Jarrod Bowen headlines a lengthy list of West Ham United players – past and present – who may soon be packing their bags, dusting off their passports, and boarding a flight across the Atlantic; the 2026 World Cup looming large on the horizon.
Here are the other familiar faces you can expect to see in action this summer.
Jarrod Bowen – England
Bowen appears to be Thomas Tuchel’s third-choice right-winger behind Arsenal duo Noni Madueke and Bukayo Saka. There should still be a place in the squad for the West Ham United skipper, though, potentially as back-up number nine a la Anthony Gordon.
Which West Ham star do YOU think will go the furthest at the World Cup? 🌎
Tomas Soucek of Czechia celebrates scoring his teams second penalty in the shootout during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Czechia and Denmark at EPET ARENA on March 31, 2026 in Prague, Czech Republic.
Tomas Soucek – Czech Republic
Czech icon Soucek lost the captain’s armband following a disagreement with an influential fan group in the autumn. Still, a veteran of nearly 90 caps and a three-time Czech Footballer of the Year, he remains one of the first names on the team sheet.
Soucek fired a penalty past Mads Hermansen in a play-off final victory over Denmark.
El Hadji Malick Diouf – Senegal
Diouf is not giving up his African Cup of Nations medal without a fight, despite the best efforts of Morocco and the Confederation of African Football.
Senegal will go into the World Cup with their confidence high, while maybe also feeling they have a score to settle.
El Hadji Malick Diouf celebrates after Senegal win the Africa Cup of Nations final.
Photo by Abdel Majid BZIOUAT / AFP via Getty Images
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Aaron Wan-Bissaka – DR Congo
Croydon-born Wan-Bissaka only made his DR Congo debut in the autumn, having finally given up on his dreams of an England call-up. Ironically, Kyle Walker’s retirement, Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Real Madrid struggles and Reece James’ injury past means he could have come in handy for Tuchel.
Mateus Fernandes – Portugal
Portugal boss Roberto Martinez is a huge Mateus Fernandes fan. The former Everton boss handed the Sporting Lisbon graduate his debut in March’s 2-0 win over the USA. Still, whether Fernandes can secure a spot in a star-studded Portugal midfield remains to be seen.
Crysencio Summerville – Netherlands
An injury denied him his debut in March, but Summerville is very much in Ronald Koeman’s plans. Maintain his excellent form for West Ham, and the ex-Feyenoord kid will go into the tournament as one of the most in-form Dutch forwards.
Choose between club and country… 🤔
Jarrod Bowen celebrates scoring his sides fourth goal during the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League B Group B2 match between England and Republic of Ireland
Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images
Former and loaned-out West Ham players
Niclas Fullkrug – Germany
Despite an underwhelming loan spell at AC Milan, Fullkrug is still a key part of Julian Nagelsmann’s plans. The Germany boss admires his experience, and thinks the 6ft 3ins targetman’s aerial threat makes him a potential joker in the Germany pack.
Edson Alvarez – Mexico
If fully fit, Edson Alvarez will captain Mexico on home soil this summer. Concerns remain about his durability after an injury-hit stint at Fenerbahce.
Declan Rice – England
Sir Geoff Hurst has the most World Cup appearances of any English former West Ham player. Rice, the most expensive domestic player in the history of the game, will take his tally to eight if he features in all three of the Three Lions’ Group Stage games in 2026.
Pablo Fornals – Spain
Now the talisman of Real Betis, Pablo Fornals is back in the Spain fold after nearly half a decade in the wilderness.
Pablo Fornals celebrates during Real Betis Balompie v Valencia CF - LaLiga EA Sports
Photo by Jose Luis Contreras/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Mohammed Kudus – Ghana
Kudus could be a Championship player by the time the World Cup kicks off. There is no shortage of schadenfreude if – one year after his controversial £54.5 million move across London – West Ham survive at Tottenham’s expense.
Arthur Masuaku and Grady Diangana – DR Congo
Now playing for RC Lens and Elche respectively, Masuaka and Diangana are teammates of Wan-Bissaka in a DR Congo squad with plenty of recognisable names; see Yoanne Wissa, Noah Sadiki, Chancel Mbemba, and Axel Tuanzebe.
Nikola Vlasic – Croatia
So impressive at Torino, Nikola Vlasic is reportedly a Borussia Dortmund target for the summer window. He has over 60 caps these days, though a 40-year-old Luka Modric still has a stranglehold over the Croatian engine room.
Enner Valencia – Ecuador
An underrated, modern World Cup great. Enner Valencia is still going strong aged 36. The evergreen poacher has six goals in six tournament appearances for Ecuador.
Nayef Aguerd – Morocco
Like Alvarez, Nayef Aguerd hopes to return in time for June’s kick-off. Marseille’s £17.5 million summer signing has seen a largely impressive first season back in France cut short by injury.
The World Cup hopefuls with plenty of work to do
Who do YOU think will join this list in 2026? 🏆 🌎
Bowen? Summerville? Fernandes, maybe?
FIFA World Cup Trophy is displayed during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Draw at John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on December 05, 2025 in Washington, DC.
Photo by Mandel NGAN – Pool/Getty Images
Lucas Paqueta – Brazil
Carlo Ancelotti omitted Lucas Paqueta from Brazil’s March internationals. A happier few months with boyhood club Flamengo, though, may be enough to revive his World Cup prospects.
Andy Irving – Scotland
Irving joined Sparta Prague in January in pursuit of more regular game time while boosting his prospects of a spot in Steve Clarke’s squad. Capped only once, albeit as recently as 2025.
Said Benrahma – Algeria
Playing in Saudi Arabia with Neom SC these days, Benrahma faces an uphill battle securing a spot in a talented Algeria roster. Ex-Switzerland boss Vladimir Petkovic has taken to selecting younger alternatives of late.
Alphonse Areola – France
The experienced goalkeeper has only earned five caps, but has been a regular squad member for the past decade. Likely to be the first reserve in 2026, but he could replace one of Brice Samba, Lucas Chevalier or Mike Maignan in the squad if an injury strikes.
Thilo Kehrer – Germany
Occasional Monaco skipper Kehrer made his last appearance for Germany in the third-place play-off at the 2025 Nations League. Like Areola, the 29-year-old former Paris Saint-Germain utility man is likely to form part of the reserve squad.
Sebastien Haller and Maxwel Cornet – Ivory Coast
Haller and Cornet have fallen out of favour in recent times but may remain options due to their vast experience. Haller has endured a difficult homecoming at FC Utrecht, while Cornet’s Genoa loan has been interrupted by injury.
Guido Rodriguez – Argentina
A member of the Albiceleste squad for 2022’s triumph in Qatar. That forgettable West Ham stint saw him slip down the pecking order, but Rodriguez appears a man reborn at La Liga giants Valencia.
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