Players That Sheffield United Fans Should be Watching Closely at the World Cup | OneFootball

With the FIFA 2026 World Cup now right around the corner, Sheffield United supporters may not have a Blade representing England, but there is still a small Sheffield United flavour to keep an eye on this summer.

From current first-team players to former fan favourites and potential transfer targets, several names with connections to Bramall Lane could be taking centre stage on football’s biggest stage. Their performances over the coming weeks could even have implications for Sheffield United’s future heading into the 2026/27 campaign.

Curaçao – Tahith Chong

Perhaps the most intriguing current Sheffield United connection comes in the form of Tahith Chong.

The winger’s time at Bramall Lane has never quite got going in the way many supporters had hoped. Arriving with a reputation built during spells at Manchester United, Birmingham City and Luton Town, Chong has shown flashes of quality but has struggled to consistently impose himself in a Sheffield United shirt.

With speculation surrounding his future and uncertainty over whether he remains part of Chris Wilder’s long-term plans, the World Cup presents a huge opportunity for the Curaçao international.

International tournaments have often provided players with a platform to reignite careers and remind managers exactly what they are capable of. Should Chong produce a series of impressive displays on the world stage, it could force Wilder to take another look at the talented attacker before making any decisions regarding his future.

At a minimum, a strong tournament could increase interest from elsewhere. At best, it could earn him another opportunity to prove himself in red and white next season.

Australia – Harry Souttar

Few players made as big an impression on Sheffield United supporters during the 2024/25 campaign as Harry Souttar.

The towering Australian centre-back quickly became a key figure after arriving on loan, bringing leadership, aerial dominance and composure to the Blades’ back line. His influence was immediately obvious, and many supporters believed he was among the best defenders in the Championship before disaster struck.

An Achilles injury cruelly cut short his season and ended what had been an outstanding loan spell. His absence was felt enormously during the run-in, and Sheffield United never truly looked as secure defensively after losing him.

Fortunately, Souttar has worked his way back to full fitness and recently returned to action for Leicester City during the closing weeks of the campaign. Unfortunately for the Foxes, their fate had already been sealed by then, with relegation confirmed long before the season’s conclusion.

That situation could potentially create an interesting opportunity this summer. Leicester may need to reduce costs and reshape their squad following relegation, and if that includes trimming their wage bill, a move away from the King Power Stadium cannot be ruled out. Whether that comes in the form of another loan or something more permanent remains to be seen, but there is little doubt Sheffield United supporters would welcome Souttar back with open arms.

A strong World Cup campaign with Australia would only strengthen the case for the Blades to revisit their interest.

New Zealand – Tyler Bindon

Another player who could attract attention this summer is New Zealand defender Tyler Bindon.

Bindon’s loan spell at Sheffield United last season produced mixed reviews. There were moments where his inexperience at Championship level was exposed, and questions remained about whether he possessed the pace required to consistently compete against some of the division’s quickest attackers.

However, there were also clear signs of promise. As the season progressed, particularly throughout 2026, Bindon’s performances became more assured and consistent. His reading of the game, positional awareness and willingness to learn stood out, while his maturity often belied his age.

For a young defender still developing his craft, that progression was encouraging.

Whether Sheffield United pursue another move remains unknown, but Bindon certainly remains a player worth monitoring. The World Cup provides an ideal stage for him to test himself against elite opposition and continue his development.

Should he perform well for New Zealand, he may once again find himself firmly on Sheffield United’s shortlist as Wilder looks to strengthen his defensive options.

Tunisia – Anis Slimane

While his spell at Bramall Lane was brief, Anis Slimane remains another former Blade who will be representing familiar interests this summer.

The Tunisian midfielder arrived during Sheffield United’s Premier League campaign in 2023/24 but struggled to establish himself as a regular starter. Following Chris Wilder’s return and subsequent squad reshaping, Slimane was moved on in 2024 as the club looked to build a different profile of team.

Since leaving South Yorkshire, however, Slimane has rebuilt his reputation. At Norwich City, he has carved out a useful role as an impact player capable of influencing matches from the bench or stepping into the starting line-up when required. While not always a guaranteed starter, he has become a valuable squad member at Carrow Road and has demonstrated qualities that perhaps were not fully seen during his time at Bramall Lane.

A Summer of Interest for Unitedites

While Sheffield United’s involvement at the FIFA 2026 World Cup may be limited, there are still plenty of reasons for Blades supporters to tune in besides watching England matches.