International Eagles: Crystal Palace Players at the World Cup | OneFootball

Despite finishing 14th in the Premier League, 2025/26 was one of the most storied seasons for the Crystal Palace. August’s Community Shield win over Liverpool and the recent UEFA Conference League victory over Rayo Vallecano came directly on the heels of a historic FA Cup win, giving South London club three trophies over the span of thirteen months. Their long 120+ year trophy drought has been washed away.

Now let’s see if a Crystal Palace player can return to Selhurst a World Champion! Twelve players received call-ups for their country for this summer’s FIFA World Cup. While that’s four fewer than Arsenal, it was enough to place second across all the London Premier League clubs. We also pipped Brighton by four players as well. Take that, Seagulls!

Our list is ordered by when their respective nations kickoff in the World Cup group stage.

Chris Richards (Defender) – United States

USA Group D Fixtures

Chris Richards was always a shoo-in for the USMNT. With 36 caps already under his belt, he’ll be a critical part of Pochettino’s defensive structure… if he heals in time. Sadly, he suffered some ankle ligament damage which prevented him from playing in the Conference League final, but didn’t dampen his celebrations!

Chadi Riad (Defender) – Morocco

Morocco Group C Fixtures

After spending nearly sixteen months on the sidelines with back-to-back knee injuries after signing for the club, Chadi Riad finally healed up and started logging steady minutes. Although he only clocked 897 minutes in total that was enough to earn a spot on the Morocco roster. In the Conference League final he went the full 90 minutes as part of Glasner’s back three (in place of Chris Richards). Expect him to start for the Atlas Lions.

Evann Guessand (Forward) – Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)

Côte d’Ivoire Group E Fixtures

Yes, yes, I know that Evann Guessand in on loan from Aston Villa and will return to the claret and blue at the end of June. But when the World Cup starts he’s still in the blue and red, and that’s good enough for me.

Daichi Kamada (Midfielder) – Japan

Japan Group F Fixtures

Anyone who watched Daichi Kamada absolutely tear through the Rayo Valletano defense surely understands why the midfielder got Japan’s nod. He was positively lethal, sparking the Eagle’s second half domination. He should earn his 50th cap for the Blue Samurai when they kick off against the Netherlands.

Yéremy Pino (Midfielder) – Spain

Spain Group H Fixtures

Yéremy Pino was a slow burn this season. It took him a while to acclimate to the rigors of the Premier League, and integrate with Oliver Glasner’s system, but once settled he has proven to be good business. He might not have crazy numbers (5g/6a from 53 games), but he’s proven a reliable and productive midfielder. And if the physics hadn’t been so cruel, he would’ve had the goal of the season from that direct free kick against Rayo (as it is, striking two posts without touching the ground is a rare feat). Given that Spain is a favorite, he might just return to Croydon a champion for a second time.

Jean-Philippe Mateta (Fwd) & Maxence Lacroix (Def) – France

France Group I Fixtures

I’m not going to lie, both of these call-ups were a big shock. Not that they’re undeserving; it’s just that France has a surplus of talent to draw from. But it goes to show that Palace’s visibility on the global stage is rising, and its stars along with it. 

Jean-Philippe Mateta had a monster year under difficult circumstances. After seeking to leave in January and getting rebuffed by Milan for an injury, he bounced back to score 4 Premier and 3 Conference League goals (including the game winner against Rayo). He’s also scored twice in three games from France this season. When you’re hot, you’re hot. Even when your shorts are hiked up above your belly button.

Maxence Lacroix was part of Crystal Palace’s bedrock defensive line, featuring in 55 games across all competitions. While he’s likely to be a bench warmer, the 26 year-old will be eager to add to his two caps.

Ismaïla Sarr (Forward) – Senegal

Senegal Group I Fixtures

Mateta might have scored the Conference League winner, but it was Ismaïla Sarr who won the competition’s Golden Boot. When Sarr left for AFCON, it was one of the factors in Palace’s dire mid-season malaise, though Senegal benefited mightily.

Jørgen Strand Larsen (Forward) – Norway

Norway Group I Fixtures

All four of Crystal Palace’s attacking players received a call, and three of those will be competing in Group I. Jørgen Strand Larsen often takes a back seat to the juggernaut that is Erling Haaland, but occasionally gets to pair up with him as a floating second striker.

Daniel Muñoz (Def) & Jefferson Lerma (Mid) – Colombia

Colombia Group K Fixtures

Daniel Muñoz’s injury was another one of those factors that contributed to the Eagles’ mid-season slump. His return was celebrated by Palace and Los Cafeteros supporters alike. Jefferson Lerma didn’t get too many starts this season, logging most of his 2,500+ minutes from the bench, but his position on the Colombia team is still locked in given his tremendous experience (he has 64 caps).

Dean Henderson (Goalkeeper) – England

England Group L Fixtures

Jordan Pickford has the England starter spot in his pocket, but in league play Henderson was arguably better. You can’t ask for a better back-up.

Honorable Mention: Owen Goodman (Canada)

Owen Goodman is currently on loan with League One’s Barnsley, but he’s contracted with Palace. He also got a surprising call-up from Canada gaffer Jesse Marsch, his first ever. Don’t expect him to see playing time, however, as he’s the third string behind Dayne St. Clair and Maxime Crépeau. Still… you go, boyo!