Analysis: How Spain are sorely missing Barcelona star Fermin Lopez at the World Cup

Analysis: How Spain are sorely missing Barcelona star Fermin Lopez at the World CupSpain may have topped Group H at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with seven out of nine possible points, but they are still searching for their soul.There is a strange tension around Luis de la Fuente’s side after the group stage. On paper, there is little to complain about.

Spain finished top of Group H after beating Uruguay 1-0, scoring five goals and conceding none across three matches, while extending their unbeaten run to 34 games.De la Fuente praised his team’s resilience after the Uruguay win, admitting they had been pushed “to the limit.”However, beneath all that control, there is a slight tactical discomfort.

Spain have not quite settled on the final midfield piece.This is where Barcelona midfield star Fermin Lopez’s absence is beginning to feel larger than expected.De la Fuente is still searching for the right blendThe clearest sign is the rotation.

Spain have moved through different midfield solutions in their opening three matches: Fabian Ruiz in the first game, Dani Olmo in the second and Mikel Merino in the third.De la Fuente has not figured out his best midfield. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)While this is not a cause for panic, it does suggest experimentation from a manager who is still not sure who completes the jigsaw.

De la Fuente appears to be looking for the right balance around the core of Rodri and Pedri, and based on the evidence so far, that player looks like Olmo.However, considering the profile he is looking for, it could also very easily have been Fermin Lopez. Spain need a player who can connect midfield with the box, someone who can arrive, press and provide an extra goalscoring option.

This is exactly where Fermin thrives.Before his injury, the Barcelona midfielder looked like one of Spain’s most interesting wildcards.Unfortunately, he suffered a fifth metatarsal fracture in his right foot and had to undergo surgery, ruling him out of the marquee tournament