15 in Atlanta.
