With the 2026 World Cup underway, Barcelona fans have followed their players' participation in national squads. After the first group stage matchday, none of the teams with Barcelona representatives lost; they recorded three wins and six draws.
Raphinha started both of Brazil’s matches but suffered a right hamstring injury during the 3-0 win over Haiti, casting doubt on his availability for Brazil’s final group game against Scotland. Pedri and Pau Cubarsí were the only Barcelona players to play all 90 minutes in Spain’s goalless draw against Cape Verde, though Pau’s influence was less pronounced.
Ferran Torres, converted to right winger, started but faced criticism for missed chances and limited wing play over 81 minutes. Gavi surprisingly started on the left, a position questioned by fans, and was substituted in the 71st minute, putting his start against Saudi Arabia in doubt.
Lamine Yamal made his World Cup debut by replacing Gavi and attempted to spark the game, but without success. His fitness status casts uncertainty over his involvement in upcoming matches.
Dani Olmo showed flashes of quality in his 10 minutes entering as a substitute, especially against a tight defense, making him a strong candidate for Spain’s next lineup.
Eric García and Joan Garcia have yet to play despite being in the squads. Pedri and Frenkie de Jong are key starters for Spain and the Netherlands respectively, with de Jong completing the full match in a 2-2 draw against Japan but now dealing with abdominal discomfort ahead of Sweden.
Jules Koundé improved in the second half of France’s 3-1 victory over Senegal and is expected to start against Iraq. For England, Anthony Gordon started on the left but played a limited role, while Marcus Rashford came off the bench to score England’s fourth goal in a 4-2 win over Croatia.
Ronald Araujo has not yet debuted for Uruguay due to injury, while João Cancelo was among Portugal’s standout players in a 1-1 draw with Congo, earning trust for the next match.
Lastly, 18-year-old Hamza Abdelkarim from Barcelona’s Juvenil A became Egypt’s youngest ever World Cup player by featuring down the stretch against Belgium.
Barcelona players’ involvement and minutes in the first eleven days of the World Cup have been promising, yet their actual impact and future participation remain subjects for debate among fans and experts.
