Spain Squad Announcement: Mosquera, Rodri, and Garcia Included for Friendly Matches
Arsenal defender Cristhian Mosquera has received his first call-up to the Spain squad alongside returning players Rodri and Joan Garcia, as Luis de la Fuente prepares the team for upcoming friendlies against Serbia and Egypt. Get the full scoop on the notable inclusions and exclusions in the squad selection.
Arsenal defender Cristhian Mosquera has been called up to the Spain squad for the first time ahead of their international friendlies against Serbia and Egypt. Luis de la Fuente has also called Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia into his squad ahead of his potential debut, as Spain ramp up preparations for the 2026 World Cup. Mosquera has been called into De La Fuente's squad for the first time ahead of Spain's friendlies against Serbia and Egypt. Mosquera joined Arsenal from Valencia in the summer in a deal worth around £13 million, and has gone on to make a major impact under manager Mikel Arteta, making 25 appearances in all competitions. He struggled with an ankle injury between December and January, somewhat impacting his appearances, but he has continually featured for the team that looks destined to win the Premier League title. Mosquera did win a cap for Spain's Olympics team at the 2024 games, as they lost 2-1 to Egypt, but this is his first call-up to the senior squad. "Mosquera is committed, the Under-21 captain, who wants to play for Spain," De la Fuente said on Friday. "He is having a good season with Arsenal."Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal, of course, is also in the squad amid his sparkling displays this season; he has scored 21 goals and registered 16 assists in 39 games in all competitions. Along with Mosquera, Joan Garcia has also been called into the squad for the first time, after a fine season between the sticks for Barcelona."He's a great goalkeeper," De la Fuente said. "We didn't just discover that; he's been an under-21 international for five years. We felt it was the right time for him to join us."In addition, Manchester City midfielder Rodri has returned to the Spain squad after overcoming his long-term ACL injury. "We celebrate Rodrigo's current form," De la Fuente said. "He's a key player. He's in the process of regaining his fitness and will continue to improve."Rodri has not played for Spain since September of 2025, when he played in a World Cup qualifier against Türkiye; he has since missed four fixtures with a hamstring injury. Spain's full squad for the upcoming friendlies is as follows: Goalkeepers: Unai Simón (Athletic Club), David Raya (Arsenal), Álex Remiro (Real Sociedad), Joan García (Barcelona).Defenders: Pedro Porro (Tottenham), Marcos Llorente (Atlético Madrid), Pau Cubarsí (Barcelona), Alejandro Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen), Aymeric Laporte (Athletic Club), Dean Huijsen (Real Madrid), Marc Cucurella (Chelsea/ING), Cristhian Mosquera (Arsenal).Midfielders: Rodri (Manchester City), Pedri (Barcelona), Pablo Fornals (Betis), Martín Zubimendi (Arsenal), Carlos Soler (Real Sociedad) Fermín López (Barcelona).Forwards: Dani Olmo (Barcelona), Ander Barrenetxea (Real Sociedad), Álex Baena (Atlético Madrid), Víctor Muñoz (Osasuna), Lamine Yamal (Barcelona), Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad), Yéremy Pino (Crystal Palace), Ferran Torres (Barcelona), Borja Iglesias (Celta).Only one Real Madrid player is included, with Dean Huijsen set to compete for a spot at centre-back; Dani Carvajal, the veteran right-back, is a notable snub.Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reportingSpain face Serbia and Egypt in March as they ram up preparations for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. At the tournament, they will face Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, and Uruguay in an intriguing looking group; Mosquera, Garcia, and Rodri will all hope to be involved in the squad for the finals. On the snub of Carvajal, De la Fuente left the door open for his eventual return, adding: "I don't have to say anything to (Real Madrid boss Alvaro) Arbeloa."I have complete respect for him. I hope Dani will regain his Euro 2024 form ...We miss him, and he's very important. He has to keep working. He knows that, just like Álvaro Morata. "They need to play, get back to their usual level, and then they'll be with us."
Arsenal's Mosquera Earns First Spain Call-Up
Arsenal defender Cristhian Mosquera has been named in the Spain squad for the first time, marking a significant achievement in his career. Having impressed under Mikel Arteta at Arsenal, Mosquera's selection underscores his strong performances and potential.
Return of Rodri and Garcia Adds Depth
The return of Manchester City's Rodri and Barcelona's Joan Garcia brings experience and quality to the Spain squad. Rodri's comeback from injury is especially encouraging, as he aims to regain full fitness and make a positive impact in the upcoming friendlies.
Exciting Young Talent in the Mix
Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal's inclusion in the squad highlights the emergence of young talent in Spanish football. With impressive stats this season, Yamal is set to add a spark to the team's attacking options.
Squad Overview and Notable Omissions
The Spain squad for the friendlies against Serbia and Egypt features a mix of established players and rising stars. Notable omissions, like Real Madrid's Dani Carvajal, raise questions, while the selection of talents like Joao Garcia signals a new era in Spanish football.
Preparations for 2026 World Cup Underway
Spain's upcoming friendlies are crucial in their preparations for the 2026 World Cup. With a challenging group awaiting them in the tournament, the inclusion of key players like Mosquera, Rodri, and Garcia bodes well for Spain's prospects on the international stage.


