World Cup 2022: Netherlands, France and Brazil Carry Barcelona’s Hopes

• Barcelona went into the World Cup with a record amount of first-team players selected
• 17 Blaugrana stars from eight different teams were called up to represent their nations
• Spain had the most number of Barca players, but their elimination left five stars behind

Five Barcelona players are still in the running to lift the FIFA World Cup with their respective countries.

The club were the most represented heading into the tournament.

Barcelona's website confirmed at the time that 17 of its first team stars were called up for the tournament, across eight teams.

With only eight teams left in the tournament, and Spain's elimination, only five La Blaugrana stars remain. Sports Brief looks at the five players hoping to claim World Cup bragging rights.

Lionel Messi's doctor reveals stunning reasons he wants Argentina to lose all group matches

Football

Raphinha - Brazil

The South American side are looking dangerous in this tournament and could go all the way. While Raphinha hasn't really fired at the tournament, the Samba Boys have more than enough attacking arsenal to get the job done. A tough task awaits them against Croatia in the quarter-final.

Jules Kounde and Ousmane Dembele - France

France are looking to defend their title but will have to go through England first. With Kylian Mbappe and Olivier Giroud proving lethal up front, Les Bleus are a real threat in this tournament. Dembele has notched two assists but has yet to grab a goal of his own, Transfermarkt reported.

Frenkie de Jong and Memphis Depay - Netherlands

De Jong and Depay were two players who looked to be on their way out of Barcelona in the summer transfer window, but their performances in Qatar will have the club thinking otherwise. Both Dutch stars have gotten onto the score sheet and will be looking to play a massive role in their quarter-final clash. A tough task awaits them, as former Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi is standing in their own way of a place in the final four.

Inside the audacious transfer plans of Saudi Arabia for Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi

Football

Barcelona beats Bayern to record

FC Barcelona have usurped Bayern Munich, to top the chart of clubs with the most player representations at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Sports Brief reported.

Alejandro Balde's call-up to the Spain roster to replace injured Valencia defender José Luis Gayà, ensures Barcelona chalk the feat as the club that will be most represented at the Mundial.

Bayern initially had 17 players summoned to this year's Mundial, but Sadio Mane's late injury and eventual withdrawal from the Senegal squad has allowed La Blaugrana to snatch the record away from the Bavarians.