Spain squad World Cup 2026: Which players have made it to the showpiece in USA, Mexico and Canada?

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.

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.

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, as well as the Ligue 1 title in 2025-26.

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, meanwhile, has had an injury-hit last couple of years with the Premier League side although he should be raring to go by the time the tournament starts.

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, Mikel Oyarzabal is likely to start for De la Fuente's side. 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.

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.

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.