Spain's national team coach, Luis de la Fuente, has unveiled his squad for the upcoming World Cup, marking a significant shift as there are no players from Real Madrid included for the first time. The squad, announced on May 25, features a strong Barcelona influence, with eight players from the Catalan club, highlighting the ongoing rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Barcelona Dominance in Squad Selection

De la Fuente's 26-man roster comes as Spain aims for their second World Cup title, following their victory in 2010. Notable absentees from Real Madrid include defenders Dean Huijsen and Dani Carvajal. Despite the lack of Real Madrid representation, De la Fuente remains unfazed about potential backlash from Madrid supporters, emphasizing that the Spanish national team is paramount. “For me, the greatest team there is – the very greatest – is the Spanish national team,” he stated during a media breakfast organized by RTVE and EFE.

Focus on Team Unity and Player Fitness

The Barcelona players called up include Joan Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Eric Garcia, Gavi, Pedri, Dani Olmo, Lamine Yamal, and Ferran Torres, alongside seven players from the Premier League. De la Fuente insists that his selections were based purely on sporting merit, despite acknowledging the subjective nature of such decisions. He expressed confidence in the fitness of players like Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, and Mikel Merino, who are currently recovering from injuries. “We know that these players are in good physical shape; each one is making good progress in their recovery process,” he remarked, indicating optimism for their availability for the tournament's opening match against Cape Verde.

As Spain prepares for the World Cup, De la Fuente's focus remains on building a cohesive team that prioritizes national pride over club affiliations. His commitment to the national team underscores a vision of unity as they embark on their quest for glory in the tournament.