Why Barcelona abolished Spain World Cup 2026 winners tribute in Camp Nou opener

Plans for Barcelona to honour their eight players who were part of Spain's 2026 World Cup triumph were scrapped by club president Joan Laporta.

The tribute was due to take place ahead of Barcelona's first La Liga home match against Athletic Bilbao on Thursday, which the hosts won 2-0 thanks to goals from Raphinha and Fermin Lopez.

Barcelona axe World Cup tribute

Every other La Liga club with members of Spain's World Cup winning squad have paid tribute to those players in their opening home games and Barcelona were planning to do the same.

However, an incident ahead of Barcelona's away game against Elche last weekend led to Laporta deciding to cancel the plans.

Laporta said the tribute would not be “in the most appropriate context” because Barcelona fans were beaten and had Estelada flags confiscated before the 5-0 win over Elche.

The Estelada flag is a pro-Catalan independence symbol.

“The ceremony to honour the world champions will not take place,” Laporta explained. “It will not take place because it is not being held in the most appropriate context.

“[The Royal Spanish Football Federation] understands the decision. Football should be used to unite, not to create certain confrontations.

“The Estelada represents the mindset of many Barca supporters and Catalans. It is part of freedom of expression.

“We condemn and reject the disproportionate action of the national police officers who assaulted Barça fans for carrying the Estelada before the Elche game.

“We demand that this action, once the facts have been confirmed, be met with the appropriate punishment and sanctions.

“We hope that appropriate punishment will help ensure that Catalans and Barca fans can carry the flag without fear of physical harm or stigmatization by the State's security forces.”

FGG Says: A huge shame

It is a huge shame that Barcelona's World Cup winners were not honoured, particularly as no other club has more players who were part of the squad.

However, the club's reaction is understandable given the circumstances and Laporta is right when he says that football should bring people together.