MADRID : Spain manager Luis de la Fuente named a 26-man World Cup squad on Monday dominated by Barcelona players, with no representatives from Real Madrid included for the first time since 1950.
European champions Spain will head to next month’s tournament in North America with eight Barcelona players forming the backbone of a side considered among the favourites to lift the trophy.
The omission of Real Madrid players marked a notable moment for the 15-times European champions, with defenders Dean Huijsen and Dani Carvajal among those left out.
De la Fuente dismissed suggestions the absence reflected any bias against the Spanish giants.
“I’m the manager and I don’t look at where the players come from,” he told reporters.
“They’re national team players; I don’t look at one club or another. I don’t have the same local bias that a fan might have. All I want is for these players to feel proud to represent the national team.”
Barcelona’s contingent includes goalkeeper Joan Garcia, defenders Pau Cubarsi and Eric Garcia, midfielders Gavi and Pedri, and forwards Dani Olmo, Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres.
Spain’s squad also features seven Premier League-based players, including Arsenal trio David Raya, Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino, while Manchester City midfielder Rodri returns as a key figure in midfield.
“Excitement is the key word. Passion,” De la Fuente said.
“The reaction of people all over Spain — adults and children alike — is that they are fully behind the national team. It is an honour for me to represent the national team.”
The coach also played down concerns over the fitness of young stars Yamal and Nico Williams, both of whom are recovering from hamstring problems ahead of the tournament.
“We’re very relaxed. Barring any setbacks, we’ll have everyone available from the very first match,” he said.
“We’re in close contact with the clubs’ medical teams. We’ll call on them when we deem it appropriate. I’d like to reiterate that we’ll have everyone in top form.”
Spain arrive at the World Cup carrying momentum from their European Championship triumph in Germany in 2024 as they chase a second world title following their 2010 success in South Africa.
Spain squad:
Goalkeepers: Unai Simon (Athletic Bilbao), David Raya (Arsenal), Joan Garcia (Barcelona)
Defenders: Pedro Porro (Tottenham Hotspur), Marcos Llorente (Atletico Madrid), Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona), Marc Pubill (Atletico Madrid), Aymeric Laporte (Athletic Bilbao), Eric Garcia (Barcelona), Alex Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen), Marc Cucurella (Chelsea)
Midfielders: Rodri (Manchester City), Martin Zubimendi (Arsenal), Gavi (Barcelona), Pedri (Barcelona), Fabian Ruiz (Paris St Germain), Mikel Merino (Arsenal), Alex Baena (Atletico Madrid)
Forwards: Dani Olmo (Barcelona), Lamine Yamal (Barcelona), Ferran Torres (Barcelona), Yeremy Pino (Crystal Palace), Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao), Victor Munoz (Osasuna), Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad), Borja Iglesias (Celta)
