Spain's World Cup Squad Takes Shape Amid Goalkeeping Dilemma and Injury Concerns

Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has revealed that only four to six spots remain open in his World Cup squad, which he will finalize after the team’s final friendly against Egypt on Tuesday night. Following a convincing 3-0 victory over Serbia, de la Fuente aims to maintain momentum while rotating players to keep the squad competitive. De la Fuente acknowledged Spain's status as favorites for the tournament, stating, "I love it when people speak well of us," while emphasizing the need for exceptional performance to secure victory against strong contenders like France, England, and Argentina. A significant point of discussion has been the goalkeeping position. While Unai Simon appears to be the first choice, de la Fuente's decision to call up four goalkeepers, including Joan Garcia from Barcelona, raised eyebrows. He assured that a decision on the starting goalkeeper for the Egypt match has been made, though he refrained from disclosing it. De la Fuente expressed confidence in his squad, noting that while injuries could affect the lineup, he has a solid foundation of 20 to 22 players in mind. Unfortunately, Eric Garcia has been ruled out due to injury, and concerns linger over the fitness of Nico Williams and Mikel Merino, both key players from Euro 2024. Despite the challenges, de la Fuente remains optimistic about their recovery and the competitive spirit of the team, stating, "Opportunities will open up for many. Hopefully, we’ll have a tough time making the squad." The coach is committed to fielding a robust and competitive team as Spain prepares for the World Cup.

Source: Football España - 2026-03-30