- Eight current Brighton players will feature at the World Cup
- Verbruggen, Van Hecke and Wieffer lead the Netherlands representation
- Kaoru Mitoma misses out through injury
The countdown to World Cup 2026 has begun, with just over a week until the first whistle is blown in North America. Brighton & Hove Albion will send eight current players to this summer’s World Cup, underlining the growing international reach of the club’s recruitment and development model.
It is a significantly different group compared to previous tournaments, reflecting both squad evolution and the rise of several players into senior international roles. Kaoru Mitoma’s absence due to hamstring surgery is a notable omission, removing one of Brighton’s most influential attackers from the tournament entirely.
Netherlands trio headline Brighton’s representation
At the heart of Brighton’s representation is Bart Verbruggen, who is expected to play a key role for the Netherlands after a season of consistent Premier League performances. His development into a first-choice international goalkeeper highlights his rapid rise since arriving at the club.
He is joined in the Dutch setup by Jan Paul van Hecke and Mats Wieffer, both of whom have established themselves as reliable squad options at international level.
Van Hecke’s aggressive defending and comfort in possession have mirrored his club role, while Wieffer’s versatility has made him a valuable midfield option.
International spread across Europe and South America
Ferdi Kadioglu continues his emergence as one of Brighton’s most adaptable players, capable of operating across defence and midfield, while also contributing in advanced areas when required. His inclusion for Turkey underlines his tactical importance.
Elsewhere, Maxim De Cuyper represents Belgium after an impressive season, while Diego Gomez travels with Paraguay following a breakthrough campaign in England. Pascal Gross adds veteran experience in midfield for 2014 winners Germany, whilst Yasin Ayari’s selection for Sweden reflects his growing influence in midfield.
Jason Steele’s involvement comes in a different capacity, joining England’s setup as part of the goalkeeper coaching group, providing experience and support within the national team environment.
READ MORE: Five players Brighton must buy this summer – Read Brighton
Brighton’s growing global influence
Beyond current players, Brighton’s wider influence is also visible across multiple national squads. Moises Caicedo remains central to Ecuador’s midfield, Alexis Mac Allister continues as a key figure for Argentina, and Marc Cucurella has established himself as a regular for Spain.
Leandro Trossard, Viktor Gyokeres and Dan Burn also highlight the club’s continued presence at elite international level, even after departing Brighton.
The overall picture is one of sustained impact. Brighton are no longer simply producing or signing Premier League players. They are contributing across multiple World Cup squads, across continents, positions and tactical systems.
It reflects a recruitment model that continues to scale beyond domestic football.
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