Seven players from Barcelona’s renowned La Masia academy have earned places in Spain’s squad for the forthcoming FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar, underlining the youth system’s contribution to the club and the national team. According to a report by Barca Universal on Thursday, November 5, 2026, head coach David Cubillo has included the youngsters in his final selection.

The Barcelona representatives are Raúl Expósito, Sergi Mayans, Baba Kourouma, Jordi Pesquer, Ebrima Tunkara, Roberto Tomás and Iu Martínez. They will join other promising prospects from across Spain as the country prepares to compete against teams from around the world. Their inclusion reflects the progress they have made within La Masia and the confidence placed in the academy’s development programme.

Four of the seven players have been selected to strengthen Spain’s defence. Expósito, Mayans, Kourouma and Pesquer will provide options at the back as Cubillo finalises his plans. Pesquer has already gained exposure to Barcelona’s senior setup, having taken part in the first team’s pre-season preparations earlier this year. That experience may offer useful familiarity with the demands of training alongside established professionals, although the tournament will present a different challenge.

Barcelona’s midfield representation will come through Tunkara and Tomás. Both are expected to contribute in the centre of the pitch as Spain seek to control matches and progress through the group stage. Martínez completes the academy contingent and is the only Barcelona-developed forward named in the squad. The selections give the club a presence across defensive, midfield and attacking positions.

Tunkara’s call-up is notable because he has regularly been invited to train with Barcelona’s first team. Those opportunities indicate that the club is monitoring his progress and sees potential in his development. His selection provides another platform to test himself against players of his age from other countries.

The Spanish Football Federation has confirmed that the selected players are due to report to the national team’s training centre in Madrid on November 9. They will prepare there before travelling to Qatar. The schedule means Barcelona will be without all seven youngsters for a period, potentially affecting the club’s youth and reserve sides while the World Cup is underway. Their absence will require those teams to manage their available options, while the international experience could benefit the players when they return.

Spain have been placed in Group H, where they will face Morocco, Fiji and China. Cubillo’s side will aim to make a positive start, negotiate the group fixtures and secure a place in the knockout rounds. The team will need consistent performances to advance.

Spain are still seeking their first FIFA U17 World Cup title despite their long record of developing accomplished footballers. This edition therefore represents another opportunity to pursue a trophy that has so far eluded the country.

For Barcelona, having seven academy graduates selected is a further endorsement of La Masia’s standing in youth football. Their participation gives the club a strong presence in Spain’s campaign while offering the youngsters valuable and important experience on the international stage.