The World Cup has come to a close with Spain lifting the trophy in New Jersey, but the focus is already turning to the Premier League. The tournament featured a strong showing from English clubs, with all 20 teams set to compete in the 2026-27 season having at least one player involved. As players return to their clubs, the impact of the World Cup will shape the early stages of the new domestic campaign.
Arsenal appears to be the Premier League club most impacted by the event. Centre-back William Saliba missed the tournament after a back injury that initially forced him to sit out a few games for his national team. He has not yet been assessed by the club, but his absence could be a problem for the Gunners, especially with his partnership with Gabriel playing a key role in the team's defensive strategy.
Midfielders Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, who played a big part in England’s third-place finish, also dealt with fitness concerns during the tournament. While it seems unlikely they will need long breaks after the event, Arsenal will keep a close eye on their condition as they prepare for the new season. The team is hoping they can be fit and ready to contribute early.
Surprises and deals in the transfer market
Leandro Trossard stood out for Belgium, scoring twice in six games before making a move to Besiktas for £15m. Meanwhile, Gabriel Martinelli, who impressed in Brazil’s campaign, might also be up for sale. His role as a central attacker during the World Cup could make him a more attractive target for potential buyers.
For Aston Villa, the World Cup was a mixed experience. Midfielder Amadou Onana suffered a serious injury, rupturing his ACL during Belgium's match against the USA. The injury will keep him out of action until at least 2027. With Youri Tielemans moving to Manchester United, Villa brought in Johan Manzambi and Joao Gomes. Manzambi, who had a strong tournament for Switzerland with three goals, signed for a club-record £50m from Freiburg.
Breakthroughs and setbacks
Bournemouth had several players at the World Cup, and some of them shone. Ben Gannon-Doak, the young winger, played in all three group matches and made a strong impression in Scotland's only win over Haiti. Rayan, a 19-year-old who joined the Cherries in January, was also a standout for Brazil. He started all of Brazil's games except the opener and provided an assist in their crucial 3-0 win over Scotland. His performances have now made him a transfer target, with Liverpool linked to him.
Not every World Cup story for Premier League clubs has been positive. Brentford's Igor Thiago was expected to be Brazil's key striker, but his tournament began poorly. After a weak performance against Morocco, he was dropped and did not play again. The decision could affect his confidence as the new season approaches. Midfielder Jordan Henderson had his own issue, breaking his wrist after a fall into an advertising board during a celebration. Though he stayed with the England squad, he will return with a cast and may need time to recover fully.
Changes and transitions
Brighton experienced changes at the back. Defender Jan Paul van Hecke has left for Tottenham, while Croatia's Luka Vuskovic made the move to Brighton. The swap has shifted the team's defensive setup as manager Unai Emery looks to reshape the squad.
As the Premier League prepares for the 2026-27 season, the World Cup has left a lasting impact on several teams. Injuries, transfer decisions, and standout performances all played a role in how clubs are shaping their squads. With just a few weeks before the season kicks off, managers will be busy finalizing plans and ensuring their teams are ready for the challenges ahead.