Fresh from their historic 2026 FIFA World Cup triumph, Spain return to the international stage as kings of the world with a refreshed selection for their upcoming UEFA Nations League campaign. Head coach Luis de la Fuente has named a 26-man group tasked with carrying forward the momentum generated by their global victory. The world champions enter the competition with subtle yet strategic adjustments, making four changes from the roster that successfully navigated the World Cup to lift the trophy. As Spain prepare to step back onto the field with their newly secured global title, De la Fuente’s squad selection reflects both continuity and a desire to integrate dynamic talent into the senior setup.
Highlighting the updates to De la Fuente’s 26-man squad are two players stepping into the senior international environment for the very first time. Josep Martínez and Roberto Fernández have earned their first senior call-ups to the national side, marking a significant milestone in their respective international careers. Their inclusion demonstrates the manager’s commitment to rewarding individual progression and maintaining competition for places across the team. By handing first-time call-ups to Martínez and Fernández, Spain add fresh hunger to a changing roster that is already accustomed to performing at the highest absolute level of world football.
Reinforcing the squad alongside the two newcomers are Fermín López and Dean Huijsen, both of whom make their return to Luis de la Fuente’s selection. López and Huijsen re-enter the senior setup to provide added tactical depth as Spain launch their UEFA Nations League title push. Furthermore, Eric García remains an integral part of the group, retaining his place within the 26-man panel. García’s presence alongside the returning duo ensures defensive stability and familiarity within the collective unit, giving De la Fuente a balanced mix of proven champions and motivated returnees for the upcoming international window.
Spain’s return to competitive action will begin with a marquee encounter on historic soil. The world champions open their UEFA Nations League campaign with a trip to face England at Wembley, setting up a captivating battle between two footballing heavyweights. Starting the tournament away at Wembley against England presents an immediate, rigorous examination for De la Fuente’s men as they wear the crown of world champions for the first time in Nations League play. The opening test in London will set the tone for Spain’s group campaign before they shift focus to their subsequent fixtures against Croatia and the Czech Republic.
With encounters against England, Croatia, and the Czech Republic on the horizon, De la Fuente’s four modifications to the World Cup-winning squad signal a clear intent to keep the world champions sharp and hungry. The blend of first-time senior inductees in Josep Martínez and Roberto Fernández, paired with the returns of Fermín López and Dean Huijsen and the retention of Eric García, establishes a firm foundation for the challenges ahead. As the kings of the world prepare to step out at Wembley and beyond, Spain’s 26-man group stands ready to begin another chapter on the international stage.
