SportsPosted at: Sep 18 2026 10:41PM


Two new faces as Spain coach De la Fuente names first squad since World Cup win

Madrid, Sep 18 (UNI) Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has handed first senior call-ups to Inter Milan goalkeeper Josep Martinez and Espanyol striker Roberto Fernandez in his first squad since guiding Spain to World Cup glory this summer.
Twenty seven-year-old Martinez earns his debut call-up after Joan Garcia suffered a minor knee injury that will sideline him for around three weeks, while Fernandez is rewarded for an excellent start to the season in which he has scored six goals in La Liga.

De la Fuente has also recalled Real Madrid defender Dean Huijsen, who missed the World Cup squad after his form dipped at the end of last season. Barcelona's Fermin Lopez is back after a muscle injury ended his World Cup hopes.
However, De la Fuente has resisted the temptation to call up powerful striker Carlos Espi, who has scored two match-winning goals since moving from Levante to Real Madrid. There is also no place for Fulham striker Gonzalo Garcia, who made his senior debut in Spain's World Cup warm-up match against Iran on June 4.

Spain will play four UEFA Nations League matches, beginning with a trip to face England at Wembley, followed by home games against Croatia and the Czech Republic and an away fixture against Croatia, according to Xinhua.
Full Squad: Goalkeepers: Unai Simon, Raya, Josep Martienez
Defenders: Pedro Porro, Eric Garcia, Marc Pubill, Pau Cubarsi, Dean Huijsen, Aymeric Laporte, Cucurella, Alex Grimaldo.
Midfielders: Rodri Hernandez, Pedri, Fabian Ruiz, Mikel Merino, Martin Zubimendi, Dani Olmo, Fermin Lopez.
Forwards: Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres, Nico Williams, Victor Munoz, Alex Baena, Mikel Oyarzabal, Yeremy Pino, Roberto Fernandez.
UNI BM
Tags: #Two new faces as Spain coach De la Fuente names first squad since World Cup win
More News

BCCI keeps Agarkar future in suspense

18 Sep 2026 | 9:47 PM

Mumbai, Sep 18 (UNI) The BCCI on Friday kept chief selector Ajit Agarkar's future hanging in the balance, with its 95th Annual General Meeting (AGM) authorising the board's office-bearers to take a later call on the composition of the men's senior and junior selection committees.

see more..

Knee injury sidelines Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia

18 Sep 2026 | 9:42 PM

Madrid, Sep 18 (UNI) FC Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia will miss Saturday's La Liga trip to Sevilla and will be unavailable for Spain during the international break after the club confirmed he had suffered a minor knee injury.

see more..

Asian Games: OCA explains absence of traditional athletes' village at Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games

18 Sep 2026 | 9:39 PM

Nagoya (Japan), Sep 18 (UNI) The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) on Friday explained the decision not to build a traditional athletes' village for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, saying
that while such a facility would be preferable, organizers also needed flexibility.

see more..

Flamengo holds off Del Valle to reach Copa Libertadores semis

18 Sep 2026 | 9:33 PM

Rio De Janeiro, Sep 18 (UNI) Brazil's Flamengo advanced to the Copa Libertadores semifinals despite being held to a 1-1 home draw by Ecuadorian side Independiente del Valle. .

see more..

Istanbul to host 2027 Spanish Supercopa across three stadiums

18 Sep 2026 | 9:29 PM

Madrid, Sep 18 (UNI) The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has presented this season's Supercopa at an event in Istanbul.
The four-team tournament will see La Liga champion FC Barcelona face Atletico Madrid in the first semifinal on February 2, while Copa del Rey winner Real Sociedad meets Real Madrid the following day. The final will be played on February 6.

see more..