Manchester United have a long history of players representing their countries at the World Cup. This summer will be no different.
The 2026 World Cup kicks off this week, presenting an opportunity for several Manchester United players to make history on the international stage.
There will be excitement for players like Amad Diallo and Kobbie Mainoo, who will be appearing at their first-ever World Cup, but also disappointment for Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw after missing out on a place in the England squad.
Without further ado, here are 10 top United facts from World Cup tournaments.
We have picked our ULTIMATE MAN UTD WORLD CUP XI – Tell us what you would change?
Criteria: They don't need to have been playing for Man Utd at the time of their World Cup heroics
World Cup winners
There are only five players who have won a World Cup final while actively on the books at United: Sir Bobby Charlton, Nobby Stiles, John Connelly, Paul Pogba, Lisandro Martinez.
Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot will be hoping to join that list this summer.
John Connelly’s long wait
Connelly had to wait 43 years to receive his World Cup medal because he didn’t feature in the final for England. This was made possible in 2009 thanks to a long campaign by the FA.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s sixth World Cup
Cristiano Ronaldo holds the record for the most World Cup goals (8) by any past or present United player. He is also set to feature at his sixth World Cup, which is more than any player in United’s history.
The 41-year-old is expected to add to his World Cup goals tally at the upcoming tournament.
Ji-sung’s Park World Cup record
By scoring against Portugal in 2002, France in 2006, and Greece in 2010, Ji-sung Park became the first Asian player to score in three consecutive World Cup tournaments.
Paul Pogba delivered for France in 2018
When Pogba scored against Croatia in the 2018 final, he became the first-ever active Premier League player to score in a World Cup final.
Harry Gregg wins award just months after Munich Air Disaster
Harry Gregg won the Best Goalkeeper award at the 1958 World Cup, just months after surviving the Munich Air Disaster.
Norman Whiteside’s World Cup record
In 1982, Norman Whiteside beat Pele’s record to become the youngest ever player to appear at a World Cup, aged just 17 and 41 days.
Laurent Blanc’s ‘Golden Goal’
Laurent Blanc scored the first-ever ‘Golden Goal’ at a World Cup, scoring the winning goal against Paraguay in the 1998 Round of 16.
Sir Alex Ferguson leads Scotland in 1986
Sir Alex Ferguson took Scotland to the 1986 World Cup shortly before replacing Ron Atkinson as United manager.
Who is the best Man Utd player to never play at a World Cup? 🏆🤔
Man Utd had a Ballon d'Or winner who never played at a World Cup.
Bryan Robson’s early goal against France
Bryan Robson scored after just 27 seconds against France in the 1982 World Cup, which is the fastest goal scored by any United player at a World Cup.
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