Spain coach Luis de la Fuente is preparing to announce his squad for the 2026 World Cup, amid expectations of widespread controversy due to the intense competition among the players, particularly in defense. It is clear the Spanish coach will not be able to please everyone, as some players may find themselves left out despite their strong performances this season.
Fierce Competition at Center-Back
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The center-back position is currently the most crowded in the Spanish national team. It is predicted that the final squad will include only four players in this position, while a large number of prominent names are competing for those spots.
Among the top contenders are: Dean Huijsen, Aymeric Laporte, Eric García, Pau Cubarsí, Dani Vivian, Robin Le Normand, Marc Pubill, and Raúl Asensio. With eight defenders competing for only four spots, the exclusion of some names seems inevitable.
A Strong Season for Raúl Asensio with Real Madrid
The young Real Madrid defender, Raúl Asensio, has been one of the standout performers this season. The player has successfully established himself in the starting lineup under coach Álvaro Arbeloa, benefiting from injuries to some of his defensive teammates, such as Antonio Rüdiger and Éder Militão, as well as the decline in form of other players.
Thanks to his consistent performances and tactical discipline, Asensio has become a key element in Real Madrid’s defense, managing to rediscover his best form after a shaky start to the season.
Previous Opportunity with the Spanish National Team
Raúl Asensio was previously called up to the Spanish national team camp about a year ago, but he did not participate in any international matches. Despite the coaching staff’s continuous monitoring of his development, the strong competition for this position may reduce his chances of making the final World Cup squad.
Tough Decisions Before the Squad Announcement
With the announcement of the Spanish national team’s World Cup squad approaching, Luis de la Fuente will face some difficult decisions, especially regarding the center-back position, which features a large number of talented players. While some names seem closer to securing a place on the list, Raúl Asensio’s future with the national team remains uncertain.
