Spain become first team to release World Cup squad numbers and they've caused a stir

Spain have become the first nation to release squad numbers for their 26 players at this summer's World Cup - and some of the selections have caused an almighty stir on social media.

Last month, Luis de la Fuente named his Spain squad that will compete in North America, with David Raya, Marc Cucurella and Rodri making the list alongside eight Barcelona representatives.

Spain come into the competition with form on their side. In fact, a confident De la Fuente recently described his team 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.”

On Monday night, the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) announced the much-anticipated squad numbers ahead of Thursday's pre-tournament friendly against Iraq.

As you can see from the graphic below, Arsenal's David Raya has been handed the coveted number one shirt but one of the biggest talking points was the decision to give midfielder Gavi the number nine jersey.

Lo estabais esperando y aquí los tenemos.

Estos son los 𝗗𝗢𝗥𝗦𝗔𝗟𝗘𝗦 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗙𝗜𝗥𝗠𝗔𝗗𝗢𝗦 para el Mundial.

ℹ️ Toda la información: https://t.co/gvKdL3wlyj #VamosEspaña | #CopaMundialFIFA pic.twitter.com/uZsEwippee

— Selección Española Masculina de Fútbol (@SEFutbol) June 1, 2026

Away from Gavi and Barcelona teammate Lamine Yamal will wear the number 19 shirt, while expected starters Nico Williams (number 17) and Mikel Oyarzabal (number 21) have also been given sizable digits.

Aymeric Laporte and Pau Cubarsi, who started their most recent World Cup qualifier against Turkey, have been handed 14 and 22 respectively.

Dani Olmo, meanwhile, will wear the famous number 10 previously worn by Raul, Fernando Torres and Cesc Fabregas.

Here's how fans on social media reacted to the decisions.

One wrote: "Hahahah the 7, 10 and 11 are Ferran, Olmo and Pino. Our starting forwards are the 19,21 and 17. The central defender pair 22 and 14. And the 9 is a midfielder. AURA."

A second commented: "Gavi's thing with the 9 is the most aura-deflating thing I've ever seen," and a third said: "What is Gavi doing with the 9 and Olmo with the 10. Not a single one is properly assigned."

A fourth wrote: "Those jersey numbers aren't serious", and a fifth added: "Gavi with the 9. The 9 is for a centre forward. So much nonsense about putting it on a midfielder."

Spain's confirmed squad numbers for World Cup

1: David Raya

2: Marc Pubill

3: Alejandro Grimaldo

4: Eric García

5: Marcos Llorente

6: Mikel Merino

7: Ferran Torres

8: Fabián Ruiz

9: Gavi

10: Dani Olmo

11: Yeremy Pino

12: Pedro Porro

13: Joan García

14: Aymeric Laporte

15: Álex Baena

16: Rodri

17: Nico Williams

18: Martín Zubimendi

19: Lamine Yamal

20: Pedri

21: Mikel Oyarzabal

22: Pau Cubarsí

23: Unai Simón

24: Marc Cucurella

25: Víctor Muñoz

26: Borja Iglesias