Joan Garcia May Not Make Spain’s World Cup Squad Despite Fantastic Start at Barcelona

Joan Garcia has gotten off to a rapid start at Barcelona, but his hopes of representing Spain at the 2026 FIFA World Cup still hang in the balance. 

After coming through Espanyol’s academy, Garcia made the controversial decision of switching to cross-town rivals Barca in July 2025.

The 24-year-old quickly became a regular under Hansi Flick, playing every LaLiga game he has been fit for (12 out of 18). He has conceded nine goals and kept six clean sheets so far.

His performances have proved crucial in helping Barcelona leave Real Madrid behind in LaLiga.

Barcelona Star Joan Garcia Could Miss Spain’s World Cup Squad

With Joan Garcia consistently delivering in LaLiga over the last two seasons, fans are hopeful of seeing him represent Spain at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

However, Spain manager Luis de la Fuente only sees him as an option for now, as he is fully content with his current trio of goalkeepers.

When asked about Garcia’s potential selection for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, De la Fuente told Diario AS:

“It’s true that we’re 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.

| Joan García’s life hasn’t changed much since joining Barcelona. He’s still the same laid-back person and mostly spends time in the mountains to relax.

[@mundodeportivo] pic.twitter.com/j5ZVysoVrN

— Managing Barça (@ManagingBarca) December 23, 2025

“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.”

He concluded by adding:

“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.”

While Raya (11), Simon (56), and Remiro (2) all have senior-team experience for Spain, Garcia is still awaiting his first international call-up.

He has so far played two games for Spain U-21.

Unai Simon Likely to Start for Spain at the 2026 World Cup

Alex Remiro, who plays for Real Sociedad in LaLiga, is the third goalkeeper in the pecking order. He has only played 90 minutes of international football across two games and is unlikely to see any action at the 2025 FIFA World Cup.

Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya has been in sensational form this season. In 17 Premier League games this season, he has kept nine clean sheets and conceded 10 goals. He has made 27 saves, stopping 72.97% of shots faced.

Despite his strong showings, Raya is not the first choice for Luis de la Fuente. Currently, that honour belongs to Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper Unai Simon.

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Don Unai Simón. #AthleticPSG #UniqueInTheWorld pic.twitter.com/RmjFEhNz4g

— Athletic Club (@AthleticClub) December 10, 2025

Simon started all but one match in Spain’s triumphant EURO 2024 run, and he is the favourite to retain the No. 1 spot next year. So far, he has made the squad 29 times under De la Fuente, starting 25 of those matches.

Athletic Bilbao have not lived up to expectations in LaLiga. They are in eighth place in the table after claiming 23 points from 18 matches.

However, Simon has pulled his weight. He has made 48 saves, conceded 24 goals, and kept five clean sheets.