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Spain enters the 2026 World Cup as a leading favorite to claim the trophy and secure a second world title, aiming to recreate the magic of their historic 2010 triumph in South Africa.
However, The Red will have to continue its World Cup campaign without Barcelona’s standout midfielder Fermin Lopez, who was removed from the roster weeks before the tournament.
The 23‑year‑old offensive midfielder will miss the World Cup after sustaining a fracture of the fifth metatarsal in his right foot during the final weeks of the La Liga season.
Initial on‑site assessments suggested a minor fissure requiring only two weeks of rest, but an MRI later confirmed a complete fracture of the little toe metatarsal.
López underwent a successful corrective surgery to repair the bone. However, with an estimated recovery period of at least two months, his hopes of debuting at the World Cup in North America were instantly dashed.
Fermin Lopez’s Remarkable Season at Barcelona
Fermin Lopez emerged as a key driver of Barcelona’s successful La Liga campaign. The 23‑year‑old featured in 48 matches across all competitions, contributing 13 goals and 17 assists.
López was equally pivotal in Barcelona’s run to the Champions League quarterfinals, matching Lamine Yamal as the team’s top scorer with six goals.
Additionally, the duo were the only Barcelona players to reach double‑digit goal contributions in both domestic and European competitions this season. His ticket to North America was secured, but the untimely foot fracture means his World Cup debut will have to wait.
