Luis de la Fuente is set to unveil his Spain squad for the upcoming World Cup today. While the core of the side is established, several final spots remain a source of uncertainty.
The Spanish national team is sharpening its focus on the upcoming World Cup. As the final European domestic fixtures draw to a close, the footballing world is shifting its gaze toward the tournament, which kicks off in just a few weeks. Luis de la Fuente begins this pivotal phase on Monday with his squad announcement, scheduled for 12:30. The manager is unlikely to opt for a total revolution, instead favouring continuity with a proven group, though a handful of tactical adjustments are anticipated. While the backbone of the squad is settled based on recent call-ups, there is still room for surprises regarding the final few places in the balance.
One such selection headache exists in goal. Unai Simon and David Raya have already secured their tickets, leaving Joan Garcia and Alex Remiro to scrap for the remaining berth. The Real Sociedad shot-stopper, who lost ground during the last international break and suffered a knock in his final outing for the ‘txuri-urdin’, appears the most likely to miss out. However, deciding which of the top two starts the opening game remains a far more difficult task.
De la Fuente appears to have no such doubts regarding his full-backs. Pedro Porro and Marcos Llorente are the chosen options on the right, while Alejandro Grimaldo and Marc Cucurella remain fixtures on the left. Recent squads have cemented this hierarchy, leaving Carvajal unable to force his way back into the fold, despite Mingueza, Victor Gomez, Sergio Gomez, and Fran Garcia all featuring on the preliminary list. In central defence, Laporte and Cubarsi are certainties. While Marc Pubill looks poised for inclusion, significant uncertainty surrounds the fourth centre-back spot, with Huijsen, Jon Martin, Mosquera, Le Normand, and the versatile Eric Garcia all in contention.
The midfield also carries a few lingering questions. Rodri, Zubimendi, Pedri, Fabian, Mikel Merino, Dani Olmo, and Alex Baena are locked in, while Gavi has bolstered the ranks following a resurgent end to the season with Barca. A key figure for De la Fuente, Gavi’s chances have increased further with Fermin ruled out. Beyond that core, the likes of Pablo Fornals, Pablo Barrios, Carlos Soler, and Aleix Garcia remain in the conversation for a late call-up.
In the attacking third, several names are guaranteed their places: Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, Victor Munoz, Ferran Torres, and Mikel Oyarzabal. All signs suggest Borja Iglesias will serve as the third ‘number 9’, while Yeremy Pino and Moleiro appear to be locked in a direct duel for the final attacking vacancy.
