A look at some of the players representing us in 2026 WC
Argentina
The winners four years ago will be looking to retain the trophy won in Qatar. Lisandro Martinez failed to make it off the bench in that final, so he will be hoping to play his part this time out. He did play in five of the other six games along with all but one game in their Copa America win in 2024.
It has been a frustrating season for the centre-half. It was interrupted by two injury spells and a suspension. He will be eager to show Lionel Scaloni and Michael Carrick his worth. He was solid in a recent warm-up game against Honduras and almost scored an outrageous bicycle kick.
They are in Group J with Algeria, Austria, and Jordan.
Belgium
Belgium will again be among the sides expected to have a strong tournament given their array of talent. Senne Lammens is a recent arrival on the international scene having being called up for the first time last March. He then made his international debut in a World Cup qualifier back in November.
It is due reward for an accomplished debut season at Old Trafford. He was an unknown quantity when arriving on the last day of the transfer window. He quickly established himself and added an air of consistency and calm. He notched up eight clean sheets in his 32 games. He was also named as the best transfer of the season. He will be in competition with Matz Sels and Maarten Vandevoordt for the number one spot.
They are in Group G with Egypt, Iran, and New Zealand.
Brazil
The South Americans will always be fancied at the World Cup given they are five time winners. They have not reached a final since 2002 though. Matheus Cunha is one of a number of talented forwards on their books. He was selected four years ago but did not play. It has only been in the last 12 months that he had a consistent run of appearances.
He has an impressive season since his arrival from Wolves last summer. It took him some time to get off the mark, but has scored some important goals since then. His hold-up play, and close control, has also been key to an improved attack this season. He ended up with 10 goals and four assists along the way.
Ederson is a late call-up for the Brazilians. He had been parting of the extended training squad, but left out when the initial squad was announced. An injury suffered by Wesley gave him an opportunity to play at his first World Cup.
The player is due to finalise his signing for us in July. A fee has been agreed for the strong running midfielder from Atalanta.
Brazil face up to Morocco, Scotland, and Haiti in Group C.
England
England are still looking to replicate the class of 1966 and expectation is high. Utd fans have long memories of poor treatment of players on international duty over the years. Marcus Rashford, in particular, was subject to hideous abuse after the penalty shoot-out loss to Italy in 2021. This is despite scoring one in four games for England.
Rashford is still a Manchester United player despite doubts over his future. For the season just gone, he spent out on loan to Barcelona. He helped the Catalan giants win the league where he netted 14 goals and 14 assists in all competitions. His future probably does belong away from the club. It must be a deal that suits all parties. It may not be decided until after the World Cup though.
Kobbie Mainoo burst onto the international scene thanks to a breakout debut season with us. This led to him being selected in the final of Euro 2024. Since then, he has found it difficult going. His first appearance in 18 months came in the recent warm-up games prior to the squad announcement.
This comes on the back of a season where he fought his way back into the reds side. From being sidelined under Ruben Amorim, he became a mainstay under Michael Carrick as we rose the table. He was nominated for young player of the year and signed a new contract.
England are in Group L with Croatia, Ghana, and Paraguay
Ivory Coast
Ivory Coast are perhaps one of the sides who have most under-delivered given their talent in the World Cup so far. They have been unlucky with the group opponents they were matched with in 2006 and 2010. A last-gasp loss to Greece in 2014 denied progression to the knock-out stages. Amad Diallo is another who has emerged back in the last two years. He impressed in last year’s African Cup of Nations and helped them finish top of their WC Qualifying Group.
He has experienced somewhat of an inconsistent season with us though. Having been a major part of Amorin’s side up to the Cup of Nations, he has struggled for game time since. He was often switched out for either Benjamin Sesko or Cunha. He did finish the season well though and scored against France in a warm-up game.
Ivory Coast are in Group E with Germany, Curacao, and Ecuador.
Morocco
The Semi-Finalists from 2022 have had a dramatic few years since. They won the African Nations Championship in 2024 and were awarded the African Cup of Nations in chaotic scenes last year. Noussair Mazraoui played a major part in the sides in Qatar and the final against Senegal last year. His time with the national team had been interrupted by injury for a lot of his career previous to that.
He has experienced more of a difficult season with us this time out. He was a regular in his first campaign following his move from Bayern Munich. Often he was a back-up option for Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw. He remains a valuable squad member due to his versatility and reliability. He still notched up 20 league appearances.
Morocco join Brazil in Group C with Scotland and Haiti.
Paraguay
The South Americans are making their first appearance at the World Cup since 2010. On that occasion, they reached the quarter-finals before eventual loss to Spain. They finished in the final automatic qualification spot with just four defeats along the way. Diego Leon has one cap to his name so far.
His inclusion is somewhat of a surprise to Manchester United fans. He has yet to make an appearance in the first-team since his arrival last summer. He is considered to be one for the future and has mainly featured in Premier League 2, the National League Cup and Premier League International Cup.
Paraguay are in Group D with hosts USA, Turkey, and Australia.
Portugal
Portugal are considered to be one of the sides that are heavily fancied to be favourites for this tournament. The wealth of talent at their disposal backs up that confidence. Bruno Fernandes is part of a star studded midfield that contains league and Champions League champions. He was not involved in Euro 2016, but was a regular in the side who won the Nations League in 2025.
He is coming into the competition on the back of possibly his best season so far. His 21 assists and nine goals were instrumental in our rise up the table. It resulted in him winning the Club, Football Writers and Professional Players Player of the Year. He is expected to be a major part of the side under Michael Carrick this coming season.
Diogo Dalot has been a squad regular for Portugal since the qualifying campaign for the last World Cup. Although he prefers the right side, he is also able to play on the left. This combined with his athleticism has made him a popular member of the squad.
It is a campaign that saw him achieve a greater level of consistency. He only missed out on playing a full season due to a muscle injury earlier in the campaign. He can be still liable to a mistake but his concentration has improved greatly compared to previous years.
Portugal are in Group K along with DR Congo, Columbia, and Uzbekistan.
Scotland
Scotland are featuring at their first World Cup since 1998. They are aiming to reach the knock-out rounds for the first time in their history. Tyler Fletcher was a surprise name to be called up. Having featured in the training squad for warm-up games, he was brought into the full squad due to an injury. He had impressed in their game against Curacao.
The midfielder, along with his twin brother Jack, made his first appearance in the first team this season. Although his playing time has been limited, his work-rate and passing have impressed his coaches. He will be hoping to be involved in the pre-season games on his return to show what he can do.
Scotland join Brazil and Morocco in Group C.
Turkey
Turkey are returning to the World Cup for the first time since 2002. On that occasion they finished third overall. They will be hoping to at least get past the Group Stage here. They have plenty of attacking talent on display and a well-balanced midfield. Altay Bayinder will be expected to be a backup to Ugurcan Cakir.
He has had a disappointing season for us unfortunately. He started the opening six games Having started as the first-choice ahead of Andre Onana, he conceded 11 times. He found himself relegated to the bench upon the introduction of Senne Lammens. Early exits from both cup competitions also reduced his playing time. He is another player expected to leave in the summer.
Turkey join Paraguay in Group D with USA and Australia.
Uruguay
The two-time winners will be looking to replicate the form from 2010 where they finished fourth overall. Marcelo Bielsa’s side have a strong spine and qualified fairly comfortably in South America. Manuel Ugarte has been a key member in the qualification campaign and their third place finish at the recent Copa Americas.
His fortunes have gone downhill with us though. Having been a regular under Amorim, He has not started since the home defeat to Leeds and did not make it off the bench for the last six matches. He is another player who’s future is in doubt with more midfielders expected to arrive in the summer following the signing of Ederson.
Uruguay are in Group H with Spain, Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde.
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