Erling Haaland scored four goals in his first two games for Norway before being rested for the final group match against France
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No club sent more players to the World Cup than Manchester City. 17 Blues were involved in the tournament, with that figure not including the recently departed John Stones or Bernardo Silva, who left the Etihad this summer.
And only one of those 17 has departed early, with Abdukodir Khusanov's Uzbekistan the only nation with a City player to bow out in the group stage. The Blues have also agreed the statement signing of the summer so far during the tournament with England international Elliot Anderson to join City from Nottingham Forest in a club-record £116million deal.
With the World Cup knockout stages now beginning and the tournament heating up, we've rated the City players on show.
Nico O'Reilly
We'll start with City's England contingent. O'Reilly started the opener against Croatia but didn't reach the standards that helped him win the Premier League Young Player of the Year award last season. Was dropped for the Ghana game but came on and made an impact, hitting the bar late on. and was back in the side against Panama and showed more of what he can offer 6/10
Marc Guehi
Surprisingly overlooked for England's opener with Stones and Ezri Konsa preferred. Guehi returned against Ghana and had little to do defensively, albeit he saw plenty of the ball to help England build. Came close to scoring with a late header. Started against Panama and has surely nailed down a spot in the knockout XI 6/10
James Trafford
It's gone as expected for Trafford, who is third choice for England at this tournament and not expected to feature unless disaster strikes the goalkeeping department. Is a valued member of the squad and will gain vital tournament experience. 5/10
Ruben Dias
The Portugal defender has been linked with a summer exit from the Etihad amid interest from Real Madrid. He didn't feature in the back end of the season for City despite being fit enough to return to the squad and found himself on the bench for Portugal in their opening draw with DR Congo. He returned for the convincing win over Uzbekistan and the draw with Colombia and helped his nation to two clean sheets. 5/10
Abdukodir Khusanov
Uzbekistan made history by qualifying for the first time and Khusanov is the leading light in that side. Went viral for his late challenge against Colombia taking out Luis Diaz and a cameraman, and had a tough time as Portugal ran riot in a 5-0 win. Played 90 minutes in the group finale as Uzbekistan went one up against DR Congo before losing 3-1. 5/10
Matheus Nunes
Enjoyed a standout season for City having made the right back spot his own at the Etihad. But former City man Joao Cancelo has been preferred by Roberto Martinez and Nunes has been restricted to an added time two minutes off the bench against Colombia. 5/10
Rayan Ait-Nouri
A key player for Algeria as they reached the last 32. Had a difficult opening night against a Lionel Messi-inspired Argentina but helped his side earn a vital win over Jordan with his composure on the ball evident. Dropped to the bench for the finale vs Austria but came on and helped his side earn a point and qualification. 6/10
Josko Gvardiol
Hasn't been at his best, understandably given he has spent most of 2026 recovering from a broken leg. Looked a little shaky against England and was replaced at half-time during Croatia's win over Panama before coming on for the final two minutes against Ghana amid fitness questions. 4/10
Nathan Ake
The experienced defender came on for the closing stages of the opening 2-2 draw with Japan and didn't feature as the Netherlands thrashed Sweden. Started the final group game and was assured at left back in the comfortable win over Tunisia. 7/10
Rodri
Has been Spain's midfield general, impressive if not dominating during the surprise draw with Cape Verde and built on that in the thrashing of Saudi Arabia. Played the full 90 minutes as Spain edged past Uruguay to top their group. 7/10
Tijjani Reijnders
A key player for the Dutch in midfield and has played his part in an impressive group-stage showing for Ronald Koeman's side. Hasn't stolen the headlines but has been quietly effective. 7/10
Mateo Kovacic
The veteran came off the bench against England and made an impact. Was rewarded with a start against Panama but Croatia toiled in a 1-0 win. Began the crucial game with Ghana as Croatia qualified in second spot 7 /10
Rayan Cherki
Can't get into a star-studded France side and looked off his game in a brief cameo against Senegal in the opener. Was much improved in a 25-minute showing against Iraq and was given a similar run-out in the thumping win over a much-changed Norway. 6/10
Jeremy Doku
Was thrust into the headlines when leaving the tournament after the first game to be present at the birth of his first child. The winger showed flashes in Belgium's opening draw with Egypt and returned to the side for the 5-1 victory over New Zealand. 6/10
Omar Marmoush
Has played his part in Egypt reaching the knockout stages, even if he hasn't found a goal or an assist. Dropped to the bench for the final group game against Iran but was brought on at half-time. Has looked a lively presence. 7/10
Antoine Semenyo
Was quiet in the opening match but then popped up to set up a late winner as Ghana beat Panama. A willing runner against England in an effective performance and another 90 minutes against Croatia as Ghana secured qualification. 7/10
Erling Haaland
Has inspired Norway. Opened his account with a brace in a comfortable victory over Iran and then repeated the feat in a crucial victory over Senegal to send the Norwegians into the knockout stages. Could conceivably win the Golden Boot. Was rested for the final group game as Norway were swept aside by France. 9/10
Elliot Anderson
Okay, so he's not a City player just yet, but he will be. A deal is in place to take the £116million man to the Etihad and he's had an impressive tournament. Excelled in the opening win against Croatia and was effective against Ghana despite England failing to break their opponents down. Overcame injury concerns to start against Panama and continued to show hiss quality**.** 8/10