Spain names 2026 World Cup squad Lamine Yamal included

    Young star leads charge as coach overlooks Real Madrid players

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    Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has announced his 26-player squad for the 2026 World Cup.
    The exciting young Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal is included in the selection.
    However, the squad notably features no players from the prominent Real Madrid club.

    Defender Dean Huijsen and Dani Carvajal are among the players who will not feature in the tournament.
    Spain had a strong performance at Euro 2024, winning the competition convincingly.
    This victory makes them one of the favored teams to win the upcoming World Cup.
    Their first match is scheduled against Cape Verde on June 15.

    The Spanish national team aims to build on their successful Euro 2024 campaign.
    That tournament win demonstrated their current strength and potential.
    The team will also face Saudi Arabia and Uruguay in Group H of the World Cup.
    This group stage presents early challenges for the Spanish side.

    Coach De la Fuente expressed confidence regarding fitness concerns.
    He stated he has "no doubt" that Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, and Mikel Merino will be ready.
    These players have had recent fitness issues but are expected to recover in time.
    The coach emphasized selection based on team needs, not club affiliation.

    The selection also omits Atletico Madrid's Robin Le Normand.
    Barcelona's Fermín López is out due to a broken foot.
    De la Fuente acknowledged the difficulty in leaving players out.
    He stressed the importance of considering all possible game scenarios and opponent characteristics.

    There will be nine "support players" joining the squad in training.
    These players will help prepare the main team for the tournament.
    Spain will play a friendly match against Iraq on Thursday, June 4.
    Another friendly is scheduled against Peru on June 9 in Mexico.

    The coach is calm about the fitness of key players.
    Medical reports suggest Yamal, Williams, and Merino will be available.
    The coaching staff has been coordinating with clubs and medical teams.
    The goal is to have almost the full squad ready for the first game.

    De la Fuente praised Dani Carvajal and former captain Álvaro Morata.
    He highlighted their unforgettable legacy and leadership.
    The coach believes the younger generation of players is well-prepared.
    They are expected to carry on the team's strong tradition and performance.

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