News Focus
- Sweden manager Graham Potter drops Barcelona winger Roony Bardghji from the 2026 World Cup squad
- Reports suggest the 20-year-old’s exclusion stems from a disciplinary incident at the team hotel during March qualification celebrations
- Potter cites group chemistry and off-pitch conduct as key factors in selecting his final 26 players
- Barcelona hoped the tournament would increase the player’s value ahead of potential summer transfer negotiations
FC Barcelona winger Roony Bardghji will miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup after failing to make Sweden’s final squad. National team manager Graham Potter left the 20-year-old out of his 26-man selection for the tournament in North America, with sources claiming the decision relates to the player’s behaviour rather than his footballing ability.
The young forward endured a challenging first season at the Catalan club, struggling to secure regular playing time during the early months. Despite these difficulties, he impressed enough to earn a call-up for Sweden’s crucial World Cup playoff matches in March. He helped the team secure qualification, yet his actions immediately after that victory have reportedly cost him his place at the finals.
According to Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet, Bardghji displayed a poor attitude at the squad’s hotel following the qualification success. This incident allegedly upset the coaching staff and left a lasting negative impression on Potter.
When announcing his squad, Potter explained that technical quality was not the only consideration. He stated that managing how players spend their free time together, their general conduct, and the balance between youth and experience all played vital roles in his choices. The coach insisted that other players currently rank higher in the pecking order.
The omission disappoints both Bardghji and Barcelona. The club had viewed the World Cup as an ideal opportunity to showcase the player’s talents to potential buyers during the summer transfer window. The winger has been linked with a move away from La Liga, and this snub may complicate any forthcoming negotiations.