Fermin and Huijsen return to Spain squad after World Cup omissions

Luis de la Fuente has named his first Spain squad since La Roja's World Cup triumph, with Fermin Lopez and Dean Huijsen included for their upcoming Nations League fixtures. 

Spain were crowned World Cup winners for the second time back in July, beating defending champions Argentina 1-0 in extra-time thanks to Ferran Torres' strike. 

Of those who were not a part of their tournament success in the United States, Canada and Mexico, Huijsen and Fermin are just some of the names to come into the squad. 

Roberto Fernandez of Espanyol and Inter goalkeeper Josep Martinez have received their first call-ups, while Gavi, Borja Iglesias, Joan Garcia and Marcos Llorente all miss out, the latter having retired from international football. 

Huijsen was overlooked by De la Fuente for a spot in the World Cup squad despite impressing at Madrid, while Fermin was unavailable after sustaining an injury for Barcelona. 

Fernandez has been rewarded for a fantastic start to the 2026-27 LaLiga campaign. He has scored six goals in six league appearances for Espanyol so far. 

Martinez comes in to replace the injured Garcia, while Gavi also fails to make the cut, though he would have missed Spain's first Nations League game after receiving a one-match suspension for his involvement in the aftermath of the World Cup final. 

Spain's forward line consists of an abundance of quality, with Lamine Yamal the standout player alongside Paris Saint-Germain's Ferran and Mikel Oyarzabal of Real Sociedad. 

Only Raphinha (12) has recorded more goal involvements in LaLiga this season than Yamal (nine - seven goals, two assists), while his 21 chances created are bettered by Madrid's Arda Guler (27) so far this term. 

Golden Ball winner Rodri, Young Player of the Tournament Pau Cubarsi and Golden Glove victor Unai Simon are also among De la Fuente's 26-man squad. 

Spain, who won the Nations League in 2023, begin their campaign against World Cup semi-finalists England on September 26, with a clash against Czechia sandwiched between two games against Croatia.

Spain squad in full: 

Unai Simon (Athletic Bilbao), David Raya (Arsenal), Josep Martínez (Inter Milan); Aymeric Laporte (Athletic Bilbao), Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona), Eric Garcia (Barcelona), Marc Pubill (Atletico Madrid), Alejandro Grimaldo (Atletico Madrid), Marc Cucurella (Real Madrid), Dean Huijsen (Real Madrid), Pedro Porro (Tottenham); Rodri (Barcelona), Pedri (Barcelona), Fermin Lopez (Barcelona), Martin Zubimendi (Arsenal), Mikel Merino (Arsenal), Fabian Ruiz (Paris Saint-Germain), Alex Baena (Atletico Madrid); Lamine Yamal (Barcelona), Dani Olmo (Barcelona), Ferran Torres (Paris Saint-Germain), Yeremy Pino (Crystal Palace), Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao), Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad), Victor Munoz (Liverpool), Roberto Fernandez (Espanyol).