Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Sergio Ramos Sergio Busquets Spain story is one of generational change at the FIFA World Cup 2026, with two former pillars of the national team no longer part of the squad.
Ramos retired from international football in February 2023, while Busquets has ended his playing career after helping Inter Miami win the MLS Cup last season.
The changing face of Spain’s squad comes during a busy World Cup news cycle, including Shaun Evans VAR Gesture Prompts World Cup Removal Call, as attention remains high around the tournament. Fans can follow official updates through the FIFA website.
Ramos Ends Spain Chapter
Ramos was once the defensive leader of Spain and remains the country’s most-capped player.
The former Real Madrid captain stepped away from international football before the 2026 tournament, though he has continued at club level, most recently with Monterrey in Mexico.
His absence underlines how much Spain have moved on from the side built around players from Real Madrid and Barcelona.
For years, Ramos brought authority, aerial strength and edge to Spain’s back line, but the national team has now turned to a younger group.
Busquets Era Also Over
Busquets is also missing because his football career has ended.
The former Barcelona midfielder retired after Inter Miami’s MLS Cup win, closing the book on a career built around control, passing rhythm and positional awareness.
For Spain, his absence changes the feel of midfield.
Busquets was central to the possession game that helped define one of Spain’s finest eras, alongside Andrés Iniesta, Xavi and Jordi Alba.
Spain’s current squad now carries a different identity, with the next generation asked to carry the standards left by one of international football’s most decorated groups.
The question at this World Cup is not whether Ramos or Busquets can still influence Spain, but how well the new team can win without them.