The Spanish newspaper "Mundo Deportivo" reported that FC Barcelona may be close to surpassing its record for the number of international players participating in the World Cup. The club had previously set a historic record at the Qatar 2022 World Cup with 17 players in the tournament, the highest number for a single club in World Cup history.

According to the newspaper, the number could rise to 18 players for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, pending the results of the European playoffs involving Poland and Denmark, as well as the possibility of calling up a large number of club players to the Spanish national team led by Luis de la Fuente.

Among several players who have already confirmed their participation in the upcoming tournament are:

Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Olmo, Cucurella, Ferran Torres, Fermín López, Juan García, Gavi, Eric García, and Balde with the Spanish national team.

Alongside Frenkie de Jong with the Netherlands, Kondé with France, Marcus Rashford with England, Raphinha with Brazil, Araújo with Uruguay, and Ter Stegen with Germany, whose participation is still uncertain depending on his involvement in the second half of the season.

The newspaper also pointed out that Lewandowski's qualification with Poland and Christensen's with Denmark depends on their results in the European playoffs scheduled between March 26 and 31. They need to win two knockout matches in order to reach the World Cup.

On the other hand, Roni Bardji was eliminated from the World Cup race after the Swedish national team failed to qualify, finishing last in their group.

According to the newspaper, Barcelona could achieve a new record in World Cup history if all 18 expected players are called up in the summer of 2026.