Real Madrid snub? Spain FIFA World Cup 2026 squad announced
With the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup entering its final stretch, Spain have revealed the 26 players who will represent La Roja on football’s biggest stage.
The squad combines established leaders like Rodri with rising sensations such as Lamine Yamal, as Spain look to add a second World Cup crown to their trophy cabinet.
One of the biggest talking points from the announcement is the complete absence of players from Real Madrid CF. With both Dani Carvajal and Dean Huijsen left out, this marks the first time no Real Madrid player has been included in a Spain World Cup squad.
Pedri and Rodri lead Spain’s midfield powerhouse
Among the headline inclusions is Pedri, widely regarded as one of the finest midfielders in world football. The FC Barcelona star is expected to play a central role in Spain’s bid for a second World Cup title.
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Barcelona teammate Dani Olmo has also been named in the squad, while Ballon d'Or contender Rodri will anchor the midfield after another outstanding season with Manchester City FC.
The squad also includes exciting young talents such as Lamine Yamal, Gavi and Pau Cubarsi.
Spain squad for FIFA World Cup 2026
Goalkeepers
Unai Simon (Athletic Club)
David Raya (Arsenal FC)
Joan Garcia (FC Barcelona)
Defenders
Aymeric Laporte (Athletic Club)
Marc Cucurella (Chelsea FC)
Marcos Llorente (Atletico Madrid)
Eric Garcia (Barcelona)
Pedro Porro (Tottenham Hotspur FC)
Alex Grimaldo (Bayer 04 Leverkusen)
Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona)
Marc Pubill (Atletico Madrid)
Midfielders
Rodri (Manchester City)
Fabian Ruiz (Paris Saint-Germain FC)
Mikel Merino (Arsenal)
Pedri (Barcelona)
Gavi (Barcelona)
Martin Zubimendi (Arsenal)
Alex Baena (Atletico Madrid)
Forwards
Ferran Torres (Barcelona)
Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad)
Dani Olmo (Barcelona)
Nico Williams (Athletic Club)
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
Yeremy Pino (Crystal Palace FC)
Borja Iglesias (Celta Vigo)
Victor Munoz (CA Osasuna)
Spain’s Group H fixtures at FIFA World Cup 2026
The 2010 world champions will begin their World Cup campaign against Cape Verde national football team on June 15.
La Roja will then face Saudi Arabia national football team on June 21 before concluding their Group H fixtures against Uruguay national football team on June 27.
European champions chasing another major trophy
Spain head into the tournament with momentum after winning UEFA Euro 2024 and re-establishing themselves as one of Europe’s strongest international sides.
Also Read: FIFA World Cup 2026 Schedule IST: Complete match timings and dates in India
However, their preparations suffered a setback after defeat to Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal national football team in the final of the 2025 UEFA Nations League.
Even so, with a youthful core, technical midfield dominance, and attacking flair, Spain remain one of the most closely watched teams heading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup.