Spain World Cup squad unveiled as Luis de la Fuente drops Dani Carvajal, Dean Huijsen and other notable stars

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente on Monday unveiled his 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, leaving out several high-profile players including Dani Carvajal and Dean Huijsen.

Also read: Luis de la Fuente Names Strong Spain Squad for World Cup

The reigning European champions are among the favourites for the tournament taking place across the United States, Mexico and Canada, with Spain aiming to win the World Cup for a second time after lifting the trophy in 2010.

Speaking earlier this month, De la Fuente admitted Spain were among the leading contenders for the title but warned against complacency.

“We have to be cautious, despite being favourites,” the coach said. “We have to go with our feet on the ground. I don’t shy away, we are favourites, but we’re equally as favourites as England or France.”

The Spain World Cup squad includes several expected names such as Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Pau Cubarsí, Marc Cucurella and David Raya.

However, notable absentees have generated strong reactions, particularly after defender Carvajal and young centre-back Huijsen failed to make the final list.

Midfielder Fermín López also missed out after reportedly suffering a fractured fifth metatarsal in Barcelona’s recent victory over Real Betis.

Other players omitted from the squad include Fran García, Álvaro Morata, Robin Le Normand, Alejandro Balde and Pablo Barrios.

Morata’s exclusion comes after the striker endured a difficult 2025-26 Serie A campaign without scoring a league goal.

In a remarkable development, Spain’s squad does not contain a single Real Madrid player for the first time in World Cup history.

By contrast, FC Barcelona dominate the squad with eight representatives from their La Liga-winning team, including Joan Garcia, Eric Garcia, Cubarsí, Gavi, Pedri, Dani Olmo, Ferran Torres and Yamal.

The Spain World Cup squad also features experienced midfielder Rodri, alongside Mikel Merino, Martín Zubimendi and Fabián Ruiz as part of a strong midfield core.

Spain’s 26-man squad for the tournament includes Unai Simón, David Raya and Joan García as goalkeepers, while the defensive unit is led by Cucurella, Aymeric Laporte and Pedro Porro.

Also read: Spain Boss De La Fuente Warns Lamine Yamal Still Has Long Way to Go

The attacking options feature Nico Williams, Ferran Torres, Dani Olmo and teenage sensation Yamal as Spain prepare for another ambitious World Cup campaign.