Dean Huijsen speaks out after Spain’s World Cup squad announcement

Spain’s 2026 World Cup Squad: A Historic Omission

Luis de la Fuente has unveiled the 26-man Spain squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking a significant shift in the national team’s composition. One of the most notable exclusions is that of Real Madrid defender Dean Huijsen, who has been left out despite his recent performances and international appearances. This decision is historic, as it marks the first time in Spanish football history that the national team will compete at a World Cup without a single player from Real Madrid.

Huijsen, who joined Real Madrid from Bournemouth in a £50 million deal last summer, had made six senior appearances for Spain in 2025, including his debut in March. He also played the full 90 minutes in Spain’s most recent match against Egypt just two months ago. His exclusion comes as a major surprise, especially considering the confidence within his inner circle that he would be included in the final squad.

A Personal Blow for Huijsen

The decision to leave Huijsen out has been a personal blow for the 21-year-old defender. According to reports, his close associates believed his inclusion was “nailed on.” This belief was partly based on his involvement in promotional campaigns for the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Following the announcement, Huijsen took to social media to express his disappointment. “Many congratulations to my teammates who will be attending the World Cup. I will be supporting them from home like every other Spaniard,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Defensive Selections: Experience Meets Youth

De la Fuente’s selection for the central defenders includes a mix of experience and youth, with several key players making the cut. The chosen defenders are:

Aymeric Laporte (Athletic Club)
Marc Pubill (Atleti)
Eric Garcia
Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona)

Notably, 19-year-old Pau Cubarsi, who has already earned 11 senior international caps, was selected, while Marc Pubill remains uncapped. Other high-profile players who have been omitted include Dani Carvajal, EURO 2024 captain Alvaro Morata, and Atletico Madrid defender Robin Le Normand.

A Historic Shift for Real Madrid

The absence of any Real Madrid players in the squad is a significant departure from tradition for Spain. The team lifted the World Cup trophy in 2010, and Real Madrid players have often been a staple in the national team. According to SPORTbible, this marks the first time in history that Spain will compete at a World Cup without a single Real Madrid player, highlighting a major shift in Luis de la Fuente’s selections away from the capital club’s traditional influence.

Group Stage Fixtures

Spain will compete in Group H next month, beginning their campaign against Cape Verde in Atlanta. They will then face Saudi Arabia, also in Atlanta, before concluding their group stage fixtures against Uruguay in Zapopan.