Sunderland Players Set for 2026 World Cup
With the majority of squads now confirmed for the 2026 World Cup, and the tournament just over a week away, here’s every Sunderland player who will be heading to North America. The Black Cats have had an impressive first season back in the Premier League, finishing seventh and qualifying for the Europa League, and those going to the World Cup will be hoping to carry on their good form and help their countries have a successful few weeks.
Netherlands – Robin Roefs and Brian Brobbey
The three-time losing finalists take two Sunderland players with them to the World Cup. Robin Roefs and Brian Brobbey have been excellent since moving to the EPL last summer and have been rewarded. A third, Lutsharel Geertruida, can feel a little unlucky not to make the plane, having played well when selected for the Black Cats but ultimately not featuring enough to force his way into the Dutch squad.
Haiti – Wilson Isidor
Earlier this season, the striker had a decision to make. Represent France or Haiti. He chose the latter and is now going to the 2026 World Cup. Despite only playing for the national team twice, scoring once, Isidor could lead the line for them as they take on Scotland, Brazil, and Morocco.
Switzerland – Granit Xhaka
Sunderland’s captain fantastic and arguably this season’s best buy by any club. Also, the captain of his country, Xhaka’s experience, calm head, and leadership will be crucial for the Swiss as they bid to progress past the group stage at the very least.
Paraguay – Omar Alderete
Signed last summer for a bargain £10 million, the central defender has been a rock at the heart of Sunderland’s defence. Experienced at international level and key to how both his club and country play. His head coach at Sunderland, Regis Le Bris, said:
“He’s a bit different. His character, the way he trains every day, his connection with his teammates. He is a bit older and with a different culture. His job as a centre-back is probably a bit different then a midfielder, a striker or a winger, but he’s been really important to us and the way we want to play. When the opponent wants to go direct, he is really good at managing duels and long balls inside the box. He has this ability to defend and doesn’t need to force it. He likes defending the box. His left foot is really good too.”
Ivory Coast – Simon Adingra
Signed last summer from Brighton, winger Adingra struggled for form and was allowed to move to Monaco on loan for the second half of the season. His future is uncertain at club level, with Monaco wanting to make the move permanent but Sunderland so far refusing to sanction a cut-price deal.
Senegal – Habib Diarra
Signed for a club record deal, Diarra has shown his quality, but it has been a season disrupted by injury and AFCON. Still only 22, the midfielder is likely to be a key player for his country this summer.
DR Congo – Noah Sadiki and Arthur Masuaku
The work rate of Sadiki in the middle of the park has been key to helping Sunderland achieve a European place for next season. Still only 21, but is expected to play a key role for his country at the 2026 World Cup. Left-back Masuaku didn’t enjoy the best of starts on Wearside, featuring just four times. He spent the second half of the season on loan at Lens, making six appearances. An experienced player with 44 caps for his country.
Morocco – Chemsdine Talbi
21-year-old winger Talbi played his part in Sunderland’s excellent season, scoring several crucial goals against the likes of Chelsea and Newcastle. Can play on either wing and can cause problems for each of Scotland, Haiti and Brazil’s defences during the group stage.
Ecuador – Nilson Angulo
Signed late in the winter transfer window this year, winger Angulo is still adapting to life in the Premier League but has shown flashes of what he can do, and next season could be a big one for him. The 22-year-old currently has 13 caps for his country, making his debut in 2021.
As not every squad has been announced, should any other Sunderland players be confirmed to be going to the World Cup, this article will be updated.
