The 2026 World Cup final took place on 19 July, while the Premier League season begins on 21 August.
Players involved in the final weekend have less than five weeks to rest, return to their clubs and rebuild match fitness. Some may not rejoin full training until early August.
This tracker focuses on the major FPL assets whose Gameweek 1 status needs monitoring.
Highest-risk return group: Argentina and Spain
Argentina and Spain reached the World Cup final.
Emiliano Martínez
Club: Aston Villa Risk: High until he returns to team training.
Martínez started every match for Argentina and completed a demanding tournament. Villa may protect him during the opening friendlies.
Cristian Romero
Club: Tottenham Risk: High.
Romero played a major role for Argentina and also faces increased competition after Tottenham added centre-backs. His starting status and fitness both require confirmation.
Enzo Fernández
Club: Chelsea Risk: Medium to high.
Enzo's value depends on both readiness and tactical position under Xabi Alonso. A deeper midfield role would reduce his FPL appeal.
Alexis Mac Allister
Club: Liverpool Risk: Medium to high.
Liverpool have strong opening fixtures, but Mac Allister may return later than Szoboszlai and other midfield options.
United begin against promoted opponents, but Martínez must first return to full training and compete with several centre-backs.
Marcos Senesi
Club: Tottenham Risk: High.
Senesi's 50 defensive-contribution points last season make him interesting, but he is changing clubs and returning late after Argentina's run.
David Raya
Club: Arsenal Risk: Medium.
Raya did not carry the same match workload as regular starters, but his return date and Community Shield involvement still matter.
Pedro Porro
Club: Tottenham Risk: High.
Porro started Spain's knockout matches and produced attacking returns. His high-energy role makes friendly minutes particularly important.
Rodri
Club: Manchester City Risk: High.
Rodri had a major tournament workload and is entering a new club system. He may require managed minutes.
Martín Zubimendi and Mikel Merino
Club: Arsenal Risk: Medium to high.
Both players may return later than teammates competing for midfield roles. Arsenal's final friendly and Community Shield will clarify their readiness.
Yeremy Pino
Club: Crystal Palace Risk: Medium to high.
Pino's position under Palace's new manager is already uncertain, and the late return increases the need for caution.
England and France returners
Players involved in the third-place match also face a shortened pre-season.
Important FPL names include Arsenal and Manchester City players, England defenders and several Premier League centre-backs returning from France's squad.
The rule is simple: do not rely on reputation. Check whether each player rejoins full training and starts a meaningful friendly.
William Saliba requires separate caution because his World Cup injury is more important than his return date.
Erling Haaland
Club: Manchester City World Cup stage: Quarter-final Risk: Medium.
Haaland did not reach the final weekend, but Norway's quarter-final run still means an extended break.
His opening fixture and captaincy ceiling make him difficult to ignore. The key evidence will be whether he starts City's final preparation match or the Community Shield.
Lower-risk World Cup players
A player can have participated in the tournament and still enter Gameweek 1 in good condition.
Lower risk normally applies when the player:
Was eliminated earlier
Played limited minutes
Returns to full training in July
Starts at least one major friendly
Has no serious competition for his club place
Tournament participation should therefore be treated as context rather than an automatic reason to avoid someone.
How to update this tracker
For every player, record:
Field
What to enter
Club return
Date he reports back
Training
Individual or full team
First friendly
Date and minutes
Final friendly
Started, substitute or absent
Manager comment
Ready, available, managed or doubtful
GW1 status
Low, medium or high risk
FPL action by risk level
Low risk
The player is in full training, starts a major friendly and receives positive manager comments.
Action: Select normally.
Medium risk
The player is training but has limited friendly minutes.
Action: Select only with reliable bench cover.
High risk
The player is absent from team training, misses the final friendly or receives uncertain fitness comments.
Action: Avoid for Gameweek 1.
The biggest mistake to avoid
Do not select a temporary pre-season starter simply because he performed well while the World Cup player was absent.
Reassess the lineup when the international returns.
FAQ
Should every World Cup finalist be avoided?
No. The correct decision depends on match workload, return date, training status and final-friendly involvement.
Can a goalkeeper return faster than an outfield player?
Potentially. Goalkeepers have different physical demands, but tactical preparation and match sharpness still matter.
When should this tracker receive its final update?
After the last club friendlies and the final round of Gameweek 1 press conferences.
OneFPL is an independent Fantasy Premier League companion and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to the Premier League or Fantasy Premier League.
OneFPL analysis. OneFPL is an independent Fantasy Premier League companion and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to the Premier League or Fantasy Premier League.
