Barcelona star elated after first national team call-up – ‘Brings you closer to going to World Cup’ | OneFootball

Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia has taken a major step forward in his career after receiving his first-ever call-up to the Spanish national team. 

The inclusion comes at a crucial moment, with this international break marking the final window before the 2026 World Cup.

For the 24-year-old Barcelona, the call-up is an opportunity to push for a place in Spain’s World Cup squad. 

Recently, the Spanish national team’s official media did an interview with him where the young goalkeeper shared his immediate reaction after learning the news.

“I was really looking forward to the chance to be called up; now that it’s happened, I’m very happy and excited,” he began.

With the World Cup approaching, Garcia understands that being involved at this stage could bring him closer to a spot in the final squad, but he remains grounded in his approach.

“Being called up in a World Cup year, I suppose, brings you closer to going, but I’m going to keep doing what I’ve been doing—working day by day and improving. 

“If the opportunity to go arises this summer, it would be a dream come true for me and I’d be thrilled. 

“I’m approaching this with great enthusiasm to get to know my teammates; there are many I don’t know yet,” he said.

The big reveal

The moment he discovered the call-up was also a memorable one. 

Joan Garcia has been called up for national team duty. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

Providing the details of how it happened, Garcia revealed that it came unexpectedly during a routine session.

“I was in the gym working out because we had a training session”, and “a physical therapist came up to me with his phone, showed me that I’d been called up, and gave me a hug.”

When discussing influences, the Barcelona star admitted he did not grow up with a single idol, but he still drew inspiration from some of Spain’s greatest goalkeepers.

“There wasn’t one specific goalkeeper, but I used to watch goalkeepers like Iker Casillas, Victor Valdes, and David de Gea. 

“I watched everyone and tried to learn a little from each one of them.”

Competition in the national team

Spain’s squad selection has also drawn attention due to the inclusion of four goalkeepers, even though only three will travel to the World Cup. 

Garcia acknowledged the competition and took the opportunity to praise his fellow keepers.

 “I really like Unai’s calm, and for a goalkeeper, it is very important to give security to the team. 

“I like how active Raya is in all facets of the game, he is brave, he helps in everything he can: with footwork, aerial balls and he is very fast. 

“I like Remiro’s footwork and his reflexes, he’s a cat in goal,” he concluded.