Which club has the most players in the 2026 World Cup final? Surprise team leads the way
More than 50 players are represented across the two squads, with one club surprisingly ahead of the rest.
Atlético Madrid are the most represented club in the 2026 World Cup final, with nine of the 52 players on the Spain and Argentina rosters currently contracted to the LaLiga club.
Four members of Spain’s squad, Álex Baena, Marc Pubill, Marcos Llorente and new signing Álex Grimaldo, are expected to line up for Atleti next season. They will be joined by no fewer than five Argentina stars.
Atlético Madrid’s Argentina connection
Atlético’s Argentine contingent includes striker Julián Álvarez, defender Nahuel Molina, midfielder Thiago Almada, backup goalkeeper Juan Musso and attacker Giuliano Simeone, who plays under his father and Argentina legend Diego at club level.
There are more Atlético Madrid links throughout the two squads, too. Winger Nico González spent last season on loan at Atlético, while midfielder Rodrigo De Paul left the Spanish club for Inter Miami in the summer of 2025.
❤️🤍 A very red and white @FIFAWorldCup final night! pic.twitter.com/i9VhNwKmrt
— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) July 19, 2026
Barcelona close behind Atlético
LaLiga rivals Barcelona are just behind Atlético Madrid, with eight of their players in contention to feature in the World Cup final, all for Spain.
The Barça contingent includes Eric García, Ferran Torres, Gavi, Dani Olmo, Joan García, Lamine Yamal, Pedri and Pau Cubarsí.
A number of other clubs have more than one player on either roster. Arsenal and Athletic Club both provide three members of the Spain squad, while Tottenham Hotspur have three players on Argentina’s roster.
Inter Miami is the only MLS team represented, with Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul both part of Argentina’s squad.
| Club | Players | Squad members |
|---|---|---|
| Atlético de Madrid | 9 | Juan Musso, Nahuel Molina, Thiago Almada, Álex Grimaldo, Giuliano Simeone, Julián Álvarez, Marcos Llorente, Marc Pubill, Álex Baena |
| Barcelona | 8 | Joan García, Pau Cubarsí, Eric García, Pedri, Gavi, Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres, Dani Olmo |
| Arsenal | 3 | David Raya, Martín Zubimendi, Mikel Merino |
| Athletic Club | 3 | Unai Simón, Aymeric Laporte, Nico Williams |
| Tottenham Hotspur | 3 | Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Marco Senesi |
| Liverpool | 2 | Alexis Mac Allister, Víctor Muñoz |
| Inter Miami | 2 | Lionel Messi, Rodrigo De Paul |
| Olympique Marseille | 2 | Gerónimo Rulli, Facundo Medina |
Related stories
Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that on this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.
Complete your personal details to comment