At the 2026 World Cup, 16 FC Barcelona players participated with their national teams. Among them, only one, defender Ronald Araujo, was eliminated at the group stage. Notably, Araujo didn't play any group matches due to a physical issue and thus was not responsible for Uruguay's early exit.
Midfielder Frenkie de Jong saw his Netherlands exit the tournament in the Round of 32 after a penalty shootout loss to Morocco. De Jong impressed individually throughout the competition, showcasing his trademark abilities to control the midfield, progress the ball forward, and break opposition lines with precise passing. He remained a key figure in Ronald Koeman’s setup.
For Barcelona, de Jong’s involvement meant additional physical demands and injury risks, yet his endurance stood out—he played the full 120 minutes against Morocco despite recent concerns about his fitness.
The World Cup experience of these Barcelona players highlights their importance both for their national teams and the club. After the tournament and a break, Frenkie de Jong is expected to rejoin Hansi Flick’s preseason preparations, continuing as a vital player for Barcelona’s upcoming season.
