The season for Real Madrid has been nothing short of controversies and disappointment. After ending another season without a trophy, the Madridistas suffered another blow through Spain’s 2026 World Cup squad announcement.
After winning the UEFA Euro Championship in 2024, Spain are undoubtedly one of the favorites to win the upcoming tournament. Coached by Luis de la Fuente, the former Athletic Bilbao manager’s squad consists of players from his former club, FC Barcelona, and other clubs across Europe.
However, no Real Madrid player was called up. This is the first time in World Cup history that no Los Blancos player will represent the Spanish national team. International players like Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, and others will continue to represent their respective nations while playing for Real Madrid.
As the La Liga side is set to make unwanted history in the upcoming tournament, Spain’s coach addressed the absence of players from that specific club. “I don’t look at where the players come from,” De la Fuente told a press conference on Monday. He further reiterated that there is no bias toward any player or club.
While the current Real Madrid squad is filled with plenty of international stars, two names were expected to make the Spanish squad. Dani Carvajal and Dean Huijsen were the names many expected. Carvajal, who played only 17 La Liga games, was benched for most of the season to make space for Trent Alexander-Arnold.
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However, as it turns out, both right-backs will end up missing the World Cup. Carvajal won the 2024 Euros and the 2022-23 UEFA Nations League with the national team. Meanwhile, Huijsen was set to compete in his first national tournament for the Spanish squad.
The 21-year-old was born in Amsterdam, Netherlands, and played for the Dutch youth team. He represented the Netherlands at the U-17, U-18, and U-19 levels before switching nations after becoming a Spanish citizen in 2024. Huijsen made his national debut in 2025 against the Netherlands.
De la Fuente was asked about the young Madrid star’s omission, to which he responded by asking people to focus on the inclusion of Barca’s Eric Garcia and Atletico Madrid defender Marc Pubill.
As Spain heads to North America, there won’t be anyone representing them from Real Madrid. Regardless, fans will still unite behind the team with hopes of winning their second World Cup.
