- Everton have four players appearing at this summer’s FIFA World Cup.
- Pickford, Patterson, Ndiaye, and Gueye will represent their countries.
- The Toffees’ Senegalese duo are preparing for a huge opener in Group I.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is now in full swing across Mexico, Canada and the USA.
Four men have made the journey from Hill Dickinson Stadium including, Jordan Pickford, Nathan Patterson, Iliman Ndiaye, and Idrissa Gana Gueye.
Patterson played a role in Scotland’s historic first World Cup win since 1990, and Pickford is expected to be the main man in net for England for the fifth successive major tournament.
The Senegalese duo of Ndiaye and Gueye will also feature heavily for their country, but face an humungous task in their opening game.
Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gueye to start World Cup opener
Senegal’s first game is against two-time world champions, and one of the tournament favourites, France.
The Lions of Taranga will hope to replicate the heroics of 2002, which saw them defeat the French 1-0 in the opening match of the tournament.
Ndiaye was a key man in Senegal’s run to the AFCON final this year, and started both warm-up matches ahead against the USA and Saudi Arabia, so it is highly likely he will be maintaining this role against Les Bleus.
Gueye’s last game of football came in Everton’s late defeat against West Ham United in April, and has since battled with his fitness to ensure he is ready to go for the World Cup.
The midfielder did not play in either warm-up match, but he has been pictured training with the team, and should be declared fit for the opener, according to Seneweb.
Differing summers for Everton’s Senegalese duo
Both Ndiaye and Gueye are extremely influential players for Everton, and team with the pair in, is certainly a strong one.
However, as they prepare to showcase their talents to the world, they will have differing objectives which will determine their futures.
Ndiaye has been linked with a move away from Merseyside, and impressive performances on the global stage could nudge him away from the Blues.
Gueye on the other hand is in the twiglight of his career at 36-year-old, and while he is currently negotiating a new contract with the Toffees, the upcoming games are a chance for him to demonstrate that he can still compete at the top level.
Senegal’s group is a true mixed bag, with France and Norway providing stern tests, their third opponent, Iraq, should offer the opportunity for Ndiaye and Gueye to spotlight their talents against a range of teams.
