Big news for La Roja! After battling significant injuries, midfield maestro Rodri and defensive titan Dani Carvajal are officially back in Spain’s squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. Their return brings a massive boost to the national team. How will their experience and skill impact Spain’s journey to the 2026 World Cup?
Spain’s national football team has received a significant boost with the much-anticipated return of midfield maestro Rodri and defensive stalwart Dani Carvajal to the squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, marking their comeback after prolonged injury spells.
Rodri, a pivotal figure for both his club Manchester City and the national team, endured a challenging period following a severe ACL tear in his right knee last year. His subsequent recovery was complicated by a reported groin issue during the Club World Cup, limiting his recent appearances for Pep Guardiola’s side as they carefully manage his reintegration into the competitive football arena.
Similarly, Real Madrid’s seasoned right-back Dani Carvajal faced his own battle with injury, being sidelined since October last year. His perseverance saw him return to action for Los Blancos in July, culminating in a strong starting performance in a recent Spanish league victory against Real Oviedo, signaling his readiness for international duties once more.
National coach Luis de la Fuente has strategically included these experienced stalwarts in his Friday squad announcement, emphasizing their importance as the reigning European champions aim to secure a coveted spot in the 2026 World Cup. Their presence will be crucial in the demanding qualification matches against Bulgaria and Turkey, scheduled for September 4 and 7 respectively.
The reintroduction of Rodri and Carvajal provides a significant lift to Spain’s aspirations, offering both tactical depth and invaluable experience on the international stage. Their ability to control the midfield and solidify the defense, particularly in high-stakes encounters, is expected to be a key factor in Spain’s pursuit of qualification points.
The comprehensive squad list also features a strong defensive lineup, including familiar faces and promising talents. Among those called up are Marc Cucurella of Chelsea, Pedro Porro from Tottenham, and Real Madrid’s Dean Huijsen, alongside Alejandro Grimaldo, Robin Le Normand, Pau Cubarsí, and Dani Vivian, ensuring robust options across the backline for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
Complementing the defense is a dynamic midfield, spearheaded by the returning Rodri. This area boasts a blend of creativity and resilience with players like Barcelona’s Pedri González and Gavi Páez, Arsenal’s Martín Zubimendi and Mikel Merino, Paris Saint-Germain’s Fabián Ruiz, and Fermín López, all vying for starting positions and contributing to Spain’s attacking prowess.
With these key players back in contention, Spain’s national team appears well-equipped to tackle the challenges of the World Cup qualifiers. The blend of seasoned veterans and emerging stars under de la Fuente’s guidance sets a promising tone for their campaign to reach the prestigious 2026 tournament.
