Five stars Barcelona will monitor closely at the 2026 FIFA World Cup including Chelsea ace | OneFootball

In a week, the 2026 FIFA World Cup will get underway in North America, with the USA, Canada, and Mexico acting as joint-hosts for the summer extravaganza.

As many as 15 players from FC Barcelona are set to participate in the tournament which will kick off on 11 June, with eight of them being in the Spanish national team.

While the Blaugrana will be keeping a close eye on their players’ progress at the tournament, they will not be the only players attracting attention from the club.

Indeed, with the summer transfer window looming, Barcelona’s sporting department will be following the performances of five key targets closely at the World Cup.

Julian Alvarez (Argentina)

This will be Julian Alvarez’s second World Cup and perhaps his most important yet. The Atletico Madrid forward remains Barcelona’s primary target to strengthen the number nine position.

The 26-year-old has earned the trust of the national team coach Lionel Scaloni after previously breaking into the starting line-up during the 2022 World Cup, where he scored four goals. As such, he could be a starter this summer ahead of Lautaro Martinez.

At club level, Alvarez recorded 20 goals in 49 appearances this season for Atletico. A strong World Cup could further cement his status among the world’s elite forwards and strengthen Barcelona’s determination to pursue his signing.

Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)

Harry Kane is on Barcelona’s radar. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

One of the alternatives for the No. 9 position that Barcelona are tracking for the summer, Harry Kane is all set for his third World Cup with England, where he will be aiming to take his team all the way.

The England captain enjoyed a spectacular season with Bayern Munich, scored 61 goals in all competitions, including 36 in the Bundesliga, securing a second European Golden Shoe.

Barcelona have not entirely abandoned the idea of signing the prolific English forward, in a move that would reflect the team’s approach for Robert Lewandowski in 2022, particularly with Kane entering the final year of his Bayern contract.

Omar Marmoush (Manchester City)

With moves for Julian Alvarez and Harry Kane expected to be difficult to pull off, Barcelona are keeping their eyes on another alternative in the form of Manchester City star Omar Marmoush, who will have a key role at the World Cup with Egypt.

While his return of eight goals in 36 appearances for Manchester City this season may not appear spectacular, his overall contribution extends far beyond scoring. The fact that he had to play second fiddle to Erling Haaland also needs to be taken into consideration.

The 27-year-old forward remains on Barcelona’s radar because of his versatility across the frontline. A good showing at the World Cup could serve to strengthen the Catalans’ interest in him.

Bernardo Silva (Portugal)

Bernardo Silva has postponed future decision until after WC. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)

At 31, Bernardo Silva is preparing for his third World Cup after featuring prominently in both 2018 and 2022. The former Manchester City captain is now a free agent and has been closely linked with a move to Barcelona, while Atletico Madrid are also pushing for his signing.

With the Catalans needing time to offload a player to make room for his signing, the 31-year-old has postponed any decision regarding his future until after the tournament.

Silva played a key role in Portugal’s recent UEFA Nations League triumph and is coming of another strong season with Manchester City, during which he made 53 appearances, scoring three goals and providing five assists.

Marc Cucurella (Chelsea)

After helping Spain win the European Championship, Marc Cucurella is all set for his first World Cup, where he is likely to be the starting left-back for La Roja despite Chelsea’s disappointing season.

A former La Masia graduate, Cucurella has been linked with a return to Barcelona this summer, possibly as a replacement for Balde, who could be sold if good offers come along.

The 27-year-old has featured heavily for Chelsea this term, making 50 appearances while contributing one goal and four assists. A strong run at the World Cup could further boost his chances of securing a move back to his boyhood club.