Spain recall Huijsen and Fermin Lopez as De la Fuente makes four squad changes

Luis de la Fuente has named Spain’s squad for the start of their 2026-27 Nations League campaign, with four changes to the group that won the last World Cup.

La Roja return to action one week from now when they travel to Wembley to face England, beginning a run of four matches during the international break. Spain had previously won the European Championship before lifting the World Cup.

After the England game, Spain will host Croatia at the Sanchez Pizjuan on the 29th. They then face the Czech Republic in Oviedo on the 3rd before completing the sequence with another meeting against Croatia in Split.

De la Fuente has retained the main structure of his world champions’ squad, while making it clear that selection remains open to all players. A place in the World Cup-winning team, he indicated, must be secured through continued form and competition.

Four of the 26 players who featured at the World Cup are absent from the new squad.

Martinez replaces injured Joan Garcia

Joan Garcia misses out because of injury after damaging his right knee in a fall during the match against Racing. His absence has allowed De la Fuente to recall Josep Martinez, the Inter Milan goalkeeper.

Martinez last played for Spain in June 2021. His international debut came under De la Fuente in a match against Lithuania, when Spain had to field a second-string side after the senior squad was isolated following positive Covid-19 tests for Sergio Busquets and Diego Llorente.

At right-back, change was expected after Marcos Llorente announced his international retirement on 3 September last year. De la Fuente has selected Eric Garcia for the position, having used him there for every minute he has played for his club this season.

The squad also includes Dean Huijsen, the Real Madrid defender, who returns after missing the World Cup.

Gavi left out as Fermin returns

Barcelona midfielder Gavi is another omission after his playing time was reduced following a new knee problem suffered after the match against Elche.

Gavi started Spain’s opening World Cup match against Cape Verde but was unable to maintain his place because of injury. FIFA’s appeals committee also rejected the Spanish Football Federation’s request to suspend the ban imposed on him for events during the World Cup final.

Fermin Lopez returns after missing the World Cup with a foot injury sustained in the final round of last season. He had been an important part of De la Fuente’s plans before the tournament.

The other notable change is in attack, where Borja Iglesias has been left out. He was one of De la Fuente’s main options during the World Cup.

His place has gone to Espanyol striker Roberto Fernandez, who leads the race for the Zarra award for the top-scoring Spanish player in the league. He was chosen ahead of Camilo, Espe and Gonzalo.

Spain squad

Goalkeepers: Unai Simon, David Raya, Josep Martinez.

Defenders: Pedro Porro, Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte, Pubill, Dean Huijsen, Marc Cucurella, Alejandro Grimaldo.

Midfielders: Rodri, Martin Zubimendi, Pedri, Fabian Ruiz, Mikel Merino, Dani Olmo, Alex Baena, Fermin Lopez.

Forwards: Nico Williams, Yeremy Pino, Mikel Oyarzabal, Ferran Torres, Roberto Fernandez, Lamine Yamal, Victor Munoz.