Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has thrown his support behind Eric Garcia, assuring the Barcelona defender that his World Cup 2026 dream is still very much alive.
Garcia was notably absent from Spain’s latest squad for friendlies against Serbia and Egypt, a decision that raised eyebrows given his impressive form for Barcelona this season.
However, de la Fuente has now stepped in to calm speculation, suggesting the omission is only a temporary setback.
Speaking ahead of Spain’s clash with Egypt, the coach made it clear that Garcia remains firmly in his plans moving forward.
He also hinted that a minor injury may have influenced the decision to leave the defender out this time around.
”Eric has been with me in the U19s, U21s, and the Olympics,” he told a press conference.
“He’s very well-liked by everyone, including me, and he has every chance. He had a minor injury, and perhaps that’s why he hasn’t come. There are still two months to go, and a lot can happen.”
As the international window unfolds, Garcia will now shift focus back to club duties, aiming to maintain his strong performances with Barcelona.
If he continues on this trajectory, the defender could yet play his way into Spain’s final squad for the global showpiece.
With time still on the clock and competition heating up, Garcia’s race for a World Cup spot is far from over; it’s simply entering its next phase.
Toosin is a dedicated sports writer with a strong background in crafting engaging and insightful content. With experience at Goal, he has developed a sharp editorial sense and a refined storytelling approach that brings depth and perspective to sports journalism. His passion for the game goes beyond the headlines, as he captures both the excitement of the sport and the compelling human narratives behind each event. Toosin’s work resonates with a broad and diverse audience, making global sports stories accessible, relatable, and impactful.
