​ARLINGTON, TEXAS — JULY 14: Pedri of Spain looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final between France and Spain at Dallas Stadium on July 14, 2026, in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta has admitted he has been surprised by Spain manager Luis de la Fuente’s decision to leave Pedri out of the starting lineup during the latter stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Spain midfielder started the tournament as part of De la Fuente’s preferred XI, but has since dropped to the bench, with Paris Saint-Germain star Fabian Ruiz moving ahead of him in the midfield pecking order.
Pedri’s reduced role has become one of the major talking points surrounding Spain as they prepare for Sunday’s World Cup final against Argentina. The Barcelona star is widely regarded as one of the most talented midfielders in world football, and many expected him to play a central role in Spain’s pursuit of a second World Cup title. However, De la Fuente has opted for a different balance in midfield, and Ruiz now appears likely to retain his place for the biggest match of the tournament.
Iniesta, one of the greatest midfielders in Spain’s history and the scorer of the winning goal in the 2010 World Cup final, was asked about Pedri’s situation and made it clear that the decision had caught him off guard. The former Barcelona captain praised Pedri’s quality and admitted that, based on his view of the player, he did not expect to see him outside the starting team at such an important stage of the competition.
“I’m surprised because of what I think of Pedri and the player he is, but ultimately it’s also a short competition,” Iniesta told Cadena Ser. “What the coach feels at any given moment, the opponents you face, and the level of your teammates are very important.”
Iniesta also stressed that tournament football often comes down to fine margins and that being on the bench does not mean a player cannot have a decisive influence. With the World Cup final approaching, he pointed out that any member of the squad could become the hero, regardless of how many minutes they have played earlier in the competition.
“It’s no longer a matter of substitutes or not, because in the end, the World Cup can be decided by any small detail,” Iniesta added. “Perhaps a player who hasn’t played much could be decisive in the final. It’s a team effort; everyone wins and everyone loses.”
Pedri will be hoping that proves to be the case if he is once again named among the substitutes against Argentina. The Barcelona midfielder has shown throughout his young career that he can change the rhythm of a match with his intelligence, composure, passing range, and ability to operate in tight spaces. Even if he does not start the final, his technical quality could still be vital if Spain need control, creativity, or a late spark from the bench.
Spain’s midfield has been one of the key strengths of their World Cup 2026 campaign, with De la Fuente having several high-level options at his disposal. Fabian Ruiz has impressed with his physicality, ball progression, and ability to contribute in both defensive and attacking phases, giving the coach a difficult decision ahead of the final. Pedri, meanwhile, offers a different profile, one built around vision, movement, and the ability to connect midfield with attack.
The debate over Pedri’s role highlights the depth of Spain’s squad and the challenges facing De la Fuente as he attempts to guide La Roja to global glory. Spain won their first World Cup in 2010, with Iniesta playing the defining role in the final against the Netherlands. Now, 16 years later, the national team has the chance to add a second star to its history.
For Pedri, the final against Argentina could still provide a defining moment. Whether he starts or comes on as a substitute, the Barcelona star will be determined to make an impact and help Spain finish the tournament as world champions. As Iniesta suggested, World Cup finals are often decided by the smallest details, and Pedri may yet have a major part to play in Spain’s quest for another unforgettable triumph.