Crystal Palace and Sunderland have emerged as the Premier League clubs with the most goals at this summer’s World Cup after the group stage, each contributing seven in North America. That haul places them ahead of Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United, with only Real Madrid and Paris St-Germain having scored more across world football.
Ismaila Sarr has struck three times for Senegal, Daichi Kamada twice for Japan and Daniel Munoz twice for Colombia to build Palace’s tally — a reflection of a squad whose influence has extended well beyond Selhurst Park after successive landmark campaigns: the FA Cup in 2024-25 and the Europa Conference League a year later. Brian Brobbey has led Sunderland’s charge with three for the Netherlands, supported by Granit Xhaka (Switzerland), Habib Diarra (Senegal), Wilson Isidor (Haiti) and Nilson Angulo (Ecuador). Angulo’s equaliser for Ecuador prompted the BBC to note: “If this place had a roof it would have gone!”
“Crystal Palace and Sunderland lead Premier League clubs with seven World Cup goals each, as 2026-27 fixtures are released.”
A total of 182 players connected to Premier League clubs were selected for the tournament, comfortably more than any other domestic league. Among them, Manchester United’s Matheus Cunha has three goals, while Arsenal’s contribution comes from Kai Havertz, Leandro Trossard and Viktor Gyokeres.
With the World Cup still ongoing, the Premier League has already released its 2026-27 fixture list, offering a glimpse of what lies ahead after the tournament. The season begins on Friday 21 August with champions Arsenal hosting promoted Coventry — Coventry’s first top-flight campaign in 25 years, now managed by Frank Lampard. The following day, Hull return to the Premier League with a home match against Manchester United, while Ipswich entertain Sunderland and Everton welcome Crystal Palace.
Sunday 23 August brings two standout games: Manchester City begin life after Pep Guardiola at home to Bournemouth, and Andoni Iraola takes charge of Liverpool for the first time away to Newcastle. The opening weekend ends with Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea visiting Fulham on Monday 24 August.
Other notable dates include a Manchester derby at Old Trafford on 12 September, Liverpool’s trip to United on 23 January, and the final day on 30 May, when Arsenal host Brighton, City visit Sunderland, and Liverpool host Iraola’s former club Bournemouth. The season promises to be shaped as much by the World Cup form of clubs like Palace and Sunderland as by the managerial changes and promoted sides that have refreshed the top flight.