Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has named his squad for the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, combining experienced internationals with a new wave of emerging stars.
La Roja begin their campaign with two away fixtures. They will face Bulgaria in Sofia on Thursday, September 4, before travelling to Konya for a clash with Turkey on Sunday, September 7. Both matches are scheduled to kick off at 20:45 local time.
The announcement was made on Friday, August 29, at the Royal Spanish Football Federation’s headquarters in Las Rozas. De la Fuente is expected to address the media later in the day, while the squad will assemble for training on Monday, September 1.
Among the headline inclusions are Barcelona teenagers Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi, who continue their rapid rise after strong performances at club level. Arsenal duo Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino, alongside Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella, highlight the Premier League’s growing influence on the national side.
Spain’s squad also features trusted veterans such as captain Alvaro Morata, Dani Carvajal, and Rodrigo. Meanwhile, young midfielders Fermin Lopez and Dean Huijsen underline the coach’s commitment to nurturing fresh talent alongside established stars.
The 25-man list is anchored by goalkeepers Unai Simon, David Raya, and Alex Remiro. With a blend of La Liga regulars and players excelling abroad, De la Fuente is backing balance and depth as Spain look to begin their qualification campaign on a strong note.
Full Spain squad: Goalkeepers: Unai Simon (Athletic Bilbao), David Raya (Arsenal), Alex Remiro (Real Sociedad)
Defenders: Dani Carvajal, Dean Huijsen (Real Madrid), Pedro Porro (Tottenham), Dani Vivian (Athletic Bilbao), Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona), Robin Le Normand (Atletico Madrid), Alejandro Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen), Marc Cucurella (Chelsea)
Midfielders: Martin Zubimendi (Arsenal), Rodrigo (Manchester City), Gavi, Fermin Lopez, Pedri Gonzalez, Dani Olmo (all Barcelona), Mikel Merino (Arsenal), Fabian Ruiz (PSG)
Forwards: Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres (Barcelona), Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao), Yeremy Pino (Villarreal), Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad), Alvaro Morata, Jesus Rodriguez (Como)
