Six Chelsea players still chasing World Cup glory including one you forgot was there

Now well into the knockout rounds, the 2026 World Cup is reaching it's business end.

Following the conclusion of the Last 32 round, a total of 48 nations have been trimmed down to just 16.

Chelsea had one of the largest contingencies at the beginning of the tournament with a total of 12 players travelling with their countries, but that number has now been slashed in half.

Which Chelsea players are still in the World Cup?

As the round of Last 16 prepares to kick off from Saturday, players, including six of Chelsea's, will be desperately trying to extend their stay in North America as they chase World Cup glory.

Malo Gusto has yet to start for France but has been introduced from the bench in all of their last three matches.

The Chelsea right-back will be hoping to get more minutes when Les Bleus — favourites to go all the way — take on Paraguay on Saturday.

Mike Penders is one Chelsea player you may have forgotten is at the World Cup. The young goalkeeper was included in Rudi Garcia's final 26-man squad but he is behind Thibaut Courtois and Senne Lammens in the pecking order.

As a result, the 20-year-old has yet to play a single minute and probably won't for the remainder of Belgium's tournament.

It's been great experience for the young keeper though, as he prepares to compete with Robert Sanchez for the Blues' number one jersey next season.

Belgium face hosts USA in the next round on Tuesday.

Pedro Neto and Portugal survived their Last 32 tie against Croatia by the skin of their teeth and will now take on rivals Spain in a blockbuster Last 16 clash.

Chelsea's number seven has started in all of Portugal's four matches, including playing the full 90 minutes during a 0-0 draw against Colombia in their final group game.

He is in line to feature again against Spain but is facing strong competition from Rafael Leao. The two nations will meet in Dallas on Monday.

England's Reece James and Trevoh Chalobah could be involved in arguably the most intriguing Last 16 tie.

The Three Lions are preparing for a massive game against co-hosts Mexico at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City on Monday. The Chelsea pair may not feature against the Mexicans in the next round, though.

James suffered a hamstring injury and has missed the Three Lions' last two matches, and Chalobah, who received a last minute call up, has yet to play for Thomas Tuchel.

Enzo Fernandez and Argentina narrowly overcome Cape Verde in the Last 32 round to set up an exciting tie against Mo Salah's Egypt in the next round.

The Chelsea midfielder has been one of Lionel Scaloni's most trusted players. He has played the duration in all but one of the world champions' matches.

After securing qualification to the knockout rounds after just two matches, the only time Fernandez was rested was for Argentina's final group game against Jordan.

Alongside Lionel Messi, Fernandez will undoubtably be one of the first names on Argentina's team sheet against Egypt on Tuesday.

Can any Chelsea players face each other in the World Cup?

The Last 16 round won't see any Chelsea teammates square off against each other, but the quarter final stage could be different.

If Belgium beat the USA and Portugal find a way past Spain, then Penders and Neto will become quarter final rivals.

After that, the next time two Chelsea players could play against each other would be if Gusto's France were to reach the semi finals along with Portugal.

In order for Chelsea players to play each other on the other side of the draw, England and Argentina would be required to reach the semi finals.

And if most people's prediction of a France vs. Argentina final come true, Chelsea fans could very well see Fernandez and Gusto go head-to-head for the right to return to Stamford Bridge with football's biggest prize.

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