Which Nations Will Have the Most EFL Players at the 2026 World Cup? 

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is just around the corner, and for England, it could be a monumental summer. After back-to-back near misses at the European Championship, the Three Lions are desperate to make an impression on the global stage. Four years ago, Harry Kane’s late missed penalty saw Gareth Southgate’s side crash out to France in the quarterfinals, but now, online betting sites think that England will never have a better chance. 

The latest World Cup odds make England an 11/2 second favourite to reign supreme in North America this summer. Spain is the only team with shorter odds, with La Roja priced at 9/2 to lift the World Cup for the second time. But it isn’t just the massive names who will be excited about what lies in store later this year. 

A slew of English Football League stars are also poised to head across the pond to represent their nations on the grandest stage. But which nations will have the most of them in their squad? Let’s take a look. 

Australia 

The upcoming World Cup marks Australia’s sixth straight appearance on the grandest stage. They punched their tickets to North America by finishing second behind Japan in their qualifying group, and now they will be aiming to follow up on their round of 16 berth in Qatar four years ago. 

The Socceroos could have at least six EFL stars in their squad this summer, headlined by Leicester City’s Harry Souttar. The central defender is one of the first names on the Aussie teamsheet and hasn’t missed a national team squad since a cruciate ligament tear, which sidelined him for much of 2022. He would return in time for the World Cup in Qatar, starting all of Australia’s games, including their second round 2-1 defeat to eventual champions Argentina. 

Watford’s teenage sensation Nestory Irankunda is also expected to be selected. He has 11 appearances already to his name, netting three goals, and will be Australia’s creative presence in North America. Middlesbrough’s Riley McGree will be tasked with orchestrating in midfield, while Swansea’s Cameron Burgess will likely partner Souttar in the heart of the defence. 

Finally, two more EFL players will likely be reinforcing the Socceroo flanks. Derby County left back Callum Elder is expected to be selected, as is Blackburn’s Lewis Miller, who will be on the opposite side of the defence. 

New Zealand 

Australia’s neighbors, New Zealand, will return to the World Cup for the first time since 2010, taking full advantage of the tournament’s expansion, handing Oceania an automatic qualification slot. That slot was claimed by the All Whites, and now several EFL players will benefit from a maiden trip to the World Cup. 

Sheffield United’s 20-year-old centre back Tyler Bindon is expected to start their tournament opener against Iran on June 15th in Los Angeles. Ahead of him, Swansea City’s Marko Stamenić will be the driving force in midfield, with Peterborough United’s Matthew Garbett likely alongside him. Finally, Newport County goalkeeper Nik Tzanev is expected to be selected, although he will probably spend the majority of the tournament on the bench. 

South Korea

South Korea reached the Round of 16 four years ago in Qatar courtesy of a thrilling group stage victory against Portugal. Former Spurs sensation Son Heung-Min is without question the star of the show, with Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-Jae also expected to play a huge role. However, there are also expected to be three EFL players named to the Taegeuk Warriors squad. 

The first of those is Stoke City’s highly rated midfielder Jun-ho Bae. The 22-year-old has featured in all but two of the Potters’ games this term to rave reviews. He has 11 national team caps and will surely add to that number in North America. Just behind him in a deeper midfield role will be Birmingham City’s Seung-ho Paik, another who has been almost ever-present in the league this season. Finally, Swansea City’s Ji-sung Eom will be providing assistance to superstar Son, likely replacing the veteran winger off the bench should his 32-year-old legs struggle to cope with the demands of the World Cup. 

Curacao 

The story of qualifying was, without question, the tiny island of Curacao punching its ticket to the World Cup for the first time, becoming the smallest ever nation to secure its spot on the grandest stage. Former Russia boss Dick Advocaat steered the Blue Wave to its maiden appearance, edging its way past Jamaica and doing so with plenty of EFL names in its squad. 

Sheffield United attacking midfielder Tahith Chong is without question the pick of the bunch. The former Manchester United trainee was called up for the first time back in September and proceeded to bag a brace in just his second game. He then missed Curacao’s next four qualifiers, but he is expected to be one of the first names on the teamsheet in North America. 

Another newcomer to the team is Middlesbrough winger Sontje Hansen. He has just three appearances to his name, netting in the seven-goal rout against Bermuda. Another who netted in that game, a brilliant free kick no less, is Rotherham United’s Ar’Jany Martha, and while he is expected to be on the plane to the World Cup, he is set for more of a bit-part role.