News Focus
- Spain manager Luis de la Fuente confirms Gavi will join the 2026 World Cup squad
- The FC Barcelona midfielder recovered from a torn ACL injury suffered in 2023
- De la Fuente will select 26 players for the tournament in North America
- Only three goalkeepers will travel, with one final spot still undecided
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has confirmed that FC Barcelona midfielder Gavi will be part of his squad for the 2026 World Cup. The national team boss will announce his final 26-man selection next week ahead of the finals in North America.
Gavi has fought his way back from a serious knee injury that kept him out of action in 2023. De la Fuente praised the 20-year-old for his dedication during his recovery period. The manager insisted that the player fully deserves his place in the team.
“He has earned it,” De la Fuente explained. “He faced two major injuries. He showed great effort and hard work. Now he receives the reward for everything he gave.”
The Spain boss also revealed details about his goalkeeping options. Unai Simón and David Raya are certain to travel. Joan García from FC Barcelona and Alex Remiro are competing for the third and final goalkeeping position. Only one of them will make the cut.
“The list is ready,” the coach stated. “We will call up 26 players. I would love to bring five or six keepers, but we can only take three.”
Other FC Barcelona stars including Pedri, Pau Cubarsí and Ferran Torres are also expected to feature in the squad. Spain will begin their World Cup campaign hoping to repeat their 2010 success.