Spain heading to 2026 World Cup: De la Fuente's squad list and one detail that will get people talking

That's it. Luis de la Fuente has revealed this May 25th, from the Espacio Movistar on Madrid's Gran Vía, the 26 chosen ones who will represent Spain at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada. And yes, it's a cracking squad. But before we get into the starting XI and the surprises, let me point out the elephant in the room.

You read that right. The Spanish national team is heading to the World Cup without a single Real Madrid player in the squad. Not one.

Let that sink in for a second, because it's one of those things that looks like a printing error but absolutely isn't. The most decorated club in history, the one that fills the Bernabéu every other weekend, the Galácticos themselves... they're not providing a single name to Spain's World Cup squad.

Why's that then? Well, it's a mix of things: a generation of Madrid academy players who haven't quite made the cut in the senior squad, a Madrid side that leans heavily on international talent, and a De la Fuente who's brazenly backed the blocks from LaLiga and the Premier. It's not a crusade against anyone — it's just how things have panned out. But the fact is there, ready to fuel debate until matchday one and beyond.

Right then, let's get serious. Here are the chosen ones by position:

🌟 Joan García earns his spot between the sticks. The keeper's more than earned his stripes this season and De la Fuente's opened the World Cup doors for him. In goal though, Unai Simón's the main man.

🎯 Lamine Yamal is no longer the bright young prospect: he's the star. With all due respect to Rodri (Ballon d'Or winner and the team's engine room), the Mataró lad arrives at his first World Cup as one of the most feared threats on the planet. If Spain dreams, they dream largely because of him.

🆕 Víctor Muñoz and Marc Pubill are among the less expected names, fresh blood for a squad that mixes experience and youth in equal measure. And Marcos Llorente remains that luxury wild card who can slot in at left-back or midfield with equal class.

Spain aren't heading to the Americas without a warm-up. Before that, two friendlies: June 4th against Iraq at Estadio de Riazor (A Coruña) —and here's a lovely touch: La Roja fire up the engines right in the heartland of a Deportivo side who've just earned promotion— and June 8th against Peru at Estadio Cuauhtémoc in Puebla (Mexico), the final test on World Cup soil.

What's this Spain side looking like then? Looking like contenders, let's be honest. European champions, with a golden generation hitting their peak years, with Rodri running the show in midfield and Lamine tearing things up out wide. There's goals, there's legs, there's hunger.

The "but"? In a World Cup, having brilliant players isn't enough: everything has to click into place, the stars have to show up when it matters and luck—that thing that always seems to side-eye us during penalties—needs to finally be on our side.

Come on, Spain. The World Cup dream starts now, and it's looking good. Really good.

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