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Eric Garcia still waiting for World Cup debut with Spain

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 27, 2026, 3:00 PM

Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Eric Garcia still waiting for World Cup debut with Spain

Summary

Eric Garcia remains an unused substitute for Spain at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after three matches. Despite a strong season at Barcelona under Hansi Flick, where he accumulated nearly 4,000 minutes, the 25-year-old defender has not yet seen action. Spain secured a 1-0 victory over Uruguay to advance to the Round of 16, but head coach Luis de la Fuente has preferred other options in defense. Garcia faces a similar situation to the 2022 World Cup, where he also did not play. With knockout stages approaching, he hopes for an opportunity as squad rotation becomes necessary.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•Garcia is yet to play this tournament for Spain.
•Spain qualified for the Round of 16 after defeating Uruguay 1-0.
•He has previously been an unused substitute in the 2022 World Cup.
•Garcia was a key player for Barcelona under Hansi Flick last season.
•De la Fuente has preferred Pau Cubarsí and Aymeric Laporte in central defense.

Latest Updates

3:00 PMYahoo Sports — Barcelona star waiting for chance with Spain after becoming key under Hansi Flick

What they're saying

"
Eric Garcia enjoyed one of the strongest seasons of his career under Hansi Flick at Barcelona, but his role with Spain at the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been very different.The 25-year-old defender has y...
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Barcelona FIFA World Cup Soccer