Up to 11 Barcelona players in contention for Spain’s World Cup squad | OneFootball

FC Barcelona have already won the La Liga title, and they have only three more games left in the league to play before saying goodbye to another successful season. After that, it would be some time before the Blaugrana fans can again see their team in action.

However, that does not mean they would not be able to see Barcelona players in action, as a significant part of the Blaugrana first team is expected to be called up for the upcoming World Cup.

In fact, Mundo Deportivo notes that only the Spain team would have a significant representation from the Catalan club, as up to 11 Barça players are currently in contention to make Luis de la Fuente’s final squad list.

The Spain coach submitted his preliminary list of 55 players on Monday, and Barcelona once again form the core of the national team setup. Players like Pau Cubarsi, Pedri, Dani Olmo, Ferran Torres, Lamine Yamal, and Fermin Lopez are already considered regulars for De la Fuente heading into the tournament.

Meanwhile, players like Gavi, Joan Garcia, and Eric Garcia also have a very strong chance of making the final squad. Gavi’s situation, in particular, appears increasingly positive after the midfielder’s steady return to form in recent months after a significant spell on the sidelines.

Eric Garcia’s chances also remain high despite missing Spain’s previous squad due to a physical issue. The defender continues to be highly valued by De la Fuente because of his versatility and consistency this season.

Another player whose stock has risen considerably is Joan Garcia. The goalkeeper made his senior Spain debut during the last international break and left a positive impression. With Unai Simon and David Raya expected to be included, Joan Garcia could now compete directly with Alex Remiro for the remaining goalkeeper spot in the squad.

It also remains to be seen whether Gerard Martin can make the final cut. The defender has impressed with his performances as a left-sided centre back in recent months under Hansi Flick and is now emerging as a serious option in a position where only Aymeric Laporte appears fully established.

Gerard Martin had already trained with Spain’s senior side while representing the U-21 team last season, and his recent performances have only strengthened his case.

However, Alejandro Balde appears to face the most difficult path to the World Cup squad. The Barcelona full back has lost prominence in recent months and currently has several options ahead of him in De la Fuente’s plans, including former La Masia graduates Marc Cucurella and Alejandro Grimaldo. Sergio Gomez is also considered a preferred backup option by the Spain coach.

Meanwhile, midfielders Marc Bernal and Marc Casado are unlikely to make the final squad. Bernal is expected to be part of Spain’s U-21 setup, while Casado has dropped down the pecking order both at Barcelona and with the national team after making his senior debut last season.

In fact, if most of these players make the final squad, Spain could once again head into a major international tournament with a heavily Barcelona-based core.

With only a couple of changes, De la Fuente could field an almost entirely Blaugrana lineup, which once again highlights the influence Barcelona continue to have on the Spanish national team setup.