Spain: Chus Mateo unveils his 16-player roster for 2027 World Cup qualifiers
pain head coach Chus Mateo has announced a 16-man roster for the second qualifying window ahead of the 2027 World Cup in Qatar. Mateo is sticking with the core that delivered two wins last November, blending established veterans with emerging pieces in a balanced, continuity-driven group.
Spain will face Ukraine in a home-and-home set — first in Riga on February 27, then in Oviedo on March 2. The two-game swing looms large for “La Familia” as it continues its push toward qualification for the World Cup in Qatar.
A balanced group between veterans and new generation
Jaime Fernandez will serve as captain, headlining a veteran core that includes Pierre Oriola, Santi Yusta and Oriol Paulí. That group gives Spain experience and locker-room stability, while still leaving real room for younger pieces to grow into meaningful roles.
The next wave of “La Familia” features high-upside prospects such as Izan Almansa, Álvaro Cárdenas and Isaac Nogués. The roster construction reflects Mateo’s dual mandate: compete now, but keep one eye on the program’s long-term trajectory.
Spain opens camp February 23 in Guadalajara before traveling to Latvia for the first matchup. After that, it’s back to Oviedo, where they’ll look to protect home floor and grab a second win — a result that would go a long way toward solidifying their path to qualification.
Commitment and continuity at the heart of selections
Explaining his selections, Mateo pointed to commitment and continuity as the guiding principles. “Our goal is to keep stacking wins and show the best version of ourselves,” he said, acknowledging that injuries forced some adjustments from the initial group but stressing his confidence in both the returning players and the new additions.
The approach is pragmatic and steady. Mateo is clearly trying to build off the foundation laid in the first qualifying window rather than reinvent anything. With a roster that feels refreshed but cohesive, Spain enters these two pivotal games aiming to take a meaningful step toward the 2027 World Cup.
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