In a major development, AS reports that FC Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia will be included in the 26-man Spain squad selected by manager Luis de la Fuente for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, which begins on 11 June.
The decision comes after the 25-year-old Barcelona star’s outstanding performances throughout the season, as well as the positive impression he made during his most recent spell with the Spanish national team.
Garcia gets his reward
While performances on the pitch remain the most important criterion, the Spain coaching staff also place huge value on personality, adaptability and maintaining harmony during long international tournaments.
The World Cup camp could last around 50 days, from early June until the final on 19 July, and De la Fuente’s staff are known to study closely how players integrate into the environment.
And Garcia’s understanding of his role within the squad and his ability to fit into the group dynamic during the international break in March are said to have been key factors alongside his footballing quality.
Joan Garcia will join Unai Simon in the Spain squad for 2026 World Cup. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
As such, he will be on the flight to North America next month for the summer extravaganza.
Unai Simon will continue as No. 1
Despite Garcia’s rise, Unai Simon remains Spain’s undisputed first-choice goalkeeper. Both the coaching staff and the players are fully aware of his importance, not only for his performances but also for the leadership and calm he brings in the squad.
Garcia, meanwhile, has stayed patient. Making the Spain squad had long been one of his personal objectives, and he understood De la Fuente’s decision not to call him up earlier in the season.
Since then, he has continued earning respect from teammates and fellow goalkeepers such as Simon, David Raya and Alex Remiro.
At Barcelona, there has never been any doubt about his status. He established himself as the first-choice goalkeeper ahead of both Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Wojciech Szczesny from the start of the season, which is likely to end with the Zamora Trophy triumph for the 25-year-old.
His Spain debut came against Egypt national football team at Cornella, the same stadium where he previously played during his time with RCD Espanyol.
