​Barcelona president Joan Laporta believes the club will be central to the 2026 FIFA World Cup final as Spain prepare to face Argentina in New York. With eight Barcelona players included in Luis de la Fuente’s squad, the Blaugrana chief says the occasion underscores the club’s influence on football’s biggest stage. The latest Barcelona news has focused on the club’s remarkable representation in Spain’s squad, with several first-team stars expected to feature prominently in Sunday’s final. In this vein, Laporta traveled to New York to support La Roja and spoke with pride about Barcelona’s contribution ahead of one of the year’s most anticipated matches.
Speaking before the Spain vs Argentina World Cup final, Laporta emphasized how meaningful it is for FC Barcelona to have so many players involved in international football’s premier showcase. “We are very proud of the eight players we have. It is very important for them, and as president, I am grateful and pleased to have such talented players. At the international level, it’s the best match you can play, with different styles, and the referee will have to manage it. Barcelona’s president is proud of the club’s representation at the World Cup.” He noted that Argentina tend to be more aggressive, while Spain play more as a unit, a style closer to Barça’s own. “Barça are the best there is, and everyone recognises that.”
With players developed through the club’s system continuing to feature prominently for the national team, Laporta views the World Cup final as a showcase for Barcelona’s football philosophy. Alongside Spain’s impressive Barcelona contingent, he also welcomed the prospect of Lionel Messi once again appearing in a World Cup final, setting up a reunion with several current Barcelona players. Reflecting on Messi’s legacy and Lamine Yamal’s rise, Laporta said, “Messi has also reached the final and I’m delighted. He’s the pride of La Masia. Messi represents the past and the present, while Lamine represents the present and the future. We’re very happy to have what is the genuine Barça way of playing.” He added, “As president, I’m proud to have developed these two players at home, and if we add that we have Joan Garcia, Eric Garcia, Cubarsi—who’s having a spectacular World Cup—Olmo, Gavi, Pedri, Ferran… It’s spectacular.”
Laporta also reserved special praise for sporting director Deco, highlighting his role in the transfer market and the club’s recruitment strategy. “Deco works very well—consistently, efficiently and discreetly—just as he has shown with Adeyemi. We saw that with Gordo for better SEO. We’re aiming for excellence across the board.”