The latest Ballon d’Or winners Rodrigo Hernandez and Dani Carvajal have returned to the Spain national team after a long time recovering from injuries. Spain will play two World Cup qualifiers in the September FIFA window. For which coach De la Fuente announced a 26-member squad yesterday (Friday). Where a maximum of seven footballers have been called up from Barcelona.
European countries will once again enter the 2026 World Cup qualifiers from September 4. Where the mission of the 2010 World Cup champions Spain will begin the next day (September 5). Spain will play their first match in Bulgaria. On September 8, Lamine Yamal will play in Turkey. The Spanish squad for the upcoming two matches includes two from Real Madrid – Carvajal and new signing Dean Huijsen.
The players who got a chance from Barcelona are – defender Pau Kubersi, three midfielders Pedri, Gavi and Fermin Lopez and three forwards Ferran Torres, Dani Olmo and Lamine Yamal. This time, 19-year-old forward Jesus Rodriguez has been called up to the Spanish national team for the first time. He recently left Real Betis to join the Italian team Como under Cesc Fabregas.
Spain’s other rivals in Group E of the World Cup qualifiers are Turkey, Bulgaria and Georgia. La Fuente’s team was busy playing in the Nations League until last June. Spain lost to Portugal in the final of that UEFA competition. Having shaken off that disappointment, they will now enter the field on the World Cup qualifier mission. The Spanish have a relief point in the squad for the upcoming two matches with the return of two stars Rodri and Carvajal from injuries.
Manchester City midfielder Rodri was sidelined for most of last season with an ACL injury. He then suffered another groin injury in the recent Club World Cup. Rodri came on as a substitute in City’s 2-0 defeat to Tottenham last week. This time he has also been called up to the national team. On the other hand, Real Madrid’s star defender Carvajal has been out of action for the rest of the season since October last year with a knee injury. He made his first-team debut for Los Blancos last week.
Spain’s World Cup qualifying squad:
Goalkeepers: David Raya (Arsenal), Unai Simeone (Athletic Bilbao) and Alex Ramiro (Real Sociedad)
Defenders: Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid), Marc Cucurrera (Chelsea), Pedro Porro (Tottenham), Alejandro Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen), Robin Le Normand (Atletico Madrid), Pau Kuberci (Barcelona), Dani Vivian (Athletic Bilbao), Dean Huijsen (Real Madrid)
Midfielders: Pedri Gonzalez (Barcelona), Martin Zubimendi (Arsenal), Mikel Merino (Arsenal), Fabian Ruiz (PSG), Rodri Hernandez (Manchester City), Gavi Paez (Barcelona), Firmin Lopez (Barcelona)
Forward: Alvaro Morata (Como), Lamine Yamal (Barcelona), Jesus Rodriguez (Como), Dani Olmo (Barcelona), Ferran Torres (Barcelona), Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao), Jeremy Pino (Villarreal), Mikel Varzabal (Real Sociedad)
FAQ
Who announced Spain’s squad for the September World Cup qualifiers?
Spain’s head coach Luis de la Fuente announced the 26-man squad.
Which players made a comeback to the Spain national team?
Manchester City midfielder Rodri and Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal returned after recovering from long-term injuries.
When will Spain play their September World Cup qualifiers?
Spain will play Bulgaria on September 5 and Turkey on September 8, 2025.
Which club contributed the most players to Spain’s squad?
Barcelona contributed the highest number of players, including Pedri, Gavi, Fermin Lopez, Ferran Torres, Dani Olmo, and Lamine Yamal.
