The 2026 FIFA World Cup has concluded, with numerous Chelsea players representing their national teams across North America. While no Chelsea player returned with a winner’s medal, several made notable contributions for their respective countries. The tournament saw Spain emerge victorious, defeating Argentina in the final.
Among the Chelsea contingent, Enzo Fernandez of Argentina had a significant impact, scoring two goals during the tournament. His goals included a late equalizer against England in the semi-final and a stoppage-time winner against Egypt in the round of 16. Fernandez played seven games, accumulating 660 minutes on the pitch, and his goal against Egypt marked the 3,000th goal in World Cup history. However, his tournament ended with a red card in the final against Spain, receiving a second yellow card in stoppage time of normal play, which left Argentina playing extra-time with one less player.
Reece James, captain for Chelsea, participated in five games for England, playing 318 minutes. His tournament was affected by injuries, but he managed to return for the semi-final defeat to Argentina. Despite battling a hamstring injury, James showed determination to be fit for crucial matches. England ultimately secured a third-place finish in the tournament.
Player Performances and Contributions
Moises Caicedo represented Ecuador, playing every available minute for his country, totaling 360 minutes across four games. He captained Ecuador in two of these matches, guiding them to a 2-1 victory against Germany and helping them advance from Group E. Ecuador’s journey ended in the round of 32 after a defeat to Mexico. While Caicedo impressed in some matches, Ecuador’s overall performance did not meet expectations despite being considered dark horses by some.
Pedro Neto played an important role for Portugal, featuring in five games and logging 352 minutes. He registered one assist in the tournament, which came in their 1-1 draw against DR Congo. Portugal’s campaign concluded in the round of 16, where they were eliminated by eventual champions Spain. Neto was noted for his work rate down the wing and was considered one of Portugal’s best performers.
Nicolas Jackson, a striker for Senegal, played in four games for a total of 233 minutes. He recorded one assist during the tournament, which occurred in Senegal’s second match against Norway. Jackson was described as a challenging opponent for defenders, particularly in Senegal’s opening game defeat to France. Senegal was eliminated in the round of 32.
Malo Gusto of France played a more limited role, appearing in five games for 118 minutes. He made one start, which was in France’s third-place play-off defeat to England. France finished fourth in the tournament. Trevoh Chalobah, also representing England, had a brief appearance, playing just one minute in the third-place play-off against France. He was a late addition to the squad due to an injury to another player.
Kendry Paez, a young playmaker for Ecuador, had a personally disappointing tournament, playing only 11 minutes in one game during Ecuador’s round of 32 exit to Mexico. He received a yellow card during his brief appearance. Jorrel Hato of the Netherlands also saw limited action, playing 34 minutes in his team’s single appearance, which was their round of 32 defeat to Morocco via a penalty shootout.
Players with Limited or No Appearances
Several Chelsea players called up for the World Cup did not feature prominently or at all. Mike Penders, a goalkeeper for Belgium, did not play any minutes despite being an unused substitute in six matches. Even when Thibaut Courtois was injured, Senne Lammens was called upon instead of Penders. Similarly, Mamadou Sarr of Senegal did not play any minutes, remaining an unused substitute in four games as Senegal was eliminated in the round of 32. Sarr is expected to move on loan for the 2026/27 season.
In total, nine out of the eleven Chelsea players called up for the tournament featured for their country, contributing to the 88 Chelsea players who have played at a World Cup. The tournament concluded with Spain’s victory over Argentina in the final in New Jersey.
Source: football.london
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