Real Madrid youngster in Spain squad list for friendly vs Iraq | OneFootball

When the Spain national team squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup was announced, it came as a huge shock to see that not a single Real Madrid player had made the cut.

It was the first time in history that a player from the Spanish capital club was not included in the national team squad for a World Cup.

However, young striker Gonzalo Garcia was called up by manager Luis de la Fuente to help with preparations for the tournament in the training camp before the squad flew to North America.

Gonzalo in the squad for Iraq friendly

Now, Gonzalo has been named in the Spain squad for tonight’s friendly against Iraq at Riazor.

The Real Madrid academy product will wear the No. 8 shirt and could have a chance to make his debut for the La Roja senior team.

Gonzalo could play for Spain NT vs Iraq. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

It is a squad missing several key names, including Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, David Raya, Víctor Munoz, Marc Cucurella, Pedri, Fabian Ruiz, Martin Zubimendi, Rodri and Mikel Oyarzabal.

As a precaution, several young players have been called up as reinforcements. Alongside Gonzalo, Leo Roman, Jon Martin, Marc Bernal, Javi Guerra, Jesus Rodriguez and Benat Turrientes have all been assigned squad numbers.

Some reward after a frustrating campaign

After finishing as the top scorer at the Club World Cup with four goals and one assist, Gonzalo endured a frustrating season at Real Madrid, with game-time coming sparingly, both under Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa.

The 22-year-old ended the campaign with eight goals and three assists from 39 matches in all competitions.

Game-time was hard to come by for Gonzalo. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)

Amidst all this, Spain’s coaching staff still felt that his development would be best served with the Under-21 side first.

The call-ups from Under-21 coach David Gordo have provided a welcome boost during a season in which Gonzalo’s opportunities at Real Madrid have been inconsistent.

Across four call-ups and seven matches, Gonzalo delivered six goals. That has now brought him to the doorstep of the senior squad.

Source: AS