Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has recalled Barcelona midfielder Fermín López and Real Madrid defender Dean Huijsen for La Roja’s opening 2026–27 UEFA Nations League fixtures.
The 26-man squad is De la Fuente’s first since Spain won the 2026 World Cup. López and Huijsen return after missing the tournament, while Inter Milan goalkeeper Josep Martínez and Espanyol forward Roberto Fernández have received their first senior call-ups.
Spain will begin their Nations League campaign away to England at Wembley on September 26 before hosting Croatia in Seville three days later. The four-match international window also includes home and away games against Czechia and a return fixture against Croatia.
López has returned to form with Barcelona after injury disrupted his previous international opportunity. He joins club teammates Pedri, Rodri, Dani Olmo, Pau Cubarsí, Eric García and Lamine Yamal in the squad.
Gavi is among the key absentees after sustaining a fresh knee problem against Elche and losing his regular place in the Barcelona side. Borja Iglesias has also been omitted, while Marcos Llorente is unavailable after announcing his retirement from international football earlier this month.
The departure of Llorente has influenced De la Fuente’s defensive selection. Eric García has been retained after playing regularly at right-back for Barcelona, while Huijsen strengthens a central-defensive group that also includes Cubarsí, Aymeric Laporte and Alejandro Grimaldo.
In goal, Martínez joins Unai Simón and Arsenal’s David Raya. The Inter goalkeeper takes the place of Barcelona’s Joan García, who was ruled out by a knee injury, and he earns his first senior call-up after previously featuring for Spain in a 2021 friendly against Lithuania.
Spain’s midfield options remain extensive, with Rodri, Pedri, Martín Zubimendi, Mikel Merino, Fabián Ruiz, Álex Baena and López all selected. The forward line includes Yamal, Nico Williams, Mikel Oyarzabal, Ferran Torres, Yeremy Pino, Víctor Muñoz and debutant Roberto Fernández.
Roberto Fernández has earned his call-up after a productive start to the league season with Espanyol. His inclusion gives De la Fuente another centre-forward option alongside Oyarzabal and Ferran Torres as Spain begin the defence of their Nations League crown.
