Barcelona can break the record for most number of players present at the 2026 FIFA World Cup | OneFootball

Barcelona have long been recognised for their ability to develop international-level talent, and their footprint at major tournaments continues to grow. 

During the 2022 Qatar World Cup, the Catalan giants achieved a historic milestone by becoming the club with the most players at a single World Cup, sending an extraordinary 17 footballers across various national teams. 

Remarkably, Barcelona could surpass that record at the 2026 World Cup, reports Mundo Deportivo. 

With Spain, the Netherlands, France, England, Germany, Brazil and Uruguay already qualified, and with Poland and Denmark preparing for the playoffs, the club could potentially send up to 18 players next summer. 

Much of this will depend on Luis de la Fuente’s selections, as he may call up as many as 10 Barcelona players.

Upto 10 players could play for Spain

Spain’s possible representatives include Pau Cubarsi, Pedri, Dani Olmo, Fermin Lopez, Ferran Torres, Lamine Yamal, Joan Garcia, Gavi, Eric Garcia and Alejandro Balde. 

The first six names have already earned the coach’s trust through the qualifiers, while Joan Garcia appears to be emerging as an option for the goalkeeper group. 

For the Netherlands, Frenkie de Jong remains one of Ronald Koeman’s untouchables and is expected to travel unless he suffers an unexpected setback. 

Jules Kounde is in a similar position with France, with Didier Deschamps continuing to rely on him heavily, most likely as a right-back.

Spain can have upto 10 Barcelona players. (Photo by LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty Images)

England could feature Marcus Rashford after his strong start to life at Barcelona, which has already earned him repeated call-ups. 

Germany’s situation is more uncertain. Marc-Andre ter Stegen has been publicly backed by Julian Nagelsmann, although the coach has also warned that the keeper must play consistently to secure his spot. 

Nagelsmann has made it clear that without regular minutes, “it will be difficult for him to be called up.”

The South American duo

Brazil, meanwhile, are expected to include Raphinha again once he returns to full fitness. He remains highly valued, and Carlo Ancelotti is unlikely to overlook him.

Ronald Araujo is now viewed as a key leader for Uruguay under Marcelo Bielsa, strengthening his chances of being one of the defensive pillars at the World Cup.

Poland’s hopes rest on the European playoffs, and if they advance, Robert Lewandowski, who remains the undisputed captain, will be heading to another World Cup. 

The same scenario applies to Andreas Christensen, with Denmark entering the playoffs in Pot 1 and hoping to secure qualification between 26 and 31 March.

If all goes in Barcelona’s favour, the club could write another chapter of international-level dominance in 2026.