Five Everton players have learned their World Cup play-off draw fate, with huge places at stake ahead of this summer’s tournament – and a Merseyside derby showdown is on the cards.
The likes of Jordan Pickford for England, alongside Idrissa Gana Gueye and Iliman Ndiaye for Senegal, are all increasingly likely to play for their countries at World Cup 2026 after securing automatic qualification.
With the draw for the main stage of the tournament being on Friday December 5th, a pre-draw has been done for the European clubs who have qualified for the play-off stage.
And five Everton players have found out their fate – with Ukraine being drawn against Sweden throwing up a potential Merseyside derby clash.
Five Everton players learn their World Cup play-off route
Starting off with defender Vitaliy Mykolenko, his Ukraine side have been drawn against Sweden in the Path B route of the play-off draw. Mykolenko will be at home against Sweden, who finished bottom of their qualifying group under former Chelsea boss Graham Potter.
But a strong Nations League standing over the years means they have a last chance to make the tournament where they will face off against Mykolenko.
Of course, Sweden’s star man is new Liverpool signing Alexander Isak, meaning Mykolenko will gain Merseyside bragging rights if he can progress. The winners of that clash will face the victors between Poland and Albania.
He’s quickly become Everton’s most valuable player 💎
“I told him when he first arrived here that he can be the next African Ballon d’Or winner.”
Idrissa Gana Gueye on Iliman Ndiaye
Next comes Ireland. They managed to finish in the play-off spots after an incredible last-minute winner in Hungary on Sunday, and that could see Everton trio Seamus Coleman, Jake O’Brien and Mark Travers travel to North America next summer.
Ireland will have to breeze past Czechia away from home if they are to progress, featuring against the winners of Denmark and North Macedonia in the final.
Meanwhile, Everton’s backup goalkeeper Tom King will see Wales square off against Bosnia and Herzegovina, where they will face the winners of Italy vs Northern Ireland for a spot in next summer’s tournament.
All fixtures will take place in the next international break in March.
Everton could be represented by 10 or more players at the World Cup
Should those teams all progress, it means there should be at least eight Everton players in a squad next season, based on recent call-ups.
However, the list of called up players may not be done there.
| Nation | Player(s) | Opponents to beat |
|---|---|---|
| Ukraine | Vitaliy Mykolenko | Sweden, Poland/Albania |
| Republic of Ireland | Seamus Coleman, Jake O’Brien | Czechia, Denmark/North Macedonia |
| Wales | Tom King | Bosnia, Italy/Northern Ireland |
From an England perspective, James Tarkowski, Jack Grealish, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Jarrad Branthwaite and James Garner may also be in the running.
Nathan Patterson may be trying for a place with Scotland if he can excel after injury, while Adam Aznou may be an outside shout for Morocco if he can impress in the coming few months.
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