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Spain’s historic World Cup triumph has highlighted the extraordinary depth within the Spanish national team. Luis de la Fuente has assembled a squad packed with technical quality, tactical intelligence and exciting young talent.
After beating Argentina 1-0 following extra time in the 2026 World Cup final, Spain have plenty of reasons to feel confident about their international future. However, their strength extends beyond the players who regularly start major matches.
Several talented internationals could form an entirely different starting eleven without significantly weakening the side. Some have already established themselves at major European clubs, while others are pushing for regular international opportunities.
Using a 4-3-3 formation, here is the strongest alternative eleven Spain could field as backup which includes Premier League players like Arsenal’s midfield duo of Mikel Merino and Martín Zubimendi plus Crystal Palace forward Yeremy Pinto and Liverpool’s new signing Víctor Muñoz. Having 2 Premier League title winners in the back up XI just shows the depth the Spanish team has at its disposal. After beating England 3-2 in the Nations League it certainly looks like the Spanish will take some beating in any competition.
Spanish national team: The strongest backup defensive unit
1. Josep Martínez (Goalkeeper)
Inter Milan goalkeeper Josep Martínez gets the nod between the posts. His excellent distribution and composure make him suitable for Spain’s possession-based approach. He received his first senior international call-up in September after Joan García missed selection through injury. David Raya remains another outstanding option.
2. Marc Pubill (Right-back)
Pubill offers athleticism, defensive discipline and attacking energy from the right. The Atlético Madrid defender can support attacks while maintaining his defensive responsibilities. His physical attributes give Spain another interesting option.
3. Dean Huijsen (Centre-back)
Real Madrid‘s Huijsen brings height, composure and impressive passing ability. The young defender can break opposition lines with his distribution and remains comfortable defending in advanced positions. He has already demonstrated his international potential.
4. Robin Le Normand (Centre-back)
Le Normand provides experience and physical strength alongside Huijsen. The Atlético Madrid defender understands Spain’s defensive requirements and brings valuable international experience. His aerial ability makes him particularly useful against direct opponents.
5. Fran García (Left-back)
Fran García deserves consideration at left-back following his inclusion in Spain’s October squad. His pace, overlapping runs and willingness to attack offer useful width. He can stretch opposition defences without compromising Spain’s attacking principles.
Spanish national team: The strongest backup midfield unit
6. Martín Zubimendi (Defensive midfield)
Zubimendi controls possession with intelligent positioning and precise passing. His ability to dictate the tempo makes him an excellent defensive midfielder. Arsenal have an exceptional international-quality player in their ranks.
7. Fermín López (Central midfield)
Barcelona midfielder Fermín brings aggression, pressing intensity and goals from midfield. His ability to attack spaces makes him particularly dangerous around the penalty area. He can transform the team’s attacking movement.
8. Mikel Merino (Central midfield)
Merino adds physical strength, aerial ability and intelligent movement inside the opposition box. His experience at Arsenal gives him another advantage. He complements Fermín’s energetic approach.
Spanish national team: The strongest backup forwards
When Spain have such decorated stars as ex Chelsea and Barcelona forward Pedro only just retiring from professional football it shows the strength and depth they have had for years now.
🚨👋🏼 Official: Pedro has retired from professional football. 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆 LaLiga 🏆🏆🏆🏆 Spanish Super Cup 🏆🏆🏆 Champions League 🏆🏆🏆 UEFA Super Cup 🏆🏆🏆 Copa del Rey 🏆🏆 Club World Cup 🏆 Europa League 🏆 Premier League 🏆 FA Cup 🏆 World Cup 🏆 Euros https://t.co/can2IRhaSD
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 7, 2026
9. Yeremy Pino (Left wing)
Crystal Palace winger Yeremy Pino offers directness and impressive one-versus-one ability. His versatility allows him to operate across the attacking line. He gives Spain another dangerous option in wide areas.
10. Roberto Fernández (Striker)
Espanyol striker Roberto Fernández earned his first senior call-up in September. His movement, finishing and willingness to attack defenders make him an interesting alternative at centre-forward. Spain could benefit from his different attacking profile.
11. Víctor Muñoz (Right wing)
Liverpool winger Víctor Muñoz offers pace, dribbling and attacking unpredictability. His inclusion gives Spain another exciting option alongside Pino. He could cause serious problems for tired opposition defenders.
Could the Spanish national team win with this backup XI?
Absolutely. This alternative eleven possesses enough technical quality and attacking variety to compete against strong international opposition. This Spanish XI would certainly give a hell a game to England’s 2nd choice XI.
Zubimendi, Merino, Huijsen and Le Normand provide an experienced foundation, while Fermín, Pino and Muñoz offer attacking energy.
There are obvious differences in experience compared with Spain’s World Cup-winning starters. However, the Spanish national team have genuine competition across several positions.
The biggest question concerns the striker position, where Roberto Fernández still needs to establish himself internationally. Nevertheless, this eleven has enough quality to make life uncomfortable for almost any opponent.