Sunderland star primed to play in 2026 World Cup opener ahead of group stage draw
Sunderland could have some representation in the World Cup’s opening game in 2026, with the draw confirmed on Friday, 5 December.
Omar Alderete’s Paraguay have qualified for the World Cup next summer, with the South American nation set to appear in the competition for the first time since 2010.
The Black Cats are expected to be represented by several stars in North America and Mexico next year, with the increased size of the tournament allowing the chance for smaller nations to qualify.
Noah Sadiki starred for DR Congo as they qualified for the World Cup play-offs over the international break, with the Leopards now just two games away from making their first appearance on the grandest stage since 1974.
Granit Xhaka’s Switzerland have also confirmed their place at the World Cup, with the midfielder set to feature at the tournament for the fourth time.
Sunderland stars could feature in World Cup opener
The World Cup draw is set to take place on 5 December, with teams set to be placed into 12 groups of four.
The match schedule, which assigns each game to a stadium with its respective kick-off time, will then be released on the following day.
| Omar Alderete | Paraguay |
| Debut | 20-11-2018 |
| Appearances | 33 |
| Goals | 3 |
Mexico are set to host the opening game, with one opponent set to be drawn from a list of a potential 11.
Among them is Paraguay, with Alderete hoping to have the chance to upset the home nation as the world watches on.
Ivory Coast are also among the potential opponents for Mexico, with Simon Adingra hoping to turn around a dismal season to make the squad.
The winger arrived in the summer, but has failed to break into Regis Le Bris‘ starting XI in recent months amid strong performances elsewhere.
The 23-year-old was left out of the most recent international squad, and now faces a fight to make the roster ahead of next year’s World Cup.
Young full-back Leo Hjelde is yet to make his senior debut for Norway, who could also be drawn in the tournament’s opener.
Dutch Sunderland stars hoping for World Cup glory
The Netherlands will be hoping to fly under the radar with a strong bid for their first-ever World Cup victory.
Ronald Koeman’s team have only lost once since losing at the semi-final stage to England in the 2024 European Championships, and are in strong form.
Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs will hope to have proven his place in between the sticks by the time next summer’s tournament kicks off, with Lutsharel Geertruida also hoping to confirm his place in the squad.
The Netherlands have been given an outside chance of going deep into the tournament, with the likes of Memphis Depay, Frenkie de Jong, and Cody Gakpo forming a strong team.
Either way, Sunderland will be everywhere to see in North America next summer.
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