‘United’ Spain first as Barcelona top absent Real Madrid in World Cup squad
Real's absence from Spain's World Cup squad, while Barca dominate picks, explained by coach as 'united nation' first.
AI Summary
Spain's coach Luis de la Fuente selected a World Cup squad with eight Barcelona players and notably no Real Madrid players, emphasizing that national team pride supersedes club loyalties. De la Fuente defended the selection by stating that sporting merit alone guided his choices and that Spain's badge matters more than any club crest, dismissing concerns that the decision could alienate Real Madrid fans. The squad includes Barcelona's Garcia, Cubarsi, E. Garcia, Gavi, Pedri, Olmo, Yamal and Torres, along with seven Premier League-based players, as Spain prepares for the tournament as defending champions from their 2010 World Cup victory.