After a strong showing in the UEFA 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/spain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spain</a> have emerged as one of the favorite national teams to win the tournament. Not only do they possess a highly promising squad, but they also have a clear playing identity. With the anticipated tournament just around the corner, head coach Luis de la Fuente has announced the final 26-man roster, leaving out <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/real-madrid/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Real Madrid</a> players for the first time in history.



Despite Dean Huijsen having been part of <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/luis-de-la-fuente/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Luis de la Fuente</a>’s process, his poor performances at Real Madrid and inconsistent displays with the national team left him out of the 2026 World Cup. Likewise, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/dani-carvajal/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dani Carvajal</a> has been excluded from the 26-man roster, as Pedro Porro and Marcos Llorente have overtaken him in the pecking order. In addition, Raúl Asencio, Álvaro Carreras, Fran García, Dani Ceballos, and Gonzalo García have also been left out by Spain.



For the first time in <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Cup</a> history, Spain have left out Real Madrid players, reflecting an imminent shift in the sporting project. Unlike Barcelona, Los Blancos have leaned toward international stars such as Aurélien Tchouaméni, Kylian Mbappé, Vinicius Jr., Federico Valverde, and other foreign players. While Asencio, Carreras, and García usually receive playing time, they have failed to become as the best players in LaLiga in their respective positions.



Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente made his stance on not calling up Real Madrid players clear: “Fortunately, I am the national team manager. I do not look at where any player comes from… I only look at whether he has the possibility of playing with us. To me, they are players of the Spanish national team… I do not have the localist mentality that some fans may have,” he said at the latest press conference.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/12/24173526/laporte-spain-1920x1080.webp" alt="laporte spain" class="wp-image-611844"><figcaption>Aymeric Laporte of Spain celebrates scoring</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Real Madrid move away from Spanish pillars in squad rebuild</h2>



Throughout history, Real Madrid have consistently focused on signing the best players in the world. Without a philosophy centered on developing players, they have instead turned to the transfer market to build the core of their project, featuring players such as Thibaut Courtois, Éder Militão, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Federico Valverde, Jude Bellingham, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Arda Güler, Vinicius Jr., Kylian Mbappé, and Endrick.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="WST#/world-cup/spain-coach-luis-de-la-fuente-predicts-three-favorites-for-the-2026-world-cup/"></div>


Los Blancos have not typically prioritized the development of domestic talent, with the signings of Dean Huijsen and Álvaro Carreras being the only exceptions. Nevertheless, neither of them are regular starters, being outperformed by teammates. While Barcelona seek to build a core of Spanish players, Real Madrid pursue signings of any nationality, a contrast reflected in their absence from the 2026 World Cup.



<h2>Spain’s full 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup</h2>



Unlike previous Spain call-ups, head coach Luis de la Fuente has made surprising decisions in different areas of the field. With the strong form of Joan García, Álex Remiro, usually the national team’s third goalkeeper, was left out despite being a key part of the process. Likewise, Dean Huijsen, Pablo Barrios, and Pablo Fornals have been excluded despite playing prominent roles in the qualifiers.



Goalkeepers: Unai Simón (Athletic Club Bilbao), David Raya (Arsenal) and Joan García (FC Barcelona) Defenders: Pedro Porro (Tottenham Hotspur), Marcos Llorente (Atlético Madrid), Aymeric Laporte (Athletic Club Bilbao), Pau Cubarsí (FC Barcelona), Marc Pubill (Atlético Madrid), Eric García (FC Barcelona), Marc Cucurella (Chelsea) and Alejandro Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen).



Midfielders: Rodrigo Hernández (Manchester City), Martin Zubimendi (Arsenal), Pedri (FC Barcelona), Fabián Ruiz (PSG), Mikel Merino (Arsenal), Pablo Gavi (FC Barcelona), and Alex Baena (Atlético Madrid).



Forwards: Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad), Lamine Yamal (FC Barcelona), Ferran Torres (FC Barcelona), Borja Iglesias (Real Betis), Dani Olmo (FC Barcelona), Victor Muñoz (CD Osasuna), Nico Williams (Athletic Club Bilbao) and Yeremy Pino (Crystal Palace).

Spain leave Real Madrid players out of final 26-man 2026 World Cup squad for first time in history

Spain leave Real Madrid players out of final 26-man 2026 World Cup squad for first time in history - World Soccer Talk

main

<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/real-madrid/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Real Madrid</a> may not have much left to play for in Saturday’s match against Athletic Club after settling for second place behind <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/barcelona/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Barcelona</a>. However, it will still be a very emotional day for the fans as <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/dani-carvajal/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dani Carvajal</a> is set to play his final match for the club. Club icon <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/toni-kroos/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Toni Kroos</a> bid farewell to his former teammate.



Kroos wrote: “Madridistas, tomorrow one of the greatest is leaving. One of our own! Someone who was always an example because of his attitude. Someone who defended Real Madrid in every situation with everything he had. Give him the farewell he deserves tomorrow! Let him leave through the front door! Make him feel the same thing I was able to feel two years ago! It was a pleasure playing with you. Thank you, Dani Carvajal.”



Carvajal did not deliver his best performances over the last two years after the knee injury he suffered in October 2023 forced him to take a step back in his career. Ultimately, the club decided not to renew the contract that expires in June, bringing the right back’s time with Real Madrid to an end.



<h2>Álvaro Arbeloa on Carvajal</h2>



The successful run of the right back lasted 13 years after he returned from Bayer Leverkusen in 2013. His spell at the club was so long that he even shared the locker room with <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/alvaro-arbeloa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Álvaro Arbeloa</a>.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2026/05/22203334/arbeloa-7-1920x1080.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-646101"><figcaption>Arbeloa didn’t consider Carvajal very much (Denis Doyle/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



This was also an important press conference for the manager, who confirmed he will not continue in his role while also detailing the plan for the captain to receive the farewell he deserves from the fans.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="WST#/news/cesc-fabregas-confirms-nicolas-paz-will-play-for-either-como-or-real-madrid-he-wont-play-for-inter/"></div>


Arbeloa said: “Carvajal is a symbol of what a Real Madrid player should be. The fact that he is from home, a homegrown player, and helped lay the foundation for Real Madrid makes him special and unique. It will be a very special day for all of us to be able to give him the tribute and ovation he deserves. He will be in the starting lineup, and when I substitute him, I hope everyone rises to their feet and leaves with a great memory of tomorrow. I’m sure he is going to be proud of everything he has done for Real Madrid, and we have been very lucky to have him.”



<h2>David Alaba also leaves Real Madrid</h2>



Saturday will not only be Carvajal’s final match for Real Madrid, as David Alaba is also leaving the club. His time at Real Madrid was very different from his teammate’s because injuries prevented him from showing his best version after leaving Bayern Munich. The move involving the versatile defender was announced by the club in a statement that included a quote from <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/florentino-perez/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florentino Pérez</a>.



In the statement, the club president said: “Alaba leaves with the affection of all Madridistas for his commitment, his work ethic, and an iconic image on our road to La Decimocuarta that came to symbolize the celebration of a victory and is now part of the history of our club. Real Madrid will always be his home.”

Toni Kroos bids farewell to Dani Carvajal before Real Madrid exit: ‘One of the greatest is leaving’

Toni Kroos bids farewell to Dani Carvajal before Real Madrid exit: ‘One of the greatest is leaving’ - World Soccer Talk

<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/luis-de-la-fuente/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Luis de la Fuente</a> has led <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/spain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spain</a> very well since taking over, capped by a brilliant Euro title. The next challenge is even bigger, but he already has most of the squad sorted out. Monday is when he will announce the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Cup</a> list, which could still include a surprise, as he told former player Mario Suárez on his podcast.



De la Fuente said: “The group of players is set. It’s possible I’ll call up a player who hasn’t been here before. The goalkeeper is decided. I could even tell you the lineup. There will be three goalkeepers, not four.”



While the manager did not name that player, one name that has recently gained a lot of attention is <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/gavi/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gavi</a>, who has been excellent for <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/barcelona/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Barcelona</a>: “We haven’t given him anything. He has earned it himself after overcoming two very serious injuries. He is in a very good moment. When he is not there, he is a player you really miss.”



<h2>De la Fuente on Dani Carvajal</h2>



A major name that was left out of the list was <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/dani-carvajal/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dani Carvajal</a>. The right back was outstanding for <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/real-madrid/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Real Madrid</a> two years ago and even scored in the Champions League final, but after his knee injury in October 2023, he has not been able to repeat that level.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2026/05/20223118/carvajal-1-1920x1080.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-645530"><figcaption>Carvajal has just returned from a minor foot injury (Fran Santiago/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



This time may not be ideal for Carvajal, as he will not make the squad, not because his performances have not been good enough, but due to a recent injury that has put his fitness in doubt in doubt and he has missed time while trying to get back in shape.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="WST#/world-cup/report-lamine-yamal-to-miss-first-two-world-cup-games-after-spain-barcelona-agreement/"></div>


De la Fuente all but confirmed that Carvajal was not going to be back in time after suffering a fracture of the distal phalanx of the fifth toe: “He is a great captain, but it was difficult for him to be in condition to play.”



<h2>De la Fuente on his hardest decision</h2>



The coach also reflected on his career. De la Fuente said leaving a major name out of the team was the hardest decision he has made since becoming Spain’s national team coach: “The hardest decision since I became national team coach was not calling up Sergio Ramos.”

Luis de la Fuente teases Spain World Cup squad: ‘It’s possible I’ll call up a player who hasn’t been here before’

Luis de la Fuente teases Spain World Cup squad: ‘It’s possible I’ll call up a player who hasn’t been here before’ - World Soccer Talk

Following the successful era of Carlo Ancelotti, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/real-madrid/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Real Madrid CF</a> have struggled to maintain their dominance. Because of this, they are set for the beginning of a new cycle, planning major changes throughout the squad. Alongside this, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/jose-mourinho/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">José Mourinho</a> has supposedly agreed to return to the club in an attempt to rebuild the sporting project. In addition, he is reportedly aiming to strengthen the squad in three key positions.



According to Sky Sports, via X, formerly Twitter, José Mourinho has agreed to return to Real Madrid CF, 13 years after his departure from the club. With a two-year contract, he will reportedly be tasked with rebuilding the sporting project after the disappointing spells of Xabi Alonso and Álvaro Arbeloa. In addition, Mourinho is supposedly set to receive greater authority over squad decisions, alongside stronger backing from the front office regarding his choices.



With his return to Real Madrid CF, Mourinho has already identified the key positions he wants reinforced during the 2026 summer transfer window. As per Sacha Tavolieri, transfer expert, via X, the Portuguese manager has decided to prioritize the signing of a right back, a left back, and a center back as his first major steps toward improving the squad’s competitiveness ahead of the 2026-27 season.



Alongside these defensive reinforcements, José Mourinho is reportedly aiming to strengthen the midfield with a world-class signing: Rodri from Manchester City FC. According to Football Insider, the Portuguese manager considers him the ideal player to rebuild the team around. With his contract running until 2027, the 29-year-old star could reportedly be available for around €60 million or less next summer, a fee Los Blancos may be willing to pay.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2026/05/13130957/Mourinho-1920x1080.webp" alt="Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of Benfica, looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League." class="wp-image-643408"><figcaption>Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of Benfica, looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Dani Carvajal heads Real Madrid departures for the 2026-27 season</h2>



Real Madrid CF appear ready to make radical changes to their squad in an effort to restore the team’s competitiveness. To achieve this, Los Blancos not only need reinforcements in several areas of the pitch, but could also require numerous player departures. With only one match remaining before the end of the season, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/dani-carvajal/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dani Carvajal</a> has officially announced his departure from the club at the end of the campaign, bringing an end to a historic spell.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="WST#/news/mourinhos-return-to-real-madrid-would-not-be-a-good-idea-says-former-spain-international-gaizka-mendieta/"></div>


“Real Madrid C.F. and our captain Dani Carvajal have agreed to bring an end to a wonderful chapter as a player of our club at the conclusion of the current season. Real Madrid wishes to express its gratitude and affection to one of the greatest legends of our club... Carvajal is one of the five players in soccer history to have won 6 European Cups and has been part of a team that has experienced one of the brightest periods in our history,” revealed Real Madrid via Instagram.



Alongside Dani Carvajal, both David Alaba and Dani Ceballos also appear set to leave the club, having failed to fully establish as starters in recent seasons. In addition, several players could see their futures decided during preseason, including Raúl Asencio, Franco Mastantuono, Eduardo Camavinga, and Fran García. With multiple areas of the squad still needing reinforcement, Los Blancos may need to oversee even more departures in the coming months.

José Mourinho reportedly set for Real Madrid return with plans to rebuild three key positions

José Mourinho reportedly set for Real Madrid return with plans to rebuild three key positions - World Soccer Talk

What was already a very bad season for <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/dani-carvajal/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dani Carvajal</a> could get even worse after the latest injury news. This all but rules out the right back from playing again for <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/real-madrid/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Real Madrid</a>, which also makes his <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/world-cup/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Cup</a> participation with <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/spain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spain</a> look even less likely.



Real Madrid confirmed the injury in <a href="https://www.realmadrid.com/en-US/news/football/first-team/medical-reports/parte-medico-de-carvajal-02-05-2026" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">an official statement</a>: “After the tests carried out on our player Dani Carvajal by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with a fracture of the distal phalanx of the fifth toe on his right foot. Pending evolution.”



This injury likely ends his season, as the expected recovery time is two to four weeks. Even if he could return sooner, he was already a backup in <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/alvaro-arbeloa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Álvaro Arbeloa</a>’s team. Not being able to get on the field also raises even more doubts about his World Cup participation with Spain.



<h2>Carvajal likely played his last match for Real Madrid</h2>



The sporting side of this news could be softened by saying he might return next season at full strength to compete for a spot. However, there was a decision made by the club’s higher-ups not to keep Carvajal once his contract expires at the end of June, according to Marca.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2026/05/02160032/arbeloa-1920x1080.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-640498"><figcaption>Arbeloa doesn’t see Carvajal as a priority for the future (Fran Santiago/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



His role had already been reduced because of the injuries he has dealt with recently. The torn ACL that ended the previous season also brought more issues than are normally expected when a player recovers from that type of injury.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="WST#/news/real-madrid-players-criticized-by-oliver-kahn-amid-potential-jurgen-klopp-hiring/"></div>


What is unfortunate about Carvajal’s situation is that he may say goodbye to the fans without being able to be with the team, even though he has worn the captain’s armband for many matches. It feels unfair that a player who scored the winning goal in a Champions League final has to leave this way.



<h2>Carvajal’s season with Real Madrid</h2>



The numbers show how much his role was reduced with Arbeloa as manager, with reports also saying the two were not in the best relationship. Carvajal has played just 20 matches this season, with no goals, 14 in La Liga, one in the Copa del Rey, and five in the Champions League.

Dani Carvajal could be out for the season at Real Madrid, with the World Cup at serious risk

Dani Carvajal could be out for the season at Real Madrid, with the World Cup at serious risk - World Soccer Talk

Latest news from dani carvajal. Find out about all the news related to dani carvajal on worldsoccertalk.com

ALL POSTS TAGGED "dani carvajal"

World Cup

Spain leave Real Madrid players out of final 26-man 2026 World Cup squad for first time in history

News

Toni Kroos bids farewell to Dani Carvajal before Real Madrid exit: ‘One of the greatest is leaving’

World Cup

Luis de la Fuente teases Spain World Cup squad: ‘It’s possible I’ll call up a player who hasn’t been here before’

News

José Mourinho reportedly set for Real Madrid return with plans to rebuild three key positions

News

Dani Carvajal could be out for the season at Real Madrid, with the World Cup at serious risk