Spain played their final games before Luis de la Fuente named his 26-man World Cup squad last week, winning 3-0 against Serbia and drawing 0-0 with Egypt at the RCDE Stadium. Most of the seats on the flight to the United States are already full as things stand.
Before the Egypt match, de la Fuente announced that he had decided 20-22 in his 2026 World Cup squad, leaving four to six spots up for grabs. Those places will be largely determined by injuries and fitness, according to Diario AS. Perhaps the headline is that Real Madrid captain Dani Carvajal is unlikely to attend what could be his last major tournament against Spain, ‘unless there is a dramatic change in fitness’.
‼️ Marcos Llorente and Álex Baena start in Spain tonight. pic.twitter.com/Nw61hnDTYE
– Atlético Universe (@atletiuniverse) March 27, 2026
Goalkeeper uncertainty over Joan Garcia
Unai Simon will be the best in Spain this summer, and David Raya will be his partner. De la Fuente surprised many by calling up both Alex Remiro and Joan Garcia this international break, and giving the latter a debut. There is no guarantee that Remiro or Garcia will get the final call.
🚨 FC Barcelona’s purchase clause for Marcus Rashford for 30 million euros expired in March. Barça would like to re-sign him on loan, but Manchester United are not considering this option. [@Nilsola10] 🏴 pic.twitter.com/NlhW35fYqL
– barcacentre (@barcacentre) April 1, 2026
One place to be taken on defense
With Carvajal on the sidelines, Pedro Porro and Marcos Llorente are the current defenders to go, while Marc Cucurella and Alejandro Grimaldo remain on the other side. Dean Huijsen, Pau Cubarsi and Aymeric Laporte have their places confirmed in central defence, while Dani Vivian appears to be slipping down the pecking order. Fourth place will be between Robin Le Normand, Eric Garcia or Cristhian Mosquera.
Midfield depends on the recovery of Fabian and Merino
In midfield, Rodri Hernandez, Martin Zubimendi, Pedri, Dani Olmo, Fermin Lopez and Alex Baena are expected to keep their places like all the players. Fabian Ruiz and Mikel Merino will both go to the USA if they prove fit enough, while Isco and Gavi, who are recovering from long-term injuries, are not in de la Fuente’s thoughts at the moment. Pablo Fornals, Aleix Garcia and Carlos Soler are fighting for their places.
Nico Williams and the paradox of nine
Spain’s number 9 is confirmed to be Mikel Oyarzabal if he is fit, and it appears that his replacement will be Ferran Torres. Regarding the traditional central striker, it is reported that Borja Iglesias is the frontrunner in the race to be included, with Gonzalo Garcia and Jorge de Frutos also in the running.
Widely, Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams are certainties, although the latter must prove his worth. Victor Munoz has made his chances of doing well this international break, and Yeremy Pino has always been preferred over de la Fuente, but nothing is guaranteed.
Guaranteed selection if eligible (21 players):
Unai Simon, David Raya, Pedro Porro, Marcos Llorente, Pau Cubarsi, Dean Huijsen, Aymeric Laporte, Alejandro Grimaldo, Marc Cucurella, Rodri Hernandez, Martin Zubimendi, Pedri, Mikel Merino, Fabian Ruiz, Fermin Lopez, Dani Olmine, Williams Nicol, Williams Nicol, Williams, Fermin Lopez, Fermin Lopez, Williams Nicole Oyarzabal.
