Coach Luis de la Fuente announced 26 players for the tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada on 25 May. In the 16 previous Spanish World Cups, there was always at least one representative from Real Madrid present. But this time, from former captain Dani Carvajal to young guard Dean Huijsen were all eliminated. When asked about this, De la Fuente said he had no interest in which club player.

"I'm the national team coach and don't judge players from which club," said 64-year-old coach. "They're national players. I have no local prejudice as a fan. The only thing I want is for players to feel proud to represent the team".

Coach Luis de la Fuente stated in the ceremony to release the Spanish Draft List to the 2026 World Cup in Madrid on 25 May/2026. The tournament took place between 11/6 and 19/7/2026 in the United States, Mexico and Canada. Image: AFP

Huijsen was heavily struck by the name of surprise, by 21-year-old guard who was once considered the main stone candidate. Instead, De la Fuente gave the opportunity to Eric Garcia (Barca) and Marc Pubill (Atletico). He explained: "Instead of talking about absent persons, I want to explain why Eric Garcia and Pubill were called. Everyone knows their performance this season. We feel this is the right time".

The 64-year-old coach gave many compliments to Eric Garcia, his former pupil at the youth level. "Edward used to work with me in U19 then U21. I know him and no doubt," said the coach to help Spain win 2024 Euro Championships. "For various circumstances, he hasn't teamed up for the last time, but he's one of us".

Pubill is also the notable new face in the ranks. According to De la Fuente, the rear guard produced a variety of skills as he could kick the guard and rear guard. In a tough tournament like the World Cup, 22-year-old guard will bring flexibility. Meanwhile, the Robin Le Normand Guards were also not summoned.

In the opposite direction, Joan Garcia is the choice to draw attention in the wooden frame. He said that both Joan Garcia, Unai Simon and David Raya qualified for the main capture.

"Why don't we talk about Raya? I'm worried". De la Fuente said when asked about the competition between Unai Simon and Joan Garcia. "Everyone can compete. Look at the three goalkeepers we have".

Player David Raya flew the loser from Garnacho's tow line at the minute Arsenal won Chelsea 2-1 in the 28th in the British Institutions on the Emirtes Field on March 3, 2026. Image: AFP

Another point was the overreach of Barca players. There are eight representatives of the club in the Spanish formation of Joan Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Eric Garcia, Pedri, Gavi, Dani Olmo, Ferran Torres and Lamine Yamal. This is the club that contributes most players to the team. Mundo Deportivo newspaper even commented "Barca won Real 8-0".

However, De la Fuente did not want to turn the team into a debate between Barca and Real. "They're national players, only," he said when asked about eight Barca players on the list.

Mbappe took the ball in front of Pedri's resistance in the game of Real lost Barca 3-4 in the 35th round La Liga on January 11, 2025. Image: AFP

On the line, Víctor Munoz is the most unexpected name. The 22-year-old protagonist from the Real Madrid Training oven, but currently wears Ossuna shirt. De la Fuente appreciates the speed and the ability to make mutations of this player. "He brings speed, the ability to change the pace of the match, can kick both wings and midways," he remarked.

Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal were both convened without a complete injury recovery. According to De la Fuente, the training department is in close association with the club medical team and believes the entire team will reach its best state before the battle meets Cape Verde on 15 June. After that, they'll meet Arab Saudi and Kazakhstan.

Spain will rally on May 30 in Las Rozas, outside Madrid, before going to America to train. De la Fuente does not hesitate to declare the goal champion. "We felt we were champion candidates, capable of winning the World Cup. But that guarantees nothing," he remarked. "So we'll fight for everything".

List 26 Spanish players for the 2026 World Cup

Subject: Unai Simon (Athletic), David Raya (Arsenal), Joan Garcia (Barca)