Former LaLiga goalkeeper Santiago Canizares has criticised Luis de la Fuente for creating a ‘monumental mess’ within the Spain squad ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Canizares delivered this verdict while assessing La Roja’s goalkeeping situation, arguing that the current hierarchy did not make sense from a sporting perspective.
Barcelona’s Joan Garcia has arguably been the standout goalkeeper in LaLiga this season. He has shown excellent shot-stopping, admirable passing ability, and commendable command of the box. However, despite his impressive performances, Garcia may not make Spain’s World Cup squad.
: Joan García kept a clean sheet vs Athletic.
Unai Simón conceded 5 goals and made an error leading to goal for Barcelona.
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente did not attend the match due to a flu. pic.twitter.com/6WbibIWy1d
— The Touchline | (@TouchlineX) January 8, 2026
When asked if Garcia would play at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Spain coach De la Fuente said (via 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.”
De la Fuente Advised to Include Garcia in Spain’s World Cup Squad
Unai Simon has been Luis de la Fuente’s No. 1 pick in goal for Spain, while Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya and Real Sociedad’s Alex Remiro have provided cover.
Santiago Canizares, who won four LaLiga titles, believes the hierarchy is all wrong. He hailed Joan Garcia as the best Spanish goalkeeper and thought Simon created the most doubt.
“It’s going to be very difficult to choose the goalkeeper for the Spanish national team for the World Cup. The one who isn’t going—Joan Garcia—is undoubtedly the best.
Joan Garcia has recorded the highest save percentage in La Liga this season
The Barcelona goalkeeper than seventh-placed Thibaut Courtois pic.twitter.com/hItJglNgza
— LiveScore (@livescore) January 7, 2026
“The one who’s on the bench—David Raya—is fantastic, and the starter is the one who’s generating the most doubts right now
“The starting goalkeeper raises doubts at his club, but not with the national team. This is a monumental mess that weakens the team and the goalkeepers themselves.”
He concluded by adding:
“It’s a debate that will be widely discussed, especially in the weeks leading up to the World Cup, when there won’t be any football, and there will be plenty to talk about. And it’s an issue that will clearly affect the goalkeepers involved in the discussion.”
Garcia has yet to make his international debut for Spain’s national side. According to reports, De la Fuente is delaying his first international outing to avoid more internal conflict.
The 24-year-old is eager to represent his country at the 2026 World Cup. But for now, his sole purpose is helping Barcelona win a trophy or two this season.
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