Barcelona defender Eric García’s omission from the latest Spain squad for friendlies against Serbia and Egypt sparked questions about his chances of making the final roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has moved to quell any concerns, stating that García remains firmly in contention for a spot in the tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada next summer.
De la Fuente addressed the situation during a press conference, emphasizing García’s long-standing relationship with the national team setup. “For clarity, Eric has been with me in the U19s, U21s, and the Olympics,” he said, as reported by Mundo Deportivo. “He’s a proven footballer and very well-liked by the Federation and by me, especially.”
The manager was quick to clarify that García’s current absence from the squad isn’t a reflection of his performance for Barcelona. Instead, it’s related to a recent physical setback. “He was in very solid form and has had a minor injury that, perhaps, is what has prevented him from being here in this concentration,” De la Fuente explained. This suggests that fitness, rather than form, is the primary hurdle for the 25-year-old center-back.
De la Fuente’s comments offer a significant boost to García’s World Cup hopes. While he wasn’t included in the squad for the upcoming friendlies, the door remains open. The manager explicitly stated, “Possibilities he has all. The doors are going to open for many still. Hopefully Eric is recovered soon and we have difficulties when making the list.” This sentiment underscores the manager’s willingness to consider players who prove their fitness and form leading up to the tournament.
The situation highlights the competitive nature of the Spain squad as De la Fuente builds towards the World Cup. He revealed that he already has a “solid base of 22 players” identified for the 26-man squad, indicating that several positions are already fairly secure. However, the remaining spots are still up for grabs, and García has the opportunity to compete for one of them.
Beyond García’s individual situation, De la Fuente too discussed Spain’s overall prospects at the tournament. He expressed confidence in the team’s ability to compete with the world’s best, acknowledging that Spain is considered a favorite. “I love that Spain is considered one of the favorites to win the next World Cup, since denying that would be denying an obvious situation,” he stated. He placed Spain among the top contenders alongside England, France, Argentina (the current champions), and Brazil.
De la Fuente also emphasized the importance of a collaborative relationship between the national team and club sides. “In the same way that I am empathetic with others, I demand that they be empathetic with me,” he said, suggesting a desire for clubs to prioritize the fitness and availability of their players for international duty. This represents a common point of contention between managers and clubs, particularly as the World Cup approaches.
For Eric García, the focus now shifts to regaining full fitness and returning to top form for Barcelona. His performances in La Liga will be closely scrutinized by De la Fuente and his staff. A strong finish to the season could very well earn him a place on the plane to North America next summer. The defender’s history with the national team, combined with De la Fuente’s public support, suggests he remains a viable option for a spot in the final squad.
Spain will continue their preparations for the World Cup with friendlies against Serbia and Egypt. These matches will provide De la Fuente with an opportunity to assess his current squad and experiment with different tactical approaches. The results of these games, and the performances of individual players, will undoubtedly influence his final decision-making process.
The next confirmed checkpoint for Spain is their friendly match against Serbia on March 25, 2026, followed by the match against Egypt on March 30, 2026. Following these matches, attention will turn to club performances as De la Fuente continues to evaluate potential squad members. Fans can follow official updates and team news on the Royal Spanish Football Federation’s website (https://www.sefutbol.com/).
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