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

Dean Huijsen has opened up about the pain of missing out on the 2026 World Cup after making a solid comeback for Spain. The young defender played a key role in La Roja’s impressive 4-1 victory against Croatia in the UEFA Nations League.

A Strong Comeback on Home Ground

Huijsen rejoined the Spanish starting lineup as the reigning world champions comfortably defeated Croatia at the Sanchez-Pizjuan stadium. He spent a composed 90 minutes on the pitch, partnering with fellow Real Madrid teammate Marc Cucurella. This performance helped secure three points in the Nations League and marked a personal triumph after the disappointment of being left out of the World Cup squad earlier this year.

Emotional Toll of World Cup Snub

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

The decision by coach De la Fuente to exclude Huijsen from the 26-man World Cup roster was a hard blow, especially since it ended a 92-year streak of having at least one Real Madrid player in the national team during the World Cup.

Historic Omission Sparks Debate

Instead of Huijsen, De la Fuente selected other defenders such as Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte, Eric Garcia, and Marc Pubill for the tournament. Huijsen’s immediate return to the starting eleven suggests he remains an important part of Spain’s future defensive plans despite that setback.

Spain Remains Unbeaten and Leading Group A3

The 4-1 win over Croatia stretched Spain’s unbeaten run to 40 games, giving them a three-point lead at the top of Group A3 ahead of England and Croatia. The team will look to maintain this strong form when they meet Czechia next. For Huijsen, the victory offers a strong platform to fight for his place among Spain’s central defenders in a highly competitive squad.