It's been an entertaining FIFA World Cup so far, with the 2026 edition offering up plenty of drama and intense moments, but which Chelsea players have made it into the Round of 32?
Argentina – Enzo Fernandez
Enzo’s national side – and the current defending champions – made it through to the Round of 32 with a game to spare, and it's now been confirmed they’ll face tournament newcomers Cape Verde in Miami (Friday 3 July, 11pm UK time).
The midfielder played every minute of action for the Albiceleste in wins over Algeria and Austria, but was rested in the final group stage match, a 3-1 victory over Jordan.
Belgium – Mike Penders
Penders’ Belgium are through to the knockout stages after a dominant 5-1 win over New Zealand, qualifying as winners of Group G.
That means they have set up a tie with Senegal in Seattle on Wednesday July 1, which will kick off at 9pm UK time. Mike is yet to feature for the Red Devils.
Ecuador – Moises Caicedo, Kendry Paez
Moi and Kendry booked their place in the Round of 32 after a stellar and dramatic 2-1 victory over Germany. Moi was captain during the contest, which saw Ecuador net their first two goals of the tournament, having gone the opening two matches without scoring.
Caicedo has been an ever-present for his country, while Paez is yet to feature. Ecuador will face the winners of Group A, Mexico, in Mexico City in the Round of 32 on Wednesday 1 July at 2am UK time.
England – Reece James, Trevoh Chalobah
Reece and Trev have enjoyed an unbeaten start to the World Cup after securing a 4-2 win over Croatia in their opener, before a goalless draw with Ghana.
The Thee Lions beat Panama 2-0 on Saturday in Group L's curtain-closer. Chalobah is yet to feature for the Three Lions, while James started the first two matches.
That victory meant England advanced as group winners and will face DR Congo in the first knockout round of the competition on Wednesday July 1 at 5pm.
France – Malo Gusto
Malo’s France are through to the knockout stages, where they’ll face Sweden (Tuesday, 30 June, 10pm).
The full-back featured twice across their three games, making two substitute appearances against Iraq and Norway.
Netherlands – Jorrel Hato
Netherlands have also secured a place in the next round of the World Cup after an unbeaten start to life in North America.
Wins against Tunisia and Sweden, plus a draw with Japan, saw Jorrel’s side finish top of the group, setting up a tie with World Cup semi-finalists Morocco in Monterrey (Tuesday, 30 June, 2am). Hato is yet to feature off the bench for the Netherlands.
Portugal – Pedro Neto
Neto’s Portugal recorded a 0-0 draw with Colombia in the early hours of Sunday with qualification already secured, and the point meant they earned their spot as group winners. The winger notched an assist in Portugal’s opening match and has been a regular throughout the tournament.
The Portuguese will now take on Croatia for a place in the Round of 16 in Toronto at 12am on Friday 3 July.
Senegal – Nicolas Jackson, Mamadou Sarr
It was a rollercoaster of a group phase for Senegal, who hadn’t won a game until their final match with Iraq, where the African side ran out 5-1 victors and secured their place in the Round of 32 as one of the best third-placed teams.
Their reward was a knockout tie against Belgium, kicking off on Wednesday 1 July at 9pm in Seattle.