Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has included Barcelona midfielder Gavi in the final 26-man squad [1] for the 2026 FIFA World Cup [2].
The selection marks a significant return for Gavi, who spent months in recovery from a serious knee injury. His inclusion represents a triumph of rehabilitation and physical resilience, signaling that he has regained the form necessary to compete at the highest international level.
Teammates at Barcelona, including Lamine Yamal, witnessed Gavi's emotional reaction to the news. The midfielder described the moment as a culmination of his struggle to return to the pitch after a grueling period of absence.
“After all the suffering, after falling and getting back up….” Gavi said [3].
De la Fuente based the decision on Gavi's recent performances, which convinced the coaching staff of his readiness for the tournament. The call-up serves as a reward for the sacrifice and pain the player endured during his recovery process [4].
Barcelona players celebrated the news, reflecting the tight bond between the squad members. The emotional response highlights the personal toll of long-term injuries in professional sports, a challenge Gavi overcame to secure his spot in the national team [5].
Spain now prepares for the tournament with a reinforced midfield, integrating Gavi back into the tactical system used by De la Fuente. The midfielder's energy and tenacity are expected to be key assets as Spain enters the 2026 competition [1].
““After all the suffering, after falling and getting back up….””
Gavi's return to the national team provides Spain with a high-intensity midfield option that had been missing during his injury layoff. His inclusion suggests that coach Luis de la Fuente prioritizes Gavi's specific tactical profile over other available midfielders, betting on the player's ability to perform under the pressure of a World Cup despite a lengthy period of inactivity.
