Hansi Flick and his Barcelona players can finally take a break from the relentless demands and expectations that come with representing the Catalan club. For some, however, there will be little time to switch off, with the World Cup just around the corner.
Every player dreams of representing their country on football's biggest stage, and the 2026 tournament has arrived at the perfect time for several Barcelona stars, who have earned places in their national squads after impressive seasons. For others, though, the dream will have to wait, with a World Cup call-up proving just out of reach.
Every confirmed Barcelona player who is heading to the World Cup
The first-team players who won't be going to North America this summer.
Player | Country | Reason |
|---|---|---|
Fermin Lopez | Spain | Injury robbed him of a place in the squad |
Alejandro Balde | Spain | Poor form was the reason for his exclusion |
Marc Bernal | Spain | Not given a chance |
Marc Casado | Spain | Lack of games cost him |
Gerard Martin | Spain | Unlucky not to be selected; Eric Garcia preferred |
Robert Lewandowski | Poland | Failed to qualify |
Wojciech Szczesny | Poland | Failed to qualify. Retired from international duty |
Roony Bardghji | Sweden | Poor attitude given as reason for exclusion |
Andreas Christensen | Denmark | Failed to qualify |
Marc-Andre Ter Stegen | Germany | Injury robbed him of a back-up position to Neuer. |
Injuries costing them a place
Injuries are an inevitable part of football, and with only one or two matches remaining in the season, you can sometimes afford to be more lenient when assessing a player's availability. Lamine Yamal's injury arguably arrived at a convenient time, with La Liga all but secured and Barcelona already eliminated from the Champions League. For others, however, the timing could hardly have been worse.
Fermín López was considered a near certainty for Spain's World Cup squad, but a fractured metatarsal suffered in the penultimate match of the season, which required surgery, ended any hopes of his inclusion. The positive news is that his recovery timeline should see him return in time for the start of the domestic campaign.
Although currently out on loan, Marc-André ter Stegen was expected to be a strong contender either for the number-one role or as an experienced backup. However, the goalkeeper has missed out on selection due to an ongoing battle with a long-term hamstring injury.
Poor form
Spain's World Cup squad was never going to be made up entirely of Barcelona players, despite Luis de la Fuente selecting nine members of the club's squad for the tournament.
Those left out can at least look forward to a summer break, with some omissions arguably justified by recent form. In particular, Marc Casadó and Alejandro Balde found themselves overlooked after failing to maintain the levels that had previously put them in contention for selection around the conclusion of the season.
Marc Bernal's injury may have deprived him of the opportunity to put together a sustained run of performances and stake his claim for selection. Gerard Martín, meanwhile, could do little wrong in the closing stages of the campaign, with his form reaching an impressive level as the season drew to a close.
Not qualified for the tournament
Poland narrowly missed out on qualification for the 2026 World Cup after a heartbreaking play-off defeat to Sweden, potentially bringing an end to Robert Lewandowski's chances of leading his country on football's biggest stage.
The veteran striker, who has since departed the club, will instead spend the summer searching for a new team, while Wojciech Szczęsny is likely to enjoy a more relaxed break, having already retired from international football.
Andreas Christensen will also be absent from the tournament after Denmark's qualification hopes were dashed. The Danes were overtaken by Scotland in their qualifying group before suffering defeat to the Czech Republic in the play-offs, ending their final opportunity to secure a place at the World Cup.
Looking on the bright side
The one advantage for Barcelona with these players out of World Cup selection is that the remaining players will be fresh for the new season ready to defend their titles and go one step further in the Champions League.
The likes of Fermin and Marc Bernal can put their injury nightmares behind them, rest and come back stronger.
Add us as a preferred source on Google