Eight Barcelona stars join Lamine Yamal on Spain’s World Cup 2026 preliminary list
There is a strong Catalan presence in the initial roster.
Lamine Yamal of Spain during the international friendly match between Spain and Egypt prior to the FIFA World Cup, at RCD Stadium on March 31, 2026, in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Gongora/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images A chunk of the FC Barcelona squad has taken the first step toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Luis de la Fuente submitted his 55-man preliminary list to FIFA this past Monday, and the Spanish federation’s faith in the current La Liga champions is clear for all to see.
Gavi and Eric García are the headline inclusions among the nine Barça representatives. Both players earned their spots back the hard way. They put in massive shifts during a season where Barça eventually walked away with the league title.
The list also includes Joan García, Dani Olmo, Ferran Torres, Pedri, Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsí, and Fermín López, and most of these names are considered favorites to make the final 26-man squad. There were some omissions, though. Gerard Martín, who has seen his stock rise significantly as a left-sided center back recently, was left out.
Alejandro Balde finds himself on the outside looking in, too. De la Fuente preferred the likes of Marc Cucurella, Álex Grimaldo, and Sergio Gómez for those left-back slots. De la Fuente is expected to trim this group down and announce his definitive roster on May 25.