The countdown is on to the 2026 World Cup as Argentina look to repeat their success from 2022.
World Cup qualification has been completed and there are numerous Manchester United stars heading to the tournament.
Several United players face a separate battle to win over their international managers to land a place in the squads for USA 2026.
The first step was qualification itself. So letโs check in on who has qualified with relevance to Manchester Unitedโฆ
Are you excited for World Cup 2026 in the USA?
Australia
Manchester United wonderkid James Overy was a surprise call-up for Australia in the November internationals.
Yet to make his first team debut, Overy has only made three under-21 appearances for United since signing in 2024, spending most of his time with the under-18s.
The 18-year-old right-back is a curiosity in Australia, and his recent call-up could make him a wildcard selection for the tournament next summer.
Morocco
Noussair Mazraoui helped Morocco stun the world and reach the semi-finals of the tournament in Qatar 2022.
Mazraoui and Morocco eased through qualification and will be looking to put in another strong showing in the USA.

Ivory Coast
Amad is set to play at his first World Cup after helping the Ivory Coast qualify for the tournament for the first time since 2014.
Argentina
Lisandro Martinez played a role in Argentina winning the World Cup in 2022, becoming the fifth ever serving Manchester United player to win the trophy.
While he missed the start of the Premier League season with injury, Martinez remains a key part of Argentinaโs plans.
Martinez needs to prove his fitness. If he can do that, he will play a key role next summer for one of the favourites to win the tournament.

Brazil
Casemiro and Matheus Cunha will both play important roles for Brazil at the World Cup, with the midfielder set to captain the team.
2026 is likely to be Casemiroโs last World Cup, and he is desperate to make amends for previous near-misses, this time with Carlo Ancelotti as his manager.
Uruguay
Manuel Ugarte is expected to be part of Marcelo Bielsaโs squad for Uruguay, who are keen to put in another strong showing at the tournament.
Which Man Utd player has most chance of playing for England at the World Cup?
England
Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Mason Mount and loanee Marcus Rashford were all part of the England squad at the 2022 World Cup.
The Three Lions were the first European team to qualify for 2026. Along with Euro 2024 star Kobbie Mainoo, all of Unitedโs England players face a serious battle to earn a place on the plane next summer, yet to fully win over Thomas Tuchel.
France
France have qualified for the World Cup, and Leny Yoro will be hoping to force his way into the squad.
Yoro is currently in the French under-21 side, but he is playing well at club level. He has a chance if there are injuries.
Portugal
Portugal have qualified for the World Cup, and Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot are expected to be heavily involved.
Former United star Cristiano Ronaldo will also be playing in his final World Cup.
Netherlands
The Netherlands qualified for the World Cup by topping their group, opening the door for three Manchester United players.
Matthijs de Ligt is a certainty to make the squad. Joshua Zirkzee is borderline, having made previous squads.
Tyrell Malacia is a long-shot. He was part of the World Cup squad in 2022. He will need to leave United ahead of the tournament to try and salvage his career.
Belgium
Senne Lammens made his debut as Belgium won their group to book their place at the World Cup.
Thibaut Courtois will likely play at the tournament โ but Lammens is likely to go too, and he will be ready to step up.
Paraguay
Diego Leon is a long shot to make the squad โ but did make his debut in October 2025.
Turkey
Altay Bayindir will go to the World Cup as a back-up for Turkey after they defeated Kosovo in the playoffs.
FIFA World Cup 2026
OFFICIAL 48-TEAM LINEUP
Top 2 teams from each group + 8 best 3rd placed teams advance to the Round of 32.
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