Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has named a 26-man squad for the opening fixtures of the UEFA Nations League, marking his first team selection since guiding La Roja to glory at the 2026 World Cup. The roster features significant tactical adjustments and several new faces across all lines as Spain prepare for an extended four-match window in Group C. Among the headline selections is Inter Milan goalkeeper Josep Martínez, who earns a senior call-up alongside Athletic Bilbao’s Unai Simón and Arsenal’s David Raya.
Martínez’s inclusion comes on the heels of an impactful sequence in Italy, where he stepped up as Inter’s primary goalkeeper following Yann Sommer’s free-agent departure at the end of his contract in June 2026. The Alzira-born shot-stopper has registered five appearances across all competitions for Inter this season, keeping one clean sheet while conceding eight goals. He previously helped Inter clinch the 2025/2026 Serie A title with a 2-0 matchday 35 victory over Parma courtesy of goals from Marcus Thuram and Henrikh Mkhitaryan. Martínez, who debuted for Spain’s Under-21s in September 2020 before earning his senior cap in a 4-0 win against Lithuania in June 2021 where Hugo Guillamón opened the scoring, replaces Barcelona goalkeeper Joan García, who was ruled out with a minor knee injury.
Outfield alterations bring further intriguing storylines to de la Fuente’s setup. Real Madrid defender Dean Huijsen steps into the squad following the international retirement of Marcos Llorente. In midfield, Barcelona’s Fermín López makes his return after missing the World Cup through injury, replacing club teammate Gavi, who remains absent alongside striker Borja Iglesias due to fitness issues. Meanwhile, Espanyol forward Roberto Fernández represents the standout surprise selection, earning his maiden senior call-up in place of Iglesias after scoring six goals in his first six La Liga appearances for the Catalan club.
The world champions face a demanding itinerary across three weeks of international competition. Spain open their campaign at Wembley against England on Saturday, September 26, before hosting Croatia at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán on September 29. The home stretch continues at the Carlos Tartiere against the Czech Republic on Saturday, October 3, before concluding with a trip to face Croatia on Tuesday, October 6. With fresh talent integrated into the squad, de la Fuente emphasized that returning players and newcomers alike must always maintain high standards with the clear aim of improving on the international stage.
