The World Cup 2026 has had a significant impact on Premier League teams, affecting their players' fitness, injuries, and transfer plans. Here's a detailed analysis of how each team has been affected, with a focus on personal commentary and interpretation.
Arsenal
The Gunners have faced an anxious wait over the fitness of William Saliba, who suffered a back injury, ending his tournament. His absence would be a significant loss, especially as his partnership with Gabriel is crucial to the team's play. The fitness of Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, who managed their own issues, will be closely monitored. Leandro Trossard's move to Besiktas and Gabriel Martinelli's potential sale add to the team's uncertainty.
Aston Villa
An injury to Amadou Onana, who ruptured his ACL, has ruled him out until next year, impacting their midfield plans. Johan Manzambi and Joao Gomes have been signed to fill the gap, but the loss of Youri Tielemans to Manchester United is a setback. The club's record signing, Manzambi, excelled for Switzerland, and will be a key player for Villa.
Chelsea
The Blues had 11 players involved, but only seven played. Key players like Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro were left out. The fitness of Reece James, who played in the latter stages, is a concern. Enzo Fernandez and Malo Gusto's performances will impact their pre-season. The club's record signing, Morgan Rogers, is set to arrive, while Trevoh Chalobah's future is uncertain.
Bournemouth
Bournemouth fans were encouraged by Ben Gannon-Doak's performances, despite Scotland's early exit. The winger played in all three group matches and impressed in their win over Haiti. The Cherries had six players at the World Cup, including Alex Paulsen, who joined Motherwell on loan. Rayan's performances for Brazil and his potential move to Liverpool add to the team's excitement.
Brentford
For Brentford, the World Cup could not have gone worse for Igor Thiago and Jordan Henderson. Thiago was dropped after a lacklustre performance, and Henderson suffered a broken wrist during celebrations. Thiago's confidence may be impacted, and Henderson's injury will require surgery.
Brighton
Brighton emerged from the World Cup with eight players, but the personnel has changed. Jan Paul van Hecke moved to Tottenham, and Luka Vuskovic went the other way. Vuskovic had a difficult tournament, and the only Brighton player to make it past the last 16 was Maxim de Cuyper. This could be beneficial for the team, as key players like Bart Verbruggen and Pascal Gross will be fresh for the new season.
Chelsea (Continued)
Chelsea had 11 players involved, but only seven played. Key players like Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro were left out. The fitness of Reece James, who played in the latter stages, is a concern. Enzo Fernandez and Malo Gusto's performances will impact their pre-season. The club's record signing, Morgan Rogers, is set to arrive, while Trevoh Chalobah's future is uncertain.
Coventry
New Coventry defender Aurele Amenda suffered World Cup frustration as an unused substitute. Striker Haji Wright played for the USA, and the 28-year-old will be a key threat for Coventry in the Premier League. Fellow forward Brandon Thomas-Asante featured in two of Ghana's games, and the team's return to the Premier League adds to the excitement.
Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace had 10 players involved, and Yeremy Pino's shoulder injury is a concern. The club's representation at the World Cup is impressive, and new manager Pierre Sage will hope to rebuff potential suitors. Key players like Dean Henderson and Jean-Philippe Mateta should be raring to go for pre-season.
Everton
Everton's biggest asset, Iliman Ndiaye, was at the centre of transfer talk. He made an impact with a spectacular strike for Senegal. Idrissa Gueye's deal expired, and a decision on his future will be made soon. Nathan Patterson's performances for Scotland will be monitored by manager David Moyes.
Fulham
Fulham had four players involved, with Sander Berge and Oscar Bobb part of Norway's quarter-final exit. Belgium's Timothy Castagne and Morocco's Issa Diop also fell at that stage. Fulham fans caught a glimpse of defender Luc de Fougerolles, who is yet to make an appearance.
Hull
Hull welcomed home Jack Butland and saw Liam Millar progress to the last 16 with Canada. The team has an almost completely fresh squad ready for pre-season, and manager Sergej Jakirovic can look forward to a new start.
Ipswich
Ipswich had two players at the World Cup, George Hirst and Ali Al-Hamadi. Hirst failed to make an appearance for Scotland, and Al-Hamadi appeared three times for Iraq. New manager Gary O'Neil has a chance to put out pre-season ideas with an almost full squad.
Leeds
Leeds fans could only follow four players, with Harry Wilson's Wales failing to qualify. Gabriel Gudmundsson appeared the most times for Sweden, and Ao Tanaka was heartbroken by Japan's loss. Noah Okafor and Tarik Muharemovic will return fresh, with just one World Cup appearance each.
Liverpool
Liverpool will have a World Cup winner with Alexis Mac Allister and Victor Munoz. Mac Allister excelled for Argentina, and Liverpool will take confidence from players like Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz. The club has expressed interest in Yan Diomande and Bradley Barcola, who impressed for Ivory Coast and France.
Manchester City
Manchester City's Rodri has played a starring role in Spain's run to the final. His long-term future is uncertain, and reports suggest he will miss the start of the season for surgery. The club's interest in Ayyoub Bouaddi is noted, but it remains to be seen if new manager Enzo Maresca will make a move.
Manchester United
United's most concrete World Cup news was Manuel Ugarte's knee injury, ruling him out until 2027. Kobbie Mainoo's excellent performances suggest he can bounce back from not playing for England. The club's recruitment plans are complicated by the injury and potential sales.
Newcastle
Newcastle's Anthony Elanga and Yoane Wissa performed well for Sweden and DR Congo, scoring five goals combined. Captain Bruno Guimaraes set up four goals at the tournament, and the club's interest in young players like Johan Manzambi is noted.
Nottingham Forest
Forest's priority target is Tottenham's Lucas Bergvall, who helped Sweden reach the last 32. Winger Dan Ndoye was key in Switzerland's run, and the club is looking to replace Elliot Anderson. Xaver Schlager is expected to join Forest on a free transfer after leaving RB Leipzig.
Sunderland
Sunderland had a strong contingent at the World Cup, with mixed results. Captain Granit Xhaka narrowly missed out on a semi-final match, and Chemsdine Talbi impressed for Morocco. Brian Brobbey proved difficult to play against for the Netherlands, and Wilson Isidor's stunning goal against Morocco will be remembered.
Tottenham
Tottenham's main transfer business was done before the World Cup, and the tournament could impact potential outgoings. Hugo Lloris and Cristian Romero are making their second appearances in the final, and Romero's displays will attract interest from clubs like Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan.
