Which Barcelona players benefit the most from international football?

As the World Cup draws near, Barcelona’s dressing room is poised to empty into airports bound for the United States, where the game’s ultimate prize will be contested this summer. While club supporters habitually grumble about congested calendars and mid-season call-ups, global tournaments have a unifying effect: every fan—Catalan or otherwise—finds a reason to cheer as Blaugrana stars chase glory in national colours.

Spain’s reigning European champions supply the bulk of Barcelona’s hopefuls, giving the club a direct stake in defending the trophy. Yet the Spanish contingent are not alone. Jules Kounde is expected to anchor France’s back line, Marcus Rashford will carry England’s attacking threat, and Raphinha’s samba flair could prove decisive for Brazil. Each arrives with legitimate designs on lifting the trophy.

High-stakes minutes on the international stage can accelerate development, sharpen competitive edge and broaden tactical experience—benefits that can rebound positively once players return to club duty. Conversely, the same fixtures carry risk: long-haul flights, condensed recovery windows and the physical toll of tournament football can erode availability just when Barcelona need bodies for the run-in. The club are already contending with a significant injury list: one key stopper is sidelined indefinitely, while the first-choice goalkeeper faces an extended spell in rehabilitation. Barcelona also remain alive in the Copa del Rey, where they have reached the semi-finals, meaning every fit player will be required once domestic action resumes.

The question, then, is not merely academic: which Barcelona footballer stands to gain the most from showcasing his talents on the world’s biggest platform, and which could pay the steepest price? The answer will shape the club’s fortunes long after the final whistle sounds in the summer showcase.