Spain Unleash Squad for 2026 World Cup Qualifiers -

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has unveiled his squad for the opening fixtures of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, with a blend of seasoned stars and emerging talents making the cut.

La Roja will kick off their campaign with two tough away tests — against Bulgaria in Sofia on Thursday, September 4, followed by a clash with Turkey in Konya on Sunday, September 7. Both games are scheduled for 20:45 local time.

The squad announcement came on Friday, August 29, at the Royal Spanish Football Federation headquarters in Las Rozas. De la Fuente will hold a press conference later in the day to discuss his selections, while the players are expected to report to the national team’s training camp on Monday, September 1.

Among the Spain notable inclusions are Barcelona teenagers Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi, whose impressive form at club level has earned them spots in the senior side. Arsenal’s Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino, as well as Chelsea full-back Marc Cucurella, also feature, underlining the squad’s mix of Premier League influence and La Liga core.

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Veterans like Alvaro Morata, Dani Carvajal and Rodrigo anchor the squad, while youngsters such as Fermin Lopez and Dean Huijsen continue Spain’s tradition of promoting rising talent.

Spain’s teammates react at the end of the Qatar 2022 World Cup Group E football match between Japan and Spain at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha on December 1, 2022. (Photo by JAVIER SORIANO / AFP)

Spain Full Squad:

Goalkeepers: Unai Simon (Athletic Bilbao), David Raya (Arsenal), Alex Remiro (Real Sociedad)

Defenders: Dani Carvajal, Dean Huijsen (Real Madrid), Pedro Porro (Tottenham), Dani Vivian (Athletic Bilbao), Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona), Robin Le Normand (Atletico Madrid), Alejandro Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen), Marc Cucurella (Chelsea).

Midfielders: Martin Zubimendi (Arsenal), Rodrigo (Manchester City), Gavi, Fermin Lopez, Pedri Gonzalez, Dani Olmo (all Barcelona), Mikel Merino (Arsenal), Fabian Ruiz (PSG)

Forwards: Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres (Barcelona), Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao), Yeremy Pino (Villarreal), Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad), Alvaro Morata, Jesus Rodriguez (Como)

De la Fuente’s men will begin their preparations at the Ciudad del Fútbol in Las Rozas, where all selected players are expected to report by 13:00 on Monday.