Coach Luis De La Fuente's latest squad selection for the current FIFA Days period omits many members of the Euro 2024 winning team, including Dani Carvajal, Robin Le Normand, Fabian Ruiz, Mikel Merino, Dani Vivian, Nacho, Alvaro Morata, and Nico Williams.

Beyond retirement and a dip in form, some players are sidelined due to injuries from excessive play. Many stars competed for the national team throughout summer 2024 at the Euro and for their clubs in summer 2025 at the FIFA Club World Cup.

"Ultimately, it's the result of playing too much," defender Marc Cucurella stated. "Some of us have played non-stop for the past two summers. If we're selected for the 2026 World Cup, that will be a third summer."

Cucurella with Spain winning Euro 2024 in Germany. *Photo: Reuters*.

While acknowledging a decline in physical fitness, Cucurella does not want to miss his first World Cup opportunity. He hopes he and his teammates will regain peak form in time for the final at MetLife Stadium, where he previously won the FIFA Club World Cup with Chelsea.

"I hope to return to where we won last year. It would be a great honor, meaning we are just one step away from glory. We hope that after many years of effort, that moment will finally arrive."

Cucurella and Spain are preparing for friendly matches against Serbia on 27/3 and Egypt on 31/3. Spain is using these two matches to replace the canceled Intercontinental Super Cup clash with Argentina – a high-profile fixture called off due to conflict in the Middle East. Both sides attempted to move the match to Europe, but disagreed on the timing and location.

According to Argentina star Enzo Fernandez, Cucurella admitted some apprehension about playing the reigning World Cup champions. However, Cucurella asserted it was merely a joke between the two Chelsea players.

"I was just joking. We were actually really looking forward to playing. We discussed it a lot, but couldn't play for various reasons. Hopefully, we'll meet at the World Cup; that would certainly be a great match," Cucurella said.

Thanh Quy (according to Cadena Ser)