The 2026 FIFA World Cup is closing in, with just weeks to go until a summer of action kicks off in North America, with games across the US, Canada and Mexico.
By now, we all know the Chelsea players heading to the World Cup, but who are the former Blues that Chelsea fans can keep an eye out for this summer? Here we take a look at some names fans may recall.
Christian Pulisic - USA
Pulisic has come on leaps and bounds after joining AC Milan, finding goals and assists at will and shedding his reputation as a player who couldn't handle the big moments. He will be part of USMNT's partly home World Cup this summer, and he will lead the charge as one of their superstar players.
Joao Felix - Portugal
Joao Felix, who had a loan and then a brief permanent spell with Chelsea, now plays for Al-Nassr, and he has been thriving, scoring 20 goals in 33 league appearances. He is too talented for the Saudi league, in truth, and he will head to North America with Portugal this summer.
Kai Havertz - Germany
Havertz has just won the Premier League with Arsenal, and he has established himself as a key piece in Mikel Arteta's system, albeit he now rotates with Viktor Gyokeres. Havertz has kept his reputation as a player who delivers on the big occasions, as he did in the Champions League final for Chelsea, and he will link up with Germany this summer.
Noni Madueke - England
Another former Blue that currently represents Arsenal, Madueke will be heading away with England after winning the Premier League. The winger hasn't set the world alight in his first season with the Gunners, but he has certainly played his part.
Michael Olise - France
Olise played for Chelsea as a youngster before going on to make a name for himself at Crystal Palace. He earned a move to Bayern Munich, where he has been ultra-successful. He heads to the World Cup with a hopeful France side.
Carney Chukwuemeka - Austria
It may not be common knowledge to many, but former Chelsea midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka was born in Austria, although he represented England at the youth level. He struggled to establish himself at Chelsea following his move from Aston Villa, but he is having a better time of things at Borussia Dortmund.
N'Golo Kante - France
A Chelsea legend and an all-timer in his position, Kante is still going strong at 35 years of age, and the now Fenerbahce star will head to the World Cup with France.
Mateo Kovacic - Croatia
Kovacic has remained a steady performer in the Premier League with Manchester City, and he will head to the World Cup with a Croatia side that always seems to defy expectations. They are ageing a little in key areas, but they still have a strong and talented squad.
Marc Guehi - England
Guehi never got a good chance to prove himself at Chelsea, but he has gone on to be a top player, proving himself at Crystal Palace and earning a move to Manchester City. Guehi was vital for England at Euro 2024, and he will hope to have a similar impact at this World Cup.
Kevin De Bruyne - Belgium
The one that got away, De Bruyne, is preparing for what will surely be his last World Cup with Belgium. He's with Napoli these days, having left Manchester City at the end of last season.
Billy Gilmour - Scotland
Gilmour never managed to fulfil his potential at Chelsea, having once been billed as the next best thing, but he has enjoyed life at Napoli. He will represent Scotland this summer in a rare World Cup appearance for them.
Tino Livramento - England
Livramento was never given a first-team chance at Chelsea and joined Southampton at a young age, ultimately earning a move to Newcastle United and becoming a key player. He jets off to the World Cup with England this summer.
Thibaut Courtois - Belgium
A Chelsea legend, Courtois will be remembered as one of the most talented goalkeepers in Chelsea history. He remains consistent for Real Madrid, and he heads to the World Cup with Belgium this summer.
Antonio Rudiger - Germany
Another who was involved in a successful period at Chelsea, veteran defender Antonio Rudiger is preparing for his last World Cup, hoping to win one before he signs off.
Rentato Veiga - Portugal
Veiga never managed to establish himself at Chelsea, but he did impress during a loan spell with Juventus. That was enough to bag him a move to Villarreal, where he has been part of a hugely impressive league campaign for the Castellon club, earning a third-place finish and their first-ever back-to-back Champions League qualification. Veiga will link up with Portugal.
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