The World Cup provides football's grandest stage, and several Barcelona players will head into the tournament determined to make their mark when the competition gets underway in Mexico later this evening.
A total of 17 Barcelona players are representing their respective nations, with each hoping to play a key role in a deep run and, ultimately, help deliver World Cup glory to their country.
Whether it is cementing their status among the world's elite, silencing critics, or strengthening their position at club level, the tournament presents a golden opportunity to showcase their talent on the biggest stage of all.
Here are three Barcelona stars who should be the most optimistic about making a major World Cup statement this summer.
Lamine Yamal
Lamine Yamal heads into his first World Cup at just 18 years old with the spotlight firmly fixed on him. Already regarded as one of football's brightest stars and the game's next generational talent, the Barcelona winger arrives in North America carrying the hopes of Spain and the expectations of a global audience eager to see him shine on the biggest stage.
After an injury setback towards the end of the club season, Spain are expected to carefully manage Yamal's workload during the group stage. The early matches should provide an opportunity to regain rhythm and sharpness, with the coaching staff hoping he will be at peak condition by the time the knockout rounds begin.
If Yamal can translate his remarkable club form to the World Cup and play a leading role in guiding Spain to glory, it would be difficult to look beyond him in the race for the Ballon d'Or. A successful tournament could cement his status as the standout player of his generation and one of the game's biggest stars.
Anthony Gordon
England's World Cup hopes may not rest solely on Anthony Gordon, but the winger could prove to be one of Thomas Tuchel's most important attacking weapons. With his future now settled following his move to Barcelona, Gordon can focus entirely on the tournament and is expected to be handed a prominent role on the left flank. His pace, directness and unpredictability could make him a genuine difference-maker for the Three Lions.
Gordon thrives when running at defenders, whether cutting inside onto his stronger foot or stretching defences by staying wide. His ability to create chances and contribute goals should complement England's star names, including Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, giving Tuchel another dynamic outlet in attack.
The 25-year-old is likely to battle Marcus Rashford for a starting berth throughout the tournament, and his performances will inevitably be scrutinised in Barcelona. Should Gordon excel on the world stage, it would only strengthen the club's decision to bypass a permanent move for Rashford and invest heavily in securing Gordon's signature instead.
Frenkie De Jong
The Netherlands are quietly being tipped by some as dark horses for World Cup glory in North America. While their midfield is often viewed as the weakest area of an otherwise talented squad, much will depend on Frenkie de Jong's ability to stay fit and form a strong partnership with Tijjani Reijnders and the players around him.
As ever, De Jong will be the heartbeat of the Dutch side. His ability to control the tempo, progress the ball through midfield and link defence with attack will be crucial to the Netherlands' hopes of making a deep run in the tournament. If he can dictate games and provide protection for the back line, like at Barcelona, the Oranje could emerge as one of the competition's most dangerous outsiders.
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