With just 30 days left before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has made one of the biggest decisions of his tenure by leaving veteran defender Dani Carvajal out of the preliminary national team squad.
The experienced right-back was not included among the 55 pre-selected players named by Spain ahead of the tournament. The decision has shocked supporters across the country and could officially mark the end of Carvajal’s international journey.
Carvajal has been one of Spain’s most important players over the last decade. The defender played a major role during multiple international campaigns and was known for his leadership, experience, and consistency on the biggest stages. His absence now signals a major transition inside the Spanish national team setup.
Questions had already started to rise around his long-term future with the national side. Injuries and fitness concerns over the past season reportedly influenced the coaching staff’s thinking ahead of the World Cup. Still, many expected the experienced defender to make the extended squad because of his leadership qualities and big-match experience.
Spain are entering the tournament with a younger and faster squad under De la Fuente. The manager appears focused on building a new generation capable of competing for the biggest prize in international football.
For fans, however, the omission feels emotional. Carvajal represented an era of success, passion, and stability for Spain. From major tournament nights to crucial qualification matches, he remained one of the most trusted names in the squad.