Dani Carvajal, who won the 2024 European Championship with Spain, | Photo Credit: REUTERS

On Sunday, Spain will play Saudi Arabia in its second group-stage encounter in the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Atlanta in an attempt to secure its first victory.

The European champion had a quiet start to the quarterfinal match as it ended in a goalless draw against World Cup rookies Cape Verde.

However, one name missing from Spain’s matchday squad against Saudi Arabia is that of former Real Madrid full-back, Davi Carvajal.

Why is Dani Carvajal not playing in Spain vs Saudi Arabia?

Dani Carvajal is not playing in Spain vs Saudi Arabia because coach Luis De La Fuente decided to rule him out of the World Cup squad.

The 34-year-old struggled for game time last season, playing 23 matches across all competitions, but starting just 10 in La Liga and none in the Champions League. That could be a possible reason for the coach to leave him out of the team.

“Dani Carvajal is very loved by everyone, and especially by me, because he is a great leader,” De La Fuente told AS in a pre-World Cup interview. “He has been an example to follow. He is not going through a good time right now.”

“I wish he could get more playing minutes, and that he could play to prove his footballing level and his potential.”

Dani Carvajal’s record at FIFA World Cups:

• Matches: 5
• Wins: 1
• Draws: 2
• Losses: 2

Published on Jun 21, 2026