Luis de la Fuente Sets 26-Man Spain World Cup Squad
Spain world cup squad planning is essentially done. Luis de la Fuente said he has already chosen 26 players for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the final list built around a settled model and tactical plan. Three goalkeeper places are part of that list.
De la Fuente’s 26-player plan
De la Fuente said the decisions were made in advance, and he expects the squad to include names that have not previously been called up to the senior team. He also said the selection leans on personal qualities as well as playing ability, with no room for a lack of respect or team spirit.
That approach leaves little ambiguity for players chasing a place. Spain already has its structure in place, and the coach said the main squad is almost finalized even as the final list may still bring a surprise or two.
Spain’s 4-2-3-1 spine
The team will stay in a 4-2-3-1 formation and continue to emphasize wing play and a strong central line. De la Fuente said modern football now demands possession control and fast transitions from attack to defense, and he said Spain has become more versatile and ready for different match scenarios.
He also pointed to the goalkeeping group as one of the team’s strongest assets, while saying he would like to take more than three keepers but cannot do so because the position is so competitive. David Raya was singled out as underestimated in the public sphere.
Ramos, Gavi and Spain’s standards
The selection choices have already cut through reputations. De la Fuente said he refused to invite Sergio Ramos despite the defender’s status as a legend of Spanish football, adding that he makes decisions solely in the interests of the team.
He also said Gavi earned his place back after serious injuries, while Rodrigo, Merino, Oyarzabal, Ferran and Dani Olmo were cited among the leaders and experienced players. De la Fuente said some players may not feature in the opening matches, using Olmo at the Euros as his example, and added that the players spend a lot of time together, which has strengthened the unity built after Spain’s success at the Euros.
Spain’s final list is being shaped for a tournament that will be played in the USA, Mexico and Canada and will feature 48 teams for the first time. De la Fuente listed France, Brazil, Argentina, Portugal, England, Senegal, Morocco and Spain among the favorites, but his immediate task is simpler: trim the group to the 26 who fit the plan and the standards he said will define the squad.
