Fermin Lopez returns as world champions Spain name 26-man Nations League squad
Synopsis
Fresh off their 2026 World Cup triumph, Spain are wasting no time — Luis de la Fuente has named a 26-man Nations League squad that signals both continuity and evolution. Fermin Lopez is back after a World Cup-ending injury, first-timer Josep Martinez gets his debut call-up, and Gavi's absence raises fresh questions about his standing in the national setup.
Key Takeaways
Spain have named a 26-man squad for their opening UEFA Nations League fixtures under coach Luis de la Fuente .
Fermin Lopez returns after missing the 2026 FIFA World Cup due to injury, having impressed for Barcelona this season.
Gavi is absent from the latest squad.
Goalkeeper Josep Martinez earns his first call-up after Joan Garcia was ruled out with a knee injury.
Dean Huijsen is a notable defensive inclusion alongside veterans Aymeric Laporte and Pau Cubarsi .
Captain Mikel Oyarzabal leads the attack, supported by Lamine Yamal , Nico Williams , and Dani Olmo .
World champions Spain have named a 26-man squad for their opening UEFA Nations League fixtures, with Fermin Lopez and Dean Huijsen among the standout inclusions. Head coach Luis de la Fuente has assembled the group as Spain begin their new international cycle fresh from their historic 2026 FIFA World Cup triumph.
Fermin's return and Gavi's absence
Fermin Lopez earns a recall to the national setup after missing the World Cup through injury. The Barcelona midfielder has impressed at club level this season and his return to form has been rewarded with a place in de la Fuente's plans. Notably, Gavi misses out on this squad, marking another high-profile absence from the Spanish midfield.
New goalkeeper and defensive options
There is a first call-up for goalkeeper Josep Martinez, who comes in after Joan Garcia was ruled out with a knee injury. Martinez joins Unai Simon and David Raya as Spain's three goalkeeping options for the international window.
In defence, Dean Huijsen is a significant inclusion, continuing his progress at the highest level alongside an experienced backline featuring Aymeric Laporte, Pau Cubarsi, Eric Garcia, and Pedro Porro. Attacking full-backs Alejandro Grimaldo and Marc Cucurella have both been retained.
Midfield and attack
The midfield is stacked with quality, including Rodri, Martin Zubimendi, Pedri Gonzalez, Fabian Ruiz, Mikel Merino, Fermin Lopez, and Alex Baena. Up front, captain Mikel Oyarzabal leads a forward line that includes Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres, Dani Olmo, Nico Williams, Yeremy Pino, Roberto Fernandez, and Victor Munoz.
Full squad
Goalkeepers: Unai Simon, David Raya, Josep Martinez
Defenders: Pedro Porro, Aymeric Laporte, Pau Cubarsi, Marc Pubill, Eric Garcia, Marc Cucurella, Alejandro Grimaldo, Dean Huijsen
Midfielders: Rodri, Martin Zubimendi, Pedri Gonzalez, Fabian Ruiz, Mikel Merino, Fermin Lopez, Alex Baena
Forwards: Mikel Oyarzabal, Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres, Roberto Fernandez, Dani Olmo, Victor Munoz, Nico Williams, Yeremy Pino
Spain's UEFA Nations League campaign marks their first competitive outing since lifting the World Cup, and de la Fuente will be keen to sustain the momentum that has made this generation one of the most celebrated in Spanish football history.
Point of View
Yet Gavi's continued absence is the more telling signal: it suggests the Barcelona veteran's place in this cycle is no longer guaranteed by reputation alone. The first call-up for Josep Martinez also points to a quiet but deliberate goalkeeping transition being managed behind the scenes. For Spain, the Nations League is rarely the priority, but how de la Fuente rotates through this window will reveal which fringe players he trusts to carry the project forward.
NationPress
18 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the notable inclusions in Spain's Nations League squad?
The most notable inclusions are Fermin Lopez , who returns after missing the 2026 World Cup through injury, and Dean Huijsen , who continues to cement his place in the Spanish defensive setup. Goalkeeper Josep Martinez also receives his first senior call-up.
Why did Fermin Lopez miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
Fermin Lopez missed the 2026 FIFA World Cup due to injury. He has since returned to form with Barcelona and earned a recall to the national squad for the UEFA Nations League.
Why is Gavi not in Spain's Nations League squad?
Gavi has been left out of Spain's latest 26-man squad. The source does not specify a reason for his omission, marking another absence for the Barcelona midfielder from the national setup.
Who is Josep Martinez and why has he been called up?
Josep Martinez is a goalkeeper who has received his first senior Spain call-up. He was selected after Joan Garcia was ruled out of the squad with a knee injury, joining Unai Simon and David Raya as the three goalkeeping options.
When do Spain play their UEFA Nations League fixtures?
Spain are set to play their opening UEFA Nations League fixtures in the current international window, beginning their new competitive cycle as reigning 2026 FIFA World Cup champions under coach Luis de la Fuente.
