Tahith Chong, who failed to score in 21 appearances last season, is expected to be a key figure for Curacao at this summer's tournament. The Blue Wave, who are ranked 82nd in the world, are competing in their first ever World Cup and are managed by 78-year-old Dick Advocaat.placeholder image
Tahith Chong, who failed to score in 21 appearances last season, is expected to be a key figure for Curacao at this summer's tournament. The Blue Wave, who are ranked 82nd in the world, are competing in their first ever World Cup and are managed by 78-year-old Dick Advocaat. | Getty Images

21 Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday links at the 2026 World Cup - including Argentina hero and Iraq manager

Here are some of the current players, former stars and a few with slightly less obvious Sheffield links you can watch out for during this summer’s World Cup

The English Football League has signed off for the summer as attention turns to the international game and the most watched sporting event on the planet: the FIFA World Cup in North America.

It’s a tournament which will be watched by fans throughout in bars and venues throughout the city, with many putting their United and Wednesday rivalries aside for a brief fleeting moment to unite with the hope of cheering England on to their first piece of silverware since 1966.

However, it’s not just the Three Lions matches that Blades and Owls fans will keep an eye on with members from both squads jetting off to get involved at North America - along with a whole host of familar faces from years gone by.

With all that in mind, we’ve decided to compile a list of Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday stars past and present that are set to compete on the world stage - as well as a few slightly less obvious links to the clubs.

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