Roony Bardghji, the 20-year-old Barcelona winger, has been excluded from Sweden's final 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Coach Graham Potter announced the roster featuring other leading forwards like Viktor Gyökeres and Alexander Isak, but Bardghji was surprisingly left out.
According to Marca, Sweden's squad includes players from various European clubs, yet Bardghji's limited playing time at Barcelona seems to have influenced the decision. He has played only 783 minutes across 26 appearances this season, scoring twice and assisting four times, insufficient for a regular starting role.
Barcelona's coach Hansi Flick and club officials recognize Bardghji's potential, but his lack of consistent minutes has affected his international prospects. BarcaUniversal reports Flick's recent comments on the player's professionalism and the plan to discuss his future after the season.
What this means
Bardghji's absence underlines his current status within Barcelona, where intense competition in the attacking line has restricted his opportunities, impacting his selection for Sweden.
Having appeared only three times for Sweden's senior team, Bardghji's exclusion signals the need for ongoing development and strong club performances to remain in national team contention.
This is the second setback for Bardghji at the international level following his exclusion during qualification phases. It suggests a likely summer move or loan to secure more playing time and regain his status as a promising talent.
The decision also reflects Barcelona's challenge in managing young players’ development, emphasizing the importance of granting them field time to maintain motivation and international relevance.
In conclusion, Bardghji's future with both Barcelona and Sweden is uncertain. Fans should monitor transfer developments and assess how his absence affects tactical options for both club and country in the upcoming seasons.
