Spain Name 26-Man World Cup Squad — Zero Real Madrid Players for First Time in World Cup History; Eight Barcelona Stars; Gavi Returns

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente announced the 26-man squad at Espacio Movistar (Edificio Telefónica, Gran Vía 28, Madrid) on May 25 — making history by selecting zero Real Madrid players, the first time Spain has named a World Cup squad with no Real Madrid representatives. Neither Dani Carvajal (injured) nor Joan García-Huijsen made the cut, reflecting Real Madrid's disappointing 2025–26 season and a broader shift toward Barcelona's resurgent generation. Eight Barcelona players were named in the squad. Key inclusions: Lamine Yamal (Barcelona, still fit despite pre-announcement uncertainty), Pedri (Barcelona), Rodri (Manchester City, captain), Nico Williams (Athletic Club), Gavi (Barcelona, returning from a lengthy injury absence), and Dani Olmo (Barcelona). De la Fuente also named nine 'support players' — includung Real Madrid's Gonzalo García and Barcelona's Marc Bernal — who will train with the squad during the pre-tournament camp but are not in the final 26. Spain open Group H: vs Mexico (June 14, Hard Rock Stadium Miami), vs Peru (June 19, Globe Life Field Arlington), vs Tunisia (June 24, Bank of America Stadium Charlotte). 17 days to kickoff at Estadio Azteca.