Luis de la Fuente announces Spain squad for 2026 World Cup qualifiers, blending rising stars like Lamine Yamal with veterans like Morata and Carvajal

The Spanish national team will begin their journey with two challenging away fixtures — against Bulgaria on September 4 in Sofia and Turkey on September 7 in Konya.

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Both matches are scheduled for 20:45 local time.

The squad was unveiled on Friday, August 29, at the Royal Spanish Football Federation headquarters in Las Rozas. The players are expected to report to training camp at Ciudad del Fútbol by 13:00 on Monday, September 1.

Among the most eye-catching inclusions are Barcelona teenagers Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi, whose stellar club performances have earned them senior team call-ups.

De la Fuente’s selections also reflect growing Premier League influence, with Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino (Arsenal) and Marc Cucurella (Chelsea) making the list.

Veterans such as Álvaro Morata, Dani Carvajal, and Rodrigo provide a strong backbone, while talents like Fermín López and Dean Huijsen represent the continued integration of Spain’s next generation.

“It’s a group balanced by experience and ambition,” De la Fuente is expected to say during his post-announcement press conference.

Goalkeepers:

Unai Simón (Athletic Bilbao)
David Raya (Arsenal)

Álex 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, Mikel Merino (Arsenal)
Rodrigo (Manchester City)
Gavi, Fermín López, Pedri, Dani Olmo (Barcelona)
Fabián Ruiz (PSG)

Forwards:

Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres (Barcelona)
Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao)
Yeremy Pino (Villarreal)
Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad)
Álvaro Morata
Jesús Rodríguez (Como)

Luis de la Fuente announces Spain squad with a clear goal: start the road to the 2026 World Cup with decisive performances and build on Spain’s deep talent pool.