Spain will be without Gavi for its highly anticipated matchup against England in Matchday 1 of the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League, with the Barcelona midfielder unavailable for the September 26 showdown.
Gavi’s absence is particularly notable considering his importance to Spain’s midfield and the magnitude of a Nations League opener against England.
Why Is Gavi Not Playing for Spain vs England Today?
Gavi is not playing against England because he was left out of Spain’s squad for the September international window.
However, there is another important factor: Gavi is suspended for the match against England following an incident involving Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes during the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
The suspension means Gavi would have been unavailable for Spain’s Nations League opener even if he had been included in the squad.
Is Gavi Injured?
Gavi’s absence from the England match is not simply the result of Spain choosing a different starting lineup. He is not part of the matchday squad and is also unavailable because of his suspension.
Spain therefore has to approach the England matchup without one of Barcelona’s most recognizable midfielders.
Why Was Gavi Suspended?
Gavi received a one-match FIFA suspension stemming from an incident involving Paredes during the 2026 World Cup final.
The Spanish federation reportedly attempted to have the suspension put on hold, but that effort was unsuccessful. As a result, Gavi is unable to participate against England.
Who Can Replace Gavi in Spain’s Midfield?
Spain still enters the Nations League with considerable midfield depth. Luis de la Fuente has several options available, including:
- Pedri
- Rodri
- Fabián Ruiz
- Martín Zubimendi
- Mikel Merino
- Dani Olmo
- Fermín López
That depth should allow Spain to adjust tactically despite Gavi’s absence.
When Is England vs Spain?
Match: England vs Spain
Competition: 2026-27 UEFA Nations League
Matchday: Matchday 1
Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
Location: Wembley Stadium, London, England
The matchup marks the beginning of another UEFA Nations League campaign for two of European soccer’s biggest national teams.
Will Gavi Return After the England Match?
Because the disciplinary sanction is a one-match suspension, Gavi will have served the ban after Spain’s match against England.
His availability for Spain’s subsequent international fixtures will then depend on whether he is selected by Luis de la Fuente and his physical condition.
Bottom Line
Gavi is not playing for Spain against England today because he was not included in Spain’s squad and is serving a one-match suspension stemming from an incident during the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
Spain will instead rely on its considerable midfield depth as it opens the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League against England at Wembley Stadium.