Joan García will be among the 26 players selected by Luis de la Fuente to represent Spain in the World Cup, which kicks off on June 11 in North America. The decision comes as a result of the Barcelona goalkeeper’s performances throughout the season, as well as his seamless integration and full understanding of his role within the squad, as demonstrated during the last national team call-up.
The first factor carries the most weight in choosing one player over another—his footballing ability. But the second, evident in day-to-day interactions—namely how well he adapts to everything surrounding the national team—also played a key part in the decision. De la Fuente and his staff closely assess each potential international’s capacity to maintain perfect coexistence during what could be up to 50 days of concentration at a World Cup. Preparations begin in early June and could last until July 19, the day of the final.
The head coach knows that his starter for the World Cup—a decision he has been clear about for a long time—is and will be Unai Simón. There is no doubt about that. The Barcelona goalkeeper and the rest of the Spanish internationals are also aware of this, just as they recognize how much the Athletic Club goalkeeper brings, both on the pitch and off it. Unai Simón has repeatedly shown his total commitment to the national team, as he did during the European Championship by postponing surgery to help and be available for whatever the coach decided. Full commitment from the Athletic player.
Undisputed starter at Barça, Joan García is in no rush, but being among those chosen to defend Spain has long been on his roadmap. He knows De la Fuente sets the pace and understood the coach’s decision not to include him in the first part of the season. Meanwhile, the goalkeeper has earned the respect of everyone, starting with his fellow national team goalkeepers Unai Simón, David Raya, and Remiro.
At Barcelona, there has never been any doubt from day one. Starting from the beginning of the campaign ahead of Ter Stegen and Szczesny, no one has questioned his status. That has ultimately sealed his ticket to the World Cup, along with the almost certain conquest of the Zamora Trophy.
His debut for Spain came in the match against Egypt held in Cornellà, the stadium where he played during his time at Espanyol.
