On Friday, August 29, 2025, Spain’s national football team manager, Luis de la Fuente, announced the inclusion of Manchester City midfielder Rodri and Real Madrid right-back Dani Carvajal in the squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Bulgaria and Turkey. This decision marks a significant boost for the reigning Euro 2024 champions, as both players have recently recovered from serious anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries that sidelined them for extended periods. The announcement has sparked excitement and optimism among fans and analysts, who view the return of these world-class players as a pivotal moment for Spain’s ambitions in the highly competitive World Cup qualifying campaign. This article provides an in-depth exploration of the squad announcement, the significance of Rodri and Carvajal’s return, the challenges of the upcoming matches, and the broader implications for Spain’s national team as they aim to secure qualification for the World Cup.
The Return of Rodri and Carvajal: A Game-Changer for Spain
The inclusion of Rodri and Dani Carvajal in Spain’s 26-member squad is a testament to their resilience, talent, and importance to both club and country. Both players have overcome significant injury setbacks, and their return is seen as a major coup for Luis de la Fuente’s squad as they prepare for crucial matches against Bulgaria on Thursday and Turkey on September 7, 2025.
Rodri: The Ballon d’Or Holder’s Triumphant Return
Rodri, the 29-year-old Manchester City midfielder and reigning Ballon d’Or holder, is widely regarded as one of the best defensive midfielders in the world. His ability to control the tempo of matches, break up opposition plays, and contribute to build-up play has made him a cornerstone of both Manchester City and the Spanish national team. However, Rodri’s journey back to the international stage has been far from straightforward.
Last season, Rodri suffered a devastating anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury that sidelined him for the majority of the campaign. The injury, which occurred early in the season, was a major blow to Manchester City’s Premier League title defense and Spain’s Euro 2024 preparations. Just as he was nearing recovery, Rodri picked up a groin injury during the Club World Cup in July 2025, further delaying his return to competitive football. Despite these setbacks, Rodri made his comeback in Manchester City’s 2-0 home defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on August 24, 2025, coming off the bench in a substitute role. Notably, he missed City’s season opener against Wolverhampton Wanderers due to the groin issue, highlighting the cautious approach to his recovery.
Luis de la Fuente, speaking at a press conference on Friday, expressed his delight at Rodri’s return, describing him as “the best in the world in his position.” De la Fuente emphasized Rodri’s importance both on and off the pitch, noting his leadership qualities and ability to elevate the team’s performance. “Rodri contributes a lot to us,” de la Fuente said. “He knows his role, and while his inclusion doesn’t guarantee he’ll play, I’m clear that he will be vital for us in this campaign.”
Rodri’s inclusion in the squad is particularly significant given the intensity of the World Cup qualifying campaign. As a defensive midfielder, he provides stability and composure in the middle of the park, allowing Spain’s attacking players to flourish. His ability to read the game, intercept passes, and distribute the ball with precision makes him a linchpin in de la Fuente’s tactical setup. Moreover, his experience as a Ballon d’Or winner adds a layer of confidence and prestige to the squad, signaling Spain’s intent to dominate their qualifying group.
Dani Carvajal: The Veteran Right-Back’s Resilience
Dani Carvajal, the 33-year-old Real Madrid right-back, is another key figure in Spain’s squad whose return is cause for celebration. Carvajal, known for his tenacity, defensive solidity, and attacking contributions from the right flank, was sidelined for nine months due to an ACL injury. His absence was keenly felt by both Real Madrid and the Spanish national team, as his experience and versatility are difficult to replace.
Carvajal made his comeback at the Club World Cup semi-finals in July 2025, marking his return to competitive action after a long and grueling rehabilitation process. His performance in the tournament demonstrated that he has lost none of his sharpness, with his trademark overlapping runs and defensive nous on full display. Like Rodri, Carvajal’s inclusion in the Spain squad is a testament to his determination and professionalism, as well as his enduring quality as one of the world’s top right-backs.
De la Fuente was effusive in his praise for Carvajal, calling him “the best in the world in his position.” The Spain manager highlighted Carvajal’s ability to contribute both defensively and offensively, as well as his leadership qualities off the pitch. “The important thing is that they are back to contribute a lot,” de la Fuente said of both Carvajal and Rodri. “They bring a lot to us, and their presence strengthens the concept of family we want to build from the start.”
Carvajal’s return is particularly timely given the demanding nature of the upcoming qualifiers. His experience in high-stakes matches, including multiple Champions League triumphs with Real Madrid, makes him a valuable asset for Spain as they face tough opponents in Bulgaria and Turkey. His ability to defend against tricky wingers and support Spain’s attacking play will be crucial in these matches, where tactical discipline and versatility will be key.
The Context: Spain’s World Cup Qualifying Campaign
Spain, as the reigning Euro 2024 champions, enter the World Cup qualifiers with high expectations. The team’s triumph at the European Championship showcased their blend of youthful exuberance and veteran experience, with players like Lamine Yamal, Pedri, and Alvaro Morata leading the charge. However, the World Cup qualifying campaign presents a different set of challenges, with a grueling schedule and strong opposition standing in the way of qualification.
The upcoming matches against Bulgaria and Turkey are critical early tests for Spain. Bulgaria, while not considered a footballing powerhouse, has a history of causing upsets in qualifiers, particularly when playing at home. Their physical style of play and passionate home support make them a formidable opponent. Turkey, on the other hand, is a rising force in European football, with a talented squad and a reputation for playing attractive, attacking football. The match in Turkey on September 7, 2025, will be particularly challenging, as Spain will face a hostile atmosphere and a team eager to prove themselves on the international stage.
De la Fuente acknowledged the difficulty of the qualifying campaign, stating, “We have a very tough qualifying campaign, and we want to consolidate the concept of family from the start.” His emphasis on unity and collective effort reflects the importance of building a cohesive squad capable of navigating the challenges ahead. The inclusion of Rodri and Carvajal, two players with extensive experience in high-pressure situations, is a clear signal that de la Fuente is prioritizing leadership and quality as Spain aims to secure their place at the World Cup.
The Squad: A Blend of Experience and Youth
The 26-member squad announced by de la Fuente strikes a balance between seasoned veterans and emerging talents, reflecting Spain’s depth and versatility. Below is a detailed breakdown of the squad:
Goalkeepers
Unai Simon: The Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper remains Spain’s first-choice shot-stopper, known for his composure and shot-stopping ability.
David Raya: The Arsenal goalkeeper provides strong competition for Simon, having impressed in the Premier League and at Euro 2024.
Alex Remiro: The Real Sociedad goalkeeper adds depth to the goalkeeping unit, offering reliability as a backup option.
Notably, Barcelona’s new goalkeeper, Joan Garcia, was not included in the squad, likely due to his relative lack of international experience. De la Fuente’s decision to stick with established names in goal reflects his preference for continuity and reliability in this crucial position.
Defenders
Dani Carvajal: As discussed, the Real Madrid right-back’s return is a major boost for Spain’s defensive unit.
Pedro Porro: The Tottenham Hotspur right-back provides versatility and attacking flair, serving as a strong backup for Carvajal.
Robin Le Normand: The Real Sociedad center-back is a mainstay in Spain’s defense, known for his physicality and aerial ability.
Dean Huijsen: The young Juventus defender represents the next generation of Spanish talent, offering potential for the future.
Dani Vivian: The Athletic Bilbao center-back has emerged as a reliable option, adding depth to the backline.
Pau Cubarsi: The Barcelona teenager is one of Europe’s most exciting defensive prospects, bringing composure and technical ability.
Marc Cucurella: The Chelsea left-back provides energy and tenacity, making him a key part of Spain’s defensive setup.
Alejandro Grimaldo: The Bayer Leverkusen left-back offers attacking dynamism, complementing Cucurella’s defensive solidity.
The absence of Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde from the squad is a notable omission. Balde, who has struggled with injuries and form in recent seasons, may have been overlooked in favor of Cucurella and Grimaldo, who have been more consistent at club level.
Midfielders
Rodri: The Manchester City star anchors the midfield, providing stability and leadership.
Martin Zubimendi: The Real Sociedad midfielder is a versatile and intelligent player, capable of filling in for Rodri if needed.
Fabian Ruiz: The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder brings creativity and goal-scoring threat from midfield.
Pedri: The Barcelona playmaker is a key figure in Spain’s attacking setup, known for his vision and technical ability.
Mikel Merino: The Arsenal midfielder adds physicality and work rate to the midfield, complementing the team’s more creative players.
Gavi: The Barcelona youngster is a dynamic and tenacious midfielder, capable of changing games with his energy.
Fermin Lopez: Another Barcelona talent, Lopez has emerged as a goal-scoring midfielder with a bright future.
Spain’s midfield is arguably their strongest department, with a mix of defensive solidity, creativity, and youthful exuberance. Rodri’s return strengthens an already formidable unit, giving de la Fuente plenty of options to tailor his approach to different opponents.
Forwards
Alvaro Morata: The AC Milan striker and Spain captain remains the team’s primary goal-scoring threat.
Mikel Oyarzabal: The Real Sociedad forward is a versatile and intelligent player, capable of playing across the front line.
Ferran Torres: The Barcelona winger brings pace and directness, adding width to Spain’s attack.
Dani Olmo: The Barcelona attacking midfielder is a creative force, capable of unlocking defenses with his passing and dribbling.
Lamine Yamal: The 18-year-old Barcelona winger is a global superstar in the making, known for his flair and goal-scoring ability.
Nico Williams: The Athletic Bilbao winger provides explosive pace and creativity on the flanks.
Yeremy Pino: The Villarreal forward is a versatile and hard-working attacker, adding depth to the squad.
Jesus Rodriguez: The young forward represents Spain’s commitment to nurturing talent for the future.
Spain’s attacking options are among the most exciting in world football, with a blend of experience (Morata, Oyarzabal) and youthful brilliance (Yamal, Williams). The team’s ability to combine technical skill with pace and directness makes them a formidable force in attack.
Tactical Implications and De la Fuente’s Vision
Luis de la Fuente’s decision to include Rodri and Carvajal reflects his vision of building a cohesive and competitive squad capable of dominating the World Cup qualifiers. Both players bring a wealth of experience and tactical intelligence, which will be crucial in navigating the challenges posed by Bulgaria and Turkey.
Tactically, Rodri’s presence in midfield allows Spain to maintain their possession-based style of play while providing defensive stability. His ability to sit deep and protect the backline enables players like Pedri, Gavi, and Dani Olmo to push forward and create scoring opportunities. Carvajal, meanwhile, strengthens Spain’s right flank, offering a balance of defensive solidity and attacking intent. His overlapping runs will complement wingers like Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, creating dangerous combinations down the right.
De la Fuente’s emphasis on the “concept of family” underscores his desire to foster unity and camaraderie within the squad. By including experienced players like Rodri and Carvajal alongside young talents like Yamal and Cubarsi, he is creating a squad that blends leadership with potential. This approach has proven successful in the past, as evidenced by Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph, and will be critical in the high-stakes environment of World Cup qualifying.
However, de la Fuente was careful to manage expectations, noting that Rodri and Carvajal’s inclusion does not guarantee playing time. “It doesn’t mean that if they come they’re guaranteed to play,” he said. “What I am clear about is that they will both be vital.” This statement reflects his commitment to maintaining competition within the squad, ensuring that players must earn their place through performance and commitment.
Challenges and Opportunities in the Qualifiers
The matches against Bulgaria and Turkey present both challenges and opportunities for Spain. Bulgaria, while not a traditional footballing powerhouse, has a history of making life difficult for top teams, particularly at home. Their physical approach and organized defending will test Spain’s ability to break down compact defenses. The match in Sofia on Thursday will require patience and precision, qualities that Rodri and Carvajal bring in abundance.
Turkey, on the other hand, is a more formidable opponent, with a talented squad and a passionate fan base. The match in Turkey on September 7, 2025, will be a stern test of Spain’s credentials as World Cup contenders. Turkey’s attacking players, such as Hakan Calhanoglu and Arda Guler, have the potential to cause problems, and Spain’s defense, led by Carvajal and Le Normand, will need to be at its best to contain them.
Despite these challenges, the return of Rodri and Carvajal gives Spain a significant advantage. Their experience in high-pressure situations, combined with the squad’s depth and quality, makes Spain the favorites in both matches. A successful start to the qualifying campaign would set the tone for the rest of the group stage and reinforce Spain’s status as one of the world’s top teams.
Broader Implications for Spanish Football
The inclusion of Rodri and Carvajal in the Spain squad has broader implications for Spanish football, both at the international and domestic levels. At the international level, their return strengthens Spain’s bid to qualify for the World Cup and adds to the team’s aura of invincibility following their Euro 2024 triumph. A strong showing in the qualifiers could position Spain as one of the favorites to win the World Cup, building on their recent success and the emergence of young talents like Yamal and Pedri.
Domestically, the return of Rodri and Carvajal is a boost for their respective clubs, Manchester City and Real Madrid. Both players are integral to their teams’ success, and their ability to return to full fitness after serious injuries is a testament to the quality of medical care and rehabilitation programs at their clubs. For Manchester City, Rodri’s return is particularly crucial, as the team has struggled in his absence during the early stages of the 2025-26 Premier League season. For Real Madrid, Carvajal’s presence adds stability to a defense that has been tested by injuries in recent years.
The announcement also highlights the depth of talent in Spanish football. Despite the absence of players like Joan Garcia and Alejandro Balde, the squad remains stacked with world-class players across all positions. This depth is a reflection of the strength of La Liga and the success of Spain’s youth development system, which continues to produce talents like Yamal, Cubarsi, and Lopez.
Reactions and Expectations
The announcement of the Spain squad has generated significant buzz among fans, analysts, and pundits. Social media platforms, particularly X, have been abuzz with reactions to Rodri and Carvajal’s inclusion, with many fans expressing optimism about Spain’s chances in the qualifiers. “Rodri and Carvajal back? Spain is unstoppable!” wrote one user, while another commented, “De la Fuente knows what he’s doing. This squad is a perfect mix of experience and youth.”
However, some fans expressed disappointment over the exclusion of Joan Garcia and Alejandro Balde, arguing that the young Barcelona players deserve a chance to prove themselves. Others have questioned whether Rodri and Carvajal, given their recent injuries, are ready for the demands of international football. De la Fuente’s comments about their roles not being guaranteed suggest that he is aware of these concerns and will manage their minutes carefully.
Analysts have largely praised the squad selection, with many highlighting the importance of Rodri and Carvajal’s experience in a tough qualifying campaign. Spanish newspaper Marca described the duo as “the backbone of Spain’s success,” while AS noted that their return “sends a message to the rest of the world that Spain means business.”
Conclusion
The inclusion of Rodri and Dani Carvajal in Spain’s squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Bulgaria and Turkey is a major boost for the reigning Euro 2024 champions. Both players, having overcome significant injury setbacks, bring world-class quality, leadership, and experience to a squad brimming with talent. Their return strengthens Spain’s chances of navigating a challenging qualifying campaign and reinforces their status as one of the favorites to qualify for the World Cup.
Luis de la Fuente’s squad selection reflects a careful balance of experience and youth, with Rodri and Carvajal complementing emerging stars like Lamine Yamal and Pedri. The upcoming matches against Bulgaria and Turkey will test Spain’s credentials, but with a fully fit squad and a clear tactical vision, the team is well-positioned to succeed.
As Spain embarks on this crucial phase of their World Cup journey, the return of Rodri and Carvajal serves as a reminder of the resilience and quality that define Spanish football. With the support of their fans and the leadership of de la Fuente, Spain is poised to make a strong statement in the qualifiers and continue their quest for global dominance.
