Spain has selected Rodri and Dani Carvajal for its squad ahead of the World Cup 2026 qualifiers against Bulgaria and Turkey.
Both players are back in action after recovering from long-term knee injuries, participating in the Club World Cup.
The team will face Bulgaria on September 4 in their Group E opener and then travel to Turkey on September 7.
Georgia is also in the group, with the top team advancing to the tournament next summer in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Rodri, a midfielder for Manchester City, played a key role in Spain’s Euro 2024 victory but was sidelined in September 2023 due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament. He made his comeback during the Club World Cup this summer.
Carvajal, a right-back for Real Madrid, suffered injuries in October 2025, tearing two knee ligaments and a tendon. He returned to play in July during the FIFA tournament in the United States.
Barcelona players Lamine Yamal and Pedri are included in the squad, along with Fermin Lopez, who has been rumored to leave the club. However, the newly signed goalkeeper Joan Garcia was not chosen.
FULL SPAIN SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Unai Simon (Athletic Bilbao), David Raya (Arsenal), Alex Remiro (Real Sociedad).
Defenders: Dani Carvajal, Dean Huijsen (both Real Madrid), Pedro Porro (Tottenham), Dani Vivian (Athletic Bilbao), Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona), Robin Le Normand (Atletico Madrid), Alejandro Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen), Marc Cucurella (Chelsea).
Midfielders: Martin Zubimendi (Arsenal), Rodrigo (Manchester City), Gavi, Fermin Lopez, Pedri Gonzalez, Dani Olmo (all Barcelona), Mikel Merino (Arsenal), Fabian Ruiz (PSG).
Forwards: Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres (both Barcelona), Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao), Yeremy Pino (Villarreal), Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad), Alvaro Morata, Jesus Rodriguez (both Como).
Published on Aug 29, 2025