Chelsea will be strongly represented at this summer’s World Cup, with 11 Blues heading across the Atlantic to take part. Only four Premier League sides (Arsenal, Crystal Palace, Man Utd & Man City) have more players at the tournament. This figure could have easily been higher too, but several Chelsea stars did not receive a call-up, despite being in strong contention.
Chelsea’s World Cup Representatives
The Blues’ multinational squad boasts players from a number of countries heading to North America.
Argentina
- Enzo Fernandez
Enzo Fernandez played a key role in Argentina’s 2022 triumph and has been a regular for his country ever since. Fully expect him to be named in the starting lineup for all key matches. Although there are still strong rumours linking him to Real Madrid, it is hard to see any deal being done until after Argentina’s involvement in the tournament is over.
Belgium
Mike Penders has been named in Belgium’s World Cup squad. 🇧🇪👏 pic.twitter.com/0yOuXI713l
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 15, 2026
- Mike Penders
Still uncapped at international level, Penders finds himself behind Thibaut Courtois in the pecking order, and most likely Senne Lammens too. Even so, just getting a call-up is impressive given the likes of Matz Sels, of Nottingham Forest, failed to make the cut.
Ecuador
- Moises Caicedo
- Kendry Paez
A lot of people are tipping Ecuador to be one of the World Cup dark horses, and Moises Caicedo is part of the reason why. As one of the best defensive midfielders in world football, he makes it so difficult for opposing teams to play through the middle.
Meanwhile, Paez already has 26 caps for Ecuador despite being just 19 years old. He is likely to play an important role this World Cup, despite middling form for River Plate, which has seen him in and out of the team. While this loan move, just like last season’s move to Strasbourg, has not really worked out, he still retains the trust of Ecuador manager Sebastián Beccacece.
England
- Reece James
Reece James is Chelsea’s sole England representative. National team appearances have been limited in recent years (just eight since 2023), but largely due to injuries. Thankfully, the 26-year-old has spent much of this campaign fit, and this made him an obvious pick for the England squad. Although adept at playing in midfield, Thomas Tuchel has James down as his number one right back option, so expect him to spend most of his time there.
France
- Malo Gusto
Competition for places is extremely high in the French squad, but Malo Gusto has done enough to earn his place. It is unlikely he will claim a starting berth, though, with Jules Kounde likely to be given the nod at right back. However, the 23-year-old should still see some time on the pitch, in what will be his first taste of World Cup action.
Netherlands
Jorrel Hato is heading to the 2026 World Cup with the Netherlands. 🇳🇱🙌
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 27, 2026
- Jorrel Hato
Despite being a fairly small nation, the Netherlands are blessed with some superb defensive options. As such, Jorrel Hato will probably not get a huge amount of time on the pitch at the World Cup, but with eight caps already to his name, some involvement is a distinct possibility for the youngster.
Portugal
- Pedro Neto
There was little danger of Pedro Neto not making the Portugal squad for this World Cup. The winger has a very good chance of being part of the starting line-up too, whether it be on the left or right wing. There is a little uncertainty about who Roberto Martinez will choose to occupy his wide positions, but whatever he decides, expect Neto to be heavily involved at the World Cup.
Senegal
- Mamadou Sarr
- Nicolas Jackson
Senegal remains one of Africa’s strongest teams and enters the tournament off the back of their AFCON victory (although it was recently overturned by CAF, with Morocco given the win). Mamadou Sarr is not at the bottom of the central defence pecking order, but he is not part of Pape Thiaw’s strongest XI. Nicholas Jackson is though, and with seven goals in his last 14 international appearances, he could be a major threat at this World Cup.
Spain
- Marc Cucurella
If any Chelsea player is to lift the World Cup in July, the most likely candidate is perhaps Marc Cucurella. Spain are the bookies’ favourites coming into the tournament, and Cucurella could play a major part in any possible success. The distinctly haired 27-year-old has locked down the left-back spot for himself and, barring injury, should be present for all major tests.
The Chelsea Players Missing Out
There are a couple of England players missing out in the shape of Cole Palmer & Levi Colwill. Palmer was one of a few high-profile omissions from the England squad. Although it came as a surprise, club form did not warrant a call-up, and he lacks a strong international record. Still, a summer off might do the 24-year-old some good given how injury-plagued he has been this season. Colwill’s absence was less surprising, but given he had returned from his ACL injury weeks before the season ended, he had to be a genuine consideration for Tuchel.
There are also two Brazil players that miss out in the shape of Joao Pedro and Andrey Santos. Despite scoring 20 goals for Chelsea this season, there is no place in the Brazil squad for Pedro, who has failed to impress Carlo Ancelotti. There is also no space for Santos, but he was always an uncertain pick given he has just six international caps since his debut in 2023.