How the 2026 World Cup Has Affected Every Premier League Team

The 2026 World Cup ends just 33 days before the Premier League kicks off, leaving several clubs dealing with the aftereffects of the tournament. The impact hasn’t been evenly spread across all 20 teams.

Franz Beckenbauer once predicted that club football would overshadow international matches, and that seems truer now than ever. For many, the Premier League remains the main focus, but the World Cup's effects will ripple through the season. The Premier League sent more players to the tournament than any other league, which means some managers face tougher challenges reintegrating their squads.

Minimal World Cup Impact for Promoted Clubs

Frank Lampard’s Coventry City saw very little involvement at the World Cup. Lampard spent time scouting talent in the U.S. during the tournament, remarking on how the World Cup serves as a great platform to assess players. Haji Wright only appeared briefly for the USMNT, while Brandon Thomas-Asante played just one game for Ghana. Similarly, Hull City and Ipswich Town had few players involved, escaping much of the World Cup fatigue.

Everton had three senior players participate, with only goalkeeper Jordan Pickford reaching beyond the round of 32. Pickford’s consistency in the Premier League is notable, having missed only one match in the last four seasons despite a busy summer with England.

Half of the Top Teams Avoid the Worst Effects

The so-called ‘Big Six’ experienced mixed outcomes. New managers Andoni Iraola and Xabi Alonso managed to dodge the worst impacts. Liverpool brought eight World Cup players into the new season, but many exited early. The Dutch group went out in the round of 32 alongside Germany’s Florian Wirtz. Alexander Isak played a balanced number of games for Sweden, while Alisson lasted just one round longer with Brazil.

Victor Muñoz didn’t get on the field for Spain, but Alexis Mac Allister endured a tough run with Argentina. Chelsea had a relatively smooth time, with Enzo Fernández reaching the final, though he only played 90 minutes there. Reece James and Malo Gusto had deep runs without being constant starters for England and France. Moisés Caicedo and Pedro Neto returned earlier than expected.

Top Five Teams Most Affected by World Cup Demands

Sunderland surprised many with strong World Cup performances. Their players scored eight goals collectively, second only to one Premier League side. Twelve Sunderland players featured in the tournament, eleven reaching knockout rounds. This boosts the club’s global profile but adds strain on manager Régis Le Bris, especially with Europa League fixtures looming.

Key players: Granit Xhaka, Brian Brobbey, Thomas Meunier.

The Red Devils sent many players to the World Cup, most enduring tough tournaments. Lisandro Martínez suffered an injury before Argentina lost the final to Spain. Manuel Ugarte left early due to injury, while Portuguese players grappled with disappointing exits. Goalkeeper Senne Lammens, who was solid in his first Premier League season, made a costly error against Spain. Kobbie Mainoo didn’t play at all and might be affected psychologically by being overlooked by England.

Key players: Lisandro Martínez, Bruno Fernandes, Youri Tielemans, Kobbie Mainoo.

No Premier League club had players accumulate more minutes than Manchester City. Only Rodri reached the final stages with Spain, showing his best form just in time. Erling Haaland returned with a unique souvenir, while Elliot Anderson emerged as a standout midfielder for England. How well City manages player rest will be crucial, especially with transfer window uncertainties.

Key players: Erling Haaland, Rodri, Elliot Anderson, Marc Guéhi, Rúben Dias, Nico O’Reilly, Jérémy Doku.

Mikel Arteta admitted he doesn’t enjoy this period of international soccer. Many Arsenal players came into the World Cup not fully fit and remained so throughout. Their three World Cup winners mostly stayed on the bench. William Saliba, crucial for both Arsenal and France, faces a lengthy back injury after pushing himself too hard.

Key players: Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze, David Raya, William Saliba, Gabriel.

Aston Villa had five starters from their Europa League final squad reach the final weekend of the World Cup. This includes Emiliano Martínez, Lucas Digne, and Ezri Konsa, who faced heavy physical demands. The biggest setback came when Amadou Onana tore his ACL during Belgium’s quarterfinal run. Following Youri Tielemans’s departure and Morgan Rogers leaving Chelsea, Villa’s midfield depth looks thin heading into the season.

Key players: Emiliano Martínez, Ezri Konsa, Amadou Onana, John McGinn.