RFEF extends World Cup final invitation to injured Lopez and 2010 champions
Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez joins Alvaro Morata and former title winners in delegation to MetLife Stadium.
The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has formally invited Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup final in New Jersey, marking a significant institutional acknowledgment of players excluded from the final squad due to injury. Lopez, who suffered a fractured fifth metatarsal in his right foot during the 2025/26 season, was ruled out of the tournament but will travel to the United States to support the national team.
The invitation underscores the RFEF’s broader initiative to recognise every individual who contributed to Spain’s qualification campaign. Alongside Lopez, the federation has extended invitations to several internationals who featured during the qualifying process but did not make the final roster, including Alvaro Morata, Alex Remiro, Aleix Garcia, Daniel Vivian, Pablo Fornals, Pablo Barrios, Samu Omorodion, Robin Le Normand, and Jesus Rodriguez.
Lopez, aged 23, was considered a key component of manager Luis de la Fuente’s plans prior to sustaining his injury in a match against Real Betis. His absence was viewed as a major setback for the squad, yet he has remained closely connected to the national team throughout the competition. He is expected to travel to the United States alongside Morata as part of the official delegation.
The gesture also serves to reunite Lopez with a significant contingent of Barcelona teammates who have been instrumental in Spain’s run to the final. Lopez is anticipated to join club colleagues Joan Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Eric Garcia, Pedri, Gavi, Dani Olmo, Ferran Torres, and Lamine Yamal in the stands at MetLife Stadium.
In a move linking the current generation with Spain’s historic success, the RFEF has also invited members of the 2010 World Cup-winning squad to attend the final. Former icons Andres Iniesta, Xavi Hernandez, Carles Puyol, Iker Casillas, Sergio Ramos, and Pepe Reina are expected to be present for Sunday’s match against Argentina.
Argentina secured their place in the final by defeating England 2-1 in the semi-final at Atlanta Stadium on 15 July 2026. The decisive victory, featuring goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez, sets up the championship clash in New Jersey, where Spain will attempt to lift the trophy for the first time since 2010.
The final is scheduled for Sunday at MetLife Stadium, bringing together the current squad, former champions, and excluded contributors in a single institutional event. The RFEF’s decision to include these figures highlights a governance approach focused on continuity and recognition of the broader footballing infrastructure supporting the national team.
