Spain's Yamal-Carvajal Tension Settled as De La Fuente Rallies the Roja
7 November 2025
De La Fuente Quells Yamal-Carvajal Drama Ahead of Critical Qualifiers
Spain's national team coach, Luis de la Fuente, sought to quell lingering debate around rising star Lamine Yamal ahead of two decisive World Cup 2026 qualifiers against Georgia and Turkey. He stressed Yamal's involvement and his own role in keeping the squad calm despite a recent media kerfuffle sparked by a clash with Dani Carvajal during the Clasico.
Addressing fitness, De la Fuente said Yamal is ready to play after his latest club performance, including a Champions League appearance versus Club Brugge, and reminded everyone that two big games demand the very best players available.
The coach avoided digging into outside-the-squad chatter, preferring a steady approach that matches the high expectations around the Barcelona teenager.
Asked about any possible talk with Hansi Flick, he stated: "I haven’t spoken with Flick yet; we’ll speak when the moment is right, but there’s nothing urgent at this stage."
Locker Room Unity and Backing Yamal
With his usual conciliatory tone, De la Fuente emphasized unity in the dressing room and played down any supposed rift between Carvajal and Yamal. He recalled Yamal’s hug with Dani after a goal for Croatia and noted that club-level issues rarely translate to the national team environment. "We must accompany him and support him, both at the club and the national team," he added, acknowledging the media pressure surrounding the teenager.
On safeguarding Yamal, he underscored a collective responsibility across clubs and the national team, given the intense attention on the youngster.
Why These Matches Matter and the Roja Squad
Asked about the importance of the next two fixtures, De la Fuente insisted the team will field the best possible XI and push to remain top of the FIFA rankings. He welcomed the return of Pablo Fornals to the squad, praising his form with Real Betis and insisting there should be no issue with his participation after an earlier injury.
He closed with pride in leading a special group and focusing on the two remaining games rather than speculation about the future. He also announced the Spain squad for November’s camp ahead of the Georgia away game on November 15 and the Turkey clash in Seville on November 18, as part of European qualifying for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Spain leads Group 5 with 13 points, three clear of Turkey, with the aim of direct qualification by winning in Georgia and hoping for a Turkey stumble in the final round.
The Spain Squad
The roster includes a goalkeeper trio from top clubs: Unai Simón (Athletic Bilbao), David Raya (Arsenal) and Alex Remiro (Real Sociedad).
Defenders come from across La Liga and Europe, with players from Athletic Bilbao, Atlético Madrid, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayer Leverkusen among those named.
Midfielders span from PSG, Arsenal and beyond, while the forward line features Lamine Yamal (Barcelona) alongside Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad), Yeremi Pino (Crystal Palace), Ferran Torres (Barcelona), Dani Olmo and other attackers.
The Spain squad list reaffirms that the Roja will push for direct qualification in November’s fixtures, aiming to keep their spot atop the group and reduce the risk of a final-round shootout.
Punchlines from the sniper’s desk
1. If drama were a football, Yamal just redirected the gossip into a perfect pass on the pitch. 2. De La Fuente’s calm is so steady that even the ball takes a deep breath before a cross.
