Yamal is one of eight Barcelona players selected in the 26-man squad, along with seven Arsenal players selected by manager Luis de la Fuente.
Published May 25, 2026
Lamine Yamal has been named in Spain’s squad for the FIFA World Cup by manager Luis de la Fuente, while Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino, who recently returned from injury, is also included in the European champions’ roster.
For the first time since 1950, Spain’s World Cup squad will not include a Real Madrid player after coach de la Fuente refused to name one player in the 26-man squad announced on Monday.
Real Madrid’s Dean Huyssen was sidelined with injury, while veteran Dani Carvajal was also ruled out after struggling through an injury-plagued season.
Along with teenage Barcelona star Yamal, Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams played a key role in Spain’s Euro 2024 win and is included in the squad despite a season largely disrupted due to fitness issues.
Yamal, 18, has been sidelined since late April after sustaining a hamstring injury while playing for Barça and is doubtful for the first match of the tournament.
Coach de la Fuente downplayed the absence of Madrid’s players, preferring to emphasize the players he had in his squad.
“I’m a coach and I don’t care about where the players are from. They’re national team players, I don’t look at which club they are from. I don’t have any local prejudices like the fans have. All I want is for the players to feel proud to represent the national team,” de la Fuente told reporters.
In addition to Yamal, Barcelona’s international squad includes João Garcia, Pau Kvarsi, Eric Garcia, Gabi, Pedri, Dani Olmo and Ferran Torres, with seven players called up to be based in the Premier League.
“The keyword is excitement. Passion,” de la Fuente said.
“People across Spain, adults and children alike, have responded by showing their full support for the national team. It is an honor for me to represent the national team.”
Arsenal have three players based in the Spanish Premier League in goalkeeper David Raya and midfielders Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino, while Manchester City’s Rodri gives de la Fuente a commanding presence in midfield.
The coach also addressed injury concerns for Yamal and Williams, who enter the tournament with hamstring issues.
“We are very relaxed. If there are no problems, we will have everyone available from the first game. We are in close contact with the club’s medical team,” he said.
“We will call them up when we deem it appropriate. I would like to reiterate that everyone is in top form and will enjoy watching them in the tournament.”
Spain will enter the World Cup with the confidence of winning the European Championship in Germany two years ago, but also with the weight of expectations from their passionate fans.
2026 World Cup Spain squad members
Goalkeeper: Unai Simon, David Raya, Joao Garcia
Defenders: Marcos Llorente, Marc Pubil, Pedro Polo, Aymeric Laporte, Eric Garcia, Pau Kvarsi, Marc Cucurella, Alejandro Grimaldo.
Midfielders: Rodri, Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino, Pedri, Gabi, Fabian Ruiz, Alex Baena
Forwards: Elemy Pino, Victor Muñoz, Mikel Oyarzabal, Ferran Torres, Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Nico Williams, Borja Iglesias
