World Cup 2026: Kamada scores again; Guessand makes Finals debut

First-team

19 Jun 2026

Crystal Palace have a record number of players involved at the 2026 FIFA World Cup – throughout the tournament you can keep track of how they are getting on here…

The best numbers from Palace's World Cup contingent

It’s finally here. The 2026 FIFA World Cup got underway on Thursday 11th June, when co-hosts Mexico defeated South Africa in the opening game – the first of a record 104 matches at this World Cup, due to the expansion of the tournament from 32 to 48 teams.

With 13 of our players involved, there’s more scope for Palace-related storylines than at any other major international tournament in history.

With the big kick-off upon us here’s a World Cup guide – South London-style – that gives you everything you need to know…

How are our players getting on?

Group D

Chris Richards was again in action helping USA to a second win of the tournament, as the co-hosts took control of their group with a 2-0 win over Australia.

With Richards once again starting, one of his opposing numbers, Australian defender Cameron Burgess, inadvertently stabbed the ball into his own net in the 11th minute after US striker Folarin Balogun teased the ball across the face of goal.

And the Americans doubled their lead not long before half-time when Alex Freeman reacted quickest to a deflected Sergino Dest strike.

Richards once again showed himself to be at full fitness by completing the 90 minutes and gave another impressive display in the three-man USA defence.

It meant defeat for Australia, coached by former Palace club captain Tony Popovic – whose coaching staff includes another former Eagles skipper in Mile Jedinak – but they are still well placed to progress to the knockout stage.

Richards and the USA had already thrashed Türkiye 4-1, meaning they have secured a place in the last 32. They will qualify with maximum points if they beat Paraguay in their final game.

Group K

After waiting nearly a week since the tournament got underway, Daniel Muñoz and Jefferson Lerma were in from the off for Colombia's first game against Uzbekistan.

And Los Cafeteros enjoyed a dream start to the World Cup in Mexico City, with the Palace duo at the heart of it.

With the game level five minutes before the break, former Liverpool man Luis Diaz played a wonderful pass behind the Uzbekistan defence. Muñoz had timed his run to perfection and connected with a superb volley at full stretch to open the scoring.

A simply stunning strike. It was the wing-back's fourth goal at international level, on his World Cup debut.

Uzbekistan did later equalise in the 60th minute through Abbosbek Fayzullaev's close-range header. But Colombia, with Lerma and Muñoz helping them stay on top, quickly responded through Diaz.

Colombia substitute Jaminton Campaz headed in a third goal late on as both Lerma and Muñoz completed the full 90 minutes. The South Americans ran out 3-1 winners to move straight to the top of Group K.

Group L

England got off to a winning start as they saw off Croatia 4-2 in a thriller in Dallas, with Harry Kane (2), Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford getting the goals.

Palace skipper Dean Henderson remained an unused substitute as his team produced an excellent display.

England return to action against Ghana next Tuesday.

Group B

After taking a point against Bosnia in their opening game, Owen Goodman's Canada were back in action on Thursday against Qatar.

Both sides were looking for their first ever win at a Finals and it was the co-hosts who prevailed. Canada ran out 6-0 winners with Jonathan David scoring a hat-trick as Qatar were reduced to nine men.

Goodman remained on the bench for the full 90 minutes as his team eased to victory in Toronto.

Group E

Evann Guessand made his first appearance at the World Cup Finals, as his Ivory Coast side were edged out by Germany in Toronto.

Guessand watched on from the bench in the first-half as his teammates put in a superb performance, taking the lead through captain Franck Kessie in the 30th minute.

But Die Mannschaft would hit back after the break with substitute Deniz Undav levelling. Guessand was then introduced in the 75th minute and, playing in a central role, the forward was involved as the Ivory Coast did create a number of good opportunities.

But they were unable to take them and suffered heartbreak in injury time with Undav produced a smart finish to win the game.

Guessand had already been an unused substitute in the Elephants 1-0 win over Ecuador in Philadelphia, meaning they still have a good chance of progressing to the next round.

Group D

Once again, Chadi Riad put in an impressive individual display as Morocco earned three points with a narrow win over Scotland.

Ismael Saibari smashed home the only goal in the second minute from a tight angle. But with Scotland piling on the pressure in the second-half, Riad and his defensive colleagues held firm to secure a vital victory for the African champions as they moved onto four points in Group D.

Riad had already excelled in a 1-1 draw against Brazil in the opening round of games.

The 22-year-old completed 35 of his 40 passes, made three clearances and two recoveries, and won both of his ground duels against the Selecao side – with Scotland up next at the Boston Stadium next Friday (19th).

Group F

After becoming the first Palace player to score a a non-penalty goal at the World Cup Finals in their opening fixture, Daichi Kamada made it two goals from two games as Japan thrashed Tunisia 4-0 for their first win of the tournament.

The Palace man rounded off a sweeping team move for the opener in Monterrey just four minutes in.

Three further goals followed for the Asian side who produced an excellent performance to move onto four points and eliminate Tunisia in the process.

Kamada had already scored in a 2-2 draw with the Netherlands when he diverted a flying header from Koki Ogaw into the net to salvage a point with two minutes to play.

Group H

Yéremy Pino is still waiting for his first World Cup Finals appearance as he remained on the bench for La Roja's opening game against Cape Verde.

The Spanish failed to break down their opponents in Atlanta, Cape Verde claiming a historic point in their first World Cup fixture.

Pino will hope to be involved in their next game against Saudi Arabia.

Group I

Ismaïla Sarr was given a starting role in a 'Palace derby' on Tuesday, as his Senegal team faced France.

Les Bleus had both Maxence Lacroix and Jean-Philippe Mateta on the substitutes bench, while former Eagle Michael Olise started in attack. In a tight first-half, Senegal impressed as the 2018 winners struggled to find their rhythm. Sarr had a decent chance on the half hour mark, but slipped as took aim at goal.

Then, right on half-time, the Palace man produced a smart run to break away from the French defenders and get on the end of a cross, only for the bounce of the ball to lead to an awkward finish. Sarr's effort cleared the crossbar and the two sides went in level.

In the second-half, France showed their class. Kylian Mbappe broke the deadlock with a clever finish from an Olise pass and would later fire home a sensational long-range effort deep into stoppage time.

Bradley Barcola had earlier made it 2-0, by which point Sarr had been substituted. His replacement Ibrahim Mbaye pulled a goal back with an excellent finish, but Mbappe's fine effort meant it finished 3-1 to France.

A smooth start for Lacroix and Mateta, although the pair remained on the bench and will both have to wait for their World Cup Finals debut.

Sarr and Senegal will aim to hit back when they face Norway next week.

Norway got their campaign off to a winning start as they defeated Iraq 4-1 in Boston in the other game. However, Jørgen Strand Larsen did not get on the pitch on this occasion.

The forward has been affected by illness in the lead up to the game and remained on the bench.

What is the format?

For the first time in history, the World Cup will be contested by 48 teams. The expansion is helped by a record 16 venues, with USA, Mexico and Canada sharing co-host duties.

11 cities from USA will host matches, three from Mexico and two from Canada.

The 48 teams are divided into 12 groups of four. The top two teams in each group, plus the eight best third-placed teams, will advance to a new round of 32.

From that point on it is straight knockout.

From the quarter-final stage onwards the US hosts every game, with the Final taking place in New Jersey/New York Stadium, normally known as MetLife Stadium, on Sunday, 19th July.

Which Groups feature Palace players?

Nine of the twelve groups contain nations that have Palace players in their squads.

Groups B, C, D, E, F, H, I, K, and finally L, are all ones to watch.

Group B

Co-hosts Canada are in Group B who have included Palace ‘keeper Owen Goodman in their final squad.

Goodman is yet to play at senior level for his country, who face Bosnia, Qatar and Switzerland.

With third place potentially progressing, the co-hosts will be looking to reach the knockout round for the first time.

Group C

Chadi Riad and Morocco can be found in an intriguing looking Group C, alongside Brazil, Scotland and Haiti.

The reigning AFCON champions have a tough looking first fixture against the five-time winners.

But after reaching the semi-finals in Qatar four years ago, Morocco will be looking for another deep run.

Group D

Chris Richards will have the chance to play for his country on home soil at a World Cup, with USA drawn in Group D at the Finals.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side will be aiming to match their run to the last eight in 2002 with the home advantage and will start off by meeting Paraguay in their first game in New Jersey.

They then face Australia and Türkiye to round out the group stage.

Group E

Here is where we find Ivory Coast and Palace’s on-loan forward Evann Guessand.

Guessand’s team open up against Ecuador, before then facing four-time winners Germany.

They close out against tournament debutants Curacao in Philadelphia.

Group F

Japan have included Palace midfielder Daichi Kamada in their squad who is coming into the Finals one cap short of reaching 50.

The four-time Asian Cup winners are looking to reach the quarter-finals for the first time – having been knocked out in the Round of 16 on four previous occasions.

They will face Netherlands, Sweden and Tunisia in Group F.

Group H

Yéremy Pino will take part in his first World Cup Finals, as part of Spain’s 26-man squad.

The 2010 winners and current European Champions haven’t got past the last 16 in the last two tournaments but will be looking to go further in North America.

Spain are alongside tournament debutants Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay, with their final game against the South American side.

Group I

Group I has the most Palace representation, with four of our first team all involved. 2022 finalists France will be able to call upon both Maxence Lacroix and Jean-Philippe Mateta as they go in search of a third star.

In their first game they face Senegal, who will be fired by Palace’s top goalscorer from 2025/26, Ismaïla Sarr.

Then we have Norway and Jørgen Strand Larsen as the third team in Group I. Norway face Senegal on matchday two and France on matchday three. Former Asian Cup winners Iraq make up the group, for their first World Cup finals appearance since 1986.

Group K

Palace duo Daniel Muñoz and Jefferson Lerma are in Group K, hoping to push Colombia to the knockout stage.

They open up with a game against newcomers Uzbekistan. Then it’s a meeting with DR Congo and finally Portugal in Miami on the final day of the group stages.

Group L

The final group of the first round includes Euro 2024 finalists England. And, as he was in Germany at the Euros two years ago, Dean Henderson is included the Three Lions squad.

It will be the first time the Palace skipper has experienced a World Cup Finals. England open up against Croatia in a rematch of the 2018 semi-final.

Thomas Tuchel’s side then face Ghana in Boston, before rounding things off against Panama.

Familiar faces

There are plenty of other Palace connections to look out for in North America throughout the next five weeks.

Australia will be one team to follow, led by two former Palace heroes on the touchline. Former defender Tony Popovic is the Socceroos Manager, with ex-Eagles' captain Mile Jedinak one of his trusted coaches.

Jedinak memorably became the first active Palace player to score in a World Cup Finals back in 2014, when scoring for Australia in a thrilling 3-2 defeat to the Netherlands.

On the playing side, several former Eagles will be looking to go far in the tournament. They include Michael Olise, who has become an key man for a heavily stacked France squad in recent times. The French go into the tournament as one of the favourites to go all the way.

Former Palace skipper Marc Guéhi is likely to be England’s first-choice centre-back. It will be Guéhi’s second major tournament after playing a key role in the Three Lions run to the final at the last European Championships in 2024.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka is set to be an important player for DR Congo in Group K, with the The Leopards making their first appearance since the 1974 Finals.

Palace’s former striker Jordan Ayew returns for his third World Cup Finals with Ghana and will be reunited with former club teammate Dean Henderson during the group stage, when the Black Stars face England.

One more cap for Ayew will see him become Ghana’s most capped player of all-time, as he currently stands level with his brother Jordan.

Meanwhile for UK viewers, former Palace hero Ian Wright will be a key part of ITV’s punditry team throughout the five weeks.

Wright will also be joined by former World Cup winner and Palace Manager from 2021 to 2023, Patrick Vieira.

Former Jamaica international and ex-Eagle Jobi McAnuff will also on punditry duties for the broadcaster.

How can I watch in the UK?

Every single match will be broadcast on either BBC or ITV, as well as their respective streaming platforms. The World Cup Final is broadcast by both.

A full breakdown of the schedule is here.

Match details

Check back on cpfc.co.uk for updates on how our players get on in North America. Here are details of the group games with all times BST.

Owen Goodman – Canada, Group B

Friday, 12th June: Canada 1-1 Bosnia (Toronto, Goodman was an unused substitute as Canada took a point)

Thursday, 18th June: Canada 6-0 Qatar (Vancouver, Goodman remained on the bench as his country secured a first ever win at the World Cup Finals with a dominant showing)

Wednesday, 24th June: Switzerland v Canada (Vancouver, 20:00)

Chadi Riad – Morocco, Group C

Saturday, 13th June: Brazil 1-1 Morocco (New York/New Jersey, Riad played the full 90 minutes and delivered an impressive display)

Friday, 19th June: Scotland 0-1 Morocco (Boston, Riad once again impressed as Morocco secured a first win)

Wednesday, 24th June: Morocco v Haiti (Atlanta, 23:00)

Chris Richards – USA, Group D

Saturday, 13th June: USA 4-1 Paraguay (Los Angeles, Richards played the full 90 minutes as the co-hosts stormed to a comfortable win)

Friday, 19th June: USA 2-0 Australia (Seattle, Richards gave another impressive display as the USA kept a clean sheet and put themselves clear at the top of the group)

Friday, 26th June: Türkiye v USA (Los Angeles, 03:00)

Evann Guessand – Ivory Coast, Group E

Monday, 15th June: Ivory Coast 1-0 Ecuador (Philadelphia, Guessand was an unused substitute)

Saturday, 20th June: Germany 2-1 Ivory Coast (Toronto, Guessand appeared from the bench in the 75th minute, but Germany scored a late winner)

Thursday, 25th June: Curaçao v Ivory Coast (Philadelphia, 21:00)

Daichi Kamada – Japan, Group F

Sunday, 14th June: Netherlands 2-2 Japan (Dallas, Kamada became the first active Palace player to score a non-penalty goal in a World Cup Finals with a clever late equaliser)

Sunday, 21st June: Tunisia 0-4 Japan (Monterrey, Kamada scored his second goal of the Finals just four minutes in after a clever pull back. He was later substituted in the 73rd minute)

Friday, 26th June: Japan v Sweden (Dallas, 00:00)

Yéremy Pino – Spain, Group H

Monday, 15th June: Spain 0-0 Cape Verde (Atlanta, Pino remained an unused substitute as Spain were held to a surprise goalless draw)

Sunday, 21st June: Spain v Saudi Arabia (Atlanta, 17:00)

Saturday, 27th June: Uruguay v Spain (Guadalajara, 01:00)

Jørgen Strand Larsen – Norway, Group I

Tuesday, 16th June: Iraq 1-4 Norway (Boston, Strand Larsen remained on the bench as he team eased to a comfortable win)

Tuesday, 22rd June: Norway v Senegal (New York/New Jersey, 01:00)

Friday, 26th June: Norway v France (Boston, 20:00)

Maxence Lacroix, Jean-Philippe Mateta – France, Group I

Tuesday, 16th June: France 3-1 Senegal (New York/New Jersey, both were unused substitutes as their side secured an impressive win)

Monday, 22nd June: France v Iraq (Philadelphia, 22:00)

Friday, 26th June: Norway v France (Boston, 20:00)

Ismaïla Sarr – Senegal, Group I

Tuesday, 16th June: France 3-1 Senegal (New York/New Jersey, Sarr played 75 minutes as Senegal impressed in the first-half, but ultimately fell to defeat)

Tuesday, 23rd June: Norway v Senegal (New York/New Jersey, 01:00)

Friday, 26th June: Senegal v Iraq (Toronto, 20:00)

Jefferson Lerma, Daniel Muñoz – Colombia, Group K

Thursday, 18th June: Uzbekistan v Colombia (Mexico City, 03:00 BST)

Wednesday, 24th June: Colombia v DR Congo (Guadalajara, 03:00)

Sunday, 28th June: Colombia v Portugal (Miami, 12:30)

Dean Henderson – England, Group L

Wednesday, 17th June: England v Croatia (Dallas, 21:00 BST)

Tuesday, 23rd June: England v Ghana (Boston, 21:00)

Saturday, 27th June: Panama v England (New York/New Jersey, 22:00)

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