The 2026 World Cup has reached the last 16 stage. After an exciting collection of 16 matches in the round of 32, FC Barcelona still have 12 players involved in the tournament that is taking place in the USA, Mexico and Canada. Of the 13 players in the last 32, only Frenkie de Jong and the Netherlands failed to progress, losing on penalties to Morocco. 

Raphinha with Brazil; Joan Garcia, Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsí, Pedri, Dani Olmo, Gavi, Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres with Spain; Hamza Abdelkarim with Egypt; Jules Kounde for France and Anthony Gordon for England all still have hopes of World Cup glory. 

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Brazil first 

Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil side were the first team with blaugrana representation to make it to the last 16. Raphinha watched from the bench still recovering from injury as the South Americans beat Japan 2-1 to book a last 16 tie against Norway, a game which kick offs at 10pm CEST on Sunday. 

France and England 

Jules Kounde played all but the last quarter of an hour in France's commanding 3-0 over Sweden in the last 32. England had to come from behind to beat DR Congo 2-1 with blaugrana Anthony Gordon coming off the bench in the second half to provide assists for both of Harry Kane's goals. 

France now take on Paraguay on Saturday at 11pm CEST in the last 16 whilst England face co-hosts Mexico in the Azteca Stadium in the early hours of Monday morning (2am CEST kick off). 

Comfortable win 

Spain moved comfortably into the last 16 with a 3-0 win over Austria in the round of 32. Cubarsí, Pedri, Olmo, Lamine Yamal all started with Gavi and Ferran coming off the bench in the victory with Luis de la Fuente's team now facing neighbours Portugal in the last 16 on Monday at 9pm CEST. 

Abdelkarim and Egypt

The last blaugrana to come through the round of 32 was Hamza Abdelkarim. The Barça Atlètic man came on for the second half of extra time in Egypt's penalty shoot out victory over Australia. The Africans will now face holders Argentina in the last 16 on Tuesday at 6pm CEST. 

 

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