SPORTS: Spain Unveil Squad For 2026 World Cup Qualifiers

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria 

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has released his squad for the opening matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, combining experienced players with rising stars.

The squad, announced on Friday at the Royal Spanish Football Federation headquarters in Las Rozas, will face Bulgaria in Sofia on Thursday, September 4, before traveling to Konya to take on Turkey on Sunday, September 7. Both games will kick off at 20:45 local time.

Among the standout inclusions are Barcelona teenagers Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi, whose impressive club performances have earned them call-ups to the senior team.

Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella also made the list, while Arsenal trio Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino, and goalkeeper David Raya underline the Premier League’s growing presence in La Roja’s setup.

Veterans such as Alvaro Morata, Dani Carvajal, and Manchester City’s Rodrigo bring leadership to the side, while emerging talents like Fermin Lopez and Dean Huijsen reflect Spain’s tradition of blooding young prospects.

The full squad includes goalkeepers Unai Simon, David Raya, and Alex Remiro; defenders Carvajal, Huijsen, Pedro Porro, Dani Vivian, Cubarsi, Robin Le Normand, Alejandro Grimaldo, and Cucurella; midfielders Zubimendi, Rodrigo, Gavi, Fermin Lopez, Pedri, Dani Olmo, Merino, and Fabian Ruiz; and forwards Yamal, Ferran Torres, Nico Williams, Yeremy Pino, Mikel Oyarzabal, Morata, and Jesus Rodriguez.

De la Fuente will address the media later on Friday to explain his selections, while the players are expected to arrive at the Ciudad del Fútbol training camp in Las Rozas by Monday, September 1.

Spain will be aiming to make a strong start in Group qualifying as they look to secure a place at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.