Dani Carvajal, Rodri return to Spain's World Cup Qualifiers squad after injuries

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has welcomed back two key figures as the national team prepares for the start of its World Cup 2026 qualifying campaign. Midfield anchor Rodri and experienced right-back Dani Carvajal have both been named in the squad for September’s fixtures against Bulgaria and Turkey after lengthy injury recoveries.

Rodri, last season’s Ballon d’Or winner, spent months out with a serious ACL injury before also suffering a groin problem during the Club World Cup in July. The Manchester City star only returned to competitive action in August and has been gradually eased back into Pep Guardiola’s plans. His presence is expected to restore composure and control in Spain’s midfield, a role he has excelled in since the Euro 2024 victory.

Carvajal, who suffered an ACL injury last October, finally returned to action in July for Real Madrid, bringing much-needed stability and experience to Spain’s defence. His comeback arrives at a key moment, with two away fixtures in quick succession.

The squad also features a fresh face in 19-year-old winger Jesus Rodrguez from Italian club Como, who has earned his first senior call-up after a promising start to the season.

On the other hand, and more surprisingly, FC Barcelona duo in goalkeeper Joan Garcia and Alejandro Balde were left out of the 26-man list. However, the Spanish squad includes 7 other big Barcelona stars in the Spanish squad, including Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres, Dani Olmo, Pau Cubarsi, Pedri, Gavi.

Spain, the current European champions, will open their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign against Bulgaria on September 4 before travelling to Turkey on September 7, looking to make a strong start on the road to North America.

Spain World Cup Qualifier: Full squad

• Goalkeepers: David Raya (Arsenal), Unai Simón (Athletic Bilbao), Alex Remiro (Real Sociedad).
• Defenders: Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid), Marc Cucurella (Chelsea), Pedro Porro (Tottenham), Alejandro Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen), Robin Le Normand (Atletico Madrid), Pau Cubars (Barcelona), Dani Vivian (Athletic Bilbao), Dean Huijsen (Real Madrid).
• Midfielders: Pedri Gonzalez (Barcelona), Martn Zubimendi (Arsenal), Mikel Merino (Arsenal), Fabian Ruiz (Paris Saint-Germain), Rodri Hernandez (Manchester City), Gavi Paez (Barcelona), Fermn López (Barcelona).
• Forwards: Alvaro Morata (Como), Lamine Yamal (Barcelona), Jess Rodrguez (Como), Dani Olmo (Barcelona), Ferran Torres (Barcelona), Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao), Yremy Pino (Villarreal), Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad).