Barcelona captain Eric García is emerging as a key option for the right-back position in the Spain national team ahead of the final phase of the 2026 World Cup. His inclusion in Luis de La Fuente's latest squad and his solid performance in July's final have opened this door.
The Spanish national team leads its World Cup group with 7 points from two wins and a draw, riding an impeccable streak of five consecutive victories. Having scored 5 goals and conceded none, the squad holds a four-point lead over Cape Verde Islands. The next challenge is a key clash against England on September 26.
The retirement of Marcos Llorente from international duty has left a significant gap on the right flank. Jesús Navas has also retired from the national team, while Dani Carvajal, currently without a club, has been phased out of the manager's plans. Other options like Óscar Mingueza have failed to fully convince, and young prospects like Iván Fresneda have yet to enter De La Fuente's dynamics. This scenario leaves the position notably clear for a new candidate.
Eric García was a surprise inclusion in Luis de La Fuente's squad for the World Cup. The coach highlighted his utility, stating: "Eric García was one of the surprise inclusions in Luis de La Fuente's squad for the FIFA World Cup, and proved his utility coming off the bench and making a strong statement performance in the final against Argentina." That performance, in the 1-0 win last July 19th, was the starting point for this new projection.
Although his natural position is centre-back, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is counting on him as the first-choice right-back this season. This club-level experience is vital for his adaptation to the role with the national team. Also, García has entered the captaincy ranks at Barça. The player himself has shown his attitude: "I have always shown myself to be one to fight for my spot."
His defensive versatility and technical quality on the ball fit the profile of full-back sought by Spain's possession-based style. He can offer defensive solidity without sacrificing build-up play from the back, a fundamental aspect of De La Fuente's scheme. Fans can follow the squad's evolution on our squad page.
The next international break, ahead of the match against England, presents the perfect opportunity. If García maintains his performance and his manager's confidence at Barcelona, it is very likely De La Fuente will give him minutes in that decisive fixture. A good performance at Wembley could definitively cement his place as the primary alternative at right-back.
The schedule for the final World Cup phase is demanding, and having reliable, in-form options in every position is essential. Eric García's progression coincides with an optimal moment for the national team, which aims to seal its qualification convincingly. All information on upcoming fixtures is available in our fixtures section.
The Barcelona defender has before him the opportunity to become a regular for Spain in a position that needs stability. His next test will be the World Cup qualifier against England on September 26th.
