Spain will head into the 2026 FIFA World Cup without a single Real Madrid player in their squad for the very first time.
The historic decision marks a major moment in Spanish football history, ending a 92-year run in which Madrid players had always featured in Spain’s World Cup squads.
Spain’s final 26-man squad includes several Premier League stars, but no representatives from the Santiago Bernabeu following another disappointing season for Real Madrid.
One of the biggest surprises is the omission of defender Dean Huijsen, who featured 40 times this season after completing a £50 million move from AFC Bournemouth.
Despite his impressive campaign, Huijsen failed to make the final cut as Madrid’s difficult season seemingly influenced selection decisions.
The Spanish giants endured a second consecutive trophyless campaign, increasing scrutiny around the club and its players ahead of the tournament.
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has instead placed his trust in several Premier League-based stars.
David Raya, Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino, Marc Cucurella, Pedro Porro, Rodri and Yeremy Pino have all secured places in the squad.
Meanwhile, teenage sensation Lamine Yamal has also been included despite ongoing concerns over a hamstring injury that could reportedly rule him out of Spain’s opening two matches.
The squad selection highlights a clear transition in Spanish football, with the national team increasingly moving away from traditional reliance on Real Madrid talent.
Instead, Spain appear focused on a younger, more balanced core ahead of the expanded World Cup tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Whether the bold decision proves successful remains to be seen, but one thing is certain — Spain are entering unfamiliar territory without a single Madrid player leading the charge on football’s biggest stage.
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