Spain has released the list of 26 footballers for the World Cup, while the announcement of the team selected by Luis de la Fuente was not made by him, but in a special way: the list was initially revealed by the King and Queen of Spain, while then Philip VI publicly read the names of the players, submitted by ordinary citizens from the streets.
The event was held at Movistar Space on Madrid’s Gran Vía and was part of an organization led by Jesús Navas, world champion in 2010. This moment marked the culmination of a long process started by De la Fuente in March 2023.
During this period, with 77 players tested before the list was finalised, Spain has won the European Championship and the Nations League, as well as being a finalist in last year’s Nations League.
In an already consolidated team, without many surprises for key names like Mikel Merino, Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal, the focus was on several specific positions, especially goalkeeper and defense.
In goal, the dilemma between Joan Garcia and Alex Remiro has been resolved in favor of the Barcelona goalkeeper. In defense, the inclusion of Marc Pubill stands out, while Laporte and Cubarsí remain safe starters. The fourth place in the center of defense has been given to Eric Garcia, who returned to the national team after the World Cup in Qatar.
Another important decision was the replacement of the injured Fermín, with Luis de la Fuente choosing Yeremy Pino to cover the role between midfield and attack.
The 26-man World Cup squad:
Goalkeepers : Unai Simon, David Raya, Joan García.
Defenders : Pedro Porro, Marcos Llorente, Laporte, Cubarsi, Pubill, Eric Garcia, Cucurella, Grimaldo.
Midfielders : Rodri, Zubimendi, Pedri, Mikel Merino, Fabian Ruiz, Dani Olmo, Gavi.
Forwards : Nico Williams, Baena, Oyarzabal, Ferran Torres, Borja Iglesias, Yeremy Pino, Lamine Yamal, Víctor Munoz.
