Spain have named teenage star Lamine Yamal in their 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite the Barcelona winger continuing his recovery from a hamstring injury.
The 18-year-old has not played since suffering a torn left hamstring during Barcelona’s match on 22 April, but Spain manager Luis de la Fuente remains confident the youngster will be ready for the tournament.
In a historic first, no Real Madrid players have been included in Spain’s World Cup squad.
Lamine Yamal included despite injury concerns
Yamal’s selection is one of the biggest talking points in Spain’s squad announcement ahead of the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The Barcelona forward has enjoyed another standout campaign and remains one of Spain’s most important attacking players despite his recent injury setback.
De la Fuente insisted there is little concern surrounding the fitness of Yamal and Athletic Club winger Nico Williams, who is also recovering from a hamstring issue.
“We’re very relaxed. Unless there are setbacks, everyone should be available from the first match,” De la Fuente said after announcing the squad.
No Real Madrid players in Spain World Cup squad
Spain’s decision to leave out all Real Madrid players marks the first time in the nation’s history that Los Blancos have not provided a single player for a major international tournament squad.
Defenders Dean Huijsen and Dani Carvajal were among the most notable omissions following a disappointing season for Real Madrid.
Alvaro Arbeloa’s side finished eight points behind La Liga champions Barcelona and ended the campaign without winning a trophy.
De la Fuente dismissed suggestions that club rivalries influenced his selection choices.
“I don’t focus on one club or another,” he said. “I simply pick the players I believe are best for the national team.”
Premier League stars included in Spain squad
Several Premier League players have earned places in Spain’s World Cup squad, with Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino returning after recovering from a long-term injury.
Merino is joined by fellow Arsenal players David Raya and Martin Zubimendi, while Tottenham Hotspur defender Pedro Porro, Chelsea full-back Marc Cucurella, Manchester City midfielder Rodri and Crystal Palace winger Yeremy Pino have also been selected.
There were also first senior call-ups for defenders Eric Garcia and Marc Pubill following impressive performances at club level.
Meanwhile, Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez misses out after suffering a broken foot injury.
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Spain’s full 2026 World Cup squad
Goalkeepers: Unai Simon (Athletic Bilbao), David Raya (Arsenal), Joan Garcia (Barcelona).
Defenders: Marcos Llorente (Atletico Madrid), Marc Pubill (Atletico Madrid), Pedro Porro (Tottenham), Aymeric Laporte (Athletic Bilbao), Eric Garcia (Barcelona), Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona), Marc Cucurella (Chelsea), Alejandro Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen).
Midfielders: Rodri (Manchester City), Martin Zubimendi (Arsenal), Mikel Merino (Arsenal), Pedri (Barcelona), Gavi (Barcelona), Fabian Ruiz (Paris St-Germain), Alex Baena (Atletico Madrid).
Forwards: Yeremy Pino (Crystal Palace), Victor Munoz (Osasuna), Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad), Ferran Torres (Barcelona), Lamine Yamal (Barcelona), Dani Olmo (Barcelona), Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao), Borja Iglesias (Celta Vigo).
Spain World Cup group and fixtures
Spain begin their 2026 World Cup campaign in Group H on 15 June against tournament debutants Cabo Verde.
They will then face Saudi Arabia and Uruguay as they aim to progress to the knockout stages.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup runs from 11 June to 19 July, with Spain expected to be among the favourites after their recent international success.
“The passion from supporters all over Spain has been incredible,” De la Fuente added. “People are fully behind this national team.”
