Midfielder Marc Bernal May Make His Debut for Spain U21 Already Today. Marc Bernal from FC Barcelona has been included in the squad for Spain's match against Iraq. The young midfielder could play for the national team for the first time. Several key players will miss the game.
On Thursday evening, FC Barcelona midfielder Marc Bernal may make his debut for Spain's youth national team. The coaching staff has included him in the squad for the match against Iraq, which will be held at Riazor and will serve as one of the final tests before the start of the World Cup. For Bernal, this is a chance to prove himself at the national level after successful training sessions in Las Rozas, where he helped the main team prepare for the tournament.
This time, Marc Bernal has been given the number 18 jersey, which is usually worn by Martín Zubimendi. Zubimendi himself, along with nine other first-team players, will not take part in the match against Iraq — the coaching staff has decided to give them a rest. Among those absent are also Fabián, David Raya, Rodri, Pedri, Oyarzabal, Cucurella, Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, and Víctor Muñoz. The last three are still recovering from injuries, but coach Luis de la Fuente expects them to be ready for the start of the tournament.
Along with Marc Bernal, eight more players from the so-called 'support group' were also included in the extended list: Leo Román, Gonzalo, Jon Martín, Sergio Gómez, Javi Guerra, Javi Rodríguez, Turrientes, and Jesús Rodríguez. Most of them have not yet played for the senior national team. According to the coach, not all of them will play against Iraq, but their work and integration into the team have received high praise.
The coaching staff notes that Marc Bernal had a strong season and has great potential for further development. His inclusion in the squad is linked not only to personnel changes but also to the desire to give young players a chance to prove themselves on the international stage. The focus on young talents is growing in the run-up to major tournaments, where the team will need fresh resources.
In light of recent events in Spanish sports, it is worth noting that the competition for spots in teams and the playoffs remains intense not only in football. For example, the playoff series between Kosner Baskonia and Asisa Joventut recently kicked off in Vitoria, with both teams demonstrating a high level of play—read more about this in the article about the start of the Endesa League playoffs.
For reference: Spain’s youth national team is traditionally considered one of the strongest in Europe and regularly supplies players to the main squad. In recent years, clubs have increasingly placed their trust in young footballers, allowing them to adapt more quickly to the high demands of international tournaments. The matches ahead of the World Cup are used to test the lineup and look for new solutions in the face of personnel losses.
