Spain’s national team head coach Luis de la Fuente has selected the players who will take part in the next two qualifying matches for the 2026 World Cup. The games will be held on October 11 and 14: Spain will first face Georgia in Elche, then take on Bulgaria in Valladolid. Both matches are scheduled to start at 20:45 local time.
The called-up players will arrive at the training center in Las Rozas on Monday evening, immediately after the La Liga round ends. This will allow the coaching staff to properly prepare for these crucial fixtures.
There has been lively debate surrounding the squad selection. Particular attention was drawn to the inclusion of Lamine Yamal, who recently recovered from injury and has only played a few matches for his club. Some experts and former officials, including former Barcelona president Joan Gaspart, questioned the rationale behind his call-up considering his recent fitness issues.
At the same time, Marcos Llorente, who has been a consistent performer for his club and hasn’t missed a single game this season, was also included in the squad. According to analysts, his versatility and physical readiness could prove crucial in the upcoming matches.
The final list does not include players such as Nico, Carvajal, Fermín, and Gavi. Nonetheless, the coach is sticking to his chosen strategy: minimal changes to the squad and a focus on team chemistry. However, injuries continue to force adjustments, as seen with this being the second revised list of the season.
At the moment, Spain tops Group E with six points. The team is confidently heading toward qualification for the World Cup finals, but competition for a spot in the lineup remains intense.
