With 17 days until the World Cup and 21 until the opener against Cape Verde, Spain now knows its chosen 26. Head coach Luis de la Fuente has unveiled his final cut, trimming the list down from 55. It’s a squad where the core group had been obvious for weeks, exactly as De la Fuente had hinted. Around 20 names were locked in, leaving six real headaches. The entire preliminary list had earned consideration, but today brought full clarity. At the ‘Espacio Movistar’ inside Madrid’s Edificio Telefónica, and with massive media attention (more than 100 accredited journalists), De la Fuente made it official. Joan García, Marc Pubill, Eric García, and Víctor Muñoz headline the new faces. No Dean Huijsen, no Real Madrid players at all, and eight from Barcelona.

This is Spain’s 26 for the World Cup:

De la Fuente began by confirming what he had said in previous press conferences: “There will be three goalkeepers.” That’s the case, after four were called up in March. Joan García was first introduced into the mix then, laying the groundwork for his eventual inclusion - a call that AS reported at the time and is now confirmed. With Unai Simón and David Raya sure-fire picks, Real Sociedad’s Álex Remiro - who missed the final round of league play with a minor issue - will be watching from afar.

At the back, the fullback spots had been settled for some time. On the right: Marcos Llorente and Pedro Porro. On the left: Marc Cucurella and Alejandro Grimaldo. The real questions started at center back and extended into midfield. Pau Cubarsí and Aymeric Laporte were locks, and the same went for the engine room: Rodri, Martin Zubimendi, Pedri, Dani Olmo, Fabián Ruiz and Mikel Merino were automatic picks, while Gavi forced his way back in with a strong finish to the season. With today’s announcement, everything is resolved: Pubill, Eric García, and Álex Baena are heading to the World Cup.

This squad will be armed with both edge and bite up front. Mikel Oyarzabal will lead the line, with Ferran Torres as his primary deputy - though the Barcelona man can also operate comfortably out wide. Despite carrying minor fitness concerns, De la Fuente had no doubts about Lamine Yamal or Nico Williams, nor about Merino, who just returned to action and, like Raya, Fabián, and Zubimendi, still has his sights firmly set on the Champions League final. These are foundational pieces, and all were worth the wait. The same goes for Muñoz, who finished the season carefully managed but earns his spot after an outstanding campaign with Osasuna.

With an especially long World Cup ahead, the head coach sees the group stage as a potential mini pre-season if needed. Preparation officially begins this weekend. Las Rozas’ Ciudad del Fútbol will once again serve as Spain’s home base - the hub where everything starts to take shape. On June 4, Spain faces Iraq in a friendly in A Coruña, and on the 5th, the squad will travel to North America, setting up camp in Chattanooga. The final tune-up comes June 9 in Puebla, Mexico, against Peru. Then come Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, and Uruguay in the group stage, as Spain sets out with a clear goal: add a second star to the crest. Today was the first big step. Spain now has its 26.

At a glance - Spain’s 2026 World Cup squad:

Goalkeepers

• Unai Simón (Athletic Club)
• David Raya (Arsenal)
• Joan García (Barcelona)

Defenders

• Pedro Porro (Tottenham)
• Marcos Llorente (Atlético Madrid)
• Pau Cubarsí (Barcelona)
• Marc Pubill (Atlético Madrid)
• Aymeric Laporte (Athletic Club)
• Eric García (Barcelona)
• Alejandro Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen)
• Marc Cucurella (Chelsea)

Midfielders

• Rodri (Manchester City)
• Martín Zubimendi (Arsenal)
• Gavi (Barcelona)
• Dani Olmo (Barcelona)
• Pedri (Barcelona)
• Fabián Ruiz (PSG)
• Mikel Merino (Arsenal)
• Álex Baena (Atlético Madrid)

Forwards

• Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
• Ferran Torres (Barcelona)
• Yéremy Pino (Crystal Palace)
• Nico Williams (Athletic Club)
• Víctor Muñoz (Osasuna)
• Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad)
• Borja Iglesias (Celta Vigo)

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