The World Cup in Qatar is approaching, with games scheduled from Sunday, November 20, to Sunday, December 18. Spain’s final squad under Luis Enrique remains unsettled, especially in attack where several names are under review, including Ansu Fati.
The coach recently explained Ansu Fati’s absence, noting that the forward will return once he reaches the needed level for national-team duties. To aid his integration, he joined a group session during the last training call to observe team dynamics on the field. Although he did not take part in that session and has since mostly played for his club, he started only one official match in the early phase of his comeback. Enrique indicated this hints at potential value, yet Fati is not yet among the confirmed selections. The coach stressed strong hopes for Ansu and his expectation that the forward will regain the form the staff believes he possesses, while also stressing that he must demonstrate a higher, more consistent level to secure a place in the final squad.
26 players
Beyond Qatar, FIFA regulations allow a 26-player squad to be registered to cover possible disruptions. The question remains how Ansu Fati might win a place in Enrique’s attack. Looking at his track record and his impact with the national team, three players appear most likely to secure guaranteed roles: Ferran Torres with 13 goals, Álvaro Morata with 12, and Pablo Sarabia with 10. These names have repeatedly been recognized as top scorers during the current managerial period in Asturias, underscoring their importance to the squad’s offensive plans.
But what is the aim of this exercise? It is to assess who has the strongest case to travel. After the roster cards were shown, speculation and analysis followed closely, as seen in recent team posts from the national team’s channels.
Beyond this trio, uncertainty remains. Several players with fluctuating status and injuries often affect their selection. Names circulating in discussion include Real Madrid’s Marco Asensio, Villarreal’s Jeremy Pino, and Ansu Fati, among others. A forward with fresh goals and a new dimension for the attack could be someone like Borgia Iglesias, offering a different versatility. Two other players who could mount a late push if they recover from injuries are Gerard Moreno, a mobile attacker favored by Enrique, and Dani Olmo, who is attempting a comeback after an injury sidelined him for a long spell.
Finally, some players who were once part of the plans are now out of contention for Qatar. Iago Aspas, the top scorer for Celta, is noted as not fitting the team’s preferred style during his time in the league. Also excluded are Mikel Oyarzabal, sidelined by a ligament injury, and Raul de Tomas, who recently moved from Espanyol to Rayo Vallecano and cannot be registered to play until January due to squad registration rules. This lack of recent competitive action sealed his World Cup fate.
eleven matches
Spain recently faced Switzerland in Zaragoza and will then challenge for leadership and a path to the next stage of the League of Nations, with Portugal awaiting in the following match. These are the team’s final two commitments before joining the group heading to Qatar, including a friendly against Qatar on November 17. To secure a place on the final roster, Ansu and the other contenders will have eight league days ahead of them, as domestic fixtures wind down by November 9, with several Champions League fixtures scheduled in November and the group stage concluding thereafter. In early November, a clash between Real Madrid and Barcelona remained on the radar. A dozen players will compete for spots on the roster across twelve matches, under the guidance of Luis Enrique.
The World Cup in Qatar is drawing near, with the tournament set from Sunday, November 20, to Sunday, December 18, and the final Spain roster under Luis Enrique still evolving, especially in attack where several names stand alongside Ansu Fati.
The coach recently addressed Ansu Fati’s absence, noting that the forward would return once he reaches the required level for international competition. To help him integrate, he joined a group on the last call to observe team dynamics from the field. Although he did not participate and has recently played mainly with his club, he started only one official match in the early return. This signals something to the coaching staff. The forward has a knack for scoring, but Enrique does not yet see him in the final list. He expressed strong expectations for Ansu and hopes he achieves the resurgence the staff anticipates, emphasizing that Ansu must consistently elevate his level to earn selection. It is clear that Ansu remains a favored option, but he must stand out more consistently.
26 players
As FIFA allows a 26-player squad to cover potential disruptions, the question remains how to balance the attack. Based on consistency and performance for the national team, the trio of Torres, Morata, and Sarabia stands out as a likely core, forming the backbone of the offensive unit. These players have regularly produced for the team in the current cycle, reinforcing their roles as trusted scorers—an important factor as Enrique shapes the final roster.
The exercise stays focused on measuring who can contribute most effectively. After the World Cup cards were presented, conversations and posts from the national setup persisted, as shown by recent social posts from the team channel.
Beyond these three, other candidates remain under scrutiny. Some players see their club status shift as injuries and call-ups fluctuate. Possible additions include Real Madrid’s Asensio, Villarreal’s Pino, and Ansu Fati, among others. A forward like Iglesias could offer a different profile and goalscoring threat, potentially tipping the balance in Enrique’s favor if he can deliver on the big stage. Two others who could be options if fit are Gerard Moreno, a mobile striker favored by the manager, and Dani Olmo, nearing full fitness after an extended injury layoff.
Finally, some players who were previously part of the plans are now out of contention for Qatar. Iago Aspas, the top scorer at Celta, does not fit the team’s preferred style from his time in Spain. Other absences include Mikel Oyarzabal, sidelined for months with a ligament injury, and Raul de Tomas, who moved to Rayo Vallecano and cannot be registered until January. This means he cannot participate in the World Cup and underscores the need for the squad to stay sharp and ready for competition.
eleven games
Spain faces Switzerland in a recent test in Zaragoza and then seeks leadership and a path to the semi-finals in the League of Nations against Portugal. These matches serve as the final two fixtures before the squad gathers to travel to Qatar, including a friendly against Qatar on November 17. To clinch a final roster spot, Ansu and the other hopefuls must navigate eight league days, with domestic calendars winding down by November 9 and several Champions League fixtures scheduled in November. The league schedule features key clashes that will influence selection, with the narrative focusing on a dozen players competing for limited spots under Luis Enrique.