Spain’s World Cup Shock: Huijsen and Real Madrid Snubbed in De La Fuente’s 26‑man Roster
Luis de la Fuente’s 26-man roster leaves out several regulars as Joan García and Borja Iglesias earn first World Cup spots.
- Spain announced its 26-player World Cup squad today, excluding three major absences: Robin Le Normand, Álex Remiro, and Dean Huijsen, marking the first time the nation heads to a World Cup without a single Real Madrid player.
- Huijsen's exclusion stems from a dramatic fall after debuting last year in the Nations League quarterfinals against the Netherlands, as his form declined at Real Madrid while Eric García and Sergi Pubill surged ahead.
- Multiple Real Madrid-linked players fell from contention simultaneously, including Álvaro Carreras, Fran García, and Dani Carvajal, reflecting a difficult season for the club and underscoring Spain's Madrid-free roster.
- Coach Luis de la Fuente prioritized wing depth by selecting Yéremi Pino and Víctor Muñoz as backups for Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal, while Barcelona goalkeeper Joan García earned selection after finishing the season with the fewest goals conceded.
- Ansu Fati's exclusion despite a strong season finish represents his second major tournament disappointment, as the three major absences collectively demonstrate how form, timing, and injury reshape even established players' World Cup prospects.
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17 Articles
Spain reveals squad for FIFA World Cup 2026; no Real Madrid players selected to go to USA
With the FIFA World Cup 2026 all set to kick off on June 11, 2026, and with the marquee tournament right around the corner, the Spanish FA took centre stage and announced their squad for the event. It is worth noting that Spain is widely considered one of the best sides in world football currently, and having reached the final of the Nations League recently, the side will hope to do well in the World Cup as well. The side also won the Euros in …
De la Fuente's decision sparked numerous comments and a wave of criticism, particularly from the capital's media. Commentators from Madrid believe the squad announced Monday morning is "experimental" and should be considered a "surprise." The changes are particularly noticeable in La Roja's defense. The coach omitted the selection of experienced players like Dani Carvajal, Robin Le Normand, and Dean Huijsen. Spanish experts consider the selectio…
In the coming weeks, the squads for the 48 countries heading to the 2026 World Cup will take shape. Which 1,248 players will be participating in the final tournament in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, which begins on June 11? Ronald Koeman will announce the 26 players for the Dutch national team on May 25. We list the squads that have already been announced.
The selector leaves out Dean Huijsen and summons players such as Yeremi Pino, Borja Iglesias and Victor Muñoz.
Luis de la Fuente, Spanish male football coach, has made public the list of the 26 players who will represent Spain in the World Cup of the United States, Mexico and Canada that starts on June 11, The main news of the call is that no Real Madrid player is included, leaving out Dean Huijsen and a Gonzalo who had some option, while for the Barcelona Club Football there are up to eight footballers: Joan García, Pau Cubarsí, Pedri, Gavi, Lamine Yama…
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