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Pedri is heading back to the World Cup. The 23-year-old FC Barcelona midfielder has been officially named in Spain’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to kick off across the United States, Canada, and Mexico this summer.
It will be the second World Cup of Pedri’s career, following his debut on the global stage at Qatar 2022, where he featured in all four of Spain’s matches.
Spain’s squad leans heavily on Barcelona
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente announced the squad on May 25, and the Barcelona contingent is hard to miss. Eight players from the Catalan club made the cut.
Pedri will wear the number 20 shirt during the tournament. He joins fellow Barcelona teammates Lamine Yamal and Gavi in what shapes up as one of the most technically gifted midfield and attack combinations in international football.
Pedri’s inclusion alongside Rodri gives De la Fuente a midfield pairing that blends ball retention with physical presence.
From injury doubts to World Cup starter
The 2025-26 season told a different story. Pedri stayed healthy, stayed consistent, and reminded everyone why Barcelona built part of their future around him. His performances throughout the club campaign were strong enough that his inclusion in the World Cup squad felt less like a reward and more like an obvious necessity.
At Qatar 2022, Pedri was 19 years old, playing in his first major senior competition, and Spain’s exit in the round of 16 left a bitter taste.
Pedri himself seems to know the stakes. Shortly after the squad announcement, he posted “19 07 26” on social media. That’s the date of the World Cup final: July 19, 2026.
Spain’s World Cup credentials
Spain enters the 2026 World Cup as one of the favorites. The expanded World Cup format, with 48 teams instead of the previous 32, means more matches and a longer road to the final.
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