Spain recently concluded its final friendly matches before Luis de la Fuente announces his 26-man squad for the upcoming World Cup in the United States. The team secured a 3-0 victory over Serbia and played to a goalless draw with Egypt. Head coach de la Fuente has already identified the core 20-22 players, leaving only a few spots still open for competition, with decisions heavily influenced by player fitness and form. A notable revelation is that Real Madrid captain Dani Carvajal is unlikely to make the squad, unless there’s a significant improvement in his physical condition.
Goalkeepers
Unai Simon and David Raya are firmly established as Spain’s primary and alternative goalkeepers. The competition for the third spot remains intense between Alex Remiro and Joan Garcia, who recently made his debut.
Defense
With Carvajal’s participation looking improbable, Pedro Porro and Marcos Llorente are expected to fill the right-back positions. On the left flank, Marc Cucurella and Alejandro Grimaldo have secured their places. In central defense, Dean Huijsen, Pau Cubarsi, and Aymeric Laporte are guaranteed to be at the World Cup. Dani Vivian appears to have fallen down the pecking order, leaving Robin Le Normand, Eric Garcia, and Cristhian Mosquera to vie for the final center-back spot.
Midfield
Luis de la Fuente plans to rely on Rodri Hernandez, Martin Zubimendi, Pedri, Dani Olmo, Fermin Lopez, and Alex Baena in midfield. Fabian Ruiz and Mikel Merino will also travel to the U.S. if they are deemed sufficiently fit. Isco and Gavi, both recovering from long-term injuries, are currently not in the coach’s considerations. Pablo Fornals, Aleix Garcia, and Carlos Soler are battling for the remaining midfield berths.
Attack
Mikel Oyarzabal is slated as the primary striker if fit, with Ferran Torres serving as his backup. For a more traditional center-forward role, Borja Iglesias is reportedly leading the race for inclusion, while Gonzalo Garcia and Jorge de Frutos also remain in contention.
On the wings, Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams are considered certainties, provided Williams proves his fitness. Victor Munoz and Yeremy Pino have shown promising performances, but their final selection is not yet guaranteed.
Confirmed Squad Selections (21 players, if fit)
Unai Simon, David Raya, Pedro Porro, Marcos Llorente, Pau Cubarsi, Dean Huijsen, Aymeric Laporte, Alejandro Grimaldo, Marc Cucurella, Rodri Hernandez, Martin Zubimendi, Pedri, Mikel Merino, Fabian Ruiz, Fermin Lopez, Dani Olmo, Alex Baena, Nico Williams, Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres, Mikel Oyarzabal.
