Spain FIFA World Cup 2026 squad: Lamine Yamal named despite injury worry
Synopsis
Reigning Euro champions Spain have named their 26-man World Cup squad — and all eyes are on Lamine Yamal, who is reportedly doubtful for the opening game despite being selected. With Fermin Lopez already ruled out post-surgery, De la Fuente's midfield options are tighter than they look on paper.
Key Takeaways
Spain announced their 26-man FIFA World Cup 2026 squad on 25 May , confirmed by coach Luis de la Fuente .
Lamine Yamal is included despite injury concerns and is reportedly at risk of missing Spain's opening group game.
Fermin Lopez has been ruled out after surgery on a fractured foot last week.
Spain are in Group H with Cape Verde , Saudi Arabia , and Uruguay ; they open on 14 June vs Cape Verde.
Pre-tournament friendlies are scheduled against Iraq ( 4 June ) and Peru ( 8 June ).
Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente on Monday, 25 May announced a 26-man squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026, with teenage Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal included despite reported fitness concerns. The tournament runs across the United States, Mexico, and Canada from 11 June, and Spain enter as reigning UEFA Euro 2024 champions.
Yamal's Fitness and Key Absentee
Yamal, widely regarded as Spain's most dangerous attacking weapon, is reportedly at risk of missing La Roja's opening group-stage fixture due to injury, though the selectors have backed him to be fit in time. The bigger blow came with Fermin Lopez, who has been ruled out entirely after undergoing surgery on a fractured foot last week — a significant midfield loss for De la Fuente's setup.
The Squad's Shape and Key Players
De la Fuente has assembled a balanced, experienced unit built around a formidable midfield spine. Pedri, Rodri, and Fabian Ruiz are expected to control the tempo, while Martin Zubimendi, Gavi, and Mikel Merino provide depth and versatility. In attack, Nico Williams, Dani Olmo, and Ferran Torres are set to complement Yamal with pace and creativity across the final third.
The goalkeeping department features Unai Simon, David Raya, and Joan Garcia, while the defensive unit is anchored by Aymeric Laporte, with Marc Cucurella, Alejandro Grimaldo, and Pedro Porro offering width from the flanks.
Group H and the Road Ahead
Spain have been drawn in Group H alongside Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, and Uruguay. Their campaign opens on 14 June against Cape Verde. Before that, De la Fuente's side will play two pre-tournament friendlies — against Iraq on 4 June and Peru on 8 June — to sharpen combinations ahead of the main event.
Full Squad List
Goalkeepers: Unai Simon, David Raya, Joan Garcia
Defenders: Marc Cucurella, Alejandro Grimaldo, Pau Cubars, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Pubill, Eric Garcia, Marcos Llorente, Pedro Porro
Midfielders: Pedri, Fabian Ruiz, Martin Zubimendi, Gavi, Rodri, Alex Baena, Mikel Merino, Mikel Oyarzabal
Forwards: Dani Olmo, Nico Williams, Yeremy Pino, Ferran Torres, Borja Iglesias, Victor Munoz, Lamine Yamal
With Euro 2024 gold still fresh and a formidable squad now confirmed, Spain will be among the tournament favourites — though Yamal's fitness will remain the subplot to watch in the opening days.
Point of View
And his absence for even one group game could shift the tactical calculus considerably. The Lopez exclusion also thins a midfield that, despite its star quality, is now one injury away from a genuine depth problem. Whether Spain's title credentials hold will depend not just on who is in the squad, but on who is actually fit to start on 14 June.
NationPress
10 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is in Spain's FIFA World Cup 2026 squad?
Spain named a 26-man squad featuring goalkeepers Unai Simon, David Raya, and Joan Garcia; defenders including Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella, and Pedro Porro; midfielders Pedri, Rodri, Gavi, Fabian Ruiz, and Martin Zubimendi; and forwards Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, Dani Olmo, and Ferran Torres, among others.
Is Lamine Yamal fit for the FIFA World Cup 2026?
Lamine Yamal has been named in Spain's squad despite reported injury concerns. He is reportedly at risk of missing Spain's opening group-stage game against Cape Verde on 14 June, though no official ruling-out has been confirmed.
Why is Fermin Lopez not in Spain's World Cup squad?
Fermin Lopez has been ruled out of the FIFA World Cup 2026 after undergoing surgery for a fractured foot last week. He was not included in the final 26-man squad announced on 25 May.
Which group are Spain in at the FIFA World Cup 2026?
Spain are placed in Group H alongside Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, and Uruguay. They play their first match on 14 June against Cape Verde.
When do Spain play their pre-World Cup friendlies?
Spain have two warm-up fixtures ahead of the tournament — against Iraq on 4 June and Peru on 8 June — before their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign begins on 14 June.
