Spain coach Luis de la Fuente named a 26-man World Cup squad featuring teenage sensation Lamine Yamal but notably excluding all Real Madrid players. The squad comes as Spain enters the tournament among favorites following their Euro 2024 triumph, despite crashing out in the round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup. Spain opens Group H play against Cape Verde on June 15.

De la Fuente confirmed fitness concerns over Yamal, Nico Williams, and Mikel Merino but expressed confidence they'll be ready for the opener. The squad includes Athletic Club's Unai Simón, Arsenal's David Raya, and Barcelona's Joan García as goalkeepers, with defenders like Marc Cucurella and Pau Cubarsí making the cut. Robin Le Normand and Fermín López were omitted due to injury.

De la Fuente addressed the difficult selection process, emphasizing team needs over club affiliations. Former captain Álvaro Morata received praise for his leadership legacy. Spain will face Iraq in a friendly on June 4 before meeting Peru on June 8. The coach stated medical reports suggest most players will be available for the tournament opener barring setbacks.