Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente chose the North African exclave of Ceuta to announce his latest Nations League squad on Friday. The setting served as a symbolic gesture of support for the city, which recently became the epicenter of a significant migration crisis. In late July, more than 70,000 individuals crossed the border from Morocco, leading to a chaotic situation that resulted in over 100 fatalities. While the majority returned shortly after, a few thousand migrants remain within the city, which has a population of slightly over 80,000.
Addressing the current climate without explicitly detailing the border events, De la Fuente stated, “This is Ceuta, this is Spain.” His presence highlighted growing domestic sentiment that the territory, a Spanish possession since 1580, requires greater national solidarity. Ceuta, along with Melilla, remains a unique cross-border environment where Christians, Muslims, Spanish, and Moroccan residents live together, often near border fences that many migrants attempt to bypass in hopes of reaching Europe.
Regarding his squad, De la Fuente has largely maintained the roster that secured the World Cup title in July. Notable adjustments include Inter Milan goalkeeper Josep Martinez, who replaces Joan Garcia due to a minor knee injury, and Real Madrid defender Dean Huijsen, filling the spot vacated by the retired Marcos Llorente. Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez replaces Gavi, while Espanyol forward Roberto Fernandez earned his debut call-up in place of Borja Iglesias.
Off the pitch, the sporting community is addressing recent controversy surrounding Real Madrid players Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Ibrahima Konate. A supporters’ group has demanded an apology after the trio appeared to cover parts of their tribute shirts during a 3-2 La Liga win over Elche, which were intended to show solidarity with the people of Ceuta.
Spain is set to kick off its Nations League campaign against England at Wembley Stadium on September 26. This match will mark the first time the team wears two stars on their jerseys to honor their second World Cup win. Following the London fixture, Spain will host Croatia on September 29 and the Czech Republic on October 3, before returning to face Croatia away on October 6.
The squad list features: Goalkeepers Unai Simon, David Raya, and Josep Martinez; Defenders Aymeric Laporte, Pau Cubarsi, Eric Garcia, Marc Pubill, Alejandro Grimaldo, Marc Cucurella, Dean Huijsen, and Pedro Porro; Midfielders Rodri Hernandez, Pedri Gonzalez, Fermin Lopez, Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino, Fabian Ruiz, and Alex Baena; and Forwards Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Ferran Torres, Yeremy Pino, Nico Williams, Mikel Oyarzabal, Victor Munoz, and Roberto Fernandez. The report also notes that but did say: “This is Ceuta, this is Spain, de la Fuente did not directly mention the border crossing or its impact. The report also notes that it echoed the rise in sentiment in Spain that Ceuta – a territory that until the mass crossing was mostly an afterthought for most mainland Spaniards – needs to be supported. The report also notes that christians and Muslims, Spanish and Moroccan residents and day workers all live there in relative harmony behind a border fence that many migrants from across Africa attempt to cross or swim around for a better life in Europe.
