Zubimendi and Jacobo Ramón push into Spain’s selection picture

Zubimendi is back in focus and Jacobo Ramón is making a case for Spain, with Luis de la Fuente’s final squad announcement of 2026 approaching—the year of the second star. The Como defender scored in a match whose displayed score was 4-0. De la Fuente will name his squad on Friday at 11:30. The announcement will be accompanied by a remembrance of the victims of the Urda train accident and Jesús de Miguel.

The squad will come before Spain’s final two matches of the year, against Chequia and then Inglaterra. On Thursday, the world champions face Santi Denia’s Chequia in Praga. On Sunday 15 at the Metropolitano, España and Inglaterra will contest top spot in the group, which brings qualification for the Nations League quarter-finals. The absences of Rodri, Dani Olmo and Eric García are also part of the selection picture.

Rodri’s injury brings back the period after the serious knee injury suffered by the captain in September 2024 and its aftermath. At that point, with Zubimendi in excellent form, Spain won eight matches and drew three. The midfielder was then at Real before moving on to Arsenal. His current circumstances are different: Marca notes that he started on Wednesday for the first time this season in a Premier or Champions match.

De la Fuente’s faith in him, however, remains clear. The coach said: “We have the best midfielder in the world, Rodri, and the second-best, Zubimendi.” Luis Milla, described as a driving force for Cesc’s Como, and Chema Andrés, a defensive midfielder for the Sub 21 and Brighton, are also among the profiles being discussed in that part of the team.

Jacobo Ramón is attracting attention in defence. Marca describes him as Serie A’s best centre-back so far this season. The 2025 Final Four offers a reminder of how injuries can affect selection: De la Fuente brought Isco back into the fold there, but physical problems disrupted that option. This time, the coach can also call on Samu Aghehowa, recovered from the cruciate ligament rupture he suffered in January. Competition for a place in the squad remains fierce.