Spain midfielder Fermin Lopez fractured the fifth metatarsal bone in his right foot during Barcelona’s 3-1 home win over Real Betis on Sunday, May 17, 2026 [1, 2, 3]. The 23-year-old underwent surgery on the injury, confirmed by both Barcelona and Lopez himself [1, 4, 5, 3]. As a result, Lopez is ruled out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and will not be part of Spain’s squad [4, 2, 6, 3].
Lopez, who has seven caps for Spain since his senior debut in 2024, had a strong 2025-26 season with Barcelona. He scored 13 goals and provided 17 assists in 48 appearances, helping the club win LaLiga and the Spanish Super Cup [1, 4, 5, 6, 3]. His injury came at a crucial time, ahead of Spain’s World Cup group matches starting June 15, 2026.
Lopez wrote on Instagram that "The operation went very well and I'm already looking forward to coming back stronger, both physically and mentally. Life and football can be cruel when you least expect it or deserve it. But you have to accept that it's all part of the journey. It's a very tough time for me and yet another challenge in my career that I will overcome – of that you can be sure. Now it's time to support the national team and my teammates from home" [4].
Spain enter the tournament as European champions and favorites, set to begin their Group H campaign against Cape Verde in Atlanta, Georgia, followed by matches against Saudi Arabia and Uruguay [1, 2]. Barcelona teammates Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams are also sidelined with hamstring injuries but coach Luis de la Fuente remains hopeful they will recover in time [3]. Midfielders Rodri and Mikel Merino, who have also struggled with injuries, are likely to be included in the final squad [3].
Spain’s World Cup squad announcement is scheduled for May 25, 2026, with the 26-man roster expected to reveal Lopez’s official replacement [1, 4, 5, 6].
