FIFA has confirmed that 11 Chelsea players will represent their respective nations at the 2026 World Cup across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The tournament, which marks the first time the competition will expand to a 48-team format, is scheduled to begin on June 11 and features a significant array of Blues players, including key midfielders and defenders assigned specific squad numbers.
Three Blues share the No. 24 shirt
A unique coincidence has emerged within the official squad assignments for the summer tournament. According to Chelsea’s official announcement regarding squad numbers, three different players from the London club will wear the No. 24 jersey for their national teams.
Marc Cucurella will sport the number for Spain, while Enzo Fernandez will wear it for Argentina. England captain Reece James is also set to carry the No. 24 into the competition. For James, the tournament serves as a critical test of his physical durability, as his availability remains a primary concern for England’s medical staff following recent hamstring and calf issues at the club level.
Other notable assignments include Malo Gusto, who has been named the No. 2 for France, and Mamadou Sarr, who will wear the No. 2 for Senegal. The distribution of these numbers reflects the central roles these players occupy within their national setups, particularly Enzo Fernandez, who is tasked with orchestrating Argentina’s midfield transitions.
- Enzo Fernandez (Argentina): No. 24
- Marc Cucurella (Spain): No. 24
- Reece James (England): No. 24
- Malo Gusto (France): No. 2
- Nicolas Jackson (Senegal): No. 11
- Moises Caicedo (Ecuador): No. 23
- Pedro Neto (Portugal): No. 18
- Jorrel Hato (Netherlands): No. 25
- Kendry Paez (Ecuador): No. 10
- Mike Penders (Belgium): No. 13
- Mamadou Sarr (Senegal): No. 2
Senegal and Argentina anchor the international presence
The depth of Chelsea’s influence is most visible in the squads of Senegal and Argentina. Last Word On Sports’ breakdown of every Chelsea player highlights that Senegal has selected both Nicolas Jackson and Mamadou Sarr. Jackson joins the squad following a loan spell with Bayern Munich, where his role as a physical focal point in the attacking line was heavily utilized. Sarr returns to the international stage after a stint with Strasbourg, providing defensive depth to the Teranga Lions.
Argentina continues to rely on the core tactical contributions of Enzo Fernandez. As the defending world champions, Argentina enters the 2026 cycle under significant pressure to maintain their dominance, with Fernandez serving as a vital link between the defensive line and the advanced attackers. The squad also features Valentin Barco, a player currently with Strasbourg who is expected to move to Stamford Bridge in the near future.
In England, Reece James will compete under former Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel. James’s ability to provide width and overlapping runs from the right-back position remains central to Tuchel’s tactical blueprint for the Three Lions. Meanwhile, the Ecuadorian squad has secured two key figures, star midfielder Moises Caicedo and Kendry Paez, to bolster their campaign. Caicedo’s high interception rates and ability to disrupt opposition buildup are expected to be essential for Ecuador’s midfield stability.
The French selection includes Malo Gusto, though Wesley Fofana was not included in Didier Deschamps’ final squad. Fofana’s absence follows a period of injury management, as Deschamps opted for a more seasoned defensive rotation. Portugal’s Pedro Neto has maintained his position as a regular under Roberto Martinez, despite heavy competition for wing positions. Neto’s inclusion follows a period of focus on his match fitness to ensure he can provide the explosive pace required in Martinez’s attacking transitions.
Former Chelsea stars to watch in North America
While the current roster is significant, the tournament will also feature a high volume of players who previously wore the Blue shirt. The Pride of London’s list of former players identifies several high-profile names who will be competing across the host nations.
Christian Pulisic will lead the United States charge following a successful period with AC Milan, where his creative output and goal-scoring form have established him as a talismanic figure for the USMNT. He will be joined by several others who have moved on to top European clubs, including Kai Havertz of Arsenal and Noni Madueke, also of Arsenal, representing Germany and England respectively. Havertz remains a tactical focal point for Arsenal, often utilized in advanced roles to exploit space between defensive lines.
The veteran presence at the tournament is bolstered by N’Golo Kante, the 35-year-old Fenerbahce midfielder, who will represent France. Kante’s role in the French midfield rotation will be to provide defensive coverage and energy in the middle third. Other former Blues to monitor include:
- Joao Felix (Portugal): Currently playing for Al-Nassr.
- Michael Olise (France): A standout performer for Bayern Munich.
- Mateo Kovacic (Croatia): A steadying force for Manchester City.
- Carney Chukwuemeka (Austria): Representing his country of birth following moves through Aston Villa and Borussia Dortmund.
- Marc Guehi (England): Now a key player for Manchester City.
Tournament kickoff and digital coverage
With the opening matches set for June 11, the focus shifts to the logistical scale of the event, which spans the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The tournament’s expanded format and diverse venues will require significant player management and travel coordination throughout the summer.
To track the progress of the various Blues, Chelsea’s guide to following the tournament notes that the club will provide dedicated coverage through its official website and mobile app. These digital platforms are expected to host match analysis, exclusive player interviews, and on-the-ground reporting from across North America throughout the summer.