Joan Garcia's arrival at FC Barcelona from Espanyol has been a resounding success, solidifying the team's defense and
establishing him as one of La Liga's top goalkeepers in the 2025 season. His shot-stopping ability was recently on
display against Villarreal, marking his sixth clean sheet in just twelve La Liga appearances.
However, Garcia's club form may not translate into a place in Spain's squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026. According to
reports, Spain coach Luis de la Fuente values team cohesion and trusts his current goalkeeping options: Unai Simon,
Garcia's absence from the November international break due to fitness issues further complicates his chances. While he
has arguably outperformed Simon, Remiro, and Raya this season, de la Fuente's preference for established players could
keep him out of the World Cup squad.
The situation highlights the challenge for players who break into top form shortly before a major tournament. Even
exceptional club performance might not be enough to displace players who have earned the coach's trust over a longer
Garcia's potential opportunity to debut for La Roja in the upcoming Finalissima in March, where Spain could face
Argentina, offers a chance to impress. However, whether this will be sufficient to alter de la Fuente's plans remains to
be seen. The Finalissima could serve as a crucial audition for Garcia, showcasing his abilities on the international
stage against high-caliber opposition. The match presents a unique opportunity to demonstrate his composure and skill
under pressure, potentially swaying the coach's decision before the World Cup selection.
Ultimately, Garcia's World Cup fate hinges on his ability to demonstrate his value to the national team setup in the
limited opportunities available, and whether de la Fuente is willing to deviate from his established goalkeeping
hierarchy. The remainder of the season will be critical for Garcia to make a compelling case for his inclusion in the