Written by Kirsikka
The last two World Cups have only seen minor interest in AFC Bournemouth players, mainly due to the policy of former manager Eddie Howe of mostly buying players already proven in England – the legacy of Tokelo Rantie took some time for him to throw off.
Just after the 2018 World Cup, we signed Lerma, so, although he featured, he wasn’t our player at the time.
2022, we were still in rebuilding mode after the relegation and on our way back up. Still a Championship team, but there were a couple of representatives: Mepham and Moore for Wales. There were also some former players who had been sold on due to going down – Ake at Man City, Wilson at Newcastle and Ramsdale at Arsenal. Plus for loanees Carter-Vickers at Celtic and Harry Wilson at Fulham. Future AFCB players Antoine Semenyo and Tyler Adams were also selected.
(Looking further back, I think it’s only Colin Clarke for Northern Ireland in ’86 and Gerry Peyton for Rep of Ireland in ’90 who made a squad – did I miss anyone? Thinking only of players who were AFCB at the time of the tournament.)
Which means 2026 is set to be the first World Cup which could potentially feature a whole range of AFCB players. Here’s a round-up of their prospects:
Serbia – Đorđe Petrović and Veljko Milosavljević
After being battered by England last night, it seems likely Serbia can only make it through the play-offs, but they’re well placed to qualify for those. If they do, Petrović looks to be their number one, so would probably play. Milosavljević has only appeared at the U21 level up until now, but if he breaks into our team, expect international honours to follow very quickly.
Mexico – Julián Araujo
Mexico qualify automatically as a joint host. He has played for them twice last year and twice this year, so he is part of the thing, but must be aware his place is under threat if he continues not getting game time with us. One to keep an eye on in January as to whether he’s still an AFCB player come the World Cup.
France – Adrien Truffert, Bafodé Diakité and Eli Junior Kroupi
Whilst France look well placed to qualify after two matches of their group, Truffert isn’t part of the squad at the moment. Keep up his early-season form and who knows, but it might be a struggle for him to get selected. Diakité played for the Olympic team last year but has yet to receive a full call-up. This sees him in pretty much the same situation as AT. Feels like at least one tournament too early for Kroupi to enter the conversation, unless something remarkable happens.
England – Lewis Cook, Alex Scott, Adam Smith, Marcus Tavernier, James Hill, Will Dennis
Feels like the only ones with even the remote possibility of being included would be Cook or Scott, but both of those are massive long shots. And Lewis Cook, long shots rarely go in. England look set, but it’d be surprising if the squad includes an AFCB player.
Argentina – Marcos Senesi and Julio Soler
Qualified and top of their group, but given Senesi’s solitary cap was in 2022, he seems unlikely to get a call-up unless they suffer a rash of injuries. Soler was included in the recent squads but didn’t play. However, with two ageing left-backs, they may want to take him along for experience if nobody else looks like a potential next in line. May need game time to make his case.
Wales – David Brooks
In a really tight group with three matches to go. Unless they can shock Belgium in Cardiff next month, they look set for a shoot-out for the playoff spot with North Macedonia. Given his history and resurgence, I think we all hope he caps off a wondrous full season of that form for AFCB with a World Cup appearance. One to watch.
Brazil – Evanilson
Played a couple of games for the national team in 2024. Given they stumbled through the almost impossible to fail South American qualifying group, if he has a stellar season, I’d guess he may enter the conversation. Richarlison and Joao Pedro seem to be his main competition and given the former’s erratic form and behaviour, he could have a chance.
Scotland – Ryan Christie, Ben Gannon Doak and Callan McKenna
Looks to be a close qualifying group with Denmark and Greece battling with the Scots for the automatic and play-off places. Impossible to predict at this point, but if they make it, the first two should be part of the final squad. McKenna is probably about fifth choice for Scotland in goal, so it isn’t impossible he could be taken as a backup option if injuries strike.
USA – Tyler Adams
Another automatic host qualifier. Seems to have lost the captaincy, but is a mainstay of the team. Marketing heaven for AFCB.
Netherlands – Justin Kluivert
Well placed to win their group unless they slip up unexpectedly. Kluivert has won 4 of his 7 caps this year and so certainly has a good chance of making it.
Ghana – Antoine Semenyo
On the cusp of qualifying automatically. An established member of the team, if they close the deal, he’ll go.
Turkey – Enes Ünal
Seems like their best hope is a play off spot behind Spain in their group. Should they snag that and get through, then Unal has been a pretty consistent member of their squad for about a decade. It could be the driving force behind him moving in January, enabling him to prove his form and fitness by playing every week, which seems unlikely here.
Morocco – Amine Adli
Already qualified at a canter and Adli is very much a part of things. Expect to see him there.
Spain – Álex Jiménez
Look well set to qualify after two matches. Might take a Huijsen-like impact to break into the squad but as we saw last season, it can happen. Another for whom it’s probably a tournament or two too soon.
New Zealand – Alex Paulsen
Already qualified and he’s played three times for the team in 2024, so it must be a good shout to be included.
Canada – Daniel Jebbison
Played five times this year for the international team for yet another team qualifying as a host nation. Seems like a decent bet to be included.
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