Key Takeaways:
- Joan Garcia was selected for his first Spain call-up in Friday’s 27-man squad announcement
- Spain replaced their Finalissima against Argentina with matches against Serbia and Egypt this month
- Nico Williams and Gavi remained sidelined due to injury and limited match action, respectively
New Talents Break Through
Head coach Luis de la Fuente has unveiled a 27-man Spain squad featuring four players earning maiden senior call-ups ahead of this month’s international friendlies. Among the newcomers is Barcelona’s in-form goalkeeper Joan Garcia, who has made 35 appearances across all competitions since his arrival from Espanyol.
Garcia had an injury scare earlier in the week, being substituted late in Barcelona’s 7-2 Champions League triumph over Newcastle, but has retained his spot in the national team’s plans.
Defender Cristhian Mosquera from Arsenal, Ander Barrenetxea of Real Sociedad, and Victor Munoz from Osasuna are also set to represent the national squad for the first time at senior level.
🚨 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗩𝗢𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗜𝗔 | Esta es la lista de jugadores para los partidos contra Serbia y Egipto.
ℹ️ Más información: https://t.co/oM5ARXivUM#VamosEspaña | #CopaMundialFIFA pic.twitter.com/VUXz8HM5bD
— Selección Española Masculina de Fútbol (@SEFutbol) March 20, 2026
Fixture Adjustments Amid Geopolitical Tensions
As the reigning European champions intensify their World Cup preparations, Spain will now face Serbia on 27 March in Villarreal, followed by Egypt on 31 March, with the latter fixture shifted from Qatar to Barcelona due to ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The Serbia encounter replaces the previously scheduled Finalissima against Argentina, which was cancelled for the same reasons.
Injury News and Selection Notes
Spain’s preparations are affected by injuries: influential winger Nico Williams is still unavailable, while Gavi sits out after only a limited return from a major knee problem – the Barcelona midfielder has made just one substitute appearance since his recovery.
Spain remain among the leading contenders for this year’s World Cup, to be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The national team will play in Group H alongside Uruguay, Cape Verde, and Saudi Arabia.
Complete Spain Squad for March Friendlies
| Position | Player | Club |
|---|---|---|
| Goalkeepers | Unai Simon | Athletic Bilbao |
| David Raya | Arsenal | |
| Alex Remiro | Real Sociedad | |
| Joan Garcia | Barcelona | |
| Defenders | Marcos Llorente | Atletico Madrid |
| Pedro Porro | Tottenham | |
| Aymeric Laporte | Athletic Bilbao | |
| Pau Cubarsi | Barcelona | |
| Dean Huijsen | Real Madrid | |
| Cristhian Mosquera | Arsenal | |
| Marc Cucurella | Chelsea | |
| Alejandro Grimaldo | Bayer Leverkusen | |
| Midfielders | Rodri | Manchester City |
| Martin Zubimendi | Arsenal | |
| Pedri | Barcelona | |
| Pablo Fornals | Real Betis | |
| Carlos Soler | Real Sociedad | |
| Dani Olmo | Barcelona | |
| Fermin Lopez | Barcelona | |
| Forwards | Yeremy Pino | Crystal Palace |
| Alex Baena | Atletico Madrid | |
| Ander Barrenetxea | Real Sociedad | |
| Victor Munoz | Osasuna | |
| Mikel Oyarzabal | Real Sociedad | |
| Ferran Torres | Barcelona | |
| Lamine Yamal | Barcelona |
