Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente made strategic squad changes for the second UEFA Nations League Group A3 match against Croatia. The game took place on September 29, 2026, at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium in Seville. Following a hard-fought 3-2 victory over England, the manager rested key players to manage demanding fixture schedules and utilize his 26-man player pool.
- Tactical Adjustments and Fresh Faces in Seville
- De la Fuente Defends Squad Rotation Policy
- Croatia Quest Under Slaven Bilic
- Frequently Asked Questions
- When did Spain play Croatia in the UEFA Nations League?
- Why did Luis de la Fuente rotate Spain’s starting lineup?
- Which players received their first senior competitive call-ups?
- Who started in attack for Spain against Croatia?
- How did Croatia perform in their previous Nations League fixture?
De la Fuente left defender Robin Le Normand, winger Yeremy Pino, and Espanyol forward Roberto Fernandez out of the final 23-man matchday squad, according to reports from Diario AS and Diario de Sevilla. Le Normand had been omitted just a day after joining the squad as an emergency replacement for Eric Garcia, who suffered a knee injury during warmups before the England game. Pedro Porro had also withdrawn through injury, allowing Marc Pubill to start at right-back.
Tactical Adjustments and Fresh Faces in Seville
The roster decisions opened matchday spots for Sporting CP right-back Ivan Fresneda, who wore shirt number 4 for his first senior competitive call-up, and Liverpool winger Victor Munoz, wearing number 11. These tactical changes spanned the entire team as Spain returned to Seville’s Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium. They had not played there since defeating Ukraine 1-0 in 2015, marking their first home match since winning the World Cup.
The confirmed starting lineup showed the extent of De la Fuente’s rotation policy. Unai Simon captained the side behind a defense of Marc Pubill, Pau Cubarsi, Dean Huijsen, and Marc Cucurella. In midfield, Martin Zubimendi, Fabian Ruiz, and Fermin Lopez formed a new trio. Lamine Yamal and Alex Baena supported central striker Mikel Oyarzabal.
De la Fuente Defends Squad Rotation Policy
Speaking on the decision to rest high-profile players like Rodri, Pedri, and Dani Olmo, De la Fuente defended his approach by pointing to the packed international calendar. “In this format, with so much travel and almost no training, there will be some changes. Not only to refresh the side, but because we have 26 players who can start. Everyone is in perfect condition and we’ll assess which positions it makes most sense to change,” the coach explained.
Highlighting the strength of his squad, the manager noted that substitutes under his management have consistently scored at a higher rate. “We are not going to change the whole team, because the defined core must be kept, but there are always players who bring freshness and energy,” De la Fuente added. “We have two starting elevens, let’s call them that, because they are very good, the best in the world.”
Croatia Quest Under Slaven Bilic
On the opposing side, Croatia entered the match under Slaven Bilic. He began his second spell as national team head coach with a 2-1 away victory against Czechia. Despite a short recovery period, Bilic relied on experienced veterans, including 41-year-old midfielder Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic, to anchor the center of the pitch. Josko Gvardiol partnered in central defense, while Ivan Perisic operated from the left flank to challenge the reigning World Champions in Seville.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Spain play Croatia in the UEFA Nations League?
Spain played Croatia on September 29, 2026, at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium in Seville for their second Group A3 fixture of the UEFA Nations League.
Why did Luis de la Fuente rotate Spain’s starting lineup?
De la Fuente rotated his squad to manage player fatigue during a demanding stretch of matches, citing heavy travel, short recovery windows, and the depth of his 26-man player pool.
Which players received their first senior competitive call-ups?
Sporting CP right-back Ivan Fresneda (wearing number 4) and Liverpool winger Victor Munoz (wearing number 11) received their first senior competitive call-ups for the matchday squad.
Who started in attack for Spain against Croatia?
Spain’s frontline featured Lamine Yamal on the right wing, Alex Baena supporting from midfield, and Mikel Oyarzabal leading the attack as the central striker.
How did Croatia perform in their previous Nations League fixture?
Croatia entered the match against Spain following a 2-1 away victory over Czechia under head coach Slaven Bilic.
