Spain Names Nations League Squad in Ceuta Amid Migration Crisis

Spain’s national team coach Luis de la Fuente unveiled the 23‑man Nations League squad from Ceuta, a gesture of support for the city grappling with a massive migration influx. The announcement came after a wave of over 70,000 migrants crossed from Morocco in July, leaving the small Spanish territor…

By Felo News Desk · Published Fri, 18 Sep 2026 14:00:26 GMT

On Friday, Spain’s national team coach Luis de la Fuente announced the squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League from the Spanish city of Ceuta, a move that carries both sporting and humanitarian weight. The announcement was made in a video that featured the coach walking through the streets of Ceuta, flanked by local residents, as a sign of solidarity with a city that has recently become a focal point of the migration crisis on the North African coast.

Ceuta’s Migration Crisis and Historical Context

Ceuta, an autonomous Spanish city on the northern coast of Africa, has a population of just over 80,000. In late July, more than 70,000 people from Morocco crossed the border into Ceuta in a single surge, a figure that dwarfs the city’s own residents. The chaotic influx resulted in the deaths of more than 100 individuals, many of whom were attempting to reach mainland Spain by sea or land. While the majority of migrants were eventually repatriated, thousands remained in Ceuta, creating a humanitarian and logistical challenge for local authorities.

Historically, Ceuta has been under Spanish control since 1580 and has long been a point of cultural convergence, with Christians, Muslims, Spanish citizens, and Moroccan day‑workers living side by side. The city’s strategic position has made it a gateway for migrants seeking a better life in Europe, and the recent crisis has thrust it into the international spotlight.

The Squad Announcement: Players and Changes

De la Fuente’s selection largely preserves the core of the World Cup‑winning team, but with a few notable adjustments. The squad includes the following players:

Goalkeepers: Unai Simón (Athletic Bilbao), David Raya (Arsenal), Josep Martínez (Inter Milan)
Defenders: Aymeric Laporte (Athletic Bilbao), Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona), Eric García (Barcelona), Marc Púbill (Atlético Madrid), Alejandro Grimaldo (Atlético Madrid), Marc Cucurella (Real Madrid), Dean Huijsen (Real Madrid), Pedro Porro (Tottenham)
Midfielders: Rodri Hernández (Barcelona), Pedri González (Barcelona), Fermin López (Barcelona), Martín Zubimendi (Arsenal), Mikel Merino (Arsenal), Fabíán Ruiz (Paris Saint‑Germain), Alex Baena (Atlético Madrid)
Forwards: Lamine Yamal (Barcelona), Dani Olmo (Barcelona), Ferran Torres (Paris Saint‑Germain), Yeremy Pino (Crystal Palace), Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao), Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad), Víctor Muñoz (Liverpool), Roberto Fernández (Espanyol)

Key changes from the World Cup roster include the addition of Inter Milan goalkeeper Josep Martínez, who replaces Barcelona’s Joan García, who is sidelined with a minor knee injury. Real Madrid defender Dean Huijsen steps in for Marcos Llorente, who has retired from international football. Fermin López takes the place of Gavi, while Espanyol striker Roberto Fernández earns his first call‑up, replacing Borja Iglesias.

Political and Social Significance

While the announcement did not explicitly mention the border crossing or the migrant deaths, De la Fuente’s statement—“This is Ceuta, this is Spain”—underscored a growing sentiment in Spain that the city deserves national attention and support. The gesture was seen as a way to bring the plight of Ceuta into the national conversation, especially after the city’s residents faced a sudden surge in population and resources.

In a related incident, a Real Madrid supporters’ group demanded a public apology from star striker Kylian Mbappé and teammates after they were seen wearing tribute shirts in a partially rolled‑up manner during a La Liga match against Elche. The shirts bore a message supporting Ceuta, but the players’ handling of the gesture sparked debate over the sincerity of club‑level solidarity efforts.

Upcoming Nations League Fixtures

Spain will open its Nations League campaign against England at Wembley Stadium on September 26. The match will feature the national team’s first use of the two World Cup stars on their shirts since the 2022 triumph. After the England game, Spain will travel to London for a friendly, then host Croatia on September 29 and the Czech Republic on October 3. The team will finish the group stage with a visit to Croatia on October 6.

These fixtures are critical for Spain as they seek to build momentum following their World Cup success and to address the challenges posed by the migration crisis in Ceuta, which remains an ongoing issue for the Spanish government and local authorities.

Key facts

Spain unveiled its Nations League squad from Ceuta to support the migration crisis.
Over 70,000 migrants crossed into Ceuta in July, causing more than 100 deaths.
The squad largely mirrors the World Cup team with a few new additions and retirements.
Spain will open the Nations League against England at Wembley on September 26.
Ceuta’s historical ties to Spain and its current crisis have brought it into national focus.
Real Madrid’s tribute shirts sparked debate over the sincerity of club‑level solidarity.

Why it matters

Spain’s choice to announce its national team squad in Ceuta underscores the intersection of sport and humanitarian concern, drawing attention to a city grappling with a migration crisis and signaling governmental support for its residents.

Frequently asked questions

What is the significance of announcing the squad in Ceuta?

It highlights Spain’s support for a city affected by a major migration crisis and brings national attention to the humanitarian situation.

How many players were added or removed from the World Cup squad?

Three new players were added (Josep Martínez, Dean Huijsen, Roberto Fernández) and three were replaced or retired (Joan García, Marcos Llorente, Gavi).