De la Fuente upbeat on Nico as Spain name 55-man long list for World Cup 2026 | OneFootball

Luis de la Fuente has finalised a 55-man provisional list for World Cup 2026 and remains optimistic that Lamine, Nico and Mikel will be ready for the opener or, failing that, the second or third match. He does not view their situations as a major setback.

According to El Correo, FIFA rules restrict pre-tournament replacements to that long list, so he has used all 55 slots. The final 26 will be selected from it.

Spain will take the unusual step of drafting extra players from outside the list to complete the friendly against Iraq at Riazor on four June. They will depart after the game and will not be eligible for later call-ups.

The coach is leaning on versatility and togetherness, and sees Spain among the contenders without the fanfare. Talk of a possible meeting with Argentina is parked, with the focus firmly game by game.

There are six goalkeepers on the long list, with three to travel. Unai Simón, David Raya and Álex Remiro are among the established options, with Joan García emerging. Raya’s standing in England has drawn particular note.

Planning is already advanced for a debut against Cabo Verde in the United States, Mexico and Canada. After an injury-hit season, the mood is excited yet calm heading into the tournament.

Source: El Correo