Yamal, who has been sidelined since late April due to a hamstring problem, still made the final list after his standout performances played a key role in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph. Despite his ongoing recovery, the coaching staff believe he will be fit early enough to contribute once the competition begins.
Coach Luis de la Fuente said the national team has been in close contact with club medical departments to monitor players carrying injuries, stressing that updates received so far remain encouraging.
He noted that the expectation is for most of the affected players to be available either for the opening match or shortly after, depending on recovery progress.
Another notable inclusion is Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino, who returns after recovering from a foot fracture that kept him out for several months. He recently made his comeback appearance in Arsenal’s final Premier League game against Crystal Palace.
One of the biggest talking points from the squad announcement is the absence of any Real Madrid players, marking a first in Spain’s World Cup history. Longtime defender Dani Carvajal was left out following an injury hit season, while young defender Dean Huijsen also missed the final selection.
Instead, De la Fuente opted for strong domestic form, handing opportunities to Barcelona’s Eric Garcia and Atletico Madrid’s Marc Pubill.
Addressing questions about selection bias, the coach dismissed any notion of club preference influencing his decisions, insisting that every call up was based purely on readiness and performance.
He emphasized that all players are judged as national team members first, adding that the goal is to assemble the most competitive squad for Spain’s World Cup challenge.
Spain national football team will begin their World Cup campaign on June 15 against Cape Verde, followed by group stage matches against Saudi Arabia and Uruguay in Group H.
Barcelona dominate the squad list with several representatives including Pedri, Gavi, Dani Olmo, Joan Garcia and Yamal. The selection of Gavi in particular drew emotional reactions after his long recovery from a serious knee injury, with teammates celebrating his return to the national setup.
Coach De la Fuente said such reactions reflect the unity and spirit within the squad, adding that commitment to the national team remains a defining factor in his selections as Spain prepare for another major title push.
