Spain World Cup Squad: Yamal In Despite Injury

The Short Version

On May 25, 2026, Luis de la Fuente presented Spain’s 26 for the 2026 World Cup (the team’s list; FIFA’s official confirmation is expected on June 2). Key points: (1) Lamine Yamal is in despite a muscle injury and, per the medical timeline, would miss the opener against Cape Verde on June 15; (2) Nico Williams is also in while carrying an injury — De la Fuente is betting on recovering both for the decisive stages; (3) Major absences: Álvaro Morata, dropped despite having been captain, and Dani Carvajal; (4) Gavi returns after his fitness problems; (5) The core is Rodri (2024 Ballon d’Or), Pedri, Cubarsí, and Cucurella; (6) Spain is in Group H with Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, and Uruguay; (7) It opens on June 15 in Atlanta.

The 26-Man List

De la Fuente presented a squad of three goalkeepers, eight defenders, seven midfielders, and eight forwards:

Goalkeepers (3): Unai Simón, David Raya, Joan García.

Defenders (8): Marc Cucurella, Álex Grimaldo, Pau Cubarsí, Aymeric Laporte, Pubill, Eric García, Marcos Llorente, Pedro Porro.

Midfielders (7): Pedri, Fabián Ruiz, Rodri, Martín Zubimendi, Gavi, Mikel Merino, Álex Baena.

Forwards (8): Mikel Oyarzabal, Nico Williams, Dani Olmo, Lamine Yamal, Yeremy Pino, Borja Iglesias, Ferran Torres, Víctor Muñoz.

One clarification: this is the list presented by the national team. FIFA’s official confirmation is expected on June 2, and changes due to injury are allowed up to 24 hours before the first match. In other words, it is Spain’s squad — not yet the definitive registration closed by FIFA.

The Bet on Lamine Yamal

The decision that defines this list is Yamal’s. Although both Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams ended the demanding European season carrying muscle injuries, the coach made the firm decision to include them in the final 26-man list.

The medical detail matters. Yamal suffered a left hamstring (biceps femoris) injury on April 22, in a LaLiga match against Celta, after taking a penalty, and has not played since. According to the recovery timeline, he would not be fit for the opener against Cape Verde on June 15, and for the second group match against Saudi Arabia, on June 21, he would also appear practically ruled out. The national team’s idea is that he could reappear only at the close of the group stage against Uruguay, on June 26.

It is, then, a bet on the future within the tournament itself: Spain gives up Yamal at the start in order to have him, if all goes well, in the decisive phase. The coaching staff fully trusts his recovery so that he can be a fundamental piece throughout the competition.

Who Misses Out

If Yamal’s inclusion marks the list at the top, the absences mark it at the bottom — and they are notable.

The most talked-about is Álvaro Morata. The striker, captain in previous squads, is left out after a season far from his best level. Also absent is Dani Carvajal, whose cycle with La Roja appears to close due to fitness problems. They are two names tied to the national team’s recent years, now set aside in favour of in-form profiles.

The flip side is the return of Gavi, recovered from his fitness problems, and the bet on younger or less regular names such as Joan García, Pubill, and Víctor Muñoz. It is the picture of a side in full renewal, one that waits for no one on the strength of a CV.

A Blend of Golden Generation and Renewal

What remains is a squad that combines the Euro 2024 champion base with the wave already pushing through.

The core is Rodri — 2024 Ballon d’Or, back from his serious injury — and Pedri in midfield, with Cucurella and the young Cubarsí at the back, and Oyarzabal and Ferran Torres up front. Around them, a new generation that is no longer a promise but a present: Cubarsí, Gavi, and Yamal himself. Spain is not going through a transition but an overlap: those who won the Euro and those arriving, in the same group.

That depth is precisely what lets De la Fuente bet on an injured Yamal. A side with fewer resources could not afford to wait for a star; Spain can.

What Awaits

Spain is in Group H and will open on June 15 against Cape Verde at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, before facing Saudi Arabia on the 21st and closing the group stage against Uruguay on June 26. La Roja will look to get past the first knockout round for the first time since 2010, when it won the tournament in South Africa.

The calendar fits, almost ironically, with Yamal’s plan: if his recovery proceeds without setbacks, the group-closing clash with Uruguay could be his return. Spain will start the World Cup without its greatest jewel and hopes to finish it with him. That is De la Fuente’s gamble.

FAQ

Is Lamine Yamal in Spain’s squad for the 2026 World Cup? Yes. De la Fuente included him in the 26 despite a muscle injury. Per the medical timeline, he would miss the opener against Cape Verde on June 15 and possibly the second match, with a possible return against Uruguay on June 26.

What injury does Yamal have? A left hamstring (biceps femoris) injury, suffered on April 22 in a LaLiga match against Celta after taking a penalty. He has not played since.

Why is Álvaro Morata not in the squad? Morata, captain in previous squads, was left out after a season far from his best. Dani Carvajal is also out due to fitness problems.

Who returns to the squad? Gavi returns after overcoming his fitness problems. The list also backs younger or less regular names such as Joan García, Pubill, and Víctor Muñoz.

Is the list official, or is FIFA’s confirmation still pending? It is the list presented by the national team on May 25. FIFA’s official confirmation is expected on June 2, with injury changes allowed up to 24 hours before the first match.

Which group is Spain in at the 2026 World Cup? Group H, with Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, and Uruguay. It opens on June 15 in Atlanta against Cape Verde.

Who forms the core of the team? Rodri (2024 Ballon d’Or) and Pedri in midfield, Cucurella and Cubarsí at the back, Oyarzabal and Ferran Torres up front, with a new generation led by Cubarsí, Gavi, and Yamal.