Prominent names on the list
As expected, the provisional squad features several high-profile stars whose experience and talent could prove decisive when the tournament kicks off next month.
Up front, fans will recognize two-time African Player of the Year Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, whose pace and clinical finishing have made him one of the continent’s most feared strikers. He will be joined by the versatile Riyad Mahrez, known for his dribbling ability and set-piece expertise, providing creativity from wide positions.
In midfield, the selection committee has entrusted the anchoring role to Idrissa Gueye, a combative ball-winner whose energy and distribution have earned him a reputation as one of Europe’s most reliable holding midfielders. His partnership with the technically gifted Thomas Partey should give the team both solidity and flair in the centre of the park.
At the back, the back line will be led by the seasoned defender Kalidou Koulibaly, whose commanding presence and reading
Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has moved to quell concerns regarding the fractured relationship between Lamine Yamal and Dani Carvajal. The Barcelona wonderkid and Real Madrid captain were involved in a heated confrontation following October's feisty El Clasico at the Santiago Bernabeu. Despite the domestic animosity, the national team boss insists that international duty transcends club rivalries as La Roja prepare for upcoming fixtures.
Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has laid down the gauntlet for Dani Carvajal after the Real Madrid captain was a surprise omission from the latest La Roja squad. The veteran defender faces a race against time to prove his fitness and form ahead of the 2026 World Cup, with Spain going into the tournament as European champions.
Real Madrid are reportedly preparing for a ruthless squad clear-out this summer, with as many as six high-profile first-team stars, including defensive stalwarts and midfield prodigies, said to be on the chopping block.
Real Madrid captain Dani Carvajal has publicly defended his decision to applaud Celta Vigo legend Iago Aspas during their recent La Liga encounter at Balaidos. Following a wave of unwarranted online criticism from a section of his own fanbase, the veteran defender took to social media to firmly remind supporters that basic sporting values and respect must always come first.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has dismissed any talk of tension between Lamine Yamal and Dani Carvajal following their fiery exchange in El Clasico. The national team boss revealed he personally spoke to both players and confirmed there “wouldn't be any problem" between them as La Roja prepare for crucial World Cup qualifiers this month.
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has played down concerns about a potential rift between Lamine Yamal and Dani Carvajal after their heated exchange following El Clasico. The Roja boss insists there is “no strange behaviour” in the squad and confirmed he has spoken to the Barcelona and Real Madrid players, stressing unity ahead of Spain’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
Xabi Alonso addressed the latest injury to Real Madrid captain Dani Carvajal, with the setback set to rule the full-back out for the rest of the year. The Madrid head coach stated that "it was a surprise to receive that call from the doctor" the morning after he oversaw his side's dramatic 2-1 win over arch-rivals El Clasico. This is already the second time Carvajal has suffered an injury this season.
Trent Alexander-Arnold's return to fitness could not have come at a more important time for Real Madrid, following the loss of Dani Carvajal to injury. It comes just a week before Los Blancos are due to face Liverpool in the Champions League at Anfield, only five months after Alexander-Arnold decided to end a 20-year association with his boyhood team.
Barcelona star Lamine Yamal is reportedly playing at just half of his capacity due to a painful groin injury. Doctor Pedro Luis Ripoll says the 18-year-old’s physical issue is severely restricting his movement and shooting ability, with the youngster’s ongoing struggle evident during Barcelona’s 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid in El Clasico on Sunday.
Former Barcelona president Joan Gaspart has blasted Dani Carvajal over the fiery confrontation with Lamine Yamal in the wake of Real Madrid's victory in the Clasico on Sunday. Gaspart said Carvajal is “finished” and should not have provoked the 18-year-old at the end of the match, while the former chief also offered advice to Barca's young star.
Real Madrid have confirmed that captain Dani Carvajal will be sidelined for up to three months after sustaining a right knee injury during Sunday’s fiery Clasico against Barcelona. The 33-year-old defender, who was involved in a heated post-match confrontation with Lamine Yamal, will undergo arthroscopic surgery to repair the damage, the club announced on Monday.
Lamine Yamal was the subject of Dani Carvajal's angry attention following Sunday’s Clasico encounter between Barcelona and Real Madrid. Los Blancos won the fiercely contested game at the Santiago Bernabeu to inflict Barca's second La Liga defeat of the season, after which Carvajal had the last laugh by making clear his opinion on Yamal's pre-match behaviour.
Tensions boiled over after Real Madrid’s 2–1 win against Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu as Barca captain Frenkie de Jong slammed Dani Carvajal for his post-match gesture towards winger Lamine Yamal. What began as a heated Clasico ended in chaos with the culmination of days of tension sparked by Yamal’s pre-game remarks that infuriated the Madrid players and set the stage for a volatile night in the Spanish capital.
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