14 Barcelona players already through to the last 16 of the World Cup

Fourteen of the 17 FC Barcelona players participating in the World Cup in Qatar have already qualified for the round of 16, a spectacular number.

Despite the defeat against Japan on Thursday, the eight Spaniards (Pedri, Gavi, Eric Garcia, Busquets, Alba, Balde, Ansu Fati and Ferran Torres) joined those who were already qualified: Koundé, Dembélé, Raphinha, De Jong , Memphis and Lewandowski.

Spain suffered more than expected. They took the lead in the game but in just two second half minutes the Japanese turned the game around to beat Spain 2-1. It was one of the worst performances since Luis Enrique took over.

La Roja needed the help of Germany, who beat Costa Rica, to be able to reach the round of 16 as runners up in the group. On Tuesday, they will face Morocco in the next round.

The two Frenchmen who play for Barça did not need to wait for the last group game to qualify. They did so after winning their first two matches against Australia (4-1) and Denmark (2-1). Koundé and Dembélé were the first Barça players through.

Then Brazil's Raphinha followed, thanks also to two victories against Serbia (2-0) and Switzerland (1-0). Brazil still have one game to play, on Friday.

Dutchmen Frenkie De Jong and Memphis Depay did need the third game to get through to the round of 16. The Netherlands beat Senegal (0-2) in the first game but drew against Ecuador (1-1) and had to wait to beat the host, Qatar (2-0), to be in the next phase.

Lewandowski, with Poland, also qualified despite the defeat to Argentina because Mexico lacked just one goal in their 2-1 win over Saudi Arabia. A third effort would have taken them through on goal difference.

One more could be added to that 14. Despite the fact that he will not play, Ronald Araujo's Uruguay can reach the round of 16 with a win against Ghana Friday.

So far, the Barcelona players who have already said goodbye to the World Cup are Denmark's Christensen and Germany's Ter Stegen.