Premier League Stars Poised to Shine Following World Cup Success
As the excitement of the 2026 men’s World Cup settles, numerous Premier League players showcased their talents on the international stage. Looking ahead, the upcoming 2026-27 Premier League season promises more brilliance from these World Cup stars.
Here, we highlight ten standout players anticipated to make a significant impact in the Premier League.
10. Pedro Porro
After winning the World Cup with Spain and excelling at right back, Porro is set to deliver goals and assists for Tottenham Hotspur. Under the guidance of Roberto De Zerbi, he has found a system that plays to his strengths.
9. Elliot Anderson
Following his move to Manchester City from Nottingham Forest, Anderson will take on a pivotal role under coach Enzo Maresca. Renowned for his ball recovery skills and game awareness, he played a crucial part in England’s third-place finish in the tournament.
8. Martin Odegaard
After facing injury challenges and form fluctuations with Arsenal, Odegaard returned to top form during the World Cup, playing an integral role in Norway’s impressive campaign. He is now competing for his position at Arsenal with the arrival of Bruno Guimaraes.
7. Florian Wirtz
Though Germany’s early exit from the tournament overshadowed his talent, Wirtz’s strong preseason performances for Liverpool suggest he is ready to thrive in his second Premier League season. As the No. 10 under Andoni Iraola, he is expected to be more involved in attacking plays.
6. Youri Tielemans
Leading Belgium to the quarterfinals, Tielemans made a significant impact with notable plays. His recent move from Aston Villa to Manchester United is seen as an ideal fit, as he excels in critical midfield tasks and contributes with essential goals.
5. Bukayo Saka
Despite managing an injury during the tournament, Saka demonstrated his capabilities, evidenced by an assist against Mexico and a hat trick in the third-place match against France. He is set to be Arsenal’s primary offensive threat once again.
4. Lisandro Martinez
Despite struggles with injuries at Manchester United, Martinez’s value is undisputable. He played a crucial part in Argentina’s journey to the final, and his leadership will be vital for United as they work towards recovery.
3. Bruno Guimaraes
With four assists for Brazil, Guimaraes emerged as a key player at the World Cup. His recent transfer from Newcastle United to Arsenal not only enhances the squad but also brings added leadership and motivation, making his $101 million signing a strategic move.
2. Declan Rice
Rice’s presence is crucial for both Arsenal and England. He performed well at the World Cup, even while dealing with illness and injuries. His ability to control the midfield’s tempo will be fundamental in Arsenal’s quest for consecutive titles.
1. Erling Haaland
Leading the list is Haaland, who netted seven goals during the World Cup, elevating his global profile as Norway reached the quarterfinals. Known for his scoring prowess, he is poised for another prolific season with Manchester City, particularly as Enzo Maresca’s tactics will likely present him with numerous finishing opportunities.
With the 2026 men’s World Cup dominating the summer, plenty of Premier League stars took center stage for their countries and dazzled.
But which of them will dominate the Premier League during the 2026-27 season?
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Below we take a look at the 10 World Cup stars who are set to light up the Premier League.
10. Pedro Porro
Won the World Cup with Spain and was excellent throughout at right back. He will deliver goals and assists for Spurs and Roberto De Zerbi will bring out the best in the marauding full back. Porro has finally found the right system and manager for his strengths.
9. Elliot Anderson
Got his big move to Man City from Nottingham Forest and he will run the show under Enzo Maresca. Few players win the ball back and read the game as well as Anderson, and he was influential in England’s third-place finish. The heartbeat of any team he plays in.
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8. Martin Odegaard
After a tough season of injuries and dips in form for Arsenal, Odegaard was back to his very best during the World Cup as he was key in Norway’s magical run. Will be energized and has to scrap for his spot at Arsenal after a big signing with Bruno Guimaraes coming in.
7. Florian Wirtz
Germany bowed out early which means most people forget how good Wirtz was at the World Cup. Couple that with his impressive displays for Liverpool in preseason and he’s set to kick on in his second season in the Premier League. Wirtz will play as the No. 10 for Andoni Iraola and with the high-pressing tactics he looks set to get on the ball much more in the final third.
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6. Youri Tielemans
Led Belgium to the last eight and drove them on with some big moments at the World Cup. Then he got his dream move from Aston Villa to Manchester United. Tielemans is exactly the kind of character who will thrive at United and does all of the dirty things well and pops up with big goals from midfield.
5. Bukayo Saka
Had an injury managed throughout the tournament and was such a shame he didn’t play in England’s semifinal defeat against Argentina. His assist against Mexico, plus his hat trick in the third-place game against France and cameos off the bench, showcased what we all know he is capable of. Will be Arsenal’s main man in attack once again.
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4. Lisandro Martinez
After an injury-hit time with Man United, there’s no doubting Martinez’s importance. The no-nonsense center back was influential in Argentina reaching the final and having to come off with a small injury in that game was a big blow. Will lead United’s defense as their comeback continues.
3. Bruno Guimaraes
Had four assists for Brazil during the World Cup with only Michael Olise having more at the tournament. His big move from Newcastle United to Arsenal feels perfect. Guimaraes will add extra hunger to Arsenal and he’s a leader. His $101 million arrival is a huge statement from Arsenal.
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2. Declan Rice
Arsenal and England just aren’t the same when Rice isn’t fully-fit and rampaging around. He had a really good World Cup, even as he was managing illness and injury at different parts of it. Arsenal rely heavily on Rice to set the tone for the press and to dictate the tempo of the game. His form and fitness will be crucial if they’re going to win back-to-back titles.
1. Erling Haaland
Of course he had to be top of our list, right? Haaland scored seven goals at the World Cup and became an even bigger global sensation on and off the pitch as Norway made it to the quarterfinals. We know he is a goal machine and Enzo Maresca’s tactics should see City create plenty of chances on the counter which Haaland will be waiting to finish off. Another 30-goal season is coming up. And plenty more social media shenanigans.
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