With the 2026 World Cup approaching, players in the Premier League will be hoping to impress as they aim to receive a call-up to their respective countries. Everton have a host of players who could be involved if their countries qualify, including Jordan Pickford, Jack Grealish, and Iliman Ndiaye.
After a few years of struggle in the Premier League, the World Cup isn't likely to be flooded with Everton stars, but we could see multiple players in Thomas Tuchel's England side heading to America, especially if they continue their fine form.
GIVEMESPORT have now ranked the Everton players' chances of heading to the World Cup in 2026...
Ranking factors
Current form
Importance to national team
Injury status
Their last call-up
10 Merlin Rohl
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Merlin Rohl is yet to receive a call-up to the Germany senior squad, but at the age of 23 after making 13 appearances for the under 21 side, the natural progression would be to gain promotion. Of course, this relies on Rohl performing consistently for Everton, which isn't guaranteed, so he only has an outside chance as it stands.
9 Adam Aznou
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Adam Aznou made his debut for Morocco back in 2024 at the age of 18. Since then, he’s made three appearances for his country, but he’s yet to play for Morocco during their World Cup qualification campaign. There’s a chance he makes it, but he’s certainly not one of the first names on the team sheet.
8 Mark Travers
Mark Travers
Mark Travers isn’t currently the number one goalkeeper for the Republic of Ireland, and he’s more likely their third-choice option. He could be involved in the squad, but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see a younger goalkeeper brought in for some tournament experience, with Gavin Bazunu and Caoimhin Kelleher the first and second choices.
7 Jarrad Branthwaite
jarrad branthwaite
Jarrad Branthwaite hasn't had much luck with England so far. Injuries have regularly hampered his chances of being called up, missing out on Thomas Tuchel's latest squad. The Everton centre-back undoubtedly has the ability to make it next summer, but he's going to have to impress Tuchel over the next few months.
6 Jack Grealish
everton jack grealish
The name on every Evertonian's lips at the moment, Jack Grealish. It's been a difficult few years for the English winger, but at his best, he was a regular for his country. Now he's back playing every week and flourishing, he could be on Tuchel's mind. There's plenty of competition for places in his position, but if he continues his form from the start of the Premier League season, he has a chance of making the squad.
5 Jake O'Brien
Jake O'Brien
Jake O'Brien is currently a regular for his country, and there's a strong chance he makes the Ireland squad. Comfortable at both right-back and centre-back, his versatility means he'd be an ideal player in the squad, and he's capable of being a starter. Whether Ireland qualify is a different story, but if they do, he should be on the plan heading to the tournament.
4 Vitalii Mykolenko
Vitalii Mykolenko Everton
Vitalii Mykolenko is another key feature for his country, but regular injury problems will need to improve. The Everton left-back recently pulled out of Ukraine's latest squad due to another fitness problem, but when fit, he's a starter at left-back for Ukraine. Oleksandr Zinchenko is his competition, but he often plays further forward in midfield for his country.
3 Idrissa Gueye
Idrissa Gueye
Idrissa Gueye has been a guarantee in Senegal's squad for many years now. He's reaching the latter stages of his career, so there could be a concern about his fitness or even ability declining, but he's been involved in their latest squad. If he keeps up his performances and fitness, he's highly likely to make the squad and be a starter for his country. His experience could also be invaluable to their younger players.
2 Iliman Ndiaye
ndiaye
Iliman Ndiaye will likely be one of the first names on the team sheet for Senegal if they qualify for the World Cup. The 25-year-old has made 20 appearances for his country and can play in multiple positions in attack. His creativity and ability to take on players makes him a standout for both club and country, and it will be a huge shock if he's not involved at the World Cup.
1 Jordan Pickford
Jordan Pickford
The easiest number one pick possible. Jordan Pickford has been England's starting goalkeeper for many years now, and that doesn't look like it's going to change heading towards the World Cup. Thomas Tuchel has come in and kept him between the sticks, even against lesser sides like Andorra, and something will have to drastically shift for him to not start, never mind be omitted from the squad.
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