For the first time in history, the Spanish national team will participate in the World Cup without any Real Madrid players in the squad - a milestone that has never happened in the previous 16 World Cups of La Roja.
Coach Luis de la Fuente has decided not to call up Dean Huijsen, the last name still considered hope for Real Madrid. Meanwhile, Dani Carvajal cannot return after a serious knee injury sustained since October 2024, while Fran Garcia and Gonzalo are only considered backup options.
This decision makes the Spanish squad for the 2026 World Cup go down in history, similar to the case at EURO 2020 under Luis Enrique - the first major tournament where La Roja has no Real Madrid players since the 1920 Antwerp Olympics.
Previously, the 1950 World Cup witnessed Spain bringing only one Real Madrid player, Luis Molowny. However, this year Los Blancos completely disappeared from the national team.
Conversely, Barcelona continues to maintain the position of a club with representatives at every Spanish World Cup, and once again becomes the team that contributes the most players to La Roja.
List of players participating in the 2026 World Cup of the Spanish national team:
Unai Simon, David Raya, Joan Garcia.
Defenders: Pedro Porro, Marcos Llorente, Laporte, Cubarsi, Pubill, Eric Garcia, Cucurella, Grimaldo.
Midfielders: Rodri, Zubimendi, Pedri, Mikel Merino, Fabian Ruiz, Dani Olmo, Gavi.
Forwards: Nico Williams, Baena, Oyarzabal, Ferran, Borja Iglesias, Yeremy Pino, Lamine Yamal, Victor Munoz.
