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 teams dealing with the consequences of the tournament. While some clubs escaped relatively unscathed, others face challenges due to player fatigue and injuries.

Minimal Disruption for Newly Promoted Teams

Frank Lampard’s Coventry City had very few players involved in the World Cup, allowing him to scout talent in the U.S. during the tournament. Forward Haji Wright only appeared briefly, and Brandon Thomas-Asante started once for Ghana. Hull City and Ipswich Town also saw little impact from their players' international commitments.

Everton had just three senior players at the tournament, with goalkeeper Jordan Pickford the only one advancing beyond the round of 32. Pickford has been remarkably durable over recent seasons, missing only one league game in four years.

Mixed Fortunes for Some Big Clubs

The so-called 'Big Six' had varied experiences. Liverpool had eight players at the World Cup, many expected to go far, but several exited in the round of 32, including the Dutch players. Alexander Isak had a balanced number of matches for Sweden, while Alisson went out a bit later with Brazil. Victor Muñoz didn't play for Spain, whereas Alexis Mac Allister endured a tough campaign with Argentina, though fatigue is familiar territory for Liverpool fans.

Chelsea also had mixed luck. Enzo Fernández reached the final but played only 90 minutes. Reece James and Malo Gusto had deep runs without playing every minute for England and France. Moisés Caicedo and Pedro Neto returned earlier than hoped.

Sunderland's Unexpected Success

"Sunderland’s World Cup contingent scored eight goals combined, a tally only surpassed by one Premier League club," notes the impact analysis.

With twelve players representing their countries and eleven reaching knockout stages, Sunderland’s global profile should rise. Still, the heavy load might challenge manager Régis Le Bris, especially juggling Europa League demands.

Manchester United’s Troubles Continue

United sent many players to the World Cup but most suffered during the event. Lisandro Martínez was injured before Argentina lost the final to Spain. Manuel Ugarte left early, and Portuguese players dealt with disappointing outcomes. Belgium’s Senne Lammens made a costly error against Spain. Kobbie Mainoo, who didn’t play, faces pressure after being overlooked by England.

Manchester City Lead in Minutes Played

No Premier League club had players clock more minutes than Manchester City. Rodri hit peak form late in the tournament for Spain, matching Pep Guardiola’s hopes. Erling Haaland returned with some quirky souvenirs, while Elliot Anderson emerged as an impressive midfielder during England’s semifinal run.

Arsenal Face Challenges After the Tournament

Mikel Arteta admitted he doesn’t enjoy international breaks much. The Arsenal squad had many players half-fit going into the World Cup, with limited improvement during it. Their three World Cup winners mostly stayed on the bench. William Saliba, vital for France and Arsenal, could miss months due to a back injury from pushing himself too hard.

Aston Villa Bear the Heaviest Toll

Five starters from Villa’s Europa League final team played until the final weekend of the World Cup, including Emiliano Martínez, Lucas Digne, and Ezri Konsa. The biggest setback was Amadou Onana’s ACL injury in the quarterfinals. Following Youri Tielemans’ departure and Morgan Rogers leaving Chelsea, Unai Emery’s midfield depth looks thin after this summer.

Each team’s experience shows how the World Cup's effects will ripple through the Premier League season, with some squads facing heavier burdens than others.