Joan García is quickly becoming a name synonymous with Spanish goalkeeping excellence. The 25-year-old’s impressive form for Barcelona has earned him a place in Luis de la Fuente’s squad, sparking debate about Spain’s goalkeeping hierarchy ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. “I was very eager to be called up, I am very happy and very excited,” García said after being named to the squad for friendlies against Serbia and Egypt. The inclusion of all four top Spanish goalkeepers – García, Unai Simón, David Raya, and Álex Remiro – signals the depth and competition within the national team as they prepare for the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
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García’s stellar season with Barcelona has been undeniable. He’s consistently delivered crucial saves for the club, exceeding expectations even under manager Xavi Hernández. This performance prompted De la Fuente to include him in the international setup. Originally slated to play in Doha, the team shifted plans due to geopolitical factors, resulting in a friendly against Serbia in Villarreal, where García was the sole goalkeeper excluded from the matchday squad, and a subsequent match against Egypt at the R.C.D. Stadium – a return to familiar territory for the Barcelona shot-stopper.
A Return to Familiar Ground
Joan García, wearing the number 18 shirt, began his youth career with Espanyol, joining from Damm during his second year as a cadet. He quickly showed promise, identified as a future first-team goalkeeper. He seized his opportunity when it arrived, becoming instrumental in Espanyol’s promotion back to La Liga in the 2023/2024 season. A loan spell at Burgos also proved pivotal, highlighted by a standout performance against Real Oviedo in the promotion playoff final – a moment etched in Espanyol’s history. He made 67 official appearances for Espanyol, 38 of those during his breakout season.
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García’s rise hasn’t been without its complexities. His move to Barcelona, while a step up, was met with mixed reactions from Espanyol supporters. He was even subjected to jeers and negative banners upon his return to the R.C.D. Stadium in January. However, García remains focused on performing to the best of his ability. “I’m excited to debut in any stadium. It’s special for me. It’s a coincidence that it’s happened, and that’s fine. We’ll observe how they receive me,” he stated in an interview with Cadena SER. De la Fuente also defended García, stating that those inclined to boo should “depart the temptation at home and come to cheer. These are players of the Spanish national team.”
Looking Ahead to the World Cup
Having already secured a gold medal with the Spanish Olympic team in Paris – where Arnau Tenas was the starting goalkeeper – García now has his sights set on his first FIFA World Cup. Turning 25 on May 4th, he’s entering his prime. Even his competitors recognize his talent. Unai Simón, a fellow Spanish goalkeeper, remarked, “Joan García is the goalkeeper who comes closest to Courtois,” in an interview with COPE.
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Luis de la Fuente acknowledges the challenge of selecting just three goalkeepers from a pool of four talented options – Simón, Raya, Remiro, and García. “He’s a great goalkeeper that we’ve known for a long time. He’s one of the best goalkeepers in the world. He can bring harmony, work ethic, professionalism, quality, competition… He will demand that others bring out their best level. Today, we understand that it was the right time for him to join us. Can anyone believe that I would be happy if a player got injured because it makes things easier for me? That’s ridiculous. The more good players we have, the better,” De la Fuente explained.
The competition for the goalkeeping spots is fierce, but García’s recent performances and the confidence shown in him by both his club and national team manager suggest he’s a serious contender for a place in Spain’s final World Cup squad. The upcoming friendlies against Serbia and Egypt will provide valuable opportunities for García to showcase his abilities on the international stage and further solidify his claim for a spot in the team. Spain will face Serbia on March 27th at the Estadio de la Cerámica in Villarreal, and then Egypt on March 29th at the R.C.D. Stadium in Barcelona.
The decision facing Luis de la Fuente isn’t simply about picking the ‘best’ goalkeeper, but about assembling a unit that provides the best balance of skill, experience, and team chemistry. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, all eyes will be on Joan García as he continues his ascent in the world of Spanish football.
