A lot of Chelsea players are not set for a full break next summer as they will represent their nations at the 2026 World Cup.
Enzo Maresca’s men didn’t get an off-season in 2025 due to the club’s presence at the Club World Cup, where they were crowned champions following a 3-0 win over PSG.
A strong international break for Chelsea players will give them confidence that they can keep up their good form in the Premier League. Estevao Willian starred for Brazil in the highlight performance.
The majority of nations have now qualified for the World Cup, and after the draw was made for the play-offs, sides know which pots they will be in ahead of the draw.
Cole Palmer before England game
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Moises Caicedo and Cole Palmer could face each other in World Cup group stages
England are amongst the big hitters who will be in pot one, with Thomas Tuchel having the conundrum of finding a place for Cole Palmer in his attack.
In Pot Two, Ecuador are one of the sides who will be hoping to get out the groups, and Moises Caicedo’s side could be drawn against the Three Lions.
The matchup would see Chelsea’s best two players facing off against each other in the very early stages of the competition, with Reece James also likely to be involved.
James has emerged as a real favourite for Tuchel, and is a shoo-in to start on the right of his defence over the summer.
Ecuador v New Zealand - International Friendly
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Caicedo could miss first game of the World Cup
Despite his excitement to potentially captain his country in North America next summer, there is a chance Caicedo is not eligible to feature in Ecuador’s first group stage game.
The Chelsea midfielder was sent off in their final group stage game against Argentina, and the rules seem to suggest he will be forced to serve a suspension during the competition.
After finding the net during the 2022 World Cup, Caicedo has gone to become a far better player, and has the potential to carry his side beyond the groups on his own.
He will need to be at his best if they are drawn against England, however if anyone knows how to deal with Palmer, it is his Blues teammate.