The surgery means that Fermin Lopes won’t be able to participate in the 2026 World Cup. According to Spanish newspapers Sport and Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopes won’t be able to play in the 2026 World Cup. The player needs to undergo surgery, and the recovery period will be between four and eight weeks. This means that Lopes won’t be able to return to full fitness before the tournament in North America.

For Spain’s head coach, Luis de la Fuente, this news is a major blow to the team’s lineup. Fermin Lopes, who has performed well for Catalonian club Barcelona, was considered one of the key players in the team’s rotation. Now, the national team will have to quickly find a replacement for Lopes and adjust their tactics accordingly.

Barcelona’s medical team decided to perform the surgery to completely resolve the issue. Lopes is expected to return to the field of play in the spring. However, he will definitely not be able to participate in any training sessions or matches before the tournament. Spanish football will have to undergo a major overhaul, and Fermin Lopes will need a long time to recover and return to full fitness.