Yamal named captain of Spain’s World Cup squad; Merino returns to the team

Lamine Yamal is the captain of Spain’s squad for the 2026 World Cup, announced by coach Luis de la Fuente on Monday. The squad also includes Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino, who has returned from injury.

For the first time in World Cup history, the Spanish squad will not feature a Real Madrid player. Dean Huijsen has been dropped, and veteran Dani Carvajal was omitted after a season plagued by injuries.

Merino, a favourite of de la Fuente, appeared as a substitute for Arsenal against Crystal Palace on Sunday in their final Premier League match, marking his first appearance since January following a foot fracture.

De la Fuente also selected defenders Eric Garcia and Marc Pubill after strong seasons with Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, respectively, while leaving out Huijsen and Atletico’s Robin Le Normand.

Alongside the 18‑year‑old Barca star Yamal, Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams played a key role in Spain’s Euro 2024 victory and is included in the squad despite a season disrupted by fitness problems.

Yamal is doubtful for the opening matches of the tournament after sustaining a hamstring injury with Barca that has kept him out since late April.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Unai Simon (Athletic Bilbao), David Raya (Arsenal/ENG), Joan Garcia (Barcelona)

Defenders: Marcos Llorente, Marc Pubill (Atletico Madrid), Pedro Porro (Tottenham/ENG), Aymeric Laporte (Athletic Bilbao), Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona), Marc Cucurella (Chelsea/ENG), Alejandro Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen/GER)

Midfielders: Rodri (Manchester City/ENG), Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino (Arsenal/ENG), Pedri, Gavi (Barcelona), Fabian Ruiz (Paris Saint‑Germain/FRA), Alex Baena (Atletico Madrid)

Forwards: Yeremy Pino (Crystal Palace/ENG), Victor Munoz (Osasuna), Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad), Ferran Torres, Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo (Barcelona), Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao), Borja Iglesias (Celta Vigo)

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