Spain's World Cup Squad: No Real Madrid Players for First Time Since 1950 as Yamal and Williams Named Despite Injuries

Luis de la Fuente confirmed Spain's 26-man World Cup squad in Madrid on Monday — and the headline writes itself: **for the first time since 1950, no Real Madrid player has been selected**. Eight Barcelona players are included. The European champions head to North America as one of the title favourites, but with significant injury concerns and an extraordinary piece of selection history to process.

De la Fuente's squad omits every Madrid player currently on the books at the Bernabéu. The last time Spain went to a World Cup without a Real Madrid representative was 76 years ago. The decision reflects a broader shift in Spanish football's centre of gravity — Barcelona's regeneration under Hansi Flick has produced a group of players whose form simply could not be ignored.

Lamine Yamal has been sidelined since late April with a hamstring injury. Nico Williams has also been managing a fitness concern. De la Fuente was unequivocal: "I have no doubt they will be ready for our first game." Spain open against Cape Verde on June 15 in Atlanta, giving both players three weeks to recover. Their presence — or absence — will fundamentally shape Spain's attacking threat.

Barcelona's Fermín López fractures his right metatarsal in a club match on May 17. The 22-year-old, who was expected to be a key midfield option, is definitively out. His absence is a significant blow to Spain's squad depth.

*Goalkeepers:* Unai Simón, David Raya, Joan García

*Defenders:* Marc Cucurella, Alejandro Grimaldo, Pau Cubarsí, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Pubill, Eric García, Marcos Llorente, Pedro Porro

*Midfielders:* Pedri, Fabián Ruiz, Martín Zubimendi, Gavi, Rodri, Álex Baena, Mikel Merino

*Forwards:* Mikel Oyarzabal, Dani Olmo, Nico Williams, Yéremy Pino, Ferran Torres, Borja Iglesias, Víctor Muñoz, Lamine Yamal

Spain are in Group H alongside Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, and Cape Verde. De la Fuente's side — reigning European champions — will be expected to win the group comfortably. The real test comes in the knockout rounds, where a potential clash with France or England looms in the quarter-finals.