The 2026 World Cup will feature 39 players from England's EFL system, including 36 Championship players and three from League One. Birmingham City's Paik Seung-ho, Leicester City's Abdul Fatawu, and Norwich City's Mohamed Toure represent the EFL's global reach. These players showcase how the English second tier serves as a talent pipeline to international football's biggest stage.

Braintree Town defender Tommy Smith stands out as the only non-league player selected for New Zealand's World Cup squad. Meanwhile, Brandon Thomas-Asante will reach the World Cup before playing top-flight football after Coventry's promotion. Ghana's contingent, including Thomas-Asante and Fatawu, faces England in the group stage, creating compelling narrative lines.

The EFL's World Cup representation highlights the league's competitive quality and global scouting network. Players like Sweden's Viktor Johansson and DR Congo's Edo Kayembe demonstrate how Championship regulars can perform on football's biggest stage. These players will carry their EFL form onto the world stage, with several facing England in the group phase.