The EFL players heading to the World Cup next month

As the EFL Playoffs wrap up for another season, the majority of players across the Football League will be looking forward to some well-deserved time off before returning for preseason to prepare to do it all over again.

But the majority certainly does not mean all, and a significant chunk of the EFL’s personnel will be heading to North America for the 2026 World Cup.

In fact, from what we have seen, up to 80 EFL players will be heading to the tournament.

When you think of it, it is impressive that up to 7.5% of the total players at the World Cup could be supplied by EFL teams.

As an aside, if you throw in the Premier League, you are talking about 20-25% of the entire playing personnel of the tournament.

As you might expect, the Championship is the biggest provider, though a few League One and Two teams also have a chance to send players.

A typical example of the latter is Swindon Town’s Jamie Knight-Lebel, who has picked up a few caps for Canada in his young career.

The 21-year-old is on the fringe of the squad, but it wouldn’t be a huge shock if he gets the call.

Canada has plenty of EFL representation

Canada is probably the best example of an EFL-heavy squad.

As co-hosts, the Canadians will be playing their third World Cup. They are obviously considered outsiders with sportsbooks, but they are tipped to do better than before, perhaps by making the knockout rounds.

Canada have never won a World Cup game before.

Southampton’s Cyle Larin is one of the eye-catching names, as he will be hoping to add to his tally of 30 international goals.

Swindon veteran Junior Hoilett will also be hoping to make a mark. Up to 10 Canadians playing in the EFL could make the tournament.

Scotland has always depended on the EFL for players, so it’s no surprise that the Scots rival Canada in terms of EFL representation.

The ever dependable Lyndon Dykes should be on the plane, and Norwich City’s Kenny McLean is a favourite of Steve Clarke’s.

Barnet’s Cieran Slicker is considered one of the best up-and-coming young goalkeepers in the football league, and he has the possibility of a call-up, even if he is currently down in the pecking order for the squad. 

Wright could be in the goals

Coventry’s Haji Wright is almost guaranteed to make the US squad, though a starting berth might be just out of reach.

Still, he’s got a goal in him for club and country, so you might see him coming off the bench.

Ghana’s Jordan Ayew is the most capped player from the EFL heading to the World Cup. He’s been on fire for the Black Stars recently, so he’ll be hoping to make an impact.

Of all the EFL teams, it looks like Middlesbrough will be sending the most players to the tournament.

While there are several Boro players to keep an eye on, we like the looks of young Sontje Hansen.

He will be a key part of the hopes of World Cup debutants, Curacao.

Norwich will also supply a bunch of players, which tells us again that the Canaries were a better team than their final position in the Championship suggested.

Thus, there will be plenty of EFL representation in the biggest World Cup in history.

What’s more, you can gather that plenty of clubs’ hierarchies will be watching the action, hoping to spot potential gems to come to ply their trade in England for next season.