Andres Iniesta ‘surprised’ Pedri has been benched by Spain at World Cup 2026

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ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JULY 14: Pedri #20 of Spain looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi Final match between France and Spain at Dallas Stadium on July 14, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Barcelona star Andres Iniesta admits he’s been surprised to see Pedri benched by Spain manager Luis de la Fuente at World Cup 2026.

Pedri began the tournament in the starting XI but has lost his place to Fabian Ruiz, with the PSG man looking likely to get the nod for Sunday’s final against Argentina.

Iniesta has been asked for his thoughts on the situation and admits he’s surprised to see Pedri out of the team.

“I’m surprised because of what I think of Pedri and the player he is, but ultimately it’s also a short competition,” he told Cadena Ser.

“What the coach feels at any given moment, the opponents you face, and the level of your teammates are very important.

“It’s no longer a matter of substitutes or not, because in the end, the World Cup can be decided by any small detail. 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 certainly be hoping he can have some kind of impact in the final as Spain go in search of a second World Cup title.

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