How the 2026 World Cup Has Affected Every Premier League Team

With only 33 days separating the end of the World Cup from the Premier League kickoff, some clubs face challenges linked to their players' World Cup involvement. The tournament’s aftermath will influence many squads, though not all have been affected equally.

Newly Promoted Teams Largely Unaffected

Frank Lampard’s Coventry City had few players at the World Cup, allowing him to scout talent in the U.S. during the tournament. Haji Wright barely featured for the United States, while Brandon Thomas-Asante started just one game for Ghana. Alongside Coventry, Hull City and Ipswich Town saw little World Cup participation from their players.

Everton sent only three senior players to the tournament, with goalkeeper Jordan Pickford the sole player advancing past the round of 32. Pickford’s remarkable availability over recent seasons suggests Everton won’t suffer much disruption despite his busy international schedule.

Half of the Big Six Avoid Major Impact

Liverpool fielded eight World Cup players, yet many exited early, including the Dutch squad and Germany’s Florian Wirtz. Alexander Isak found a good balance of matches to build fitness without overexertion, while Alisson lasted just one extra round with Brazil. Victor Muñoz did not play for Spain, but Alexis Mac Allister endured tough matches for Argentina. Liverpool may be accustomed to managing tired midfielders after last season.

Chelsea also escaped lightly. Enzo Fernández reached the final but played only 90 minutes. Reece James and Malo Gusto had significant runs for England and France but were not ever-present. Moisés Caicedo and Pedro Neto left earlier than expected.

Sunderland’s Unexpected World Cup Success

Sunderland surprised many by having 12 players in the tournament, 11 reaching knockout stages. Their players scored eight goals combined, a tally surpassed by only one Premier League club. Despite this enhancing Sunderland’s global profile, the heavy workload could strain Régis Le Bris’s squad, especially amid Europa League commitments.

Manchester United’s Mixed Fortunes

Manchester United sent numerous players to the World Cup, most facing tough campaigns. Lisandro Martínez suffered a worrying injury during Argentina’s run to the final. Manuel Ugarte exited early with a lengthy layoff expected. Portuguese players at Old Trafford dealt with the mental toll of disappointing performances. Belgium goalkeeper Senne Lammens made a critical error against Spain. Kobbie Mainoo, who didn’t play at all, might feel the impact differently as he returns.

Manchester City’s Heavy Workload

Manchester City had the most minutes logged among Premier League squads at the World Cup. Only Rodri reached the final, shining in Spain’s midfield at a key moment. His return form depends on rest and transfer market developments. Erling Haaland charmed American fans, and Elliot Anderson impressed as an England semifinalist. The physical demands on City’s core players remain high.

Arsenal’s Struggles Continue

Mikel Arteta admitted he finds the World Cup period difficult. Most Arsenal internationals entered the tournament not fully fit and largely stayed that way. Their three World Cup winners spent much time on the bench, but William Saliba, vital for both France and Arsenal, faces several months out due to a back injury worsened by playing through pain.

Aston Villa’s Toll

Aston Villa had five starters from their Europa League final squad reach the World Cup’s final weekend, including Emiliano Martínez, Lucas Digne, and Ezri Konsa. The biggest blow was Amadou Onana’s ACL injury during Belgium’s quarterfinal run. After losing Youri Tielemans to Manchester United and Morgan Rogers to Chelsea, Villa’s midfield depth looks thin heading into the new season.