How many FC Barcelona players could go to the World Cup?
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The final international break of the season determined the last six qualifiers for this summer's World Cup, which is being played by 48 teams in three different countries. Sadly, not all of the teams with Barça players have made it through, but the club could still be represented by as many as 18 different men in the US, Canada and Mexico.
Spain: Six for sure and possibly more
Naturally, Spain is the country with the biggest Barça representation. As long as they stay clear of injury, and assuming coach Luis de la Fuente sticks to the same logic of recent call-ups, we can safely say that all of Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Pau Cubarsí, Fermín López, Dani Olmo and Ferran Torres will be in the squad.
But it doesn't end there. Joan García made his international debut on Tuesday, but he is one of four possible goalkeeping choices and who knows what De la Fuente will decide to do about that important position. Meanwhile, Alejandro Balde, Eric García, Marc Casadó and Gavi all featured in the qualifying campaign and any of them could also get the nod. We'll have to wait and see.
Five other Europeans
The Netherlands are also through to the finals, and although Frenkie de Jong is currently injured, he should be OK by the summer and is an automatic choice. Jules Kounde is also coming off an injury and missed France's recent games, but when the defender is fit, he's a favourite of coach Deschamps.
João Cancelo has a very strong chance of being named by Robert Martínez in the Portugal squad, and Marcus Rashford is a first team regular for England under Thomas Tuchel.
Despite a troubled qualifying campaign, Sweden got there in the end, and that probably means Roony Bardghji will be going to the World Cup. He's been a regular inclusion in recent Swedish squads, even though his actual playing time has typically been limited.
Sweden got there by beating Poland, which means Robert Lewandowski will not be going to the World Cup. In another playoff, the Czech Republic beat Denmark on penalties. So even if Andreas Christensen recovers from injury in time, he won't be appearing in the finals either.
Araujo and Raphinha
Barça's two South Americans, Ronald Araujo (Uruguay) and Raphinha (Brazil) are among the biggest stars for their national teams, and as long as they stay fit they are sure to be repeating the same experience as they did in Qatar four years ago.
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