Only Rayan Cherki will definitely be going to the World Cup after France and Uzbekistan announced their rosters. However, there will be many more Manchester City players expected to go to the tournament.
City is one of the best teams in the Premier League and therefore has many of the star players from across the world. Erling Haaland of Norway, England's Phil Foden, and Rodri, who plays for Spain, are all key figures for their club and countries.
Man City could have one of the biggest World Cup contingents
There could be around 20 City players at the World Cup, representing 12 different countries. Obviously, England will have a strong contingent of City players, but Portugal, Spain, Croatia, and the Netherlands could have multiple representatives from the club.
As for City's rivals, Arsenal could have 15-20 of their players at the tournament, also with multiple England players. Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester United will likely each have around 10 players at the World Cup.
Every Man City player expected at the 2026 World Cup
Pep Guardiola's side will not doubt be heavily represented at the tournament.
Country | Players | Description |
|---|---|---|
England | Phil Foden, John Stones, Nico O'Reilly, James Trafford, Rico Lewis, Marc Guehi | Multiple City players are expected to be in Thomas Tuchel's roster. |
Norway | Erling Haaland | Erling Haaland will no doubt lead Norway's line at the tournament. This will be the first World Cup that Haaland will be featuring at. |
Portugal | Bernardo Silva, Rúben Dias, Matheus Nunes. | A large contingent of Man City's players should be in Portugal's squad. |
Spain | Rodri, Nico Gonzalez | Two of the best defensive midfielders in the world could be playing for Spain at the tournament. |
Croatia | Josko Gvardiol, Mateo Kovačić | Gvardiol and Kovačić could face England in Group L. |
The Netherlands | Nathan Aké, Tijjani Reijnders | Ronald Koeman will likely call up this pair. |
Brazil | Savinho | There are reports that Savinho has been left out of Brazil's 55-man preliminary squad. |
France | Rayan Cherki ✅ | Cherki has been one of City's best players this season, and he has already been included in France's roster. City fans will be excited to see how he gets on in Didier Deschamps' side at the tournament. |
Belgium | Jeremy Doku | Jeremy Doku should be part of Belgium's roster, who are often seen as a dark horse. |
Uzbekistan | Abdukodir Khusanov | Khusanov has also reportdely already been included in Uzbekistan's roster. |
Algeria | Rayan Aït-Nouri | Aït-Nouri is a key player for Algeria. |
Egypt | Omar Marmoush | Marmoush is City's backup to Haaland, but the main striker for Egypt. |
Which countries are most heavily represented?
Phil Foden could be hitting good form at the right time to cement his place in England's roster. Nico O'Reilly could be the Three Lions' first-choice left-back. James Trafford is expected to be one of the backup goalkeepers to Jordan Pickford. Whilst Marc Guehi, John Stones, and Rico Lewis could also be a part of Thomas Tuchel's roster.
We could see two City players facing England in their group when they face Croatia, who should have Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovačić featuring.
Portugal could be the country with the most City players, other than England, with Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, and Matheus Nunes all expected to be a part of their roster. If City fans from England are looking for a second team, then they should look no further than Portugal. These City players could be in action against Khusanov's Uzbekistan.
We could also see Jeremy Doku's Portugal face Omar Marmoush's Egypt. Whilst their could be a star standoff when Haaland's Norway play France. There will no doubt be more City players facing off against each other when the tournament progresses to the knockout stages.
The biggest stars to watch at the World Cup
Haaland is the biggest name from City at the tournament. However, this is his first World Cup. His Norwegian side is not expected to go far, but Haaland will want to get as many goals as he can.
Cherki is one of Man City's most entertaining players and is with one of the favorites, France. They lost in the final to Argentina at the last World Cup, so they could go one better with Cherki now in their roster.
Foden is a star for City, but has struggled this season. Despite this, he remains a regular in Tuchel's roster. However, England has multiple options in the attacking midfield position.
Young players who could break out in 2026
O'Reilly and Lewis are both only 21 and could be in England's roster. The Three Lions lack depth at left-back, which could see O'Reilly starting. Lewis has not played for England since 2024, so his chance of making the roster is an outside one. Although injuries to the likes of Tino Livramento could see him brought up in the pecking order.
Cherki is also only 22, but his flair has made him a very entertaining player to watch this season. He is part of a very good French side, and this could be the tournament where he announces himself on the world stage.
Players who may miss out on World Cup selection
Savinho has lacked game time at City, and there is already speculation that he may have missed out on a place in Brazil's 55-man preliminary squad.
Foden has struggled on the whole this season, but has been in form recently. England has the likes of Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers who play in his position. Therefore, Foden could be surplus to requirements.
Nico González is unlucky that he plays the same defensive role as Rodri. If Spain has to choose between the two, then they will likely take Rodri, who has won the Ballon d'Or.
Whilst Dias is one of the best defenders in the world, he is currently suffering from a hamstring injury. If he does not recover in time, then he may not be called up by Portugal.
Matheus Nunes has only recently broken back into Portugal's rosters. However, his versatility could make him a good option for Roberto Martinez.
When the 2026 World Cup squads will be confirmed
Some countries, such as France, have already announced their 26-man squads. However, most will wait until closer to the June 1 deadline before announcing their rosters.
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