Real Madrid star misses out on Spain World Cup squad after tough season, as teammate looks set to take his place.
Spain’s manager, Luis de la Fuente, has announced his 55-man preliminary squad for the 2026 World Cup, and one Real Madrid star won’t be on the list.
Real Madrid looks set to end the 2025-26 season without any trophies after Alvaro Arbeloa took over from Xabi Alonso as head coach in January. There’s a lot of talk that Jose Mourinho might be the next coach.
It’s been a tough season for Los Blancos, and it’s even harder news for right-back Dani Carvajal, who has been left out of Spain’s World Cup squad.
All 48 teams playing in the World Cup in the US, Canada, and Mexico had to submit their preliminary lists to FIFA by May 11. These lists can have between 35 and 55 players and help choose the final 26-man squad.
In total, 1248 players will head to the World Cup, but 34-year-old Carvajal won’t be one of them.
Luis de la Fuente spoke to Carvajal recently to explain the tough decision, especially since Carvajal has been a key player for Spain whenever he’s been available, says MARCA, which also got confirmation from radio journalist Arancha Rodriguez.
The three Real Madrid players named in the preliminary Spain squad are Dean Huijsen, Fran Garcia, and forward Gonzalo García. Barcelona has three times as many players on the list, with nine representatives including Joan García, Eric García, Pedri, and Gavi.
Fran Garcia, 26, made his Spain debut in 2023 and has two senior caps. He’s started five of Real Madrid’s last eight La Liga games at left-back.
Carvajal, who has played 300 league games for Real Madrid since 2013, has been a key player and is the team captain. He’s won La Liga four times and the Champions League six times, making for an amazing career.
In summer 2024, he achieved a rare feat by winning the Champions League with Real Madrid and the European Championship with Spain.
He has earned 52 caps for Spain, but with this World Cup squad announcement, it might be the end of his international career.