Spain become first World Cup nation to name 'B-team' as 26-man squad confirmed

Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has created a B-list ahead of the 2026 World Cup after announcing his squad for the tournament.

The European champions, who have been drawn in Group H alongside Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay, announced their 26-man squad on Monday morning.

For the first time in history, not a single Real Madrid player was included in the squad - with eight stars from La Liga champions Barcelona in the mix for the campaign.

Star man Lamine Yamal has been included despite suffering a hamstring injury but there was disappointment for the likes of Dean Huijsen, Dani Carvajal, Robin Le Normand, former captain Alvaro Morata and Cristhian Mosquera.

De la Fuente initially named a preliminary 55-man squad before cutting it down to 26.

However, as reported by MARCA, the 64-year-old has also named a B team who will all act as support players at an upcoming training camp.

READ MORE: Dean Huijsen sent pointed message to Spain manager minutes before World Cup squad omission

Marc Bernal, Gonzalo Garcia, Sergio Gomez, Jon Martin, Turrientes, Javi Rodriguez, Javi Guerra, Jesus Rodriguez and Leo Roman have all been asked to assist La Roja.

In a similar move to what Thomas Tuchel has done with a small group of England players, they will help out in training sessions and are in contention to play in the friendly game with Iraq.

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

Virtually the whole set of players from the B group are set for their first experience with the senior national team, with De la Fuente keen to "reward the excellent season of a group of footballers who will experience the first steps on their journey".

Thee extra numbers are needed with players involved in the Champions League final allowed extra time off and the likes of Rodri, Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams requiring extra care for their recovery.

The team will start training at Las Rozas on 30 May before a game against Iraq on 4 June in La Coruna. After that game, those on the B list will be allowed to leave camp and go on holiday for the summer.

"We assess performance, competitive form and what each player brings to the team," De la Fuente said after announcing his squad.

"Decisions are always difficult, but they are made based on what the team needs. It's the worst part of the job, but all those left out have understood the decision."

Spain taake on Peru in their final warm-up game in Puebla, Mexico on 9 june.

Their campaign begins with back-to-back games against Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia in Atlanta, before they conclude their group stage campaign against Uruguay at the Akron Stadium in Zapopan in Mexico on 21 June.