Spain national football team will enter the 2026 FIFA World Cup with growing confidence as they pursue a second world title and attempt to make football history.

Sixteen years after lifting their maiden World Cup trophy in 2010, Spain appear to have assembled one of their most balanced and exciting squads in recent years, combining experienced internationals with a new generation of highly talented young players.

Although Spain have struggled to replicate their 2010 success in subsequent tournaments, failing to progress beyond a single victory in each of their last three World Cup appearances, recent performances suggest a major resurgence.

La Roja dominated the 2024 European Championship by winning every match en route to the title before following it up with Olympic gold at the Paris 2024 Games.

The Spanish side is now aiming to become the first men’s national team to simultaneously hold the FIFA World Cup, continental championship, and Olympic football titles.

Spain have been drawn in Group H alongside Uruguay national football team, Saudi Arabia national football team, and tournament debutants Cape Verde national football team.

Spain Squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Goalkeepers

• Unai Simón (Athletic Bilbao)
• David Raya (Arsenal)
• Joan Garcia (Barcelona)

Defenders

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

Midfielders

• Pedri (Barcelona)
• Fabián Ruiz (Paris Saint-Germain)
• Martín Zubimendi (Arsenal)
• Gavi (Barcelona)
• Rodri (Manchester City)
• Álex Baena (Atlético Madrid)
• Mikel Merino

Forwards

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

Key Players to Watch

Much of the attention will be on teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, who emerged as one of Europe’s brightest stars following his breakthrough performances at Euro 2024.

Since then, the Barcelona winger has added multiple domestic titles and individual honours to his growing reputation. The 2026 tournament will mark his first FIFA World Cup appearance.

Spain’s midfield remains one of the strongest in international football, led by Rodri, the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, who is expected to play a central role if fully fit for the tournament.

Pedri is also expected to be instrumental for the team, with the Barcelona midfielder continuing to establish himself as one of the world’s top playmakers.

One notable absence from the squad is Fermín López, who misses the tournament due to a foot injury despite previously impressing during Spain’s successful European Championship and Olympic campaigns.

The squad selection also marks a historic moment, as Spain head to the World Cup without a single player from Real Madrid CF for the first time in the competition’s history.

Spain’s Group Stage Fixtures

• June 15: Spain vs Cabo Verde — Atlanta, United States
• June 21: Spain vs Saudi Arabia — Atlanta, United States
• June 26: Uruguay vs Spain — Guadalajara, Mexico

Photo Credit: Biso