Spain World Cup squad confirmed as NO Real Madrid players included

Spain has selected a 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup in North America, aiming to win the trophy for only the second time after 2010. Several players returned from recent fitness issues, including Mikel Merino, Nico Williams, and Lamine Yamal. Fermin Lopez is excluded after a metatarsal fracture. Gavi returns after limited involvement since a serious knee injury in 2023, while Eric Garcia and Joan Garcia are included and Marc Pubill earns a place. Borja Iglesias is selected for a more physical attacking option, and Victor Munoz keeps his spot. Dean Huijsen is omitted, Alex Remiro misses out, and no Real Madrid players are named.

"Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has named his 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, with the European champions heading to North America among the favourites to lift the trophy. The squad is built around players recovering from fitness issues, with Mikel Merino, Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal all returning after recent problems. Spain are aiming to win the competition for only the second time in their history, having previously triumphed in 2010."

"One of the major talking points from De la Fuente's selection is the inclusion of Gavi, who has barely featured for Spain since suffering a serious knee injury in 2023. The Barcelona midfielder played just one minute during last summer's Nations League semi-finals but has now been brought back into the squad for the World Cup. Barcelona team-mates Eric Garcia and Joan Garcia have also been included, while Atletico Madrid defender Marc Pubill earns a place after an impressive breakthrough campaign."

"The most notable omission is Dean Huijsen, with the Real Madrid defender left out despite strong performances this season. According to reports in Spain, it means the national team will head to a World Cup without a Real Madrid player in the squad for the first time ever. Goalkeeper Alex Remiro also misses out, with Joan Garcia preferred as De la Fuente's third-choice keeper. The absence of Huijsen, Dani Carvajal and Alvaro Morata means three players who started the Euro 2024 final are not part of the squad."

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