Ansu Fati left out of Spain’s 2026 World Cup squad despite strong Monaco season

Spain’s national team manager Luis de la Fuente announced a 26‑player squad for the 2026 World Cup in North America that did not include 23‑year‑old forward Ansu Fati. The striker finished the Ligue 1 campaign with AS Monaco scoring 11 goals in 25 league matches and adding a goal in the Champions League, performances that the player’s father, Bori Fati, described as “a level above any other Spanish striker”.

Bori Fati expressed disappointment but said the decision must be respected, noting that a lack of regular playing time and recurring injuries have disrupted his son’s career after previous loans at Brighton and a return to Barcelona. Ansu Fati renewed his contract with Barcelona until 2028 and is on a loan to Monaco with an €11 million purchase option. Despite his good season, he will miss the upcoming World Cup.

The omission highlights the coach’s confidence in other forwards and the competitive nature of national‑team selection, while raising questions about Fati’s future role with Spain.