Spain's Carvajal in race to make World Cup squad, says De la Fuente

He nears end of Real Madrid contract, struggles for game time due to competition

Football - LaLiga - Real Madrid v Girona - Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid, Spain - Apr 10, 2026 Real Madrid's Dani Carvajal in action with Girona's Alex Moreno REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes

Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has not ruled Dani Carvajal out of his World Cup squad but said the right back must prove his fitness and form after the Real Madrid captain suffered a right foot injury in training last week.

"Carvajal is a very important figure in our dressing room," De la Fuente told reporters on Wednesday.

"I actually spoke with him yesterday, so I’m aware of what’s going on. He doesn’t have a specific injury, nothing serious, but he needs time to get back to his usual level.

"We’ll see in the remaining matches whether he truly gets the opportunity and delivers the performances."

De la Fuente added that Carvajal, who made just one appearance for Spain in 2025, would understand if he was left out of the squad for the World Cup, which is being held in the United States, Canada and Mexico from Jun 11 to Jul 19.

Carvajal, 34, is approaching the final weeks of his contract with Real and has struggled for game-time this season amid competition from Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Spain begin their World Cup campaign against Cape Verde on Jun 15 and also face Saudi Arabia and Uruguay in Group H.