Madrid – March 20, 2026 – Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has raised eyebrows with his latest squad announcement ahead of friendlies against Serbia and Egypt, and more importantly, the final roster selection for this summer’s World Cup. The most notable surprise? The inclusion of four goalkeepers, a departure from typical practice, with Barcelona’s Joan García earning a call-up.
De la Fuente defended the unconventional decision, stating, “The rules are there to be changed.” He elaborated, “It was the right time to have these four goalkeepers in the mix.” The move signals a deeper evaluation process as the coach weighs his options before finalizing the team that will compete on the world stage.
The inclusion of García, alongside established keepers Unai Simón (Athletic Club), David Raya (Arsenal), and Álex Remiro (Real Sociedad), has sparked debate. De la Fuente clarified that this isn’t necessarily a delaying tactic, but rather a reflection of the current talent pool. “We’ll believe about it at the right time,” he said, “but as of today, these are the four best goalkeepers to choose from.” He emphatically stated, “We have four goalkeepers among the top 10 in the world.”
This bold statement underscores the depth Spain possesses in the goalkeeping position, a position that often goes underappreciated but can be pivotal in tournament play. For fans unfamiliar with the nuances of international squad selection, it’s worth noting that managers often employ friendly matches to assess players in a competitive environment, particularly those on the fringes of the squad.
García’s inclusion is particularly interesting given his recent form with Barcelona. De la Fuente acknowledged the player’s pedigree, noting, “Joan García is a very good goalkeeper, but we didn’t just discover him now. He’s been with me internationally five years ago.” The manager believes García brings valuable qualities beyond his shot-stopping ability, adding, “He can contribute to the team spirit, professionalism, and help others improve.”
The expanded goalkeeper contingent isn’t the only change to the Spain squad. The list of 27 players also features several other new faces, reflecting a willingness to experiment and assess talent ahead of the World Cup. Mosquera (Arsenal) has been called up as a central defender, although Carlos Soler and Barrenetxea (both of Real Sociedad) are included as midfielders. Víctor Muñoz (Osasuna) earns a spot as a forward, stepping in for the injured Nico Williams.
Several key players are unavailable due to injury, including Fabián Ruiz, Mikel Merino, and Nico Williams. Carvajal’s limited playing time also factored into the selection process, and Le Normand is absent due to unspecified reasons. These absences have created opportunities for players like García, Mosquera, Soler, Barrenetxea, and Muñoz to showcase their abilities on the international stage.
The Barcelona contingent is well-represented in De la Fuente’s squad, with seven players called up: Joan García, Cubarsí, Pedri, Dani Olmo, Fermín, Lamine Yamal, and Ferran Torres. Real Sociedad also has a strong presence, with four players selected: Oyarzabal, Soler, Barrenetxea, and Remiro. This suggests a close eye is being kept on the form of players from both clubs.
Spain will face Serbia on March 27th at La Cerámica stadium in Vila-real, and then Egypt on March 31st at the RCDE Stadium in Barcelona. These friendlies will serve as crucial preparation for the World Cup, allowing De la Fuente to fine-tune his tactics and assess the form of his players. The matches will provide a valuable opportunity to see how the new additions integrate into the squad and whether they can stake a claim for a place in the final World Cup roster.
The upcoming matches against Serbia and Egypt are more than just friendlies; they are a critical step in Spain’s preparation for a tournament where they are considered strong contenders. De la Fuente’s willingness to experiment and grant opportunities to new players demonstrates his commitment to building a squad capable of competing at the highest level. The decision to call up four goalkeepers, while unconventional, highlights the importance he places on having all positions covered and ensuring he selects the best possible team for the World Cup.
Fans eager to follow the action can find the latest updates on the Spanish Football Federation’s official website and through major sports news outlets. The matches will also be broadcast live on several television networks and streaming platforms. The final World Cup squad announcement is eagerly anticipated, and the performances in these friendlies will undoubtedly play a significant role in De la Fuente’s decision-making process.
What are your thoughts on De la Fuente’s squad selection? Do you think Joan García deserves a place in the World Cup team? Share your opinions in the comments below.
