Barcelona players begin immediate international exodus as World Cup preparations get underway | OneFootball

Barcelona finished their La Liga campaign last night with a 3-1 defeat to Valencia at Mestalla, bringing the curtain down on another successful season under Hansi Flick.

Five national titles from six competed for across two seasons is a remarkable return for a club struggling with economic woes.

Nevertheless, with the 2026 World Cup now just around the corner, several players will barely have time to catch their breath before joining up with their national teams.

No rest for the international stars

According to Diario SPORT, the exodus has already begun. Ronald Araujo is among the first to depart, flying to Montevideo this Sunday to join up with Uruguay’s squad ahead of their World Cup preparations under Marcelo Bielsa.

Araujo will be one of the first players to depart for the World Cup. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Raphinha, who was rested for the Valencia game, is also expected to travel to Brazil imminently, with the Selecao beginning their training camp in Teresopolis on Monday.

Hamza Abdelkarim, one of the more surprising World Cup inclusions, will travel to Egypt on Monday to join the senior squad selected by Hossam Hassan.

His departure is delayed by one day due to his involvement in the Youth Champions Cup final this Sunday.

Jules Kounde and the France squad will assemble on Friday, May 29th, while Barcelona’s Spanish contingent have a slightly longer window, with Luis de la Fuente calling them up on Saturday, May 30th.

Pedri, Pau Cubarsi, Dani Olmo, Joan Garcia, Ferran Torres and Gavi are all expected to be named in the final squad, which will be announced on Monday.

Pre-season with new arrivals

Flick will be greeted by new players during pre-season. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

Once the World Cup concludes, players are expected to enjoy three weeks of holiday before returning for pre-season.

Those eliminated earlier will report to Flick sooner. The German coach will also have some fresh faces in his pre-season setup.

Ebrima Tunkara is set to feature, and Hamza Abdelkarim is expected to be formally signed after Barcelona exercise their purchase option with Al-Ahly.