Spain include Lamine Yamal to World Cup squad, exclude Real Madrid players

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has included teenage forward Lamine Yamal in his squad for the 2026 World Cup despite the Barcelona star still recovering from injury, while no Real Madrid player made the final selection.

Yamal has been sidelined since suffering a hamstring injury during Barcelona’s clash against Osasuna in April, but De la Fuente remains optimistic that the 18-year-old will be fit in time for the tournament in North America.

The Spain manager also left out Real Madrid defenders Dean Huijsen and Dani Carvajal, meaning no player from the Spanish giants will represent La Roja at the World Cup for the first time.

De la Fuente explains Real Madrid omissions

Speaking after unveiling his 26-man squad, De la Fuente dismissed suggestions that club loyalties influenced his selections.

“I don’t look at one club or another. I don’t have that local bias a fan might have. For me, it’s more global,” De la Fuente said.