Spain’s Squad Changes for UEFA Nations League: Key Updates
Spain’s world champions are back in business, and Luis de la Fuente has made it clear: nobody’s place is guaranteed.
The Spain coach has announced his squad for the start of La Roja’s 2026–2027 UEFA Nations League campaign, making four changes to the group that lifted the World Cup. The new cycle begins with a heavyweight trip to Wembley to face England in a week’s time, the first stop in a four-game burst that will test both depth and nerve.
After London, Spain return home to host Croatia at the Sánchez-Pizjuán on the 29th, then face the Czech Republic in Oviedo on the 3rd, before closing this international window with a second clash against Croatia in Split. It’s an immediate stress test for a team that comes into the Nations League as reigning world and European champions.
De la Fuente has kept the backbone of his title-winning side, but the message could not be sharper: the national team is open to all, and staying among the world champions demands constant, ruthless competition.
Four World Cup players are out. Four fresh calls — or recalls — are in.
Goalkeeper shake-up: injury opens the door
The first change was forced. Joan García is unavailable after injuring his right knee in a fall during the match against Racing, ruling him out of this international window.
That setback has given Inter Milan’s Josep Martínez a route back into La Roja. The goalkeeper returns to the senior squad having last worn the Spain shirt in June 2021, in the hastily assembled side that faced Lithuania when the first team had to isolate after Sergio Busquets and Diego Llorente tested positive for coronavirus. Back then it was an emergency call. This time, it’s a reward.
Unai Simón and David Raya keep their spots, with Martínez now stepping into the three-man goalkeeping unit.
Defence: Huijsen back, Eric García steps into a new role
On the right side of defence, the change was expected. Marcos Llorente’s retirement from international football, announced on 3 September, left a vacancy that De la Fuente has moved quickly to fill.
Eric García is the man chosen for the job. He has played every minute in that role for his club this season, and the Spain coach has decided that club form is enough to trust him as a specialist option on the flank. Alongside him, Real Madrid defender Dean Huijsen returns to the national setup after missing out on the World Cup squad.
They join a defensive group that still includes Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsí, Aymeric Laporte, Vivian, Cucurella and Grimaldo — a blend of continuity and calculated risk as Spain look to refresh without tearing anything down.
Midfield: Gavi out, Fermín back in
The most eye-catching absence comes in midfield. Barcelona’s Gavi drops out after his minutes faded following a new issue in his knee picked up against Elche. He started Spain’s opening World Cup match against Cape Verde, but injury cut short his tournament and continues to shape his international calendar.
Adding to that, FIFA’s appeals committee has rejected the Spanish federation’s attempt to suspend the ban imposed on Gavi for events in the World Cup final, leaving De la Fuente without one of his most combative midfielders.
Into that gap steps a familiar face: Fermín López. The Barcelona midfielder returns after missing the World Cup with a foot injury suffered on the final matchday of last season, despite having been one of De la Fuente’s trusted pieces in the build-up to the tournament. Now fully fit, he slots back into a midfield core that still boasts Rodri, Zubimendi, Pedri, Fabián Ruiz, Mikel Merino, Dani Olmo and Baena.
Spain lose Gavi’s fire, but regain Fermín’s dynamism.
Attack: a new Zarra leader gets his shot
The boldest decision comes up front. Borja Iglesias, a forward De la Fuente relied on at specific moments during the World Cup, has been left out.
His place goes to Espanyol striker Roberto Fernández, who has surged to the top of the race for the Zarra Trophy, awarded to the best Spanish scorer in the league. His goals have forced the issue. With every strike, the national team call felt closer, and now it’s here.
Roberto beat off competition from Camello, Espí and Gonzalo for a coveted attacking spot. He joins an already sharp front line of Nico Williams, Yeremy Pino, Oyarzabal, Ferran Torres, Lamine Yamal and Víctor Muñoz.
A new Spanish No 9 candidate steps into the spotlight, with Wembley as his potential stage.
Spain squad for the Nations League window
Goalkeepers: Unai Simón, David Raya, Josep Martínez.
Defence: Pedro Porro, Eric García, Pau Cubarsí, Laporte, Vivian, Dean Huijsen, Cucurella, Grimaldo.
Midfield: Rodri, Zubimendi, Pedri, Fabián Ruiz, Mikel Merino, Dani Olmo, Baena, Fermín López.
Attack: Nico Williams, Yeremy Pino, Oyarzabal, Ferran Torres, Roberto Fernández, Lamine Yamal, Víctor Muñoz.
World and European champions, a renewed squad, and Wembley on the horizon. The trophies are in the cabinet — now comes the real question: can this refreshed Spain keep winning while the rest of Europe sharpens its knives?
