Your 2026 Guide to World Cup Stars Playing Across Premier League
The 2026/27 Premier League is here, and these World Cup stars are ready for action.
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Key Takeaways
- The 2026 FIFA World Cup highlighted several Premier League players who are expected to carry their international form into the upcoming season, including Erling Haaland, Rodri, Declan Rice, and William Saliba.
- Manchester City stars Erling Haaland and Rodri enter the new campaign as major figures after standout World Cup performances, with Haaland continuing his prolific scoring record and Rodri winning the tournament’s Golden Ball.
- Players such as Lisandro Martinez, Tyler Adams, Pedro Porro, and Ismaila Sarr boosted their reputations during the World Cup and are positioned to play important roles for their Premier League clubs this season.
Spain defeating Argentina 1-0 in extra time was a tantalizing end to a historic 2026 FIFA World Cup. Being held across three countries and featuring 48 teams for the first time ever, the tournament showcased the talent of some amazing soccer stars playing on a global stage. Now as we inch closer to the start of the 2026-2027 Premier League season, including games all season long on NBC and Peacock, these stars are returning to their club teams to prepare for the upcoming campaign.
RELATED: Premier League 2026-2027 Schedule on Peacock
With Premier League finally returning to the pitch, let's take a look at some of the biggest World Cup stars playing in Premier League this season.
World Cup stars playing in Premier League
- Erling Haaland
- Rodri
- Lisandro Martinez
- Declan Rice
- Tyler Adams
- William Saliba
- Pedro Porro
- Ismaila Sarr
RELATED: 10 Star Soccer Players to Watch in the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Declan Rice - England / Arsenal
Playing an important role in England’s midfield throughout the tournament, Declan Rice has been one of the best midfielders in the world for the past few years. He is a stalwart in Arsenal’s midfield and helped the Gunners win their first Premier League title in 22 years last season. Rice will be eager to propel his team to back-to-back titles in the 26/27 campaign after enjoying a much-deserved rest after the World Cup.
Erling Haaland - Norway / Manchester City
Throughout the summer, fans across the world fell in love with Norway’s top goal scorer, Erling Haaland. Perhaps the biggest storyline of the entire 2026 FIFA World Cup, Haaland gained roughly 32 million Instagram followers by the end of the tournament. New fans of the Norwegian striker can continue to follow him as he returns to Manchester City for the upcoming Premier League season. Haaland has been one of the best players in Premier League for some time now, winning three Golden Boot awards in four seasons and totaling 112 goals across that time. He'll be eager to lead Manchester City to another Premier League title this season, which would be his first without manager Pep Guardiola.
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Tyler Adams - United States / AFC Bournemouth
Although the United States disappointingly fell apart in the Round of 16 against Belgium, Tyler Adams proved to be one of the team’s best players in the heart of the American midfield. At the club level, he plays for Bournemouth in Premier League, who impressively finished in 6th place last season. Adams and Bournemouth will look to keep the good times rolling this year, as they hope to challenge for the Champions League places yet again.
Lisandro Martinez - Argentina / Manchester United
In Argentina’s path to the World Cup final, Lionel Messi claimed all of the plaudits, deservedly so, but Lisandro Martinez’s impact defensively was crucial to his team’s success. As a member of FIFA’s Dream XI, which celebrates a starting 11 of the tournament’s standout players, Martinez was a rock for Argentina. He plays his club football for Manchester United and will be a vital part of the team’s hopeful resurgence under manager Michael Carrick in his first full season.
Pedro Porro - Spain / Tottenham Hotspur
Another member of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Team of the Tournament, Pedro Porro was fantastic this summer. Now with a World Cup winner’s medal, Porro will return to Tottenham Hotspur where he signed a new long-term deal in June. Tottenham had a tumultuous season last year, so Porro will be hopeful he can help turn things around.
William Saliba - France / Arsenal
William Saliba enjoyed a strong World Cup for France, playing a key role in securing four clean sheets and making the tournament’s semi-finals. A crucial part of Arsenal’s title-winning defense last season, he will be pivotal yet again for Mikel Arteta’s side if they hope to claim Premier League title.
Ismaila Sarr - Senegal / Crystal Palace
Despite Senegal losing to Belgium in the Round of 32 this summer, Sarr impressed with four goals and an assist in four games. His goal against Belgium in particular was a thing of beauty. He’ll return to Crystal Palace for the upcoming Premier League season and will be eager to maintain his goalscoring ways.
Be sure to check out Peacock all season long to catch the biggest matches in the English Premier League!
