Spain's World Cup squad announced: Heysen left out, zero Real Madrid players selected, fans applaud

The world's second-ranked team, Spain, has unveiled its 26-player lineup for the 2026 World Cup across North America, unintentionally breaking new ground. Following the exclusion of Real Madrid's defender Heysen, the so-called "world's best team" has zero players in the squad—a historic first for Spain's World Cup selections without any Real Madrid members.

Here is Spain's 26-man World Cup roster:

• Forwards (8 players): Oyarzabal, Olmo, Nico Williams, Yeremy Pino, Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres, Borja Iglesias, Victor Muñoz
• Midfielders (7 players): Rodri, Pedri, Fabián, Merino, Zubimendi, Gavi, Baena
• Defenders (8 players): Cucurella, Porro, Grimaldo, Laporte, Cubarsí, Eric García, Pubill, Marcos Llorente
• Goalkeepers (3 players): Unai Simón, David Raya, Joan García

Doesn't it seem like Spain's strongest position is goalkeeper?

Spain has been drawn into Group H for this World Cup, alongside Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, and Cape Verde. With the tournament expanded to 48 teams, group-stage matches serve as warm-ups for strong teams, allowing them to find their rhythm without worrying about advancing.

Why are most Chinese fans applauding the absence of Real Madrid players from Spain's squad? It's due to the Heysen incident, which revealed Real Madrid's double standards.