According to Marca and AS , Fermín López fractured the fifth metatarsal bone in his right foot during the match between Barcelona and Real Betis last weekend. Subsequent MRI scans confirmed that the 22-year-old midfielder requires surgery and is expected to be out of action for 6 to 8 weeks, effectively closing the door on his participation in the 2026 World Cup.
Marca commented: "This news immediately sent shockwaves through the Spanish national team's Las Rozas training center. Initially, the medical team hoped Fermín López only had a minor problem and could recover in time for the World Cup. However, the final conclusion from Barcelona turned optimism into great disappointment."
Meanwhile, AS newspaper commented that Fermín López's absence is considered a significant loss for coach De la Fuente as he is building a young, energetic squad for the 2026 World Cup campaign. Although not a standout player in the qualifying rounds, Fermín López exploded at the end of the season, becoming one of Barcelona's most consistent players on their way to winning La Liga.
Fermín López (left) will miss the 2026 World Cup.
PHOTO: REUTERS
This season, the midfielder from Huelva has contributed 13 goals and 17 assists in all competitions. His off-ball movement, versatility in multiple attacking positions, and fiery fighting spirit have earned him high praise from coach De la Fuente. Spanish media even suggest Fermín López is considered a potential starting option for the 2026 World Cup, especially given that Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, and Mikel Merino are not yet in peak physical condition.
Coach De la Fuente is urgently adjusting his plans for the World Cup.
Fermín López's injury has significantly disrupted the tactical plans that coach De la Fuente had been preparing for months. The 64-year-old coach now has to review his preliminary list of 55 players to find a suitable replacement.
Among the names that have emerged, Alberto Moleiro is considered the strongest candidate. The Villarreal CF player possesses a technical and versatile playing style and can play both as an attacking midfielder and a winger. He also just had an impressive season with 10 goals.
Besides Moleiro, names like Pablo Fornals and Yeremy Pino also have a chance to break into the final list. In particular, Yeremy Pino is always highly regarded by coach De la Fuente whenever he is in good physical condition.
Coach De la Fuente has to adjust his plans for the 2026 World Cup.
PHOTO: REUTERS
Besides the headache caused by Fermín López's injury, coach De la Fuente also has to make many difficult decisions regarding veteran players. According to AS , neither Álvaro Morata nor Dani Carvajal are included in the preliminary list of 55 players that the Spanish Football Federation submitted to FIFA.
This marks a regrettable end for two key players who contributed significantly to Spain's EURO 2024 victory. For Carvajal, a series of injuries prevented the Real Madrid defender from maintaining consistent form. Meanwhile, Morata has been a major disappointment in terms of goalscoring performance, with only one goal in his last 28 matches.
The decision to drop experienced veterans shows that coach De la Fuente is determined to rejuvenate the squad and prioritize current form over reputation. However, at a crucial moment, Fermín López's injury has significantly disrupted those plans.
According to Marca , the official 26-player squad for the Spanish national team at the 2026 World Cup will be announced on May 25th. Between now and then, coach De la Fuente will have to race against time to fill the unexpected gaps in the squad of the 2026 World Cup title contenders.