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Here’s a complete breakdown of Spain’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

As reigning European champions, Spain enter the World Cup as one of the top contenders. The national team has undergone a major transformation in recent years, with a new generation of young talent stepping up to replace the old guard.

Energetic and full of confidence, these youngsters will lead La Roja on the world stage following their triumph at the 2024 European Championship in Germany. That victory ended a 12-year wait for a major international title since Vicente del Bosque’s golden era, during which Spain won successive European Championships and the 2010 World Cup.

However, their performances in subsequent World Cups have been underwhelming. Spain crashed out in the group stage in 2014 and were eliminated in the Round of 16 in both 2018 and 2022.

Still, there’s no questioning the quality of the current squad. Under the guidance of Luis de la Fuente, Spain will be looking to make a significant impact in North America, with many experts believing they could go all the way.

So, who has made the cut? Here’s a look at the 26 players De la Fuente has chosen.

Goalkeepers

In goal, Athletic Club’s Unai Simon is expected to continue as Spain’s No.1. Arsenal’s David Raya, who has impressed since joining the Premier League side, will serve as a dependable backup. Barcelona’s Joan Garcia, who secured the La Liga title as the Catalan club’s first-choice keeper in 2025-26, completes a strong trio of goalkeeping options.

Defenders

Spain’s defence is packed with talent. Barcelona’s Pau Cubarsi is likely to partner former Manchester City centre-back Aymeric Laporte at the heart of defence. Real Madrid’s Dean Huijsen was a surprise omission, and for the first time ever, no Madrid player features in the squad. Raul Asencio is another defender who narrowly missed out.

On the flanks, with Dani Carvajal not selected, Pedro Porro and Marcos Llorente are expected to compete for the right-back slot. On the left, Marc Cucurella – who provided the assist for the winning goal in the Euro 2024 final – is set to start.

Midfielders

Spain boast exceptional depth in midfield. De la Fuente’s midfielders will be vital to their success in the 2026 World Cup. Barcelona’s Pedri has rediscovered top form under Hansi Flick and, following a period plagued by injuries, is once again among the world’s elite midfielders.

Paris Saint-Germain’s Fabian Ruiz could also play a crucial role after guiding his club to a treble in the 2024-25 season and another Ligue 1 title in 2025-26. Arsenal’s Mikel Merino and Martin Zubimendi provide additional flexibility, with Merino even stepping up as a forward under Mikel Arteta during injury crises.

Manchester City’s Rodri, despite battling injuries in recent seasons, should be fully fit and eager to anchor Spain’s midfield when the tournament kicks off.

Attackers

Spain’s attack might be their strongest department. The dynamic duo of Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams bring pace, creativity, and goal threat from the wings. Yamal, still a teenager, is already regarded as one of the best players in the world with Barcelona, though his participation early in the tournament could depend on his recovery from injury.

Similarly, Williams has also been dealing with fitness issues during the 2025-26 season. Although he’s included in the squad, his availability for the opening game against Cape Verde on June 15 remains uncertain. If either winger is sidelined, Victor Munoz, Yeremy Pino, Ferran Torres, and Dani Olmo are ready to step in.

Up front, captain Alvaro Morata leads the line after lifting the Euro 2024 trophy. Real Sociedad’s Mikel Oyarzabal is another dependable attacking option, having scored the decisive goal against England in the Euro 2024 final. Ferran Torres, Yeremy Pino, and Alex Baena add further depth and flexibility in attack.

Spain’s Key Players

The main attacking threats will come from Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal, whose dribbling and creativity can unlock any defence. In midfield, Pedri’s control and passing will be essential, while Manchester City’s Rodri will once again serve as the anchor in the middle of the park. Rodri, who won the 2024 Ballon d’Or for his outstanding performances with club and country, was pivotal in Spain’s Euro 2024 success.

At the back, Unai Simon will have a crucial role to play. With David Raya and Joan Garcia both enjoying standout seasons at club level, Simon will need to deliver consistently strong performances to retain his place throughout the tournament.

Predicted Spain Starting XI for World Cup 2026

De la Fuente is expected to stick with his preferred 4-3-3 formation. Unai Simon is set to start in goal, with David Raya as his deputy. The back four will likely consist of Marc Cucurella, Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte, and Marcos Llorente.

In midfield, Pedri and Rodri are automatic selections, while the third spot could go to either Gavi or Fabian Ruiz. Up front, Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams should occupy the wings—though Yamal may not feature until the third group-stage match—while Mikel Oyarzabal will lead the line as centre-forward.

Predicted Spain starting XI (4-3-3): Simon; Cucurella, Cubarsi, Laporte, Llorente; Pedri, Rodri, Fabian Ruiz; Williams, Oyarzabal, Yamal.