The Barcelona 2026 World Cup preview: Countries, players, and predictions

The Barcelona 2026 World Cup preview: Countries, players, and predictions The biggest international tournament is finally here. After four years of anticipation, the FIFA World Cup returns in its most ambitious version yet. Hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico, the 2026 tournament will feature 48 nations for the first time in history. For Barcelona, it is yet another opportunity for their stars to shine on the biggest stage. As many as 16 Blaugrana players have been selected to represent their nations, which falls one short of the record they set during the 2022 edition. Spain are leading the way with an eight-man contingent at Luis de la Fuente’s disposal, while France, Brazil, England, the Netherlands, Portugal, Uruguay and Egypt will all see Blaugrana representation. Some arrive as established stars. Some are waiting to announce themselves to the world. Here is a look at every Barcelona player heading to the 2026 FIFA World Cup and what to expect from their nations. Argentina We started the 2022 World Cup edition of this same article with an honourable mention for the greatest ever to wear Blaugrana , and this time is no different. Lionel Messi Lionel Messi may have achieved his dream of lifting the World Cup in 2022, but his hunger and desire have seen him continue with the national team for the 2026 edition. The narrative surrounding Argentina is different this time, though. With the monkey finally off his back, Messi can play this tournament with the freedom of a champion. On paper, he perhaps has an even better Argentina side around him as he looks to go back-to-back and add another feather to his illustrious cap. This time, it is certain that this will be his last World Cup, and although he has nothing left to prove, Messi will be keen to go out on a high in what is his sixth appearance at the marquee tournament. Spain Barcelona players: Joan Garcia, Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Pedri, Gavi, Dani Olmo, Ferran Torres, Lamine Yamal. Eight Barcelona players will play for Spain at the World Cup. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) La Roja are set to have eight Barcelona representatives in the squad, which is the same as in 2022, but only Eric Garcia, Gavi, Pedri and Ferran Torres remain from the class of 2022. The reigning European champions have built much of their identity around players who either came through La Masia or currently represent Barcelona. That influence is likely to be felt throughout the tournament. Joan Garcia For Joan Garcia, this World Cup represents yet another remarkable chapter in his rise to stardom. Having established himself among La Liga’s most reliable goalkeepers, the Barcelona shot-stopper is a late entrant into Luis de la Fuente’s plans for the 2026 World Cup, replacing Alex Remiro. Whether he starts a game or not, being part of a tournament favourite at such a young age is another significant milestone. Eric Garcia Eric Garcia’s journey has been very different. He perhaps did not deserve to be at the 2022 World Cup with Spain, but there can be no question marks about his place this time around. Written off by many early in his career, the defender has built both his reputation and his importance. His versatility makes him invaluable in tournament football. Spain may not always need him from the first whistle, but there is no doubt that he will see regular minutes, either at right-back or centre-back, through the course of the tournament. Pau Cubarsi At just 19 years old, Cubarsi enters the tournament as one of the finest young defenders in world football and is probably going to be a starter for Spain. His composure, positioning and ability to break lines with his passing suit Luis de la Fuente’s system to a tee. World Cups often have a tendency to create stars overnight. Cubarsi may already be one, but this could be the tournament that takes his stock to a different stratosphere. Pedri Pedri arrives with unfinished business. The midfielder was one of the revelations of Euro 2020 before injuries interrupted his momentum over the following years. Now fully established as the heartbeat of both Barcelona and Spain, this feels like the tournament built for him. If Spain are to go deep into the competition, Pedri will almost certainly be at the centre of everything good they produce. Gavi When Pedri is there, Gavi is never far off. The intensity, aggression and relentless energy that define Gavi’s game have made him indispensable whenever fit. Having endured difficult periods through injury, the World Cup offers another chance to remind the world why he remains one of the most unique midfielders of his generation. Another player who is unlikely to be a starter, Gavi can expect a lot of appearances off the bench during the tournament. Dani Olmo Fermin Lopez was ruled out of the World Cup. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) Dani Olmo enters the competition as one of Spain’s most experienced attacking weapons. His intelligence between the lines, eye for goal and ability to produce decisive moments make him a crucial figure in knockout football. Every successful international team needs players capable of unlocking stubborn defences. Olmo is one of them. Ferran Torres Ferran Torres, meanwhile, has often saved some of his best performances for Spain. While his role may fluctuate throughout the tournament, his movement, finishing and versatility ensure he will remain an important option. Tournament football rewards players who seize moments rather than dominate matches. Ferran has shown repeatedly that he can do exactly that. He is coming off his best season in Blaugrana and will want to continue in the same vein for La Roja. Lamine Yamal Perhaps no Barcelona player enters the World Cup with greater expectations. Already among the biggest stars in football despite his age, Yamal has become the face of a new generation. Opponents know exactly what he wants to do and still struggle to stop him. If Spain are to lift the trophy, there is every chance the teenager will be at the heart of their success. He is currently still recovering from injury and could miss the first couple of group games for Spain. However, de la Fuente will hope that he is fully fit and raring to go when the serious part of the tournament begins. Brazil The burden of expectation never leaves the Selecao. Every World Cup begins with the hope of ending a drought that stretches back more than two decades and, this year, under Carlo Ancelotti, the feeling is no different. Add in the Neymar angle, and this is more than just a World Cup for Brazil. Raphinha Brazil will pin their hopes on Raphinha (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images) Among the players carrying Brazil’s hopes is Raphinha. The winger arrives in North America on the back of two seasons in which he has established himself as one of the best wingers in the world. He has evolved from a hard-working wide player into a genuine leader capable of deciding matches through goals, assists and sheer determination. Brazil’s greatest strength is their attack, and their tournament will depend on how it functions. Raphinha will be expected to shoulder a major share of that responsibility. France France continue to set the benchmark for squad depth in international football. The team are overflowing with talent in all departments, and both the defence and the attack have reserve players capable of starting for many other nations. Jules Kounde Among France’s many stars is Jules Kounde, who has quietly become one of the first names on the team sheet for Didier Deschamps. The defender’s consistency, tactical intelligence and reliability have been very valuable for both Barcelona and France, but he is coming off an indifferent season. For years, Kounde has been regarded as one of the best young defenders in Europe. He will start at right-back for Les Bleus and look to return to his best level. Netherlands The Netherlands are flying under the radar ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and have one of the most talented squads at the tournament. Their defence is arguably the best at the tournament, both in terms of starting options and depth, and their midfield is not far behind either. Frenkie de Jong Few players embody their national team quite like Frenkie de Jong. The midfielder remains the conductor of the Dutch orchestra, dictating the tempo, linking phases of play and ensuring the team plays at a pace he thinks is ideal. When De Jong is on song, the Oranje tend to perform with him. At 29, with the squad and players around him, this might be Frenkie’s best chance to make a serious run at the World Cup. If they start on a bright note, they could turn heads at this tournament. Uruguay Araujo will be a key player for Uruguay. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images) Uruguay arrive as one of the competition’s most dangerous outsiders. They are managed by the maverick Marcelo Bielsa, which adds to the intrigue surrounding them, and their games promise to be a lot of fun. Ronald Araujo At the centre of everything is Ronald Araujo. The defender is one of the first names on the team sheet for the South American side. Araujo embodies Uruguay’s identity, marrying physical dominance with leadership qualities. He is fierce, uncompromising and competitive. If Uruguay are to upset one of the tournament favourites, Araujo will likely be central to the effort. Despite his indifferent form for Barcelona, he always tends to perform for his nation, and that is exactly what Bielsa will want from him. Portugal Portugal have handed Roberto Martinez yet another international golden generation and possess enough quality to dream of lifting the World Cup. The protagonist of their story will undoubtedly be Cristiano Ronaldo, who is chasing the one trophy that has eluded him throughout his illustrious career. Joao Cancelo One player representing Barcelona in the Portugal squad is Joao Cancelo. He may not be on the Catalan club’s books yet, but he had an extremely successful loan spell with Flick’s team. Cancelo remains one of the most technically gifted full-backs in the world, and his experience could prove invaluable for Martinez’s team. His creativity from wide areas gives Portugal an additional attacking dimension and allows them to dominate possession against almost any opponent. The talent is undeniable but as always, the challenge for Portugal is converting that into results, and Cancelo will be keen to contribute to the same. England Is it coming home? England once again travel to a major tournament carrying the weight of expectation and have a couple of players associated with Blaugrana. Incidentally, both of them play and compete for the same position in the Three Lions team: Anthony Gordon and Marcus Rashford. Marcus Rashford The Manchester United star arrives following a career revival in Barcelona colours. After several difficult seasons, the forward has rediscovered confidence and effectiveness during his loan spell at the Catalan club. He will be keen to continue his good form at the World Cup and is expected to start for Thomas Tuchel. Anthony Gordon Anthony Gordon will represent England as a Barcelona player. (Picture credit: X/@FCBarcelona) Barcelona’s latest signing, Anthony Gordon, meanwhile, enters the tournament as one of England’s most dynamic attacking options. Direct, fearless, intense and fast, he is the sort of unique profile who could change a game in an instant. He may not command the same headlines as some of his teammates but has an important role to play in the tournament. Gordon is expected to start on the bench and come on for Rashford during games, and his pace against tired legs could be really useful for Tuchel in an intense tournament. Egypt Egypt may not be considered one of the tournament favourites coming into the competition, but they have the likes of Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, who are bound to attract attention. They also have one of the most unexpected stories of this World Cup. Hamza Abdelkarim Barcelona’s reserve team striker is perhaps one of the least established names at the tournament, and his story is fascinating . Egypt will rely on experience at this tournament but also have the freshness of youth in players like Hamza, who arrives with nothing to lose but a lot to gain. For a young player, World Cups can change everything and make them stars overnight. A handful of strong performances could earn him a permanent Barcelona contract. Whether or not that happens, merely reaching this stage is already a remarkable achievement for the youngster. Conclusion By the time the final whistle blows in July, Barcelona’s dressing room may look different. As many as eight of them could return as World Cup champions, but it could also very well be none. Some may arrive with enhanced reputations. What seems certain is that, yet again, Barcelona will be one of the tournament’s most influential clubs, and let’s hope that continues in the foreseeable future.