Fermin Lopez is set for surgery on a fractured right foot, leaving Barcelona and Spain concerned ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The 23-year-old midfielder has been a key figure for Hansi Flick, yet the injury now places tournament selection in serious doubt.
Barcelona confirmed that Fermin sustained a break to the fifth metatarsal in the right foot during the 3-1 win against Real Betis, where Fermin was substituted at half-time.The club did not specify a timeline for Fermin’s recovery.MEDICAL REPORT The first team player Fermn Lpez suffered a fracture to the fifth metatarsal bone in his right foot in the game against Betis. The player will undergo surgery. pic.twitter.com/fit9sq5HRmFC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) May 18, 2026
Across the 2025-26 campaign, Fermin has featured 48 times in all competitions, with only Gerard Martin and Eric Garcia, both on 50 appearances, used more often by Barcelona. Fermin has scored 13 goals and delivered 17 assists, while only Lamine Yamal has a higher
direct goal involvement, with 41 contributions.
Spain start their Group H schedule against Cape Verde on June 15, then meet Saudi Arabia before facing Uruguay. Fermin’s injury arrives as Spain prepare for the finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico, where Spain are regarded among the leading contenders.
Fermin has already appeared three times in Spain’s 2026 World Cup qualifying programme and played once during the Euro 2024 title run. Any extended absence would therefore affect both Barcelona’s plans and Spain’s midfield options, with medical updates now crucial for World Cup involvement.
