Morata Backs Spain After World Cup Snub and Eyes International Return

Álvaro Morata has admitted he was disappointed to miss Spain’s 2026 World Cup-winning squad, but says he accepted Luis de la Fuente’s decision before the preliminary group was announced and remained fully behind the team during the tournament.

Key takeaways

• Morata was informed by De la Fuente in a direct phone call that he would not be selected for the World Cup.
• The new Leganés loanee travelled to New York and met players with whom he had begun his Spain career.
• Spain’s former captain has 87 international appearances and 37 goals.
• His most recent Spain match was the 6-0 win over Turkey in September 2025.
• Morata says he has not retired from international football, although he accepts the current competition for Spain’s central-striker role is severe.

Morata accepts World Cup omission

The 33-year-old striker, who has joined Leganés on loan from Como, said he had hoped circumstances might still change before the squad announcement. However, he felt his presence could have become an unwanted talking point at the start of Spain’s campaign.

“I would have loved to be at the World Cup,” Morata said. “But I went to New York feeling almost part of it, seeing so many players who came into the national team around the same time as me.”

He said there was little value in dwelling on the season that preceded the tournament. Although he believed he could have offered experience and positive energy within the group, he considered it preferable not to create an immediate debate over his selection.

Morata said Borja Iglesias and Spain’s other forwards had earned their opportunities. He also praised Mikel Oyarzabal and Ferran Torres, adding that he was particularly pleased for Torres after he scored the goal Morata would have liked to have scored himself.

De la Fuente made the call before publicly naming his preliminary list. Morata said he thanked the Spain coach, told him he understood the decision and wished the squad well for the competition.

There was one light-hearted complaint after Spain lifted the trophy. Morata said De la Fuente had promised that, if Spain won, he would ride a horse while holding the World Cup. “Maybe he still has time,” Morata joked, while noting that the players had honoured their own pledges, including Marc Cucurella’s tattoo.

Leganés form now central to Spain hopes

Morata remains one of the most experienced players of Spain’s recent successful era. He played an important part in the Euro 2024 victory over England in Berlin, but he has not featured for La Roja since the emphatic September 2025 win against Turkey.

He has not ruled out returning to the international set-up. “Of course I would like to come back,” he said, while conceding that Spain have unusual depth in the No. 9 role.

Morata pointed to Espi, Gonzalo, Chupe, Arnau and Samu among the emerging options, alongside the established attackers already available to De la Fuente. He believes Spain currently possess a level of quality across the pitch not seen for a considerable time.

For now, the immediate objective is at club level. Morata will look to recover his best scoring form with Leganés in the Segunda División, where sustained performances offer his clearest chance of forcing his way back into Spain contention.