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.
With eight players in the squad, Barca have the most from one club, evoking memories of the golden era of Spanish football between 2008
and 2012.
Two of the Blaugranes chosen to represent La Roja can’t have deserved it more, either.
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.
Only De la Fuente will know why Unai Simon retains the goalkeeper’s jersey when it’s clear that both David Raya and, particularly, Barca’s Joan Garcia have been head and shoulders above him in the current campaign.
For his shot-stopping, reflexes, bravery and ability with both feet, there’s simply no cogent reason why Garcia isn’t the new No.1 already.
Pau Cubarsi has deservedly booked his spot, and given an almighty amount of experience at the top level already, it’s often forgotten that he’s still just 19 years of age. A solid addition, and a player who will only improve.
Lamine Yamal was always going to make the cut unless he was injured, and if Spain go deep into the tournament, expect some magic from the twinkle-toed teenager.
Joining Lamine as part of the Spanish attacking eight to travel to the showpiece are Ferran Torres and Dani Olmo.
Both have had their moments in 25/26, though one might also contend that they’ve also not been at their best for long periods.
If nothing else, their selection could bring them some individual confidence, and away from the daily rigours of club football, La Roja might just be able to bring the best out of them.
Ultimately, eight players from the same club is a ringing endorsement that Barca are again doing things right, and that can only be great for club and country in the longer term.
In contrast, Real Madrid have no representatives in this squad for some sort of context.
