Spain's 26-man World Cup squad in full

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All you need to know about Spain's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Reigning European champions Spain will be one of the favourites for the upcoming World Cup. The Spanish national team has undergone a major transition in recent years, with a new generation of young stars replacing the veterans.

Confident and full of energy, these youngsters will lead La Roja on the global stage, following a successful European Championship campaign in Germany in 2024. Spain had waited 12 years to lift a major international trophy since Vicente del Bosque's legendary team that won back-to-back European Championships and the 2010 World Cup.

However, their World Cup performances have been disappointing since that historic win in 2010. Spain were eliminated in the group stage of the 2014 tournament and exited in the Round of 16 in both 2018 and 2022.

Nevertheless, there is no denying that the current Spanish team has quality, and with a capable manager like Luis de la Fuente in charge, La Roja will be hopeful of making a strong impact in North America, where many are tipping them to go all the way.

So what does Spain's squad look like? GOAL takes a look at the 26 players that have been picked.

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Goalkeepers

Between the sticks for Spain, Athletic Club shot stopper Unai Simon is expected to retain his position as the team's first-choice goalkeeper. Meanwhile, David Raya of Arsenal has also performed exceptionally well since his move to the Emirates and shoud serve as a reliable backup option.

Joan Garcia, who has won La Liga with Barcelona as their No.1 in 2025-26, is another solid option as part of a set of three elite goalkeepers.

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Defenders

La Roja are stacked with numerous quality options in defence -  Barcelona centre-back Pau Cubarsi likely to be partnered by ex-Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporta, with Real Madrid star Dean Huijsen having been surprisingly overlooked. In a squad that doesn't feature any Madrid players for the first time ever, Raul Asencio is another defensive option who has missed out.

In the wider areas, with Dani Carvajal having not been selected, Pedro Porro is likely to compete with Marcos Llorente for the spot at right-back, with Marc Cucurella, who claimed an assist for the winning goal in the European Championship final two years ago, is set to start at left-back.

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Midfielders

Similar to the defence, Spain are well covered in midfield. Stacked with world-class options, De la Fuente's midfield will play a crucial role in Spain's campaign at the 2026 World Cup. Barcelona's Pedri has been completely rejuvenated under Hansi Flick at the Spanish club. After struggling with injuries in the past, he has regained full fitness and elevated his game and is currently regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world.

PSG's Fabian Ruiz could also have an important role to play for La Roja, having led the French side to a treble-winning campaign in the 2024-25 season.

Arsenal midfield duo Mikel Merino and Martin Zubimendi are also two very interesting options to consider. Merino, although naturally a midfielder, has often performed well as a striker under Mikel Arteta due to injuries in the forward line.

Manchester City's Rodri will be also be an important addition to the squad for the World Cup. The Ballon d'Or winner had been sidelined for most of the 2024-25 season due to an unfortunate ACL injury.

Former Real Madrid star Isco has also shown glimpses of his old form during his time at Betis and could be a valuable option for De la Fuente at the showpiece event next year, although his involvement may depend on the fitness of Gavi, who is on the road back from a meniscus tear.

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Attackers

Spain's attack is arguably where they are at their strongest. La Roja possess the lethal attacking duo of Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, who are capable of unlocking any defence when playing together. Yamal, despite being a teenager, is already considered one of the best players in the world while playing for Barcelona, although it remains to be seen at what point he'll be utilised in North America, given he's been struggling with injury.

Like Lamine, Williams has been struggling with injury in the 2025-26 campaign and although he has made the squad, it's unclear if he'll be ready to be involved in the first group game against Cape Verde on June 15. If not, the likes of Victor Munoz, Yeremy Pino, Ferran Torres and Dani Olmo will be waiting in reserve.

In the centre-forward position, Spain have the experienced Alvaro Morata, who lifted the Euro 2024 trophy as the team's captain. Mikel Oyarzabal is another solid option for De la Fuente. The Real Sociedad forward has delivered for the national team on several key occasions, including scoring the winning goal against England in the final of the 2024 Euros.

Other options like Ferran Torres, Yeremy Pino, and Alex Baena also provide depth and versatility in attack.

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Spain star players

The duo of Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal will provide the biggest threat for opponents with their ability to take players on from wide areas and either play in a team-mate or get their shot away.

Beyond those two forwards, Pedri will play a crucial role in midfield, dictating the tempo and keeping possession. Alongside him, Manchester City star Rodri is likely to again be a key figure. The Manchester City midfielder won the Ballon d'Or in 2024 for his brilliant performances for both club and country and played an instrumental role in Spain's success at the 2024 Euros.

At the back, Unai Simon will undoubtedly need to be at his best to help Spain go deep in the competition. The goalkeeper will be under pressure to be perform, given David Raya and Joan Garcia, who have both enjoyed memorable 2025-26 campaigns at club level, are waiting in the wings should De la Fuente decide he needs to make a change.

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Predicted Spain Starting XI for World Cup 2026

De la Fuente has consistently preferred the 4-3-3 formation as manager of Spain, and it appears that will once again be the case at the World Cup. Between the sticks, Unai Simon is expected to start as the first-choice goalkeeper, with David Raya serving as backup.

In defence, the likely starting back four includes Cucurella, Cubarsi, Laporte, and Llorente, and in midfield, Pedri and Rodri, who will act as the midfield anchor, will be automatic starters. The final position of the three is more tough to call, however, with the likes of Gavi and Fabian Ruiz competing for the slot in the XI.

Up front, the flanks will be well covered by Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, although the former is unlikely to be available until at least the third game of the group stages. Mikel Oyarzabal of Real Sociedad, meanwhile, is expected to start in the centre-forward role.

Predicted Spain starting XI (4-3-3): Simon; Cucurella, Cubarsi, Laporte, Llorente; Pedri, Rodri, Fabian Ruiz; Williams, Oyarzabal, Yamal.