Crystal Palace and Sunderland have emerged as the Premier League’s most prolific clubs at the World Cup after the group stage, with seven goals each from their players – more than Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City. Across world football, only Real Madrid and Paris St-Germain have seen their players score more during the tournament so far.
Palace’s haul came from Ismaila Sarr (three for Senegal), Daichi Kamada (two for Japan) and Daniel Munoz (two for Colombia). Sunderland’s was shared among five players: Brian Brobbey (three for the Netherlands), Granit Xhaka (Switzerland), Habib Diarra (Senegal), Wilson Isidor (Haiti) and Nilson Angulo (Ecuador). When Angulo equalised for Ecuador, the stadium announcer cried, “If this place had a roof it would have gone!”
“Crystal Palace and Sunderland lead Premier League clubs with seven goals each in the World Cup group stage.”
The Premier League supplied 182 players to the tournament – comfortably more than any other domestic league – and they have consistently delivered decisive moments. Arsenal’s contribution comes from Kai Havertz (Germany) and Leandro Trossard (Belgium) with two each, plus Viktor Gyokeres (Sweden). Manchester United’s Matheus Cunha has three for Brazil.
As the World Cup moves into the knockout stage – England progressed as Group L winners after a 2-0 victory over Panama – attention is already turning to the new Premier League season. The 2026-27 fixtures were released on Friday, with champions Arsenal opening against promoted Coventry at the Emirates on 21 August. The other promoted clubs, Hull and Ipswich, begin at home to Manchester United and Sunderland respectively.
Andoni Iraola will make his Liverpool debut at Newcastle on 23 August, while Manchester City start life after Pep Guardiola at home to Bournemouth the same day. The season concludes on 30 May, with Arsenal hosting Brighton, City travelling to Sunderland, and Liverpool facing Iraola’s former club Bournemouth.