Real Madrid star's World Cup place in doubt after Bayern blow

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente is set to announce his final 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup on May 25, and one Real Madrid player faces an uncertain future. The 2010 world champions will compete in Group Eight alongside Saudi Arabia, Cape Verde and Uruguay when the tournament kicks off next month in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

According to Spanish newspaper Sport, the participation of defender Huisen in the World Cup is not guaranteed. The publication stated that while his inclusion remains possible and he is still in a good position, doubts persist because his performances are not sufficient to secure a place in a highly competitive squad.

A squad nearly set, but one spot open

Sport reported that approximately 20 players are already considered certainties for the final list, describing it as a near-complete squad. However, competition remains for a few positions, most notably the final centre-back slot.

The newspaper revealed two defenders are absolute locks: Cubarsi and Laporte. It added that the season's biggest surprise, Pau Cubarsi, is practically confirmed despite being left out in March due to injury. If selected, it would mark his senior debut for La Roja at a World Cup, though he did feature in the 2024 Olympics, winning a gold medal. Sport stressed that his call-up is a matter of merit, with the race heating up.

Sport believes Huisen is competing to be de la Fuente's fourth-choice centre-back amid this fierce battle.

A season of decline and a costly transfer

The newspaper described Huisen's season as lackluster, with the final stretch being particularly grim. The most expensive defender in Real Madrid's history, signed for €58 million, has failed to live up to expectations. Out of 54 matches this season, he has played in 38, starting 35 of them.

Huisen has lost the confidence of Real Madrid's coaching staff, led by Arbeloa, following the team's trip to Munich to face Bayern. Sport noted that in his 38 appearances, Real Madrid kept only 12 clean sheets. During those matches, the team conceded 41 goals, an average of 1.08 goals per game.

Fading from the starting XI

The report highlighted that Huisen has started just three of the last seven matches, a decline that began after the first leg against Bayern. His situation worsened after he caught a cold, which led to his exclusion from the Clasico just five minutes before kickoff. Doubts also persist over whether he will start the upcoming La Liga fixture against Sevilla.