Spain's UEFA Nations League Squad: Key Changes and Challenges Ahead

Spain’s world champions are back in session, and Luis de la Fuente has made it clear: nobody’s seat is guaranteed.

The Spain coach has named his squad for the start of the 2026–2027 UEFA Nations League, making four changes to the group that lifted the World Cup. The new campaign begins with a heavyweight test – England at Wembley in a week’s time – and opens a demanding four-game block in this international window.

After London, La Roja return home to face Croatia at the Sánchez-Pizjuán on the 29th, then take on the Czech Republic in Oviedo on the 3rd. The break closes with a second meeting against Croatia, this time in Split. It’s a schedule with no room for rust.

Through it all, De la Fuente has kept the spine of his double-winning team – World Cup and European champions – but used his four changes to send a sharp reminder: the door is open, the bar is high, and only sustained excellence keeps you in.

Goalkeeper shake-up: Joan García out, Josep Martínez in

One of the World Cup winners had no say in his omission. Joan García is out after injuring his right knee in a fall during the match against Racing, an issue serious enough to rule him out of this camp.

That setback has handed an opportunity to Inter Milan’s Josep Martínez. The goalkeeper returns to the national team setup for the first time since June 2021, when he made his debut under De la Fuente in extraordinary circumstances.

Back then, Spain were forced to field a second-string side against Lithuania after the first team went into isolation when Sergio Busquets and Diego Llorente tested positive for coronavirus. Martínez wore La Roja’s shirt that night; now he’s back in a very different context – among world champions.

Unai Simón and David Raya complete the goalkeeping trio.

Defence: Huijsen recalled, Eric García covers Llorente’s void

At right-back, the change was coming. Marcos Llorente announced his retirement from international football on 3 September, and De la Fuente has moved quickly to reshape that flank.

Eric García gets the nod to fill the role, a position he has occupied for every minute at his club this season. It’s a tactical tweak that rewards his versatility and current form.

In central defence, Real Madrid’s Dean Huijsen returns after missing the World Cup. The young defender, who had been on the fringes before the tournament, now steps back into a defensive unit that still includes Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsí, Laporte, Vivian, Cucurella and Grimaldo.

A settled core, with one or two fresh edges.

Midfield: Gavi sidelined, Fermín López steps back in

The most eye-catching absence comes in midfield. Gavi drops out after his minutes dwindled at Barcelona following a renewed problem in his knee against Elche.

He started Spain’s opening World Cup match against Cape Verde but couldn’t hold his place as injury struck again. Off the pitch, his situation has been complicated further. FIFA’s appeals committee has rejected the Spanish federation’s attempt to suspend the ban imposed on him over events in the World Cup final, closing that door for now.

In contrast, Fermín López walks back through his. The Barcelona midfielder returns to De la Fuente’s plans after missing the World Cup with a foot injury suffered in the final round of last season. Before that setback, he had been one of the coach’s key men.

Now he rejoins a stacked midfield: Rodri, Zubimendi, Pedri, Fabián Ruiz, Mikel Merino, Dani Olmo and Baena. Competition in the centre of the pitch remains fierce – exactly how De la Fuente wants it.

Attack: Borja Iglesias out, a new Zarra leader in

Up front, there is a clear statement. Borja Iglesias, a trusted option during the World Cup, has been left out.

His place goes to Espanyol striker Roberto Fernández, who arrives as the form Spanish forward in the league. He currently leads the race for the Zarra Trophy, the award given to the top Spanish goalscorer in domestic competition.

That surge has pushed him past Camello, Espí and Gonzalo in the national-team pecking order. De la Fuente has rewarded the numbers – and the momentum.

Roberto joins an attacking group packed with variety: Nico Williams, Yeremy Pino, Oyarzabal, Ferran Torres, Lamine Yamal and Víctor Muñoz. Pace, one‑v‑one specialists, finishers, creators – and now the league’s leading Spanish scorer.

The message is simple: produce, and you play.

Spain squad for the start of the 2026–2027 UEFA Nations League

Goalkeepers: Unai Simón, David Raya, Josep Martínez.

Defence: Pedro Porro, Eric García, Pau Cubarsí, Laporte, Vivian, Dean Huijsen, Cucurella, Grimaldo.

Midfield: Rodri, Zubimendi, Pedri, Fabián Ruiz, Mikel Merino, Dani Olmo, Baena, Fermín López.

Attack: Nico Williams, Yeremy Pino, Oyarzabal, Ferran Torres, Roberto Fernández, Lamine Yamal, Víctor Muñoz.

Wembley will be the first test of this refreshed champion squad. The medals are in the cabinet. Now comes the question that will define their era: how long can they stay on the throne?