Official: No Real Madrid player selected in Spain squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Spain’s final 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup was announced by manager Luis de la Fuente, featuring no players from Real Madrid. The omission includes Dani Carvajal, a long-time national team stalwart, who left the club recently but was excluded due to injury struggles and limited playing time this season. Dean Huijsen, Fran Garcia, Alvaro Carreras, Raul Asencio, and Gonzalo Garcia were among the Madrid-affiliated players initially considered but did not make the final cut. Huijsen, once a starter under De la Fuente, was dropped in favor of Barcelona’s Eric Garcia due to inconsistent form. The squad selection reflects a strategic overhaul, with younger or more reliable alternatives chosen over Madrid’s contingent. Dani Ceballos, another Madrid player, was never under consideration for the tournament. This marks the first time since 2018 that no Real Madrid players will represent Spain in a World Cup, signaling a shift in the national team’s tactical approach. The squad now leans heavily on players from Barcelona, Athletic Bilbao, and other clubs.