Spain unveils World Cup squad without a single Real Madrid player

European champions Spain's national football team have announced a 26-man squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, with the notable absence of any player from Real Madrid in a historic first for the national side, 24NewsHD TV reported on Tuesday.

It will be the first time in Spain’s football history that the national team will compete at a World Cup without a single Real Madrid player in the squad.

Head coach Luis de la Fuente has instead built his team largely around players from FC Barcelona, with eight Barcelona players included in the final lineup.

Among the key names selected are rising star Lamine Yamal, midfielder Pedri, Gavi, attacking midfielder Dani Olmo and forward Ferran Torres.

Meanwhile, prominent Real Madrid players including Dean Huijsen and veteran defender Dani Carvajal failed to make the squad.

Defending his selection choices, De la Fuente said club affiliations were irrelevant when choosing players for the national side.

“For us, the important thing is commitment to the national team, not which club a player belongs to,” the coach said, adding that he wanted players who feel proud to represent Spain.

The squad also includes seven players currently playing in the English Premier League.

De la Fuente also dismissed concerns over the fitness of Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, saying both players are expected to be fully fit before the tournament begins.