**Luis de la Fuente has named the 26 players who will represent Spain at the 2026 World Cup – and a host of big names have missed out, including Dean Huijsen and Dani Carvajal.**
Spain are amongst the favourites to win this summer's tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada, with the reigning European champions looking to lift the trophy for a second time following their success in 2010.
In fact, head coach Luis de la Fuente recently described his side as being the favourites alongside two other nations.
“We have to be cautious, despite being favourites," he said earlier this month. "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.”
Asked about the biggest challenge that comes with his role, De La Fuente added: “The most critical process is scouting players, but the most painful part is leaving out players who are good enough to be there."
Luis de la Fuente has had some difficult decisions to make. Image credit: Getty
So, who has missed out? In a press conference on Monday, the La Roja boss named a star-studded group that includes Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Pau Cubarsi, Marc Cucurella and David Raya, who were all expected to feature.
However, names such as Fermin Lopez, who fractured the fifth metatarsal in his right foot during Barcelona's 3-1 win over Real Betis on May 17, will not take part alongside Dani Carvajal and Dean Hujsen.
In fact, for the first time in World Cup history, there will be no Spanish Real Madrid players at the tournament.
Barcelona, on the other hand, have eight representatives from their La Liga-winning squad, including Joan Garcia, Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Gavi, Pedri, Dani Olmo, Ferran Torres and Lamine Yamal.
**Spain's 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup in full**
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**Goalkeepers**: Unai Simón, David Raya, Joan García
**Defenders:** Marc Cucurella, Alejandro Grimaldo, Pau Cubarsí, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Pubill, Eric García, Marcos Llorente, Pedro Porro
**Midfielders:** Pedri, Fabián Ruiz, Martín Zubimendi, Gavi, Rodrigo Hernández, Álex Baena, Mikel Merino, Mikel Oyarzabal
**Forwards:** Dani Olmo, Nico Williams, Yeremy Pino, Ferran Torres, Borja Iglesias, Víctor Muñoz, Lamine Yamal
Spain's 26-man squad for this summer's World Cup.
Spain will play two friendlies against Iraq and Mexico before they come up against Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay in Group H.