Spain coach announces his preliminary list for the World Cup of America

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has sent the initial list of 55 players to FIFA in preparation for the 2026 World Cup, amid great anticipation ahead of the final list being revealed on May 25  .

Despite the confidentiality of the list according to FIFA regulations, credible leaks have revealed the most prominent names that have been included in  the list across the various positions.

In goalkeeping, Unai Simon, David Raya and Alex Romero stood out, as well as young goalkeeper Juan Garcia. In defence, a group of Barcelona players such as Pau Koparsi, Eric Garcia and Gerard Martin were present, as well as veteran names such as Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella, Alex Grimaldo, Pedro Poro, Marcos Llorente and Dean Huysen.

The midfield was full of stars, led by Rodri, the Barcelona trio of Pedri, Gavi and Fermin López, as well as Dani Olmo, Martin Zubimendi, Fabian Ruiz, Carlos Soler, Alex Baena and Pablo Fornals.

In attack, the list included Europe's top rising talents, led by Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres and Nico Williams, along with Mikel Oyarzabal, Ander Barrinchia, Borja Iglesias, Jeremy Pino and Alberto Moliro.

The list witnessed remarkable notes, most notably the exclusion of Dani Carvajal due to injury that will keep him out until the end of the season, in exchange for the return of Gavi after a quick recovery that may guarantee him a place in the final list, and the list included youth surprises such as Victor Muñoz and Jorge de Frutos.

De la Fuente is scheduled to select just 26 players on May 25  to form the final squad for the 2026 World Cup.

Carvajal excluded and Barcelona players dominate the list

 Barcelona's dominance of the squad was evident through Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Dani Olmo, Pau Koparsi, and Ferran Torres Dani Carvajal has been officially excluded from Spain's squad for the 2026 World Cup, after confirming his lack of physical fitness following a severe cruciate ligament tear during Real Madrid's match against Villarreal earlier in the season. 

Despite undergoing an intensive rehabilitation programme, medical reports and coach Luis de la Fuente have confirmed that the player will not be able to catch up with the tournament, which starts in June.

Carvajal's absence carries several technical repercussions within the squad,  as Rodri is expected to take over the captaincy mainly during the World Cup, and De la Fuente has alternative options  to replace him at right-back, including Pedro Boro (Tottenham) and Oscar Mingueza (Celta Vigo).

Spain matches at the World Cup

Spain will play the 2026 World Cup in Group H, along with Saudi Arabia, Uruguay and Cape Verde, in a version hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada. La Roja will begin its campaign on June 15 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

Spain begin their journey by facing Cape Verde, then Saudi Arabia, before concluding the group stage against Uruguay in Guadalajara. The schedule of their three matches is as follows:

Spain × Cape Verde — Monday 15 June  2026 — 07:00 PM (Mecca) — Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta 

Spain × Saudi Arabia — Sunday 21 June  2026 — 07:00 PM (Mecca) — Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta 

Uruguay × Spain — Saturday 27 June  2026 — 02:00 am (Mecca) — Umnilife Stadium, Guadalajara

The Spanish national team will play two friendly matches before the start of the tournament, the first against Iraq on June 4 and the second against Peru on June 9, to put the final touches on the starting line-up.

If Spain qualifies from the group, whether in the top or the runner-up, they will play the round of 32 match between June 28  and July 3  ,  2026, within a path that may determine the shape of their journey in the knockout stages.