How the 2026 World Cup Has Affected Every Premier League Team
The gap between the end of the World Cup and the start of the Premier League is just 33 days, putting several teams under pressure due to their players’ involvement in the tournament.
The Premier League sent more players to the World Cup than any other league, but not all clubs felt the effects equally. Some escaped relatively unscathed, while others are dealing with fatigue, injuries, and psychological setbacks as a result of their players’ international duties.
Minimal Impact for Newly Promoted Teams
Teams promoted this season, like Coventry City, saw very little World Cup involvement. Manager Frank Lampard spent part of the tournament scouting talent rather than managing players on the pitch. Coventry’s Haji Wright had only brief substitute appearances for the USMNT, and Brandon Thomas-Asante started just once for Ghana.
Similarly, Hull City and Ipswich Town experienced minimal disruption, with few players participating and none advancing far.
Everton also had limited exposure, with only three senior players at the tournament. Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford was the sole Everton player to progress beyond the group stage. His durability in the Premier League is well known, having missed only one top-flight game over four seasons.
Mixed Fortunes for the Middle Tier and Big Six Clubs
Half of the so-called "Big Six" avoided the worst consequences of the World Cup. Liverpool entered the new season with eight players who had competed in the tournament. Despite expectations, many Dutch players exited early, and goalkeeper Alisson lasted just one round beyond that. Alexis Mac Allister of Argentina had a grueling run, but Liverpool might be used to managing his fatigue from last season.
Chelsea fared similarly. Enzo Fernández reached the final but played only 90 minutes there. Reece James and Malo Gusto made deep runs but were not constant presences. Moisés Caicedo and Pedro Neto left earlier than anticipated, easing some burden for Chelsea.
Top Five Most Affected Premier League Teams
Sunderland surprised many by having twelve players at the World Cup, eleven reaching the knockout phase. Their players scored eight goals collectively, an achievement surpassed by only one Premier League club. This success could raise Sunderland’s profile globally but may cause strain for manager Régis Le Bris, especially with Europa League commitments.
The Red Devils had numerous players at the tournament, but most endured tough experiences. Lisandro Martínez went furthest before an injury forced him off during the final. Manuel Ugarte exited early with a lengthy layoff ahead. Portugal's contingent struggled mentally, and even goalkeeper Senne Lammens made a costly error against Spain. Kobbie Mainoo did not feature at all, leaving questions about his readiness after being overlooked by England.
No Premier League team clocked more minutes than Manchester City players. Rodri hit peak form for Spain, matching Pep Guardiola’s hopes. Erling Haaland returned home with some odd souvenirs but made headlines in the US. Elliot Anderson emerged as a standout midfielder for England. The physical toll on City's squad is substantial as they head into the new season.
Manager Mikel Arteta admitted disliking the international period. Arsenal’s English players arrived at the tournament only partially fit and stayed that way. Their three World Cup winners mostly sat on the bench. William Saliba pushed through pain but now faces months sidelined with a back injury, weakening both France and Arsenal defenses.
Aston Villa had five starters in their Europa League final lineup who went deep into the World Cup. This includes Emiliano Martínez, Lucas Digne, and Ezri Konsa. The biggest blow came when Amadou Onana suffered an ACL injury in the quarterfinals with Belgium. With key midfielders sold or departed, Unai Emery’s squad looks thin after these World Cup challenges.
Each Premier League club will feel the World Cup’s effects differently, but those with heavy involvement face a tough road ahead.
