Spain's De la Fuente selects seven Barça players for new period

The Spanish national team coach Luis de la Fuente announced his first squad as world champion on Friday around noon. In a 26-man squad, seven players from FC Barcelona and two from Real Madrid are included. The coach recently extended his contract through the 2030 World Cup.

Core of the squad

The list contains seven players from the archrival Barça, with the club playing a dominant role in the new movement. In addition, there are two Real Madrid players, reflecting the traditional rivalry between the two clubs. The remaining players come from various other clubs, but the focus is clearly on the two biggest Spanish giants.

From Barça, Pau Cubarsí, Eric García, Rodri, Pedri, Fermín López, Dani Olmo and Lamine Yamal were called up. This group represents a wide spectrum of defence, midfield and attack. The squad gives the club's young talents a chance to prove themselves at the international level.

The two Real Madrid players are Dean Huijsen and Marc Cucurella. Huijsen, who was not in the squad during the World Cup, earned a place because of his strong start to the season. Cucurella, who previously played for Villarreal, returns to the national team via the Spanish top club.

Well‑known names who remain absent are Gavi, Marcos Llorente and Joan García, all recently injured. Their absence leaves room for the newly called‑up players to make their mark. The coach did not label the absence of these players as surprising.

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Positions and names

Goalkeepers in the squad are Unai Simón, David Raya and Josep Martínez. The defence includes, among others, Aymeric Laporte, Pau Cubarsí, Marc Pubill, Dean Huijsen, Pedro Porro, Eric García, Marc Cucurella and Alejandro Grimaldo. The midfield is staffed by Rodri, Fabián Ruiz, Pedri, Mikel Merino, Martín Zubimendi, Álex Baena and Fermín López.

Forwards are Mikel Oyarzabal, Ferran Torres, Dani Olmo, Roberto Fernández, Lamine Yamal, Víctor Muñoz, Nico Williams and Yeremy Pino. These attackers form a varied attacking line that combines both experience and youth.

Spain will face England, Croatia (twice) and the Czech Republic in the upcoming Nations League break. These matches provide the new squad with a platform to test themselves against top European teams.

Espanyol striker Roberto Fernández may make his debut for the national team, an extra opportunity for a young forward to showcase himself.