Spain's U19 national team is gearing up for the European Championship scheduled in Wales from June 28 to July 11, 2026. The expanded roster of 26 players vying for a final 21-man squad includes two talents from Barcelona's academy — Xavi Espart and Quim Junyent.
Xavi Espart, primarily a right-back for Barcelona, has shown versatility by operating as a central midfielder during Spain's qualifiers. He was a key starter in decisive wins against Slovenia (4-0) and the Netherlands (3-0), solidifying his strong candidacy for the final lineup.
Quim Junyent, a midfielder known for his ball control and vision, remains one of La Masia's most consistent performers. Scheduled to transfer to Almería in July 2026, he currently continues to represent Barcelona while preparing for the tournament.
Several players from previous squads remain absent due to injury, including defender Juan Hernández, midfielder Jofre Torrents, and Landry Farré. Another La Masia product, Andrés Cuenca, currently on loan at Sporting Gijón, also features in the expanded list.
Under coach Paco Gallardo, the squad will train in Spain until June 25 before traveling to Wales for the final preparation phase. The tournament offers a critical platform for young players, with the top two teams in the group qualifying for the 2027 U20 World Cup.
Espart's return to Barcelona's preseason could be delayed if Spain advances toward the finals; the final is set for July 11, while Barcelona’s preseason camp starts on July 13. This underlines the significance of international duty, even if it means a late start to club preparations.
This development illustrates Barcelona's commitment to promoting young prospects on the international stage. The inclusion of two La Masia players in Spain's U19 preliminary squad highlights the academy’s ongoing contribution to Spain’s youth national teams ahead of major competitions.
