Yamal in Spain’s World Cup group, but there is no place for Real Madrid World Cup 2026 news

Yamal, one of eight Barcelona players selected in the 26-man squad, and seven Arsenal players selected by Luis de la Fuente.

Lamine Yamal has been included in Spain’s squad for the FIFA World Cup, named by coach Luis de la Fuente, who also included Arsenal player Mikel Merino in the squad of European champions after his recent return from injury.

For the first time since 1950, Spain’s World Cup squad will not include a Real Madrid player as De la Fuente chose not to name one in his 26-man squad announced on Monday.

Real Madrid’s Dean Huijsen was ruled out through injury, and veteran Dani Carvajal was also ruled out after struggling with an injury-plagued campaign.

Along with Barcelona youngster Yamal, Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams played a key role in Spain’s Euro 2024 win, and is in the squad despite the season being disrupted by a massive training camp.

Yamal, 18, is a doubt for the first leg of the tournament after picking up a groin injury against Barca, which has kept him out since the end of April.

De la Fuente played down Madrid’s lack of players, preferring to highlight those in the squad.

“I’m a manager, and I don’t look at where the players come from. They’re national team players; I don’t look at one team or another. I don’t have the same bias that a fan would have. What I want is for these players to be proud to represent the national team,” De la Fuente told reporters.

In addition to Yamal, Barcelona players include Joan Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Eric Garcia, Gavi, Pedri, Dani Olmo and Ferran Torres, while seven of the players invited are in the Premier League.

“Excitement is the key word. Desire,” said De la Fuente.

“The reaction of people in all of Spain – adults and children – is that they are completely behind the national team. It is an honor for me to represent the national team.”

Arsenal will offer a trio of Spanish Premier League players in goalkeeper David Raya and midfielders Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino, while Manchester City’s Rodri will provide De la Fuente with a powerful presence in midfield.

The coach also spoke about the injuries to ⁠Yamal and Williams, who have arrived at the game in sports medicine.

“We are very open. Barring any obstacles, we will be with everyone from the first game. ⁠We are in close contact with the teams’ medical teams,” he said.

We will call them when we see fit. I want to reiterate that we will have whoever is in the best competition and we will enjoy watching them in the competition.”

Spain will arrive at the World Cup on the back of their European Championship victory in Germany two years ago, but with expectations from the fans.

Spain’s World Cup 2026 squad

Scorers: Unai Simon, David Raya, Joan Garcia

Protectors: Marcos Llorente, Marc Pubill, Pedro Porro, Aymeric Laporte, Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Marc Cucurella, Alejandro Grimaldo

Middle players: Rodri, Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino, Pedri, Gavi, Fabian Ruiz, Alex Baena

Players: Jeremy Pino, Victor Munoz, Mikel Oyarzabal, Ferran Torres, Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Nico Williams, Borja Iglesias