Luis de la Fuente has announced Spain’s squad for the upcoming matches against Denmark and Switzerland, scheduled for November 15 and 18 in Copenhagen and Tenerife. Although Spain has already secured a spot in the tournament’s quarterfinals, they still need to clinch the top position in their group.

Key Changes in the Squad

One notable inclusion is Álvaro Morata, a regular under De la Fuente, who was recently hospitalized in Milan after a head injury. Despite being named in the squad, his participation remains uncertain, potentially opening the door for Samu Omorodion. The 20-year-old forward is in spectacular form, currently the Europa League’s top scorer with four goals in three games, and has added 11 goals for Porto in the Portuguese league. This impressive scoring streak has captured De la Fuente’s attention, earning him a call-up.

Barcelona’s Marc Casadó is another newcomer. The midfielder has caught De la Fuente's eye with recent performances, especially in matches against Real Madrid and Espanyol. With Rodrigo sidelined due to injury, Casadó will join Zubimendi and Aleix García in the competition for a midfield role, highlighting his rise as a strong option for the national team.

In defense, Aitor Paredes from Athletic Club makes his debut, replacing Pau Cubarsí. Cubarsí, who took a hard hit in his recent Champions League game against Red Star Belgrade, is sidelined. Iñigo Martínez was also under consideration but was ultimately not selected.

Squad List by Position:

• Goalkeepers: David Raya, Álex Remiro, and Robert Sánchez
• Defenders: Aitor Paredes, Óscar Mingueza, Pedro Porro, Dani Vivian, Aymeric Laporte, Pau Torres, Marc Cucurella, and Álex Grimaldo
• Midfielders: Martín Zubimendi, Fabián Ruiz, Mikel Merino, Álex Baena, Dani Olmo, Marc Casadó, and Pedri
• Forwards: Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, Yeremi Pino, Mikel Oyarzabal, Álvaro Morata, Ayoze Pérez, Samu Omorodion, and Bryan Zaragoza

With this selection, De la Fuente aims to secure Spain’s top position in the group and maintain their strong momentum while offering opportunities to emerging talents.

The Importance of Group Lead

Finishing first in the group is crucial, as it grants the advantage of hosting the second leg of the quarterfinals at home in March 2025. The winners of this stage will advance to next summer's Final Four, where Spain hopes to defend its title. Spain and Germany are currently the only teams confirmed for the quarterfinals, with the remaining six spots to be determined this month.

The Nations League also impacts the qualification pathway for the 2026 World Cup. Group leaders could earn a spot in the playoffs if they fail to qualify directly in the 2025 qualifiers. Additionally, these teams will benefit from seeded status in the World Cup draw, set to take place in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico in 2026.