Spain Picks 8 Barcelona Players in 26-Man World Cup Squad, Leaving Out Real Madrid
Updated
Updated · GOAL English · May 25
Spain Picks 8 Barcelona Players in 26-Man World Cup Squad, Leaving Out Real Madrid
17 articles · Updated · GOAL English · May 25
Eight Barcelona players made Spain's final 26-man World Cup squad, with Joan Garcia, Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Gavi, Pedri, Dani Olmo, Ferran Torres and Yamal all selected.
No Real Madrid player was included — the first such omission in Spain's World Cup history — as coach Luis de la Fuente leaned on La Liga champion Barcelona's core.
The selection leaves out Madrid-linked names including Dean Huijsen and veteran Dani Carvajal, underscoring how sharply the squad tilted toward Barca.
Spain open their 2026 World Cup campaign on June 15 against Cape Verde in Group H, which also includes Saudi Arabia and Uruguay.
By excluding all Real Madrid players, has Spain's coach gambled the World Cup on team harmony over proven individual talent?
With a record eight Barcelona players, will Spain's World Cup fate now depend entirely on the success of La Masia's philosophy?