Real Madrid Players Left Out of Spains World Cup Squad

Spain Names 26-Man Squad for FIFA World Cup

Luis de la Fuente has announced Spain’s 26-man squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup. The team includes eight players from Barcelona and seven from Arsenal. De la Fuente opted not to include any Real Madrid players in the squad, citing his focus on national team players rather than their club affiliations.

The squad features a mix of experienced veterans and younger players, including 18-year-old Lamine Yamal, who has been included despite suffering a hamstring injury that has kept him out since late April. Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams will also be in the squad, despite struggling with fitness issues throughout the season.

De la Fuente emphasized his commitment to selecting players based on their performance and ability, rather than their club affiliations. “I’m the manager, and I don’t look at where the players come from,” he said. “They’re national team players; I don’t look at one club or another.”

The squad includes goalkeeper David Raya, midfielders Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino, and Manchester City’s Rodri, who provides a commanding presence in midfield. Spain will arrive at the World Cup with confidence from their European Championship triumph two years ago, but also faces pressure from a passionate fanbase.

Goalkeepers: Unai Simon, David Raya, Joan Garcia Defenders: Marcos Llorente, Marc Pubill, Pedro Porro, Aymeric Laporte, Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Marc Cucurella, Alejandro Grimaldo Midfielders: Rodri, Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino, Pedri, Gavi, Fabian Ruiz, Alex Baena Forwards: Yeremy Pino, Victor Munoz, Mikel Oyarzabal, Ferran Torres, Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Nico Williams, Borja Iglesias

Source: Al Jazeera