Spain announce 26-man World Cup squad as no Real Madrid players feature for first time in competition's history

Luis de la Fuente has named the 26 players who will represent Spain at the 2026 World Cup – and a host of big names have missed out, including Dean Huijsen and Dani Carvajal.

Spain are amongst the favourites to win this summer's tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada, with the reigning European champions looking to lift the trophy for a second time following their success in 2010.

In fact, head coach Luis de la Fuente recently described his side as being the favourites alongside two other nations.

“We have to be cautious, despite being favourites," he said earlier this month. "We have to go with our feet on the ground. I don’t shy away, we are favourites, but we’re equally as favourites as England or France.”

Asked about the biggest challenge that comes with his role, De La Fuente added: “The most critical process is scouting players, but the most painful part is leaving out players who are good enough to be there."

Luis de la Fuente has had some difficult decisions to make. Image credit: Getty

So, who has missed out? In a press conference on Monday, the La Roja boss named a star-studded group that includes Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Pau Cubarsi, Marc Cucurella and David Raya, who were all expected to feature.

However, names such as Fermin Lopez, who fractured the fifth metatarsal in his right foot during Barcelona's 3-1 win over Real Betis on May 17, will not take part alongside Fran Garcia, Dani Carvajal and Dean Huijsen.

In fact, for the first time in World Cup history, Spain’s squad does not include any Real Madrid players.

Barcelona, on the other hand, have eight representatives from their La Liga-winning squad, including Joan Garcia, Eric Garcia, Cubarsi, Gavi, Pedri, Dani Olmo, Ferran Torres and Yamal.

READ MORE: Lamine Yamal could miss opening World Cup game against Cape Verde on June 15

Como striker Alvaro Morata, who has played a key role for Spain over the years, has also missed out on De La Fuente's squad after failing to score a single Serie A goal across the 2025-26 campaign.

Atletico Madrid centre-back Robin Le Normand has also been left out alongside Alejandro Balde, Pablo Barrios, Aleix Garcia and Arsenal defender Cristhian Mosquera.

Spain's 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup in full

Goalkeepers: Unai Simón, David Raya, Joan García

Defenders: Marc Cucurella, Alejandro Grimaldo, Pau Cubarsí, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Pubill, Eric García, Marcos Llorente, Pedro Porro

Midfielders: Pedri, Fabián Ruiz, Martín Zubimendi, Gavi, Rodrigo Hernández, Álex Baena, Mikel Merino, Mikel Oyarzabal

Forwards: Dani Olmo, Nico Williams, Yeremy Pino, Ferran Torres, Borja Iglesias, Víctor Muñoz, Lamine Yamal

Spain's 26-man squad for this summer's World Cup.

Spain will play two friendlies against Iraq and Peru before they come up against Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay in Group H.