Yamal Headlines Spain’s 2026 World Cup Squad as Merino Returns
De la Fuente names balanced squad with injury returnees, while Spain heads to the World Cup without a Real Madrid representative
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has unveiled his squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with teenage star Lamine Yamal leading the selection and Mikel Merino earning a recall after recovering from injury. The squad also marks a historic absence of Real Madrid players.
Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has announced his final squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with teenage sensation Lamine Yamal among the standout names selected for the tournament.
The squad also welcomes back Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino, who recently returned to action after several months on the sidelines due to injury.
Merino made his first appearance since January when he featured as a substitute in Arsenal’s final Premier League match of the season, having recovered from a foot fracture.
One of the most notable developments in Spain’s selection is the absence of any Real Madrid player — the first time the national team will enter a World Cup without representation from the Spanish giants.
Defender Dean Huijsen was left out of the final squad, while experienced full-back Dani Carvajal also missed selection following an injury-disrupted season.
De la Fuente rewarded strong club performances with call-ups for defenders Eric Garcia and Marc Pubill after impressive campaigns with Barcelona and Atletico Madrid respectively.
Spain will once again rely on the attacking partnership of Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, who played key roles in helping the team secure the European Championship title in 2024.
Although Yamal remains one of Spain’s biggest hopes, the 18-year-old enters the tournament carrying fitness concerns after suffering a hamstring injury that has sidelined him since late April.
The squad combines youth and experience across all departments, with established names including Rodri, Pedri, Fabian Ruiz, Dani Olmo and Mikel Oyarzabal expected to provide leadership as Spain targets another World Cup triumph.
