Lamine Yamal is the standout name in Spain’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, announced on Monday by coach Luis de la Fuente.
The squad also includes Mikel Merino after the Arsenal midfielder recently returned from injury.
For the first time in World Cup history, Spain’s squad will not feature a Real Madrid CF player. Defender Dean Huijsen was left out, while veteran full-back Dani Carvajal also missed selection following an injury-hit campaign.
Merino, a trusted figure under De la Fuente, made his first appearance since January after recovering from a foot fracture, coming off the bench for Arsenal F.C. against Crystal Palace on Sunday.
The Spain coach also handed call-ups to defenders Eric Garcia and Marc Pubill after strong seasons with FC Barcelona and Atlético Madrid respectively, while opting to leave out Huijsen and Atletico defender Robin Le Normand.
Alongside 18-year-old Yamal, Nico Williams also retained his place after helping Spain win UEFA Euro 2024, despite enduring a season disrupted by fitness problems.
Yamal remains a doubt for Spain’s opening World Cup matches after suffering a hamstring injury with Barcelona in late April.
Barcelona dominate the squad with eight players included, among them midfield stars Pedri and Gavi, as well as goalkeeper Joan Garcia.
“We’re coordinating with the medical departments of all the clubs,” De la Fuente told reporters.
“The reports that we have say all the players will be ready for the first game or the second.”
Gavi recently returned from a lengthy absence caused by a serious knee injury and has impressed in Barcelona’s final matches of the season.
Yamal later shared a video on social media showing Gavi celebrating emotionally during a gym session after learning he had made the squad.
“That shows the human quality this group of players have… one of our strengths, and that’s just as important as what they do on the pitch,” said De la Fuente.
“I’m glad he got emotional, because we know how much this means to him.”
Responding to questions about the absence of Real Madrid players, De la Fuente insisted club affiliations played no role in his decisions.
“Luckily, I’m the national team coach, and I don’t look at where the players come from,” he explained.
“The only thing I want is for these footballers to feel proud of representing the national team.”
Spain begin their World Cup campaign on June 15 against Cape Verde national football team in Group H before facing Saudi Arabia national football team and Uruguay national football team.
