In a shocking development, Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has excluded Real Madrid captain Dani Carvajal from the preliminary 55-man squad for the 2026 World Cup. The legendary right-back, a pillar of “La Roja” for over a decade, will not be part of the upcoming global tournament.
The decision stems from Carvajal’s difficult season at the Santiago Bernabéu. A combination of recurring injuries and a reported fallout with Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa has relegated the captain to the sidelines.
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The Stats Behind the Exclusion
Carvajal’s limited game time made it impossible for De la Fuente to justify his inclusion:
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Appearance Record: Only 20 matches played across all competitions this season.
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Total Minutes: A mere 885 minutes, reflecting his lack of match fitness.
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Club Status: With his contract expiring this summer, Real Madrid has decided not to renew his deal, marking the end of his historic run in the capital.
A Legendary Career Conclusion
Since his debut in 2014, Carvajal has earned 52 caps and was a vital part of the Euro 2024 winning squad. Having featured in the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, this exclusion is expected to trigger his official retirement from international football. Although he returned to team training on Tuesday after a toe injury, it appears his “Last Dance” with Spain has been cut short.
