World Cup 2026: Hakimi and Díaz among 11 Spain-born players representing other countries

Eleven players born in Spain will feature at the 2026 FIFA World Cup representing national teams other than Spain, highlighting the country’s deep global football influence across multiple continents.

Among them, six players are part of the Morocco national team, while the remaining players are spread across Argentina, Ghana, Mexico, Uruguay, and Ecuador.

Brahim Díaz case draws major attention

The most closely followed case in the Spanish media is that of Brahim Díaz.

According to Spanish newspaper AS, the Real Madrid attacker, born in Málaga, became one of the most discussed dual-nationality decisions in the build-up to international tournaments. His limited role in the plans of Spain coach Luis de la Fuente was seen as a key factor in his decision to represent Morocco instead.

Morocco’s Spanish-born core

Several of the Spain-born players competing for Morocco have become important figures for the Atlas Lions.

Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi, born in Madrid and raised in Getafe to Moroccan parents, continues to be one of the team’s key leaders.

He is joined by teammates including Chadi Riad, born in Palma de Mallorca, Ismael Saibari, born in Terrassa, Mohammadi, born in Melilla, and Ayoub Amimouni, born in Vic, Barcelona.

Iñaki Williams and Ghana’s World Cup presence

One of the most high-profile switches is that of Iñaki Williams.

Born in Bilbao, Williams previously played once for Spain before committing his international future to Ghana, the country of his parents. He made his debut for the Black Stars in 2022 and is now part of their World Cup squad.

Players representing Argentina, Mexico, Uruguay and Ecuador

Midfielder Rodrigo Zalazar, born in Albacete and son of former Uruguayan international José Luis Zalazar, represents Uruguay at the tournament.

The squad of Mexico includes Álvaro Fidalgo, born in Oviedo, who spent several years developing his career at Club América, making him eligible for the national team.

Meanwhile, Jeremy Arévalo completes the list. Born in Cantabria, the former Racing Santander youth player, now at Stuttgart, represents Ecuador after impressing with his performances in Spain’s lower divisions.

A reflection of modern international football

The presence of 11 Spain-born players representing different nations highlights the increasingly global nature of international football, where heritage, opportunity, and development pathways shape national team careers across the world stage.