Dean Huijsen Reflects on World Cup Disappointment After Strong Return in Spain's 4-1 Win Over Croatia

Dean Huijsen has spoken openly about the sadness he felt after being left out of Spain's World Cup squad, following his return to the national team in their commanding 4-1 victory against Croatia. This match marked Spain's first home game since winning the tournament, and Huijsen played the full 90 minutes alongside fellow Real Madrid defender Marc Cucurella.

A Personal Comeback in a Big Win

The young central defender showcased a calm and confident performance at the Sanchez-Pizjuan stadium, helping secure three valuable points for Spain in the UEFA Nations League. This appearance was a strong personal response after the disappointment of missing the World Cup final squad in the summer.

Heartfelt Reaction to Omission

"It was quite tough for me. In the end, it was a very sad moment for me and my family," Huijsen shared with reporters after the match. "The important thing is to be back, and we have to focus on the positives."

The decision by coach Luis de la Fuente to leave Huijsen out of the 26-man World Cup squad sparked debate, especially as it meant no Real Madrid players were included for the first time in 92 years. Instead, De la Fuente selected defenders such as Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte, Eric Garcia, and Marc Pubill.

Back in the Starting Eleven and Future Prospects

Huijsen’s immediate return to the starting lineup shows that he remains an important part of the coach’s plans moving forward. His performance indicates he is ready to compete strongly for a central defensive role.

Spain's Unbeaten Streak Continues

The win over Croatia extended Spain's unbeaten run to 40 matches, giving them a three-point lead atop Group A3 in the Nations League, ahead of both England and Croatia. Next up, they face Czechia on Saturday, aiming to strengthen their position further. For Huijsen, this display serves as a solid platform to push his case in a highly competitive squad.

• Match: Spain 4 - 1 Croatia
• Competition: UEFA Nations League A
• Date: September 30, 2026
• Location: Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium
• Notable Players: Dean Huijsen, Marc Cucurella
• Spain’s unbeaten streak: 40 games
• Group A3 standings lead: Spain ahead by 3 points