It’s World Cup season. This 2026 is the turn for the event held in Canada, the United States, and Mexico, territories that will be the focal point of football attention starting on June 11. While we still have to leave behind almost the entire club football season, some Barcelona players have already secured their tickets.
Raphinha, the first
Raphinha was the first Barça player to mathematically qualify for the 2026 World Cup. He did it last June, setting the path for the other teams with Barça representation. Another World Cup for Brazil, which has never missed one in its history and now counts 23 appearances. Next was the Uruguay of Ronald Araujo, who secured their spot in one of the most important tournaments in the world of international football in September, during the first break of this new season.
The South American Qualifiers left Brazil in fifth place and Uruguay in fourth, among the top six spots that grant access to the World Cup. In this way, two CONMEBOL teams indicated the right steps for the other national teams with FC Barcelona members.
Kounde, the last
To see the first European team with FC Barcelona players qualified, we had to wait until the break in October. The honor went to England with Marcus Rashford. Since the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, Barça has not had any English representatives in such a big event. After the current Barça number 14, it was the turn of Jules Kounde in the November break.
Netherlands and the Spanish national team, on the brink
Frenkie de Jong, a key player in the Netherlands team, is on the verge of qualification. After a draw against Poland with Lewandowski, the number 21 virtually has that ticket secured. Only a defeat for the Dutch and a massive victory for the Polish team would prevent the Netherlands from qualifying. With a general goal difference of +13 in their favor in the fight against the Barça center forward, they are guaranteed the European playoffs. A phase that grants the last four flights to Canada, the United States, and Mexico.
The Spanish national team is in a similar position, also with virtual qualification. A 0-7 defeat against Turkey in the last game would put players like Olmo, Fermín, Ferran, Cubarsí, Lamine Yamal, and Pedri in a playoff position. This scenario seems highly unlikely, given the impressive qualification phase the team is having: five wins in five games, 19 goals scored, and none conceded.
Denmark and Sweden will have to fight in different contexts
Andreas Christensen does not have his place in the 2026 World Cup guaranteed. He needs a victory against Scotland in Glasgow in the last game to maintain the top spot in his group and secure the privilege of participating in the World Cup. On the other hand, Sweden will have to earn their place in the European playoffs. Although the qualification phase has not been favorable for the Swedes, their good performance in the Nations League has given them the chance to reach the World Cup by finishing first in their group in this other tournament, granting them access to the playoffs.
So far, four teams with Barça representation will be at the 2026 World Cup. The last edition featured a total of 17 Barça players defending their respective national teams. It was in Qatar 2022 when Argentina, led by Leo Messi, claimed victory by defeating France in a penalty shootout, captained by Jules Kounde.
Thus, the latest World Cup represents a record number of Barça players participating in a World Cup. A competition that is taking shape more and more and is already starting to be colored in Blaugrana.