Spain Coach Luis de la Fuente Names First Post-World Cup Squad, Recalling Fermín López

When a national team manager names their first squad following a World Cup triumph, the list is almost always a ceremonial victory lap—an exact replica of the group that lifted the trophy, gathered to receive the applause of the home crowd. Luis de la Fuente's latest Spain squad follows that tradition in spirit, retaining the vast majority of the players who defeated Argentina in July, but differs in one crucial respect: circumstance has forced immediate turnover. Retirements, an injury, and a high-profile suspension have required the Spanish manager to inject fresh blood into the world champions' ranks ahead of their 2026-2027 UEFA Nations League campaign.[2][5]

The Spanish football federation unveiled the 26-man roster on September 18 through an announcement video filmed in the North African enclave of Ceuta. The list retains 22 members of the squad that secured Spain's second World Cup title over the summer. While De la Fuente did not provide direct quotes regarding individual player selections during the broadcast, and no players were quoted in the initial federation release, the four mandatory changes highlight the immediate challenges of maintaining a championship-winning core.[2][5]

The most notable absence from the midfield is 22-year-old Barcelona star Gavi. The combative midfielder misses the cut not due to form or injury, but because he must serve a mandatory one-match suspension. The ban stems from his involvement in an on-field altercation with Argentina's Nahuel Molina and Leandro Paredes during the chaotic aftermath of July's World Cup final. Because the suspension applies to Spain's next official UEFA or FIFA fixture, Gavi is ineligible for the opening Nations League match, prompting De la Fuente to leave him out of the camp entirely.[1][5]

Gavi's omission opens the door for his club teammate, Fermín López, to reclaim a central role. Fermín was forced to miss the summer tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico after sustaining a foot injury during the pre-tournament preparations. Having fully recovered, the midfielder has delivered a blistering start to the 2026-27 domestic season for Barcelona, earning an immediate recall to the senior setup to fill the creative void left by Gavi's suspension.[1][3]

De la Fuente's defensive options also see a significant shift following the departure of veteran right-back Marcos Llorente. Llorente announced his retirement from international football in early September, stepping away at the pinnacle of the sport. In his place, Real Madrid center-back Dean Huijsen returns to the fold. Huijsen was surprisingly overlooked for the final World Cup squad despite an impressive club campaign, but his inclusion now adds youthful depth to an established defensive core that includes Aymeric Laporte, Pau Cubarsí, and Marc Cucurella.[1][2][3][5]

Further adjustments were necessitated by a recent knee injury to goalkeeper Joan García. The shot-stopper suffered the setback following a fall while playing for Barcelona against Racing Santander, ruling him out of the upcoming international window. To replace him, De la Fuente handed a recall to Inter Milan's Josep Martínez. Martínez joins Arsenal's David Raya and Athletic Club's Unai Simón as the squad's three goalkeeping options, stepping into a highly competitive rotation.[2][3][5]

Up front, the retirement of striker Borja Iglesias—who also stepped away from the national team following the World Cup victory—created an opening in the attacking ranks. Espanyol forward Roberto Fernández seized the opportunity, earning his first senior call-up. Fernández has been rewarded for a prolific start to the La Liga campaign, netting six goals in his first six league appearances to force his way into De la Fuente's plans.[1][3][5]

The newly assembled squad faces a grueling schedule to open their Nations League League A campaign. Spain will debut their updated kits in a high-stakes clash against England at Wembley Stadium on September 26. Following the London fixture, La Roja will host Croatia at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán in Seville on September 29, meet the Czech Republic in Oviedo on October 3, and conclude the international window with an away match against Croatia in Split on October 6.[3][5]

Despite the forced adjustments, the engine of the team that conquered the world remains entirely intact. The midfield continues to be anchored by Rodri, Pedri, and Martín Zubimendi, while the attack is spearheaded by captain Mikel Oyarzabal, Nico Williams, and Lamine Yamal. By seamlessly integrating rising talents like Huijsen and Fernández alongside these established stars, De la Fuente has signaled that holding a place among the world champions will demand relentless domestic form.[2][3]