Spain Recall Captains Rodri, Carvajal for World Cup Qualifiers in Bulgaria, Turkey

Spain's national coach Luis de la Fuente has announced the squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Bulgaria and Turkey, with the notable return of captains Rodri from Manchester City and Dani Carvajal from Real Madrid following lengthy ACL injuries. Both players have resumed club action recently at the Club World Cup, although they are still regaining full match fitness. Rodri, a key midfielder who helped Spain win Euro 2024, had been sidelined since September of last year, while Carvajal missed most of last season due to severe knee injuries but returned in July at the FIFA tournament. The squad also includes young talents like 19-year-old winger Jesús Rodríguez, while Barcelona's new goalkeeper Joan Garcia was not selected. Spain faces Bulgaria on September 4 and Turkey on September 7 in Group E, with Georgia also in the group, competing for a spot in the 2026 World Cup in North America. De la Fuente emphasized that selection is based on merit and team needs rather than club affiliation, reaffirming trust in his trusted players as Spain aims to continue its international success.