Spain includes Fermin Lopez and Dean Huijsen in Nations League squad after World Cup absence

Spain’s first squad announcement since lifting the 2026 FIFA World Cup trophy looks a lot like the one that won it, with a couple of notable additions. Coach Luis de la Fuente named a 26-man group on September 18 that retains 22 players from the championship-winning roster while bringing back Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez and Real Madrid defender Dean Huijsen.

Both players watched from the sidelines as Spain beat Argentina 1-0 in the World Cup final this past July. Now they get their chance to join the party, just in time for a Nations League opener against England on September 26.

The squad shuffle

De la Fuente made four total changes from the squad that conquered the world this summer. Lopez and Huijsen return alongside two players earning their first senior call-ups: goalkeeper Josep Martinez from Inter Milan and striker Roberto Fernandez from Espanyol.

Lopez, 23, missed the entire World Cup due to a fifth metatarsal fracture. That’s the small bone on the outside of the foot, the same injury that has derailed countless footballers’ tournament dreams over the years. His absence was particularly painful given his form at Barcelona, where he had established himself as a key creative presence in midfield.

Huijsen’s World Cup omission was a different story. The 21-year-old defender wasn’t injured. He simply didn’t make the cut, despite proving himself at club level following his move to Real Madrid. His inclusion now suggests de la Fuente has seen enough to reconsider.

On the other side of the ledger, two players from the World Cup squad are out. Joan Garcia is sidelined with a knee injury, while Marcos Llorente has retired from international duty.

Building on a World Cup foundation

The familiar names are all there. Lamine Yamal anchors the attack. Pedri and Rodri provide the midfield architecture. Aymeric Laporte marshals the backline.

Barcelona’s influence on the national team remains substantial, with seven players from the Catalan club making the squad. Real Madrid contributes two, with Huijsen now among them.

Lopez and Huijsen fill different needs

Fermin Lopez’s return addresses a depth question in midfield. Born on May 11, 2003, Lopez brings a blend of technical skill and goal threat from central positions. He was the top scorer at the Paris 2024 Olympics with six goals.

Huijsen represents something slightly different. At just 21, the defender born on April 14, 2005, stands 1.96m tall and has already navigated multiple club transfers — including stints at Juventus and Roma — before landing at Real Madrid, where he’s cemented a starting role. Born in Amsterdam but raised in Málaga since age five, his versatility across the backline gives de la Fuente options he didn’t have during the World Cup.

The two newcomers, Martinez and Fernandez, add intrigue in smaller doses. Martinez provides goalkeeping competition from Inter Milan, while Fernandez’s call-up comes from Espanyol.