- Man Utd players called up for 2026 World Cup
- Who has missed out
- Which players have a strong chance of winning the whole thing
The 2026 World Cup is nearly upon us. After a three-and-a-half-year wait away from the biggest sporting competition on the planet, the World Cup finally returns, as players from 48 separate nations battle across the United States, Canada, and Mexico to be crowned champions of the world.
Among them are 12 Manchester United players representing nine different countries, all hoping to etch their names into history and become the next United player to lift football’s most iconic prize.
There has already been controversy surrounding several squad selections—England most notably—but, United will still be heavily represented throughout the tournament.
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Senne Lammens (Belgium)
Across the space of just nine months, Senne Lammens has completely transformed Manchester United.
Still only 23 years old, Lammens has taken the Premier League by storm, preventing 4.4 goals across the campaign, the second-highest tally of any goalkeeper in the 2025/26 season.
Whilst he may not quite be world-class yet, though he balances right on the edge, Lammens has completely changed the mood around Old Trafford, with supporters no longer forced to endure the mistake-ridden performances of Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir.
But despite his outstanding form, it remains unlikely that Lammens will feature heavily at the tournament due to the presence of Real Madrid number one Thibaut Courtois.
Belgium have been handed a relatively kind group consisting of Egypt, Iran, and New Zealand (Group G), but they are no longer the force they were close to a decade ago.
United supporters can still expect them to progress comfortably from the group—barring another collapse like 2022—and potentially go as far as the quarter-finals.
Matches: (all times in GMT)
- Saturday, June 15 – Belgium vs Egypt, kick-off 8pm – Seattle, USA
- Sunday, June 21 – Belgium vs Iran, kick-off 8pm – Los Angeles, USA
- Saturday, June 27 – New Zealand vs Belgium, kick-off 4am – Vancouver, Canada
Altay Bayindir
From one goalkeeper to another, United shot-stopper Altay Bayindir has been selected for Turkey. Having barely received a look in since Lammens’ arrival, his chances of starting between the sticks have diminished dramatically under the Belgian’s rise, with Bayindir featuring in just one of United’s last 21 matches.
That one appearance, however, came against reigning European champions Spain, as Bayindir helped Turkey secure a 2-2 draw, the only occasion Spain dropped points throughout qualification.
Vincenzo Montella prefers Galatasaray goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir in goal, meaning it is unlikely Bayindir will feature heavily during the tournament.
There is also the possibility that the goalkeeper may no longer even be a United player by the time the World Cup arrives.
Turkey have been grouped with Australia, Paraguay, and hosts the United States (Group D), and are expected to progress into the knockout stages.
Matches: (all times in GMT)
- Sunday, June 14 – Australia vs Turkey, kick-off 5am – Vancouver, Canada
- Saturday, June 20 – Turkey vs Paraguay, kick-off 4am – Santa Clara, USA
- Friday, June 26 – Turkey vs USA, kick-off 3am – Los Angeles, USA
Lisandro Martinez
One of just 12 Manchester United players to ever win the World Cup, one of only four to do so whilst playing for the club, and the only non-English player to achieve it in United colours.
Yet despite his excellent performances at club level, Lisandro Martinez is often overlooked when the discussion turns to the international stage.
Across 26 caps and just 1,812 minutes, Martinez was afforded only 301 minutes at the 2022 World Cup, not featuring in the final whatsoever.
Martinez is the first player on this list who we are likely to see feature prominently throughout the competition, though it remains unlikely he will play every minute.
Argentina’s group consists of Algeria, Austria, and Jordan (Group J), where the holders are expected to comfortably top the standings.
Matches: (all times in GMT)
- Wednesday, June 17 – Argentina vs Algeria, kick-off 2am – Kansas City, USA
- Monday, June 22 – Argentina vs Austria, kick-off 6pm – Arlington, USA
- Sunday, June 28 – Jordan vs Argentina, kick-off 3am – Arlington, USA
Noussair Mazraoui
Fresh off Morocco’s controversial Africa Cup of Nations triumph, Noussair Mazraoui is expected to start for his country at the upcoming World Cup, albeit likely out of position at left-back.
The full-back will be hoping for another fruitful tournament following the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where he helped Morocco become the first African nation ever to reach the semi-finals of the competition.
Controversy still surrounds the side heading into the tournament, however, after they were awarded the AFCON trophy three months following their 1-0 defeat to Senegal in a final remembered as one of the most controversial in recent history.
Morocco’s group consists of Brazil, Haiti, and Scotland (Group C), where progression is expected, although dark horses Scotland could make life difficult.
Matches: (all times in GMT)
- Saturday, June 13 – Brazil vs Morocco, kick-off 11pm – New Jersey, USA
- Friday, June 19 – Scotland vs Morocco, kick-off 11pm – Foxborough, USA
- Wednesday, June 24 – Morocco vs Haiti, kick-off 11pm – Atlanta, USA
Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes
The first pair of United players heading to the World Cup with genuine hopes of winning the entire tournament, Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes, will once again link up with former United star Cristiano Ronaldo, who looks to achieve immortality by finally winning the World Cup in what surely must be his final attempt.
Portugal heads into the competition looking stronger than at any other point in their history—except possibly 1966. Whilst they lifted the European Championship in 2016, the last year has once again underlined their quality, with the Iberian side winning the 2025 Nations League.
Fernandes arrives following another extraordinary season, breaking the record for most Premier League assists in a single campaign with 21, whilst Dalot continues to provide Portugal with a dependable option across either flank. Both players are expected to start throughout the tournament.
Portugal’s group consists of Colombia, DR Congo, and Uzbekistan (Group K), with Portugal heavily favoured to finish top.
Matches: (all times in GMT)
- Wednesday, June 17 – Portugal vs DR Congo, kick-off 6pm – Houston, USA
- Tuesday, June 23 – Portugal vs Uzbekistan, kick-off 6pm – Houston, USA
- Sunday, June 28 – Colombia vs Portugal, kick-off 12.30am – Miami, USA
Manuel Ugarte
Whilst Manuel Ugarte may be edging closer to a departure from Old Trafford, for now he remains a Manchester United player.
The midfielder has struggled for regular minutes this season—particularly under Michael Carrick—but is still expected to start for Uruguay, with the combative midfielder viewed as a first-choice option internationally.
He will be hoping to inspire this Uruguayan side to something memorable, although the nation is currently enduring the longest drought of any former winner without lifting the World Cup again—their last triumph arriving 76 years ago in 1950—and another title appears extremely unlikely.
Uruguay’s group includes Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, and Spain (Group H), and they are expected to finish second and advance.
Matches: (all times in GMT)
- Monday, June 15 – Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay, kick-off 11pm – Miami, USA
- Sunday, June 21 – Uruguay vs Cape Verde, kick-off 11pm – Miami, USA
- Saturday, June 27 – Uruguay vs Spain, kick-off 1am – Zapopan, Mexico
Casemiro, Matheus Cunha and Ederson
The second duo on this list, although one of these players has already featured in his final match for Manchester United.
Despite Casemiro having now departed Old Trafford, many United supporters across the world will still be cheering on their former midfielder, who rebuilt his reputation this season and became a fan favourite once more following his nine-goal campaign.
United incoming signing Ederson earned a late call-up due to an injury to Wesley. The holding midfielder who will reportedly join the club in a £38m deal from Atalanta made the squad just days before the tournament kicks off.
Alongside current United forward Matheus Cunha, Brazil head into the World Cup as a genuine threat, with the likes of Neymar, Vinicius Jr, and Raphinha leading the line for the South American giants.
Yet despite the immense quality within their squad, Brazil struggled throughout qualification, collecting just 28 points—10 fewer than Argentina—and finishing fifth overall.
Their group consists of Haiti, Morocco, and Scotland (Group C), with Brazil still expected to top the standings.
Matches: (all times in GMT)
- Saturday, June 13 – Brazil vs Morocco, kick-off 11pm – New Jersey, USA
- Saturday, June 20 – Brazil vs Haiti, kick-off 1.30am – Philadelphia, USA
- Wednesday, June 24 – Scotland vs Brazil, kick-off 11pm – Miami, USA
Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford
The third and final pair among United’s 12 World Cup representatives are England duo Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford.
Despite making his last appearance for the Red Devils on December 12, 2024, Rashford technically remains under contract with United, having spent the last 18 months on loan at Aston Villa and Barcelona.
The academy graduate is expected to leave permanently this summer, but as things stand, he remains a United player.
Mainoo is another Carrington product who looked close to departing under Ruben Amorim, but since the Portuguese coach’s exit, he has fought his way back into the side and emerged as one of the standout performers under Carrick.
Within an England squad stacked with talent, neither player has fully nailed down a guaranteed starting role, with fierce competition both in midfield and across the forward positions.
Despite that, it is likely both players will see significant minutes throughout the tournament, though only time will reveal whether either can truly cement their place.
Many United supporters were furious with Thomas Tuchel for omitting both Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw from the squad, believing each had earned the right to travel to North America.
Before the squad was even officially announced, Maguire took to X to vent his frustration, saying: “I was confident I could of played a major part this summer for my country after the season I’ve had.
“I’ve been left shocked and gutted by the decision. I’ve loved nothing more than putting that shirt on and representing my country over the years.
“I wish the players all the best this summer.”
England’s group consists of Croatia, Ghana, and Panama (Group L), with the Three Lions expected not only to top the group but also to challenge deep into the latter stages of the tournament.
Matches: (all times in GMT)
- Wednesday, June 17 – England vs Croatia, kick-off 9pm – Arlington, USA
- Tuesday, June 23 – England vs Ghana, kick-off 9pm – Foxborough, USA
- Saturday, June 27 – Panama vs England, kick-off 10pm – New Jersey, USA
Amad Diallo
The 12th and final player on this list is Amad Diallo. Despite enduring a disappointing campaign overall for Manchester United, flashes of the Ivorian’s talent have still emerged, most notably in the final game of the season against Brighton, where his delicate footwork helped double United’s lead with a brilliant assist for Bryan Mbeumo.
But despite that late-season flourish, his all-round performances throughout the campaign have not been good enough for a side aiming to return to the Champions League next season.
Many United supporters had hoped the winger would receive a summer rest ahead of pre-season, but his natural inclusion in the Ivory Coast squad means he will effectively be playing football year-round.
Ivory Coast’s group consists of Curacao, Ecuador, and Germany (Group E), with qualification to the round of 32 appearing finely balanced for the African side.
Matches: (all times in GMT)
- Monday, June 15 – Ivory Coast vs Ecuador, kick-off 12am – Philadelphia, USA
- Saturday, June 20 – Germany vs Ivory Coast, kick-off 9pm – Toronto, Canada
- Thursday, June 25 – Curacao vs Ivory Coast, kick-off 9pm – Philadelphia, USA
