Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal and Como forward Álvaro Morata will miss the 2026 World Cup after being omitted from Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente’s 55-man preliminary list, according to AS.
The decision is said to be final and unlikely to change. De la Fuente had monitored both players closely over a long period, but their declining form and recurring injuries led him to favor other options who are performing better at club level. Carvajal and Morata had previously served as captains of the national team.
The final 23-man squad for the tournament will be announced on May 25.
Morata, 33, has played 28 matches this season across all competitions, logging 983 minutes and scoring one goal with two assists. A long spell on the sidelines was caused by a torn adductor muscle. Carvajal, 34, has seen even less action: just 20 games (885 minutes) with no goals or assists. His campaign has been disrupted by multiple muscle strains, a knee injury, and a fractured phalanx on the little toe of his right foot. The defender is currently still recovering from that foot issue.
