MADRID – In a major boost for Spain’s World Cup 2026 qualifying campaign, Rodri and Dani Carvajal have returned from long-term injuries and have been named in the national squad. Spain will face Bulgaria and Turkey in September as they begin their journey in Group E, aiming for a place in the tournament set to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico next summer.
Both key players made their long-awaited comebacks during the FIFA Club World Cup this summer, where they represented their clubs — Manchester City and Real Madrid, respectively — after months on the sidelines with serious knee injuries.
Manchester City star Rodri played a crucial role in Spain’s successful UEFA Euro 2024 campaign. However, the midfield anchor suffered a devastating setback in September 2024 when he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), ruling him out for the rest of the year.
Rodri and Carvajal recalled to Spain squad for World Cup qualifiers
After nearly ten months of recovery and rehabilitation, Rodri finally returned to competitive football this July during the Club World Cup, where he helped City reach the final stages of the tournament. His ability to dictate the pace of the game, control possession, and break up opposition attacks is vital to Spain’s style of play. His comeback could not have come at a better time as Spain prepare for two tricky away fixtures.
Spain will kick off their World Cup 2026 qualifiers on September 4 against Bulgaria, followed by a clash against Turkey on September 7. With Rodri back in top form, manager Luis de la Fuente will be confident in his midfield’s strength and stability.
Real Madrid right-back Dani Carvajal has also made a full recovery from a serious knee injury. The experienced defender suffered a rupture of two knee ligaments and a tendon in October 2024, sidelining him for over eight months. Like Rodri, Carvajal returned to club duty during the Club World Cup, gradually regaining match fitness and sharpness in the United States-hosted event.
Known for his defensive discipline, overlapping runs, and leadership qualities, Carvajal brings valuable experience and tactical awareness to Spain’s backline. His return is particularly important given the youth and inexperience of several other defenders in the squad.
With Carvajal back in the lineup, Spain’s defensive setup looks much more solid ahead of critical fixtures that could define their qualification campaign.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has opted for a blend of experience and youthful talent in his 26-man squad. Alongside Rodri and Carvajal, the list includes Barcelona sensations Lamine Yamal and Pedri, who are expected to play key roles in the attack and midfield, respectively.
Notably, goalkeeper Joan Garcia, who recently joined Barcelona, was left out of the squad.
Here’s the full list of players called up for Spain’s September qualifiers:
- Goalkeepers:
- Unai Simon (Athletic Bilbao)
- David Raya (Arsenal)
- Alex Remiro (Real Sociedad)
- Defenders:
- Dani Carvajal, Dean Huijsen (Real Madrid)
- Pedro Porro (Tottenham)
- Dani Vivian (Athletic Bilbao)
- Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona)
- Robin Le Normand (Atletico Madrid)
- Alejandro Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen)
- Marc Cucurella (Chelsea)
Midfielders:
- Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino (both Arsenal)
- Rodrigo (Manchester City)
- Gavi, Fermin Lopez, Pedri Gonzalez, Dani Olmo (all Barcelona)
- Fabian Ruiz (PSG)
Forwards:
- Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres (Barcelona)
- Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao)
- Yeremy Pino (Villarreal)
- Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad)
- Alvaro Morata, Jesus Rodriguez (both Como)
As Spain prepares to face Bulgaria and Turkey in Group E, the return of Rodri and Carvajal could be pivotal. Their presence not only adds experience and quality to the squad but also boosts morale as Spain looks to secure top spot in the group.
With Georgia also in the group, only the winner will directly qualify for the World Cup 2026. Every match will count — and having fully fit versions of Rodri and Carvajal may make the difference in what promises to be a tightly contested campaign.
Source- EWN
