2026 World Cup 26-Man Squad Officially Revealed
Spain’s head coach, Luis de la Fuente, officially announced the final 26-man squad for the FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico on May 25, 2026. The list largely meets public expectations, reflecting a team-building strategy that blends youth and experience.
According to the official list released by the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), the squad is as follows:
- Goalkeepers: Unai Simón (Athletic Club), David Raya (Arsenal), Álex Remiro (Real Sociedad)
- Defenders: Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid), Jesús Navas (Sevilla), Aymeric Laporte (Al Nassr), Robin Le Normand (Real Sociedad), Nacho Fernández (Real Madrid), Dani Vivian (Athletic Club), Álex Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen), Marc Cucurella (Chelsea)
- Midfielders: Rodri (Manchester City), Martín Zubimendi (Real Sociedad), Fabián Ruiz (Paris Saint-Germain), Mikel Merino (Real Sociedad), Marcos Llorente (Atlético de Madrid), Pedri (FC Barcelona), Álex Baena (Villarreal CF)
- Forwards: Lamine Yamal (FC Barcelona), Ferran Torres (FC Barcelona), Dani Olmo (RB Leipzig), Nico Williams (Athletic Club), Ayoze Pérez (Real Betis), Álvaro Morata (Atlético de Madrid), Joselu (Real Madrid), Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad)
Squad Highlights: Giants as the Foundation, Diverse Attacking Options
In terms of club contributions, FC Barcelona is the most represented. Contrary to some rumors, Real Madrid still plays a crucial role with key players like Carvajal, Nacho, and Joselu making the cut. The defense features a mix of seasoned veterans and players in their prime. In midfield, the inclusion of core players like Rodri and Pedri ensures the team’s control of the game. For the attack, De la Fuente has not only called up in-form young wingers like Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams but also included a traditional striker in Joselu, seen as a tactical “Plan B” for critical moments and different match scenarios.
Preparation Schedule: Assembling End of May for Two June Friendlies
According to the schedule, the entire Spanish national team will officially assemble on May 31. After a short period of rest and training, the team will play two international friendlies before the World Cup begins to test the squad and tactics. The specific fixtures are:
- June 4, vs. Iraq 🇮🇶.
- June 9, vs. Peru 🇵🇪.
Training Support Group Announced, Future Stars Emerge
Along with the 26-man squad, the coaching staff also announced a list of nine young players who will join the team as a training support group for the preparations leading up to the friendly against Iraq. This initiative aims to give the next generation of players a taste of the national team environment and keep them on standby as reserves. The list includes highly-touted prospects like Barcelona’s 18-year-old midfielder Marc Bernal and Real Madrid’s center-forward Gonzalo García. The full list of training players is as follows:
- Leo Román (RCD Mallorca)
- Jon Martín (Real Sociedad)
- Javi Rodríguez (Celta de Vigo)
- Sergio Gómez (Real Sociedad)
- Marc Bernal (FC Barcelona)
- Javi Guerra (Valencia CF)
- Beñat Turrientes (Real Sociedad)
- Jesús Rodríguez (Como)
- Gonzalo García (Real Madrid)
