Luis de la Fuente announced Spain’s World Cup squad for the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Barcelona players form the largest group in the squad with eight selections, recalling Spain’s successful period from 2008 to 2012. Gavi returns after missing the 2024 European Championship and Olympic squads due to injury, and after another serious issue that kept him out for months. His form has returned to a level similar to before his ACL, earning him a deserved place. Eric Garcia’s selection reflects his hard work and consistent reliability throughout the season. Fermin Lopez misses out after breaking a bone in his foot against Real Betis despite a productive campaign.
"Monday saw Luis de la Fuente announce his Spain squad for the forthcoming World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada. After a successful season for Barcelona, the players will have expected to at least be in the mix to be on the plane, though such decisions are always fraught for an international manager, and there will always be those that are disappointed."
"After the immense disappointment of missing out on the 2024 European Championship and Olympic Games squads because of injury, and notwithstanding another serious problem that kept him out for months recently, Gavi has been reborn in the latter half of the current season. Back to his old devilish self, it's been a joy for supporters to see him mixing it with the best that Spanish and European football have to offer, and, as importantly, to be doing so at a similar level to that which he displayed pre his ACL."
"Eric Garcia's inclusion is a testament to the hard work that he's put in, and it isn't a stretch to say that he's been arguably Barca's most reliable player this season. Had he not been selected on this occasion, it would've been a travesty, and questions would've again been asked of De la Fuente, who doesn't enjoy unanimous support in the corridors of power at Camp Nou."
"One player who must be ruing his luck is Fermin Lopez. The 23-year-old enjoyed another excellent campaign for the Blaugranes, scoring 13 goals and providing 17 assists in 48 matches in all competitions during 2025/26. Though Fermin would certainly have had reasonable competition in the midfield area to earn a selection, and surely wouldn't begrudge Pedri and Gavi being on the plane in any event, breaking a bone in his foot against Real Betis ensured he'd play no part in the tournament."
Read at Barca Blaugranes
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