Fermin Lopez, Barcelona player
Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images
After being crowned the world champions in the summer, Spain are back in action for the first time as they get the UEFA Nations League underway later this month.
Ahead of the three-week international break, during which La Roja will play four matches, manager Luis de la Fuente has announced the squad list of players called up to represent the national team.
And, as one would have expected, there is a large representation from FC Barcelona in the squad as was the case in the World Cup. Indeed, as many as seven Barça players have been called up by De la Fuente.
The big news is that Fermin Lopez, who had to watch the World Cup from the sidelines due to an injury, returns to the national team setup after a brilliant start to the season.
New signing Rodri, his midfield partner Pedri, Dani Olmo, Lamine Yamal, Eric Garcia, and Pau Cubarsi, all of whom were in the World Cup squad are retained.
However, Joan Garcia misses out due to the minor injury he sustained earlier this week against Racing Santander.
Meanwhile, fellow midfielder Gavi has been left out by the manager after the La Masia graduate has seen his minutes take a hit this season.
Alejandro Balde, who has struggled for minutes at Barcelona, continues to be overlooked by the Spain manager, while young Marc Bernal will also have to wait for his opportunity.
Spain are scheduled to play England, Croatia (twice), and Czechia in the Nations League.
Nuestra Copa del Mundo no podía haber elegido mejor lugar para iniciar la #NationsLeague.
🫂 Ceuta, pueblo ceutí: el camino empieza con vosotros.#VamosEspaña pic.twitter.com/ww68HwZEwv
— Selección Española Masculina de Fútbol (@SEFutbol) September 18, 2026