The spanish national team men’s soccer team will play its last friendlies during this March break before knowing the final list of those called up for the World Cup 2026 of the United States, Canada and Mexico. The selector, Luis de la Fuentewill offer this Friday those called up for the matches against Serbia, on March 27, and another already confirmed against Egypt, on the 31st, both at home after the ‘Finalissima’ against Argentina in Qatar was cancelled.
The situation in the Middle East due to the war between the US and Israel against Iran has caused suspension of the match against Argentinaunofficial in nature, but sold as its name suggests: a final between the continental champions of the two most powerful confederations on the football planet.
The lack of agreement between the RFEF/UEFA and AFA/CONMEBOL to choose an alternative venue to Qatar deprived the fans of a duel between Leo Messi and the one who is already his successor at Barça: Lamine Yamal. Controversies aside, the Spanish federation worked against the clock to find rivals and venues at home with which to cover the file.
While other European teams are playing their last chance of being in the World Cup, including all a four-time champion like Italiathose who already have the ticket take advantage of this official FIFA break to do their tests before June, where more friendlies will be scheduled, but now with the final calls.
Therefore, this list It will not be the final one for La Rojabut it will be something that defines what De la Fuente wants to see and will be indicative to know the final in May. Those who are called will seek to convince the Riojan coach to repeat in the next one and those who are not, will work hard in their clubs.
Rodrigo Hernandez returns
Among those who should not be counted, the injured; but one of those who do and has already been recovered for the cause is Rodrigo Hernandez. The Ballon d’Or 2024 has been back for several weeks now and in full swing at Manchester City. This past Tuesday was one of the best for Pep Guardiola’s team, despite losing to Real Madrid.
Precisely within the white team, De la Fuente has defenders such as Dani Carvajal, Alvaro Carreras y Dean Huijsen. The first, captain of Madrid and the national team before his absences due to injury, has a difficult time due to the performance that players such as Pedro Porro, Óscar Mingueza and, in recent times, Marcos Llorente have offered during their absence.
Likewise on the left side with Grimaldo and Cucurella in top form, so Huijsen He seems to be emerging as the only safe one on the list, even more so after regaining some confidence and presence in the last few games; He even scored a goal against Elche.
The aforementioned Llorente and Álex Baena could be the only representatives of Atlético after a new injury to Pablo Barrios, although the power of Marc Pubill It could give him a promotion from the under-21 to the senior team. Also bidding for that position was Barcelona player Eric García, who offers versatility as a full-back and pivot. In the match against Newcastle he had to be substituted when his muscular overload relapsed, but he is available.
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He Barça He has the rest of his internationals ready, including Gavialthough it still seems too early for the palace’s return to a Spanish team list. He who does not offer doubts is the extreme Lamine Yamalthe culé and La Roja star, adding to his current virtues the success against the goal. It would be the most desired return, along with Rodri’s, that is if a retreat by Barcelona on the recommendation of its medical services does not frustrate him again.
Nico Williams is still injured and the World Cup is in danger for him
Lamine seems to have already left behind his problems with pubalgiaan ailment that continues to give headaches to his friend from Athletic Club Nico Williams. The winger from Pamplona has already missed nine league games and five Champions League games so far this season, alternating between different periods of absence, and that has taken a toll on his performance.
Williams is definitely missing from this list and, if she continues in this vein, her presence in the World Cup is in jeopardy. In his absence, the Navarrese also fulfilled Alex Berenguerwho in the past already expressed his full willingness to be included in a call from De la Fuente. However, Athletic’s collective performance in recent days and the alternatives that the coach has used in the past for the position work against him.
In a situation similar to that of Nico Williams, he is Mikel Merinofrom Arsenal, who is recovering after having foot surgery last February. The midfield is the one that offers the most possibilities due to the number of fit players who have already been tested with the national team.
The one who does miss the rest of the season, including the World Cup, is Samu Aghehowa due to a torn cruciate. A significant loss for the center forward position, but one that can be covered by other candidates. Less serious, but also decisive for this list is that of Ayoze Perez at Villarreal, where, on the other hand, we are seeing again Gerard Moreno at the level of yesteryear.
Other options that De la Fuente could use involve attackers who are not center forwards, in the case of Ferrán Torres, Mikel Oyarzabal or under-21 players who could be given the opportunity as Jan Virgili, Mateo Josephboth from Mallorca, or the Madrid player Gonzalo Garcia. The one that is pure ‘nine’ is Borja Iglesiaswho could repeat after being the outstanding return of the last calls.
The one who is not expected is Álvaro Moratawhose role in the Italian Como 1907 is increasingly more symbolic, in a team that is climbing positions in Serie A and already dreams of playing in the Champions League next season.
We leave the goal for last, where there is no a priori discussion. Barcelona player Joan García’s options seem to have been reduced and the commitment to the usual shortlist remains firm: Unai Simon, David Raya y Alex Remiro.
