Spain coach Luis de la Fuente announced his squad for the two 2026 World Cup qualifiers during the September international break, led, as usual, by Lamine Yamal.
La Roja’s squad also included the return of 2024 Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, who recovered from his injury and played a few minutes in the recent Premier League match between Manchester City and Tottenham.
De la Fuente also decided to bring back Dani Carvajal to the right flank, especially since the Real Madrid star has shown remarkable resilience since returning from his cruciate ligament injury, to the point of displacing Alexander-Arnold from Xabi Alonso’s starting lineup.
However, De la Fuente’s squad was not without surprises, as he omitted Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde despite his impressive performances for the Catalan club in the first two matches.
One of the most controversial decisions by the Euro 2025 champions’ coach was the exclusion of goalkeeper Juan Garcia, who was expected to make his debut for La Roja given his impressive form with Barcelona.
De la Fuente commented on Garcia’s omission, saying, “Juan could have been called up, but his time hasn’t come yet. We don’t call up players just because they play for top clubs. There are other considerations, and the moment will inevitably come.”
Spain’s squad for September 2025
Goalkeepers: Unai Simón, David Raya, Alex Remiro
Defense: Carvajal, Pedro Porro, Le Normand, Coparci, Vivian, Huijsen, Grimaldo, Cucurella
Midfielders: Rodri, Zubimendi, Mikel Merino, Gavi, Pedri, Fermin López, Fabián Ruiz
Attackers: Yamal, Neco Williams, Olmo, Yerme Pino, Morata, Oyarzabal, Ferran Torres, Jesus Rodriguez
