Spain Faces Czechia in UEFA Nations League Opener
Spain is set to kick off their first match of the current international break on Thursday night against Czechia in the UEFA Nations League. The reigning 2026 FIFA World Cup champions aim to maintain their unbeaten record in Group C, having won their first four matches.
Fermin Lopez, Pau Cubarsi Set to Start
Ahead of the game in Prague, journalist Alfredo Martinez has reported that two players from Barcelona, Fermin Lopez and Pau Cubarsi, are poised to start for Spain in the match against Czechia.
Fermin has been outstanding for Barcelona this season and heads into the match fresh off a match-winning performance against Atletico Madrid, where he netted two goals in a 2-1 win. The La Masia graduate typically plays behind Dani Olmo in the national lineup, but with Olmo sidelined due to injury, Lopez will seize this opportunity to start.
Cubarsi, a teenage defender, has established himself as a key player in Spain’s defensive lineup and stood out during the World Cup. After recently receiving the prestigious 2026 Golden Boy award, the 19-year-old aims to further showcase his talent with La Roja.
Lamine Out, Pedri on the Bench Again?
Barcelona has placed five players in the Spain squad for the ongoing international break, including Fermin, Cubarsi, Pedri, Joan Garcia, and Lamine Yamal for the Nations League fixtures.
Gavi, Rodri, and Dani Olmo, who participated in the previous international duties, will not feature this time, as Olmo and Rodri are both injured. Furthermore, Lamine is ruled out of the match against Czechia due to knee inflammation and has not joined the Spain camp but is expected to return for their next match against England.
Meanwhile, Joan Garcia trails Unai Simon in the goalkeeper hierarchy and is unlikely to play, while Pedri is also expected to start on the bench. Coach De la Fuente seems inclined to field Fabian Ruiz alongside Martin Zubimendi, who will take over for the injured Rodri.
