Eric Garcia has been delivering outstanding performances for Barcelona, outperforming all other Spanish defenders defensively and becoming one of the most reliable players in the Blaugrana squad. However, despite his impressive form, the defender has already learned that he will not be part of Luis de la Fuente’s plans for the 2026 World Cup, according to sources close to the national team.
Sources explained that de la Fuente informed Garcia that his squad was complete and that, despite the defender’s quality and outstanding performances, he was not in the national team’s plans for the upcoming World Cup. The decision has sparked considerable controversy, especially since Garcia is considered one of the best Spanish defenders currently.
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The national team justifies this decision by citing the need to maintain the team’s structure and rely on experienced players. For the coach, harmony and cohesion are more important than including a defender, however talented, especially since Garcia has never played for the national team in major tournaments.
Those close to the player confirmed that the news of his exclusion was very difficult for Garcia, as he has worked for years to secure a place in the national team, and his performances with Barcelona confirm his status as one of the most complete defenders in Spain. However, de la Fuente’s decision seems irrevocable.
The decision has faced widespread criticism, with many considering Garcia’s exclusion illogical from an individual performance perspective. He offers excellent defensive solidity, is adept at distributing the ball, and possesses the ability to lead the defense, making him a valuable addition to any squad.
Thus, Garcia finds himself in a paradoxical situation: currently Spain’s best defender, yet excluded from the national team’s plans for the 2026 World Cup. This reflects de la Fuente’s strictness and the difficulty of balancing experience with individual brilliance within the national team.
