Goalkeeper Joan Garcia credits Barcelona move for World Cup selection

Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia said his transfer from Espanyol was pivotal in earning a place in Spain’s World Cup squad. In his first season he kept 15 clean sheets in La Liga, contributed to the club’s league title, a Spanish Super Cup win and a quarter‑final appearance in the Champions League, ending the campaign with 18 shut‑outs across all competitions.

Garcia told Catalunya Radio that playing for a club with Barcelona’s high expectations gave him more matches at a higher level, which national‑team coach Xavi Hernández values when selecting players for major tournaments. He highlighted the need for consistency and adapting to pressure, noting that the experience helped him improve decision‑making and ball distribution. The goalkeeper also praised the team’s collective strength, saying that when one player slips, others step up, underscoring Barcelona’s overall defensive solidity.

He reflected on his development since leaving Espanyol, crediting the increased minutes and tougher opponents for his progress, and expressed confidence that the season’s success will translate into strong performances at the upcoming World Cup.