Spain is one of the favorites heading into the 2018 World Cup. It's for this reason that so much hype surrounded squad announcement.
Due to the 2010 champion's long list of talented player, there was always bound to be a few aces left out. Check out below for La Furia Roja's final 23-man roster.
Coach's objective
Julen Lopetegui's only goal will be to follow in the footsteps of Vicente Del Bosque and win the World Cup. Spain has been grouped with Portugal, but other than Cristiano and Co, their path to the knockout stage should not be complicated.
New faces
The likes of Nacho Monreal, Iago Aspas, and Rodrigo have made the cut after their impressive 2017/18 season with their respective clubs. Real Madrid youngsters Lucas Vasquez and Marco Asensio were also handed a call up.
Veterans
Iniesta and Busquets, two midfielders present in Spain's 2010 success, are one of the few experiences players in the nation's young midfield. In defense, Sergio Ramos will be the man in charge of shielding David De Gea.
Major absences
There was no room for Sergi Roberto in the squad despite a not-so-bad campaign with Barcelona. The biggest absentee, however, is Alvaro Morata, who was snubbed after his abysmal season. He is one of three Chelsea players who will not make the plane to Russia, joining Cesc Fabregas and Marcos Alonso. The latter was included in Sunday's leaked squad but was overlooked for Monreal.
Full squad
Goalkeepers: Kepa Arrizabalaga (Athletic Bilbao), David De Gea (Manchester United), Pepe Reina (Napoli)
Defenders: Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid), Jordi Alba (Barcelona), Nacho (Real Madrid), Nacho Monreal (Arsenal), Alvaro Odriozola (Real Sociedad), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid)
Midfielders: Isco (Real Madrid), Thiago Alcantara (Bayern Munich), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), David Silva (Manchester City), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Saul Niguez (Atletico Madrid), Koke (Atletico Madrid)
Forwards: Marco Asensio (Real Madrid), Iago Aspas (Celta Vigo), Diego Costa (Atletico Madrid), Rodrigo (Valencia), Lucas Vazquez (Real Madrid)
