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Spain have suffered a major setback ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after midfielder Fermin Lopez sustained a foot fracture while playing for FC Barcelona. The injury is expected to rule the talented midfielder out of the tournament set to take place in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Lopez suffered the injury during Barcelona’s 3 1 victory against Real Betis on Sunday. Barcelona later confirmed that the midfielder fractured the fifth metatarsal bone in his right foot and will undergo surgery. The Spanish champions however did not provide an official timeline for his recovery.
The 23 year old had been widely expected to earn a place in Spain’s World Cup squad under coach Luis de la Fuente. The squad announcement is scheduled for Monday 25 May, but Lopez’s injury now appears to have ended his chances of featuring in the competition.
Spain are set to begin their World Cup campaign against Cape Verde national football team on 15 June in Atlanta before facing Uruguay national football team and Saudi Arabia national football team in Group H. Lopez was viewed as one of the rising talents who could play an important role for the Spanish side during the tournament.
Fifth metatarsal fractures are considered serious injuries in football and often sideline players for between two and three months. The injury has troubled several footballers in recent years, including Lisandro Martinez, who underwent surgery for a similar fracture in April 2023 while playing for Manchester United F.C.. Martinez missed the remainder of the season and later aggravated the same injury after returning to action.
Lopez’s absence will come as a huge disappointment both for Spain and Barcelona, especially after the midfielder enjoyed an outstanding season. Over the past two campaigns he has established himself as a regular figure in Barcelona’s squad and helped the Catalan club secure back to back La Liga titles.
Despite struggling with groin injuries at different stages of the season, Lopez still managed to produce impressive numbers. He scored 13 goals and provided 17 assists in 48 appearances across all competitions, underlining his growing importance to the team. His creativity, movement and attacking contribution made him one of Barcelona’s standout performers during the campaign.
The World Cup would have marked Lopez’s second major international tournament after his involvement in Spain’s successful Euro 2024 campaign. Although he played only 28 minutes during the tournament, many believed the upcoming World Cup would provide him with a bigger opportunity to establish himself on the international stage.
For now, Spain and Barcelona will both hope the midfielder can make a full recovery and return stronger after surgery.
