De la Fuente Addresses Joan García’s World Cup Chances As Competition Intensifies

‎This season is crucial for several Barcelona players who aspire to reach the 2026 World Cup, including Joan García.

‎He could be among the three goalkeepers chosen by Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente to join the squad in North America.

‎Garcia, who was recently labelled as “one of the best goalkeepers in the world”, has made an excellent start to life at Barcelona following his summer move from Espanyol.

‎Even before his potential move, he was already tipped for a Spain call-up, and 2026 could be the year he breaks into La Roja.

‎De la Fuente has now addressed the possibility of a García call-up, speaking to Diario AS (via Cadena SER) about his goalkeeping options for next summer’s World Cup.

‎“We’re indeed betting on these three now, and we’re delighted with Unai (Simon), David (Raya), and Alex (Remiro), but we’ll see what happens between now and March or what happens between now and June, God knows.

‎”We have five or six of the best goalkeepers in the world. Nobody talks about Robert Sanchez, or Leo Roman either. And of course Joan García… because we have fantastic goalkeepers in Spain, fantastic.

‎“When that time comes, a decision will have to be made that will please some people more and others less. The decision I make is the one with which I will be convinced.”

‎Does Joan Garcia deserve to go to the World Cup?

‎Garcia has been among the best goalkeepers in La Liga over the last two seasons and would deserve a Spain call-up.

‎The same can be said for Simon, Raya, and Remiro, who are in pole position to travel to the United States, Canada, and Mexico next summer.