Barcelona dominates Spain's World Cup squad, no Real Madrid player selected

Former world champions Spain have announced their final 26-member squad for the upcoming World Cup, with the biggest surprise being that for the first time in modern football history, no Real Madrid player has been included.

Coach Luis de la Fuente's squad clearly shows Barcelona's influence. The absence of several key names has also sparked fresh debate.

After being eliminated in the Round of 16 in the 2022 World Cup, Spain won Euro 2024 to reassert their strength. They are once again considered one of the favourites for this World Cup.

De la Fuente expressed optimism about the fitness of Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams and Mikel Merino despite their injuries, believing they will be fully fit before the tournament begins.

Goalkeepers: Unai Simon, David Raya, Joan Garcia

Defenders: Cucurella, Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte, Grimaldo, Pedro Porro, Eric Garcia, Marcos Llorente, Marc Pubill

Midfielders: Pedri, Gavi, Rodri, Fabian Ruiz, Zubimendi, Alex Baena, Mikel Merino

Forwards: Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, Dani Olmo, Ferran Torres, Mikel Oyarzabal, Yeremy Pino, Borja Iglesias, Victor Munoz

Real Madrid defenders Dani Carvajal and Dean Huijsen failed to make the squad. Atletico Madrid's Robin Le Normand was also omitted. Barcelona's young midfielder Fermin Lopez missed out due to injury.

De la Fuente said the main goal was to build a balanced team considering opponents and match situations, prioritising national team needs over club affiliations.

Spain will play friendlies against Iraq on June 4 and Peru on June 8 before heading to the United States for the main tournament. They will begin their World Cup campaign against Cape Verde on June 15.

Spain's other group opponents in Group H are Saudi Arabia and Uruguay. Expectations among Spanish fans are sky-high for this squad of youth and experience.