The 2026 World Cup features 48 nations, the largest ever, and includes many players born in England who represent other countries. Some, like Declan Rice, switched to England after playing for Ireland, while others like Jamal Musiala (Germany) grew up in England but play elsewhere. Here are 21 players born in England who are playing for different nations at the tournament.
List of Players
- Aaron Wan-Bissaka – DR Congo, born in Croydon, London
- Antoine Semenyo – Ghana, born in Chelsea, London
- Jerome Opoku – Ghana, born in Lambeth, London
- Sebastian Berhalter – United States, born in London
- Marvin Keller – Switzerland, born in London
- Aaron Tshibola – DR Congo, born in Beckton, London
- Michael Olise – France, born in Hammersmith, London
- Owen Goodman – Canada, born in Harold Wood, London
- Antonee Robinson – United States, born in Milton Keynes
- Brandon Thomas-Asante – Ghana, born in Milton Keynes
- Alfie Jones – Canada, born in Bristol
- Joe Bell – Australia, born in Bristol
- Ché Adams – Scotland, born in Leicester
- Tommy Smith – Australia, born in Macclesfield
- Thelo Aasgaard – Norway, born in Liverpool
- Zidane Iqbal – Iraq, born in Manchester
- Tyler Fletcher – Scotland, born in Manchester
- George Hirst – Scotland, born in Sheffield
- Erling Haaland – Norway, born in Leeds
- Scott McTominay – Scotland, born in Lancaster
- Giovanni Reyna – United States, born in Sunderland
Notable Stories
Erling Haaland was born in Leeds while his father Alf-Inge played for Leeds United, but he represents Norway. Antoine Semenyo, a Ghana international, joined Manchester City from Bournemouth for £62.5 million in January 2025. Brandon Thomas-Asante helped Coventry City win the Championship title under Frank Lampard. Scott McTominay, born in Lancaster, is a fan favorite for Scotland and previously played for Manchester United before moving to Napoli.
