Rivalry, even in the national team. This Monday, Luis de la Fuente revealed the list of 26 Spain players for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada. A group in which FC Barcelona stars Lamine Yamal and Pedri appear, but without any Real Madrid players.
For the first time since 1932, Spain, reigning European champion and among the tournament favorites, does not have any Real Madrid representatives in its squad. So, the Catalan press had a field day, especially since eight Blaugranas were selected. “8-0” headlined Mundo Deportivo and Sport this Tuesday morning. “Roja Culé”, said the first newspaper, while the second added: “World rout”. And to assure in his columns: “Barça will once again lead the Spanish national team in the World Cup.”
De la Fuente does not have “this local or regionalist mentality”
L’Esportiu for its part titled: “World power”. It must be said that the figures speak for the team coached by Hansi Flick. Since 1934, the gap between the players of the two clubs selected in Spain had never been so significant. And we have to go back to 1994 to see more Catalans being called up with La Roja (9).
Asked about the absence of Real Madrid players, Luis de la Fuente was clear: “I am not interested in the club of origin of a player, I have already said it several times. My only criterion is to know if he has the level and the qualities to evolve with us.”
Before continuing: “I have selected players eligible to defend the colors of the Spanish national team. I don’t look at whether they come from one club or another. I don’t have this local or regionalist mentality that some supporters can have. Honestly, I don’t even know if there are more of one club than another.”
In Group H, Spain will begin its World Cup against Cape Verde on June 15 (6 p.m.). La Roja will then challenge Saudi Arabia on June 21 (6 p.m.) before facing Uruguay on June 27 (2 a.m.).
Original article published on RMC Sport
