12 Manchester United players have proudly represented their countries at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The group stage officially came to an end yesterday, leaving only 32 nations still dreaming of lifting football’s biggest prize.
With the tournament now entering the knockout phase, here is how every United player performed during the opening stage and what lies ahead for them.
Bruno Fernandes – Portugal
Portugal safely booked their place in the Round of 32 but surprisingly finished behind Colombia in Group K.
By exceptionally high standards set by Fernandes, returning just one assist in three matches feels underwhelming.
Manager Roberto Martinez and captain Cristiano Ronaldo must shoulder much of the responsibility for the team’s disappointing attacking displays.
Fernandes will have to carry the burden of this side if Portugal wants to win the World Cup.
Diogo Dalot – Portugal
Dalot was not involved in the opening two matches as Martinez preferred Joao Cancelo and Nuno Mendes in the full-back positions.
His opportunity finally arrived against Colombia, where he produced a composed and disciplined cameo.
Portugal now face Croatia in the Round of 32, although Dalot still appears to be facing an uphill battle to break into the starting XI.
Matheus Cunha – Brazil
Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti initially trusted Igor Thiago to lead the attack during the 1-1 draw against Morocco.
He quickly corrected that decision by handing Matheus Cunha the starting striker role.
The United forward responded brilliantly by scoring twice against Haiti before adding another goal against Scotland.
Brazil will enter their Round of 32 clash against Japan as overwhelming favourites.
Noussair Mazraoui – Morocco
Mazraoui started Morocco’s opening two matches, helping his nation secure an impressive draw against Brazil before defeating Scotland.
Despite operating in an unfamiliar left-back role, the United defender has produced consistently impressive performances.
Morocco now prepare for a fascinating encounter against the Netherlands, where Mazraoui will once again carry huge responsibility.
Tyler Fletcher – Scotland
Fletcher got a last-minute dream call to join the Scotland squad.
Unfortunately, the 19-year-old never stepped onto the pitch as Scotland suffered a disappointing group-stage exit.
Amad Diallo – Ivory Coast
Diallo was the first United player to score a goal at this World Cup.
His dramatic 90th-minute winner against Ecuador earned Ivory Coast three priceless points.
He could not replicate that influence against Germany and Curacao, but is expected to play a key role against Norway.
Manuel Ugarte – Uruguay
The 25-year-old started all the games but helped his country collect only two points.
Uruguay suffered a shock group-stage elimination, with Ugarte suffering a ligament tear against Spain.
He was stretchered off and could be out for the next 12 months.
Senne Lammens – Belgium
Belgium drew against Egypt and Iran before cruising to an emphatic 5-1 victory over New Zealand.
Lammens has been an unused substitute, with Thibaut Courtois being the undisputed goalkeeper.
Lisandro Martinez – Argentina
After Cunha, Martinez has been the best United player at the World Cup.
The Argentine centre-back helped his country record clean sheets against both Algeria and Austria.
His superb line-breaking distribution from defence repeatedly allowed Argentina to dominate possession and build attacks from deep.
After being rested for the final group match, Martinez is expected to return against Cape Verde in the Round of 32.
Kobbie Mainoo – England
England manager Thomas Tuchel has surprisingly overlooked Mainoo throughout the World Cup, denying the youngster even a single minute on football’s biggest stage.
Many expected the United midfielder to finally make his debut against Panama, but Tuchel instead opted to deploy Jude Bellingham in midfield.
Marcus Rashford – England
Rashford opened his World Cup account by scoring during England’s convincing victory over Croatia.
Tuchel still surprisingly preferred Anthony Gordon on the left wing during the frustrating goalless draw against Ghana.
Rashford eventually made it to the starting line-up against Panama, where he looked far more threatening than Gordon despite failing to register a decisive contribution.
Altay Bayindir – Turkey
Turkey endured a miserable World Cup campaign after losing their opening two group matches and crashing out early.
A consolation victory over the United States did little to soften the disappointment as they finished bottom of Group D.
Bayindir remained an unused substitute throughout the tournament.
Stats from Sofascore.com
