Luis de la Fuente will name his first Spain squad since winning the World Cup on Friday, September 18, 2026, marking the national team’s debut wearing shirts featuring two stars. According to reports from EFE, the Spain manager enters this international window facing mandatory tactical adjustments due to injuries and the international retirement of defender Marcos Llorente.
The squad selection kicks off a demanding stretch in the UEFA Nations League, featuring a revised format that requires teams to play four fixtures during a single international window—double the traditional workload of recent years. La Roja’s schedule features a visit to England, home fixtures against Croatia and the Czech Republic, and a return match away to Croatia.
Defensive Overhaul Following Retirement and Injuries
Marcos Llorente announced his international retirement weeks after Spain lifted the World Cup trophy in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. His departure, combined with fitness concerns surrounding Pedro Porro—who missed Tottenham’s last two fixtures with an injury—leaves a significant void at right-back, as reported by EFE.
To address the vacancy, the technical staff is weighing several adjustments. Iván Fresneda enters consideration following a strong start to the season with Sporting CP, while natural center-backs Marc Pubill and Eric García offer alternative tactical cover on the right side of defense. Shifting players out of central defense could clear a path for Real Madrid defender Dean Huijsen to secure a call-up. Huijsen began the campaign under manager José Mourinho looking to put a difficult end to the previous season behind him after missing out on the World Cup squad. The rest of the defensive unit is expected to feature familiar faces, including Pau Cubarsí, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella, and Alejandro Grimaldo.
Goalkeeping Uncertainty and Midfield Boost
In goal, Spain’s technical staff intended to stick with their established trio of goalkeepers, though the starting spot remains contested. Unai Simón typically holds the advantage, despite David Raya’s strong start to the season with Arsenal. However, Joan García picked up physical discomfort during Barcelona’s recent fixture against Racing de Santander, casting late doubt on his inclusion just 24 hours before the official roster announcement.
The midfield receives a welcome reinforcement with the return of Fermín López, who missed the World Cup due to injury. The Barcelona midfielder has started the domestic season strongly, recording four goals and two assists. EFE notes that his club teammate Gavi, who has experienced limited playing time early in the campaign, is expected to make way for him.
Attacking Shake-Up and Managerial Future
The most notable change in the attacking department centers on the backup center-forward role previously held by Borja Iglesias during the World Cup. The Celta Vigo striker started the current season injured and has logged just 34 minutes across two of his club’s last three matches.
Capitalizing on that absence, Sergio Camello of Rayo Vallecano and Roberto Fernández of Espanyol have started the campaign in prolific form, netting six goals each. The two forwards are directly competing for a single spot in the squad ahead of the rigorous Nations League slate.
Off the pitch, Luis de la Fuente approaches the roster announcement backed by a substantial vote of confidence. According to Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president Rafael Louzán, the manager is set to renew his contract through at least 2030, the year Spain will co-host the World Cup alongside Portugal and Morocco.
The official squad list will be unveiled on Friday morning in Madrid, setting the baseline for La Roja’s defense of their continental and global standing.
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