Luis Enrique’s Spain revamp is almost complete, as La Furia Roja eye a World Cup adventure with a wonderful squad packed full of red-hot talent and big-stage experience.
According to Marca, Spain’s provisional list will be released on Friday, October 28, while AS reports that the federation will not release the extended list at all. Either way, both of Spain’s top sports outlets have run several names that are said to be on the 55-man roster. Spain’s final 26-man squad is expected on Friday, November 11.
Spain are enjoying positive results at Euro 2021, reaching the semi-finals with the likes of Pedri and Ferran Torres breathing life into the team. They also advanced to the 2021 UEFA Nations League final, losing to France on a goal with 10 minutes remaining.
They were positive signs as Spain move on from their golden generation, which helped them win the 2010 World Cup. This was followed by a surprise group stage exit in 2014 and a last-16 exit in Russia four years later.
But now with younger and even stronger talent to choose from for Qatar, Spain must be considered one of the main contenders for this year’s crown.
Spain World Cup 2022 squad
Enrique continued his policy of unorthodox squad announcements with a dramatic live reading of his final 26 players for Qatar.
Barcelona are heavily represented in the squad, with veterans Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba joined by Pedri, Gavi and Ansu Fati, despite the latter’s struggles for fitness.
| Position | Player | Club | Age | Caps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | David Raya | Brentford (ENG) | 27 | 1 |
| Goalkeeper | Robert Sanchez | Brighton (ENG) | 24 | 1 |
| Goalkeeper | Unai Simon | Athletic Bilbao (SPA) | 25 | 7 |
| Defender | Jordi Alba | Barcelona (SPA) | 33 | 86 |
| Defender | Hugo Guillamon | Valencia (SPA) | 22 | 3 |
| Defender | Cesar Azpilicueta | Chelsea (ENG) | 33 | 41 |
| Defender | Dani Carvajal | Real Madrid (SPA) | 30 | 30 |
| Defender | Eric Garcia | Barcelona (SPA) | 21 | 18 |
| Defender | Jose Gaya | Valencia (SPA) | 27 | 18 |
| Defender | Aymeric Laporte | Manchester City (ENG) | 28 | 15 |
| Defender | Pau Torres | Villarreal (SPA) | 25 | 21 |
| Midfielder | Sergio Busquets | Barcelona (SPA) | 36 | 146 |
| Midfielder | Gavi | Barcelona (SPA) | 18 | 12 |
| Midfielder | Koke | Atletico Madrid (SPA) | 30 | 67 |
| Midfielder | Marcos Llorente | Atletico Madrid (SPA) | 27 | 17 |
| Midfielder | Pedri | Barcelona (SPA) | 19 | 14 |
| Midfielder | Rodri | Manchester City (ENG) | 26 | 34 |
| Midfielder | Carlos Soler | PSG (FRA) | 25 | 11 |
| Midfielder | Dani Olmo | RB Leipzig (GER) | 24 | 24 |
| Forward | Marco Asensio | Real Madrid (SPA) | 26 | 29 |
| Forward | Ansu Fati | Barcelona (SPA) | 19 | 4 |
| Forward | Alvaro Morata | Atletico Madrid (SPA) | 29 | 57 |
| Forward | Yeremi Pino | Villarreal (SPA) | 20 | 6 |
| Forward | Ferran Torres | Barcelona (SPA) | 22 | 30 |
| Forward | Nico Williams | Athletic Bilbao (SPA) | 20 | 2 |
| Forward | Pablo Sarabia | Paris Saint-Germain (FRA) | 30 | 24 |
Spain’s best player, national team strengths & weaknesses
Stars
Spain will bring a well-balanced, star-packed squad to Qatar. Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba among the last remaining members of the golden generation — both likely to be playing their final World Cup.
Barcelona trio Ferran Torres, Pedri and Gavi will add the star power from the new breed of Spanish talent.
Strengths
Spain’s veterans will provide the backbone, but the key to glory lies in their young talents. Gavi (18), Pedri (19), Ansu Fati (19) and Ferran Torres (22) are already established names but could announce themselves as true superstars in Qatar.
They’ll provide the creative spark to keep Spain partying deep into the tournament.
Weaknesses
Alvaro Morata has bagged an average of nearly one goal every two games for Spain, but he’s a much less reliable focal point than predecessors Fernando Torres and David Villa.
The Atletico Madrid striker, who has fallen short of his massive potential up to now, holds the opportunity to make a statement this year. There will certainly be no shortage of chances created for him.
Spain World Cup group
It’s a tricky Group E that awaits Spain in Qatar. If they can overcome this test unscathed, the other leading challengers will likely sit up and take notice.
Costa Rica and Japan have both reached the knockout rounds in recent times, while 2014 world champions Germany are rock solid once again after a catastrophic time in Russia and disappointment at Euro 2021.
Spain World Cup fixtures and match schedule
| Date | Match | Time (ET) | Stadium |
| Wed, Nov. 23 | Spain vs. Costa Rica | 11:00 a.m. | Al Thumama Stadium |
| Sun, Nov. 27 | Spain vs. Germany | 2:00 p.m. | Al Bayt Stadium |
| Thu, Dec. 1 | Spain vs. Japan | 2:00 p.m. | Khalifa International Stadium |
Spain vs Costa Rica squad, lineup
With a mix of youth and experience that is now battle-hardened on the big stage, it’s unlikely there will be too many shocks in Enrique’s starting lineup for the opening test against Costa Rica.
Spain projected starting XI vs Costa Rica
GK: Simon
DFs: Carvajal, Garcia, Laporte, Alba
MFs: Gavi, Busquets, Pedri
FWs: Torres, Sarabia, Morata
