Squad Composition and Key Selections
The upcoming international break features a demanding four-match schedule for La Roja across a three-week window. According to team announcements released on September 18, 2026, the roster mirrors the heavy Catalan presence seen during the recent World Cup campaign. Seven FC Barcelona players have earned selection from De la Fuente, anchoring the core of the national setup.
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López missed the summer World Cup due to an injury that kept him sidelined throughout the tournament, but a strong start to the domestic club season has earned him a recall to the senior international side, as reported by Barcelona Universal.
Alongside López, several Blaugrana mainstays retain their places in the squad. Midfielder Pedri, new signing Rodri, Dani Olmo, Lamine Yamal, Eric García, and Pau Cubarsí all keep their spots after featuring prominently during the summer world championship run.
Absences and Omissions in the National Setup
Not all Barcelona personnel received call-ups for the upcoming fixtures. Goalkeeper Joan Garcia misses out entirely due to a minor injury sustained during a recent domestic fixture against Racing Santander.
Midfielder Gavi has been left off the squad list by De la Fuente. The La Masia academy graduate has experienced a reduction in playing minutes at club level this season, influencing the manager’s decision to omit him. Defender Alejandro Balde also continues to be overlooked by the Spain coaching staff following a stretch of limited appearances for his club, while young midfielder Marc Bernal must wait for his first senior opportunity.
Nuestra Copa del Mundo no podía haber elegido mejor lugar para iniciar la #NationsLeague.🫂 Ceuta, pueblo ceutí: el camino empieza con vosotros.#VamosEspaña pic.twitter.com/ww68HwZEwv
— Selección Española Masculina de Fútbol (@SEFutbol) September 18, 2026
Upcoming UEFA Nations League Fixtures
The reigning world champions are scheduled to face England, face Croatia twice, and play Czechia in their group fixtures. The campaign opens in Ceuta, marking the team’s first competitive action since claiming the global crown over the summer.
Manager Luis de la Fuente and his squad will look to translate their tournament-winning momentum into the continental competition as the international block gets underway later this month.
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