Dean Huijsen Reflects on World Cup Disappointment After Strong Return in Spain's 4-1 Win Over Croatia
Dean Huijsen has spoken about the pain of being left out of Spain’s 2026 World Cup squad after making a strong comeback for La Roja in their 4-1 Nations League victory against Croatia. The young defender played the full 90 minutes at the Sanchez-Pizjuan stadium, helping Spain secure three points and showcasing his quality alongside Real Madrid teammate Marc Cucurella.
Young Defender Reclaims His Spot
Huijsen's performance was a statement after the disappointment of not being selected for the final tournament roster during the summer. His composed display against the reigning world champions confirmed that he remains an important figure in coach Luis de la Fuente’s plans moving forward.
Heartfelt Reaction to World Cup Snub
"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 following the match.
The decision to leave him out was controversial, especially since it marked the first time in 92 years that Spain's World Cup squad did not include any Real Madrid players. Instead, De la Fuente chose other defenders like Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte, Eric Garcia, and Marc Pubill.
Spain's Unstoppable Run Continues
This victory extended Spain’s unbeaten streak to 40 matches, putting them three points clear at the top of Group A3, ahead of both England and Croatia. They aim to strengthen their position further when they take on Czechia next Saturday.
For Huijsen, this commanding win offers a solid foundation to push harder for a regular spot among the central defensive options in what promises to be a tough competition for places.
- Date: 30 September 2026
- Match: Spain 4 - 1 Croatia
- Competition: UEFA Nations League A
- Venue: Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium
- Key Players: Dean Huijsen, Marc Cucurella
- Unbeaten Run: 40 matches
- Group Standing: Spain leads Group A3 by 3 points over England and Croatia
