Nations League: Spain's squad announced with Isco making a sensational return!

The highly anticipated clash between France and Spain is fast approaching: these two European football titans will square off on June 5 in Stuttgart for a blockbuster Nations League semi-final.

On this occasion, La Roja has unveiled a 26-man squad that speaks volumes about their ambitions: Spain is not here to make up the numbers.

Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has opted for a clever blend of youth, surprise comebacks, and bold gambles.

The name on everyone’s lips: Isco. Approaching his 34th birthday, the former Real Madrid prodigy—coming off a stellar season with Real Betis—returns to the national team after several years away. His renaissance could be a game-changer in a squad brimming with freshness and audacity.

A golden generation

Yet, it’s the youthfulness of this call-up that truly stands out. From Lamine Yamal to Gavi, including Fermín López, Cubarsí, and Dean Huijsen, Spain is banking on precocious talents—many shaped at La Masia—who already meet the demands of the highest level.

A golden generation that represents both the present and the future of Spanish football.

Asensio and Rodri left out

There are also some major absentees: Marco Asensio misses out, as does Rodri—deemed not fully fit after injury—alongside Eric García and Alejandro Balde.

De la Fuente has chosen to rely on the players in top form right now, even if it means leaving out some established stars. Remarkably, there is only one Real Madrid player on this list—a strong signal that unity and performance take precedence over big names.

Here is Spain’s full squad for the Nations League semi-final:

Goalkeepers:

• Unai Simón, David Raya, Álex Remiro.

Defenders:

• Pedro Porro, Óscar Mingueza, Robin Le Normand, Pau Cubarsí, Dean Huijsen, Dani Vivian, Álex Grimaldo, Marc Cucurella.

Midfielders:

• Martín Zubimendi, Mikel Merino, Pedri, Gavi, Fermín López, Isco, Álex Baena, Fabián Ruiz.

Forwards:

• Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, Dani Olmo, Yeremy Pino, Samu Omorodion, Álvaro Morata, Mikel Oyarzabal.

Amine Jomni |

Editorfr

African football writer and sports journalist covering football news, stories and insights while sharing his expertise with fans across the continent.