Spain’s head coach, Luis de la Fuente, has unveiled his squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup, and it’s noteworthy that no players from Real Madrid’s senior team have been selected. This marks a historical first for La Roja. While Real Madrid’s Dean Huijsen was a strong contender, he was overlooked in favor of Marc Pubill and Eric Garcia, who have had impressive seasons with Atletico Madrid and Barcelona, respectively.
However, a Real Madrid player is still expected to travel with the Spanish squad to North America. Striker Gonzalo Garcia has been named in the extended “B list” squad. This group will participate in two friendly matches before the tournament commences in mid-June, including a game against Peru in Mexico. This selection highlights Garcia’s rapid ascent in his career.
Joining Garcia on this supplementary list are Marc Bernal (Barcelona), Javi Rodríguez (Celta Vigo), Jesús Rodríguez (Como), Leo Román (Mallorca), Sergio Gómez, Jon Martín, Benat Turrientes (Real Sociedad), and Javi Guerra (Valencia). These nine players will train alongside the senior squad, providing them with valuable experience and ensuring they are well-prepared to step in should any of the main squad members face injuries.
A Significant Summer Ahead for Gonzalo Garcia
Even if Garcia does not ultimately feature in the World Cup itself, his inclusion in this extended squad is a significant personal achievement. A year ago, he was relatively unknown, but he has since established himself as a player for Real Madrid and has now caught the attention of the Spanish national team.
This summer could prove pivotal for Gonzalo Garcia’s career, as he may also be on the move from Real Madrid. Club management has been impressed by his development over the past year. However, they are keen not to hinder his progress if he is projected to have a limited role next season, suggesting a potential loan or transfer to a club where he can secure more playing time.
