All you need to know about Spain's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Reigning European champions Spain will be one of the favorites for the upcoming World Cup in 2026. The Spanish national team has undergone a major transition in recent years, with a new generation of young stars replacing the veterans.
Confident and full of energy, these youngsters will lead La Roja at the global stage next year, following a successful Euros campaign in Germany in 2024. Spain had waited 12 years to lift a major international trophy since Vicente del Bosque's legendary team that won back-to-back European Championships and the 2010 World Cup.
However, their World Cup performances have been disappointing since that historic win in 2010. Spain were eliminated in the group stage of the 2014 tournament and exited in the Round of 16 in both 2018 and 2022.
Nevertheless, there is no denying that the current Spanish team has quality, and with a capable manager like Luis de la Fuente in charge, La Roja will be hopeful of making a strong impact on the biggest stage of them all next year.
So what does their roster look like? GOAL takes a look at the players at their disposal.
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Goalkeepers
Between the sticks for Spain, Athletic Bilbao shot stopper Unai Simon is expected to retain his position as the team's first-choice goalkeeper. Meanwhile, David Raya of Arsenal has also performed exceptionally well since his move to the Emirates and could serve as a reliable backup option.
Alex Remiro and Chelsea's Robert Sanchez are also interesting alternatives that Luis de la Fuente could consider for the tournament next year.
| Player |
Club |
| Unai Simon |
Athletic Bilbao |
| Alex Remiro |
Real Sociedad |
| David Raya |
Arsenal |
| Robert Sanchez |
Chelsea |
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Defenders
La Roja are stacked with numerous quality options in defence. Young stars like Dean Huijsen and Pau Cubarsi are talented and possess all the necessary skills to play at the heart of the backline despite their age.
Atletico Madrid's Robin Le Normand has also been impressive under De la Fuente and could play a key role in the European champions' campaign at the showpiece in the USA, Mexico, and Canada next year.
In the wider areas, the experienced Dani Carvajal is expected to return to the squad following his recovery from an ACL injury. However, even if the veteran misses out, De la Fuente's side are well covered with options like Pedro Porro from Tottenham and Celta Vigo's Oscar Mingueza.
Meanwhile, on the left, the likes of Alejandro Grimaldo, Alejandro Balde, and Marc Cucurella offer solid choices for the manager to select from. Bayer Leverkusen's Alejandro Grimaldo could also make the cut.
| Player |
Club |
| Pau Cubarsi |
Barcelona |
| Dean Huijsen |
Real Madrid |
| Robin Le Normand |
Atletico Madrid |
| Marc Cucurella |
Chelsea |
| Dani Vivian |
Athletic Bilbao |
| Dani Carvajal |
Real Madrid |
| Alejandro Balde |
Barcelona |
| Alejandro Grimaldo |
Bayer Leverkusen |
| Pedro Porro |
Tottenham |
| Oscar Mingueza |
Celta Vigo |
| Raul Asencio |
Real Madrid |
| Pau Torres |
Villarreal |
| Aymeric Laporte |
Al Nassr |
| Aitor Paredes |
Athletic Bilbao |
| Nacho Fernandez |
Al Qadsiah |
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Midfielders
Similar to the defence, Spain are well covered in midfield. Stacked with world-class options, De la Fuente's midfield will play a crucial role in Spain's campaign at the 2026 World Cup. Barcelona's Pedri has been completely rejuvenated under Hansi Flick at the Spanish club. After struggling with injuries in the past, he has regained full fitness and elevated his game and is currently regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world.
PSG's Fabian Ruiz could also have an important role to play for La Roja, having led the French side to a treble-winning campaign in the 2024-25 season.
Arsenal midfield duo Mikel Merino and Martin Zubimendi are also two very interesting options to consider. Merino, although naturally a midfielder, has also performed well as a striker under Mikel Arteta due to injuries in the forward line.
Manchester City's Rodri will be also be an important addition to the squad for the World Cup. The Ballon d'Or winner had been sidelined for most of the 2024-25 season due to an unfortunate ACL injury.
Former Real Madrid star Isco has also shown glimpses of his old form during his time at Betis and could be a valuable option for De la Fuente at the showpiece event next year.
| Player |
Club |
| Pedri Gonzalez |
Barcelona |
| Fabian Ruiz |
PSG |
| Martin Zubimendi |
Arsenal |
| Gavi |
Barcelona |
| Mikel Merino |
Arsenal |
| Isco |
Real Betis |
| Fermin Lopez |
Barcelona |
| Dani Olmo |
Barcelona |
| Pablo Barrios |
Atletico Madrid |
| Rodri |
Manchester City |
| Marc Casado |
Barcelona |
| Pepelu |
Valencia |
| Alex Garcia |
Bayer Leverkusen |
| Marcos Llorente |
Atletico Madrid |
| Oihan Sancet |
Athletic Bilbao |
| Nico Gonzalez |
Manchester City |
| Pablo Fornals |
Real Betis |
| Marco Asensio |
PSG |
| Ayoze Perez |
Villarreal |
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Attackers
Spain's attack is arguably where they are at their strongest. La Roja possess the lethal attacking duo of Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, who are capable of unlocking any defence when playing together. Yamal, despite being a teenager, is already considered one of the best players in the world while playing for Barcelona. Nico, on the other hand, has been the star player for Athletic Bilbao and is regarded as one of the best forwards in La Liga.
In the center-forward position, Spain have the experienced Alvaro Morata, who lifted the Euro 2024 trophy as the team's captain. Mikel Oyarzabal is another solid option for De la Fuente. The Real Sociedad forward has delivered for the national team on several key occasions, including scoring the winning goal against England in the final of the 2024 Euros.
Other options like Ferran Torres, Yeremy Pino, and Alex Baena also provide depth and versatility in attack.
| Player |
Club |
| Lamine Yamal |
Barcelona |
| Nico Williams |
Athletic Bilbao |
| Alex Baena |
Villarreal |
| Mikel Oyarzabal |
Real Sociedad |
| Samu Aghehowa |
Porto |
| Alvaro Morata |
Galatasaray |
| Ferran Torres |
Barcelona |
| Yeremy Pino |
Villarreal |
| Joselu |
Al Gharafa |
| Carlos Soler |
PSG |
| Barrenetxea |
Real Sociedad |
| Hugo Duro |
Valencia |
| Pablo Sarabia |
Wolves |
| Adama Traore |
Fulham |
