As many as nine Sunderland players could be World Cup bound
Noah Sadiki helped Democratic Republic of Congo come through the play-offs
Wilson Isidor scored on his debut for Haiti
World Cup fever is set to kick in with just two months until the greatest show on Earth begins across Canada, Mexico and the United States.
For the first time, 48 nations will take part in the Mundial and Sunderland's squad looks set to have excellent representation.
Boss Regis Le Bris will hope to finish off a fine season with a top-half finish in the Premier League before as many as nine of his first team squad turn their focus to the World Cup.
Here is a rundown on the Black Cats hoping to get lucky at the biggest sporting event in the world this summer.
Omar Alderete
Central defender Omar Alderete has been a key component in Sunderland's defensive reliability this season and he earned his 35th cap for Paraguay in their March friendly loss against Morocco. Hosts the USA as well as Australia and Turkey await Los Guaranies in Group D.
Brian Brobbey
Netherlands international Brobbey has proved a fox in the box with six Premier League goals to his name, all scored from inside the penalty area The 24-year-old earned his 10th cap in the draw with Ecuador recently as he started up front. Japan, Sweden and Tunisia await in Group F.
Habib Diarra
Midfielder Diarra is making his mark with Senegal, earning his 19th cap in the friendly win over Gambia. The 22-year-old is set to join his Lions Of Teranga teammates in facing France, Iraq and Norway in Group I.
Melker Ellborg
The Swedish shot-stopper joined the Black Cats in early 2026, signing a long-term deal at the Stadium of Light until summer 2030 as he joined from Malmo FF. Melker was part of the Sweden squad who won their play-off against Poland. He is yet to be capped but will hope to be part of the travelling party.
Lutsharel Geetruida
Full-back Geetruida has excelled since joining Sunderland on loan from RB Leipzig last summer. He now has 20 caps for the Netherlands and his good form in the north-east has seen him linked with a number of other Premier League clubs.
Wilson Isidor
Isidor recently became the first Haitian national to represent Sunderland after switching allegiance to play for the Caribbean island. Born as a French national, Isidor qualifies to play for Haiti through his grandfather and can look forward to facing Brazil, Morocco and Scotland this summer.
Noah Sadiki
Sadiki and his Democratic Republic of Congo teammates are heading to the World Cup in USA, Canada and Mexico after a dramatic extra-time win over Jamaica in the Inter-Continental Play-Off Final game in Mexico. Sadiki gained his 19th cap there and his country has waited five decades to return to this grand stage.
Chemsdine Talbi
Winger Talbi has five appearances for Morocco and landed his first start in the March friendly win over Paraguay. The Atlas Lions face Brazil in New Jersey in their Group C opener before facing Scotland and Haiti.
Granit Xhaka
Experienced midfielder Xhaka remains a lynchpin for Switzerland and has amassed 143 caps. He is enjoying a super season for Sunderland and will hope that his national side can progress from Group B where they face Qatar, Bosnia and Herzegovina and co-hosts Canada.
