Dean Huijsen Reflects on World Cup Snub After Spain's 4-1 Win Over Croatia
Dean Huijsen recently opened up about the disappointment of being left out of Spain's squad for the 2026 World Cup. He made his comeback for La Roja in a commanding 4-1 victory against Croatia during the UEFA Nations League.
A Young Defender’s Redemption
The defender was back in Spain's starting lineup as the reigning world champions crushed Croatia at home, marking their first match since winning the World Cup. Huijsen played a solid 90 minutes at the Sanchez-Pizjuan, partnering with fellow Real Madrid teammate Marc Cucurella. This composed performance was a strong reply after the bitter blow of missing the summer tournament.
Emotional Impact on Player and Family
"It was quite tough for me. In the end, it was a very sad moment for me and my family. The important thing is to be back, and we have to focus on the positives," Huijsen told reporters after the match.
The decision by coach Luis de la Fuente to exclude Huijsen from the 26-man World Cup roster was a hard hit for the young centre-back, adding emotional weight to the snub.
Breaking a Long-Standing Tradition
Huijsen’s absence sparked debate because it meant Spain’s World Cup team had no Real Madrid players for the first time in 92 years. Instead, De la Fuente picked defenders like Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte, Eric Garcia, and Marc Pubill. Huijsen’s quick return to the starting eleven signals that he remains a key figure in Spain’s defensive plans moving forward.
Spain’s Unbeaten Run Continues
Spain’s win over Croatia extended their unbeaten streak to 40 matches, leaving them three points clear atop Group A3 ahead of England and Croatia. The team will look to continue this momentum when they face Czechia next. For Huijsen, this strong showing offers a valuable chance to cement his place amid intense competition for central defense roles.
- Match Result: Spain 4-1 Croatia
- Competition: UEFA Nations League
- Location: Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium
- Spain’s unbeaten run: 40 games
- Group A3 Standings: Spain leads by 3 points
