Joselu

World Cup 2026 Analysis

Joselu's 2026 World Cup Prospects: An Uphill Battle Amidst Spain's Youthful Surge

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, veteran Spanish striker Joselu, currently plying his trade with Qatari club Al-Gharafa, faces an increasingly challenging path to secure a spot in Luis de la Fuente's squad. While his recent club form and proven ability to deliver crucial goals for the national team speak volumes, his age and the competitive landscape of Spain's youthful attacking talent present significant hurdles.

Current Form and National Team History

At 35 years old (as of December 2025), Joselu has maintained a respectable scoring record. In the 2024-2025 season with Al-Gharafa, he netted 15 goals in 30 appearances, contributing to their third-place finish in the Qatar Stars League and a 2025 Emir Cup victory. Prior to his move to Qatar, he also scored 10 goals in 34 appearances during a loan spell at Real Madrid in the 2023-2024 season.

Joselu's international career with Spain began remarkably late, receiving his first call-up in March 2023 at the age of 33. He made an immediate impact, scoring twice on his debut. He was subsequently part of the squad that triumphed at Euro 2024 and the 2023 Nations League, where he scored the winning goal in the semi-final against Italy. Overall, he boasts an impressive record of 6 goals in 17 caps for Spain. His last call-up to the national team was in March 2024.

The Challenge of the Qatari League

A significant factor impacting Joselu's World Cup prospects is his decision to play in the Qatar Stars League. Joselu himself has acknowledged this challenge, stating, "It's difficult because of the type of league I play in, although more and more people from Arabia and these countries are joining their national teams and competing well." He remains optimistic, however, asserting that his "desire remains unchanged, and goals here are as valuable as they are in Europe."

While coach Luis de la Fuente has not explicitly commented on selecting players from non-European leagues, his philosophy has generally emphasized national talent performing at high levels, particularly within La Liga and other top European competitions. He has also shown a clear inclination towards integrating young talent from Spain's youth setups into the senior squad.

Spain's Striker Competition and Tactical Fit

Spain, under Luis de la Fuente, typically operates with a 4-3-3 formation, prioritizing playing through the middle, linking with the striker, and exploiting defensive spaces. The national team currently boasts a formidable array of attacking talent, many of whom are considerably younger than Joselu and play in top European leagues.

Key contenders for striker positions include the experienced Álvaro Morata, alongside emerging stars like Mikel Oyarzabal, Ferran Torres, Yeremy Pino, Alex Baena, Nico Williams, Lamine Yamal, and recent call-up Samu Omorodion, who has shown impressive form with Porto. These players offer a blend of pace, technical ability, and versatility that aligns well with de la Fuente's dynamic attacking system.

While Joselu brings a valuable aerial threat and a proven penalty-box presence, his inclusion would need to be carefully weighed against the profiles of these younger, more agile attackers who are consistently performing in more competitive environments. De la Fuente has reiterated that "the doors of the national team are always open to top-quality players who continue to progress" and values trust and continuity in his squad selections.

Conclusion

Joselu's prospects for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are delicately poised. His consistent goal-scoring and impactful performances for Spain since his late debut demonstrate his quality and determination. However, at 35 and playing in the Qatari league, he faces an uphill battle against a wealth of younger, in-form Spanish attackers who are often performing in more scrutinized European leagues. His best chance lies in maintaining an exceptional goal-scoring record for Al-Gharafa and hoping that Luis de la Fuente prioritizes his unique veteran experience and proven ability to deliver in crucial moments, even if it means looking beyond the traditional European strongholds for selection. The coming months will be crucial in determining if Joselu can defy the odds and earn a place on the plane to North America.