Spaniard Fermin Lopez confirms he will miss the 2026 World Cup after undergoing surgery on his broken foot

Spaniard Fermin Lopez will miss next month’s World Cup after confirming on Wednesday that surgery on his broken foot had ruled him out of the tournament.

The Barcelona midfielder suffered a fracture to the fifth metatarsal in his right foot during the 3-1 home win over Real Betis on Sunday, with the club confirming he would require surgery.

«The operation went very well and I am 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,» Lopez wrote on Instagram.

«But you have to accept that it’s all part of the journey. It’s a very difficult time for me and another challenge in my career that I will overcome – you can be sure of that.»

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“Now it’s time to support the national team and my teammates from home.”

Lopez was hoping to make the squad after an impressive season with Barcelona, ​​in which he scored thirteen goals and provided seventeen assists in all competitions as the club won LaLiga and the Spanish Super Cup.

European champions Spain start their World Cup campaign on June 15 against Group ⁠H opponents Cape Verde, before taking on Saudi Arabia and Uruguay.

Coach Luis ‌de la Fuente will announce his World Cup selection on Monday.

Published on May 20, 2026