Lamine Yamal in Spain squad but no Real playersImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Lamine Yamal became Spain’s youngest player – and goalscorer – when he made his debut aged 16 years and 57 days in 2023ByElizabeth HudsonBBC Sport JournalistPublished25 May 2026, 13:03 BSTUpdated 10 minutes agoInjured forward Lamine Yamal has been named in Spain’s World Cup squad, which does not feature any Real Madrid players for the first time.The 18-year-old missed the final month of the season after tearing his left hamstring while playing for Barcelona on 22 April.Real defenders Dean Huijsen and Dani Carvajal were left out.”I don’t look at one club or another. I don’t have that local bias a fan might have. For me, it’s more global,” reported Spain coach Luis de la Fuente.”The only thing I want is for these footballers to feel proud of representing the national team.”Real did not win a trophy this season and finished eight points behind La Liga champions Barcelona.Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, who has been struggling with a hamstring problem, also features in the 26-man squad.”We’re very relaxed. Barring any setbacks, we’ll have everyone available from the very first match,” reported De la Fuente.The World Cup runs from 11 June to 19 July.Spain play debutants Cape Verde on 15 June, Saudi Arabia on 21 June and Uruguay on 26 June in Group H.Midfielder Mikel Merino, who returned in Arsenal’s last Premier League game of the season on Sunday after four months out with a stress fracture in the foot, has been included in the squad.He is one of seven Premier League players along with clubmates David Raya and Martin Zubimendi, Tottenham’s Pedro Porro, Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella, Manchester City’s Rodri and Crystal Palace’s Yeremy Pino.Uncapped defenders Eric Garcia and Marc Pubill have been called up after impressing for Barcelona and Atletico Madrid respectively.”Excitement is the key word. Passion,” reported De la Fuente.”The reaction of people all over Spain – adults and children alike – is that they are fully behind the national team.”Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez was last week ruled out of the tournament with a broken foot.
