We've taken a look at every Sunderland player with a chance of featuring at the World Cup in North America this summer.
World Cup qualifying is now complete, with the 48-nation line-up for North America now set.
A dramatic night of play-off action on Tuesday saw the final spots for world sport’s biggest event snapped up, while there was yet more heartbreak for Italy, who lost to Bosnia and Herzegovina on penalties and will now miss a third straight World Cup. The Azzurri had inflicted pain of their own on Northern Ireland in the semi-final, beating Trai Hume, Dan Ballard and Co to book that one-off clash in Zenica.
There was still plenty of success enjoyed on Tuesday and throughout the qualifying campaign by Sunderland players, though, with the Black Cats set to be well-represented this summer. Here, we bring you every Sunderland player with a shot of making the World Cup.
Which Sunderland players could make the 2026 World Cup?
Lutsharel Geertruida
The Netherlands qualified with ease for the 2026 World Cup, winning six, drawing two and losing none of their eight matches, with 27 goals scored and just four conceded. Lutsharel Geertruida made three appearances during that qualifying campaign, while he also got 73 minutes in Tuesday’s 1-1 friendly draw against Ecuador. His supreme versatility and reliability make him a perfect squad player in a major tournament, able to plug gaps across the pitch. It’d be a shock to see Ronald Koeman leave the 20-cap star out now.
Chemsdine Talbi
Morocco maintained a 100% record during qualifying to book their third straight World Cup, off the back of reaching the semi-finals last time. Chemsdine Talbi only played 13 minutes of that qualifying campaign, but has picked up four caps since, including playing against both Ecuador and Paraguay in this international break. His improving form for Sunderland puts him well in contention for the final squad.
Brian Brobbey
Netherlands’ greatest weakness right now is at the striker position, and the battle is on to be their No.9 this summer. Brian Brobbey led the line in their recent 1-1 friendly draw with Ecuador, and although he has just one goal in 10 caps, he has a strong chance of making the squad. Despite not featuring during qualifying, his recent club form is doing his chances no harm, and he would at least offer Koeman a great Plan B.
Nilson Angulo
Nilson Angulo missed that Netherlands clash for Ecuador due to injury, but he has 12 caps to his name already, and featured in their last four qualifying matches, including a famous 1-0 win over Argentina to round things off. If he’s fit, the winger will be there.
Omar Alderete
Paraguay snuck into the sixth and final South American qualifying place, though the group was incredibly tight, with just one point between them and second-place Ecuador. Omar Alderete is a cornerstone of this Los Guaraníes side and will be a starter this summer if fit.
Wilson Isidor
After representing France at youth level, Wilson Isidor has made the switch to Haiti, and picked up his first two caps during this international break. The forward already has his first senior international goal, grabbing a late equaliser in a 1-1 draw against Iceland on Tuesday. His experience in England will be absolutely vital to a Haiti side preparing for their first World Cup since 1974.
Habib Diarra
Habib Diarra only played sporadically during qualifying, but he now has four goals in 18 caps, and amid improving form for Sunderland, he’ll surely make the Senegal squad. The Lions of Téranga will be one of the most dangerous non-favourites at the tournament and haven’t lost a competitive match in normal time since January 2023.
Robin Roefs
Robin Roefs is yet to be capped by the Netherlands, but his stunning form for Sunderland has started to get him into squads. Had he not been injured, he’d have surely seen minutes against either Norway or Ecuador in this international break.
Noah Sadiki
DR Congo were one of the last nations to book their place at the World Cup, scraping past Jamaica with a 1-0 extra-time win in their intercontinental play-off match. Noah Sadiki played 73 minutes in that match and is now a crucial player for club and country, with his tireless running and defensive work. Sadiki is joined in the DR Congo squad by Arthur Masuaku, who is currently on loan at Lens from Sunderland.
Melker Ellborg
Like Roefs, Melker Ellborg isn’t capped for his nation yet. However, he was on the bench for their play-off successes against Ukraine and Poland, following some strong showings filling in for the injured Roefs at the Stadium of Light. He’ll be very disappointed to miss out on the squad now.
Granit Xhaka
Switzerland breezed through qualifying with an unbeaten record, and Granit Xhaka was once again at the heart of it, playing all but 14 minutes of their matches and scoring two goals, while wearing the captain’s armband. This could be Xhaka’s last World Cup, and he’ll be determined to make his mark after a stunning season on Wearside.
Which other Sunderland players could make the World Cup?
Technically speaking, any one of Sunderland’s English contingent could be called up by Thomas Tuchel. However, it’s almost impossible to see someone like Chris Rigg doing that now. Nordi Mukiele has one cap for France, but that was way back in 2021. He’s equally unlikely to make the cut, though his ability to play across the back four and strong club form would make him a good squad member.
Enzo Le Fee has never been capped for Les Bleus, and same goes for winter arrival Jocelin Ta Bi with the Ivory Coast.
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