Spain calls up 7 Barcelona players for UEFA Nations League campaign
Luis de la Fuente leans heavily on Barcelona's core as reigning World Cup champions open their Nations League defense at Wembley
Seven FC Barcelona players have been named to Spain’s squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures. Manager Luis de la Fuente announced the roster on September 18, and the Blaugrana contingent reads like a who’s who of Spanish football’s present and future.
The seven are Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Fermin Lopez, Dani Olmo, Rodri, Pedri, and Lamine Yamal.
The fixtures ahead
Spain’s Nations League campaign opens with a trip to Wembley on September 26 to face England. Spain faces Croatia on September 29, the Czech Republic on October 3, and then Croatia again on October 6.
Returns, debuts, and notable absences
Perhaps the most interesting selection is Fermin Lopez. The midfielder missed Spain’s triumphant 2026 World Cup campaign due to injury. He’s apparently made a strong start to the 2026/27 club season, and De la Fuente has wasted no time bringing him back into the fold.
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The squad also features some fresh faces. Roberto Fernandez, a striker from Espanyol, received his first-ever call-up to the senior national team. Goalkeeper Josep Martinez from Inter Milan is another debutant, stepping in as a new option between the posts.
Barcelona’s Joan Garcia was left out due to a minor knee injury. Gavi’s exclusion also appears to be injury-related.
De la Fuente chose to reveal the roster in Ceuta, the Spanish autonomous city on the North African coast. The location was a deliberate gesture of support for the region, which continues to navigate complex migration circumstances.