Spain took on Saudi Arabia in the second match of Group H of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Atlanta on Sunday, aiming to record their first win after a goalless draw against World Cup debutants Cape Verde in the opener.
However, former Real Madrid full-back Dani Carvajal was not named in the Spanish matchday squad.
Why doesn’t Dani Carvajal play in Spain against Saudi Arabia?
Carvajal will not play in Spain against Saudi Arabia because coach Luis De La Fuente decided to exclude him from the World Cup squad.
The 34-year-old struggled to get regular playing time last season. He made 23 appearances in all competitions, but started only ten games in La Liga and none in the Champions League. That may have influenced the coach’s decision to leave him out of the squad.
«Dani Carvajal is very loved by everyone, especially me, because he is a great leader,» De La Fuente told AS in an interview ahead of the World Cup. «He is an example to follow. He is not going through a good time at the moment.»
“I wish he got more playing minutes and that he could play to prove his football level and potential.”
Dani Carvajal’s FIFA World Cup record:
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Matches: 5
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Wins: 1
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Draws: 2
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Losses: 2
Published on June 21, 2026
