Manchester United Players Selected for 2026 World Cup

Manchester United’s connection to the 2026 World Cup is strengthening, as several current and former players receive national team call-ups in preparation for the tournament in North America.

After Amad Diallo was named in the Ivory Coast national football team, another familiar name for Old Trafford fans has now been confirmed for this summer’s event.

Former United midfielder Marcel Sabitzer has been added to Austria’s 26-man squad, recently announced by head coach Ralf Rangnick ahead of the FIFA World Cup, and published on their website.

Austria will kick off their campaign in Group J, where they will face off against the national teams of Jordan, Argentina, and Algeria.

The group matches are scheduled to take place in San Francisco, Dallas, and Kansas City.

Before heading to the tournament, Austria will host the Tunisia national football team at Ernst Happel Stadium on June 1 in their final warm-up match.

Sabitzer’s selection marks another significant international tournament for the midfielder, who remains a popular figure among Manchester United supporters despite his brief time at the club.

The Austrian joined United on loan from Bayern Munich in February 2023, making a notable impact during the concluding months of Erik ten Hag’s first season.

He played 18 games across all competitions, scoring 3 goals and contributing 1 assist, before returning to Germany when his loan ended in June.

Instead of making a permanent move to Old Trafford, Marcel Sabitzer opted to join Borussia Dortmund on a four-year deal, where he continues to be a vital part of their midfield.

This current season has seen him contribute 1 goal and 4 assists in 34 matches across all competitions, but Rangnick has continued to trust the experienced midfielder, including him in the same core group that achieved victories against Ghana and South Korea in March.

Sabitzer’s World Cup selection adds another former Red to the tournament roster, highlighting Manchester United’s strong representation across various nations this summer.