Spain name World Cup squad with no Real Madrid players for first time

MADRID: Spain have named their 26-man squad for next month’s World Cup, marking a historic moment as no Real Madrid players were included for the first time.

Head coach Luis de la Fuente has built a squad heavily influenced by Barcelona, with eight players from the Catalan club forming the core of his tournament group. Spain, the European champions, head into the World Cup as one of the favourites following their Euro 2024 triumph in Germany.

Among the Barcelona contingent are Joan Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Eric Garcia, Gavi, Pedri, Dani Olmo, Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres, showing the club’s strong influence on the national setup.

Several Premier League-based players also feature, including Arsenal trio David Raya, Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino, alongside Manchester City midfielder Rodri. Defensively, Spain are also supported by players such as Pedro Porro, Marc Cucurella and Aymeric Laporte, while experienced names like Unai Simón and Dani Carvajal are absent or omitted from the final selection.

De la Fuente downplayed the absence of Real Madrid representation, stressing that selection was based purely on sporting merit rather than club affiliation. He emphasised unity within the squad and expressed confidence that all selected players would be fully prepared for the tournament.

Spain will now travel to the World Cup aiming to secure their second-ever title, building on their 2010 triumph in South Africa.