Spanish national team manager Luis de la Fuente revealed his Nations League squad on Friday from Ceuta, a North African territory grappling with a severe migration crisis. The announcement marked the coach’s first squad selection since Spain claimed the World Cup title in July.
The video presentation featured De la Fuente alongside local residents of the Spanish exclave. While the coach did not explicitly reference the border tensions, he stated, “This is Ceuta, this is Spain,” reflecting growing sentiment across mainland Spain that the territory requires greater support and attention.
In late July, more than 70,000 individuals crossed from Morocco into Ceuta in a mass movement, resulting in over 100 fatalities. Although the majority have since returned to Morocco, several thousand migrants remain in the city, which has a population of just over 80,000.
Spain begins its Nations League campaign against England at Wembley Stadium on September 26. For that match, players will wear two stars on their jerseys for the first time, commemorating their second world title. The schedule continues with a home fixture against Croatia on September 29, a trip to face the Czech Republic on October 3, and a return match against Croatia on October 6.
De la Fuente has largely retained the roster from the World Cup victory. Notable changes include Inter Milan goalkeeper Josep Martinez replacing Barcelona’s Joan Garcia due to a minor knee injury. Real Madrid defender Dean Huijsen replaces Marcos Llorente, who retired from international duty. Fermin Lopez takes the place of Barcelona midfielder Gavi, and Espanyol striker Roberto Fernandez receives his first senior call-up, substituting for Borja Iglesias.
Ceuta, one of two Spanish territories on the North African coast alongside Melilla, has been under Spanish control since 1580. It is home to a diverse population of Christians, Muslims, Spanish citizens, and Moroccan residents and day laborers who generally live in harmony behind border fortifications that many sub-Saharan migrants attempt to scale or swim around to reach Europe.
Tensions surrounding solidarity with the region recently surfaced at Real Madrid, where a supporters’ group demanded an apology from Kylian Mbappe and two teammates. The trio was accused of partially rolling up the sleeves of a tribute shirt worn before the club’s 3-2 victory over Elche, thereby obscuring the message supporting Ceuta’s residents.
The full Nations League squad includes Unai Simon and David Raya as goalkeepers. The defensive line features Aymeric Laporte, Pau Cubarsi, Eric Garcia, Marc Pubill, Alejandro Grimaldo, Marc Cucurella, Dean Huijsen, and Pedro Porro. Midfielders Rodri, Pedri, Fermin Lopez, Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino, Fabian Ruiz, and Alex Baena are selected. Forward options consist of Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Ferran Torres, Yeremy Pino, Nico Williams, Mikel Oyarzabal, Victor Munoz, and Roberto Fernandez.
I wonder if the players feel the weight of this setting. It is quite bold to announce a roster amidst such a tense migration crisis.
Interesting that Huijsen and Fermin Lopez made the cut while Gavi and Llorente are out. The squad looks solid enough for England though.
With over 70,000 migrants crossing recently, using Ceuta for a squad launch feels tone-deaf. The human cost there is severe and urgent.
Did anyone else notice they are wearing two stars already? That must feel surreal after winning back in July. Go Spain!
Football definitely has the power to shine a light on overlooked regions. I hope this brings genuine aid to Ceuta’s residents, not just headlines.
It is deeply troubling that such a critical humanitarian issue is being used as a backdrop for a sports announcement. We need real political action, not photo ops.