The call came, and with it, a familiar face returns to the Spanish national team. Samu, the talented forward from FC Porto, is back in the squad. Coach Luis de La Fuente has selected him for the upcoming double header in World Cup 2026 qualification. This is big news for Samu, who had missed out on recent national team action.
Spain will face Bulgaria on the 11th, followed by a match against Georgia on the 14th. These games are crucial for solidifying their position at the top of Group E. Joining Samu in this return are midfielders Llorente and Barrios, adding strength and experience to the group. However, some key players will be missing. Carvajal, Nico, Fabián, FermÃn, and Gavi are all out due to injuries. Striker Morata, a prominent figure, was left out by the coach’s technical decision.
Among the chosen players, we see some names familiar to fans who follow club football closely. Full-back Alejandro Grimaldo, who once shone for Benfica, made the cut. So did Pedro Porro, another full-back known for his time playing with Sporting. These players bring a continental flavor to the Spanish ranks.
The Spanish team currently leads Group E with a perfect record. They have six points, holding a three-point lead over both Georgia and Turkey. Bulgaria, their upcoming opponent, is still searching for their first points in the group. Spain will be keen to extend their winning streak and secure their path to the World Cup.
The future looks bright for Spanish football too. The U21 national team has also announced its squad for matches against Norway and Finland. Two promising full-backs, Iván Fresneda from Sporting and Rafael Obrador from Benfica, have earned their spots. This shows the depth of talent being developed across various top clubs.