Hwang Hee-chan, José Sá and Sasa Kalajdzic headline Wolves’ international representation as others narrowly miss out
Wolverhampton Wanderers will have strong representation at the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, with seven current players named in their national squads as countries finalise selections ahead of the tournament in North America. However, there is disappointment for several others who were included in provisional squads but ultimately failed to make the cut.
The final selections underline both Wolves’ international profile and the fine margins involved at the elite level, with some established names left out despite strong club involvement.
Wolves players selected for the World Cup:
José Sá – Portugal
José Sá once again earns a place in Portugal’s squad, reflecting his status as a reliable and experienced international goalkeeper. Although there is strong competition for places and he is not expected to start, he brings experience and depth to a Portugal side aiming to go deep in the tournament.
Santiago Bueno – Uruguay
Santiago Bueno’s inclusion in Uruguay’s World Cup squad highlights his growing importance since establishing himself at Wolves. The defender has already been trusted in international camps and has even captained Uruguay in recent fixtures, showing his leadership and defensive reliability. His ability to play out from the back fits Uruguay’s evolving defensive structure, earning him a place in their final squad.
David Møller Wolfe – Norway
David Møller Wolfe has earned himself World Cup call-up for Norway despite not being a regular starter at Wolves. The left-sided defender has played in Norway’s last three international outings, offering energy, width, and progression from deep areas. His selection reflects his growing importance in the national team.
Ladislav Krejčí – Czech Republic
Ladislav Krejčí’s World Cup selection reflects his reputation as a versatile, physically dominant defender capable of playing multiple roles. His tactical flexibility has made him a valuable asset for the Czech Republic, particularly in systems that require defensive discipline and aggression in duels. His inclusion highlights his performances in a poor Wolves side this season, with the Czech defender being one of the few standout performers.
Jean-Ricner Bellegarde – Haiti
Jean-Ricner Bellegarde has been named in Haiti’s World Cup squad after switching international allegiance from France in 2025, marking a major boost for the Caribbean nation’s midfield options. The Wolves midfielder quickly established himself as a key figure in Haiti’s qualification campaign, playing in six games and helping them secure a historic return to the World Cup for the first time since 1974. His decision to represent Haiti came after previously featuring for France at youth level, and he has since become one of Sébastien Migné’s most trusted players in the centre of the pitch.
Hwang Hee-chan – South Korea
Hwang Hee-chan’s selection for South Korea was widely expected, given his status as one of their most dangerous attacking players. Nicknamed “The Bull” in Korea for his aggressive playing style, the Wolves forward has built a strong international record, scoring 16 goals and remains a key figure in their forward line, offering direct running, pressing, and goal threat from wide and central areas. He remains one of South Korea’s most important attacking outlets heading into the tournament.
Sasa Kalajdžić – Austria
Sasa Kalajdžić’s inclusion in Austria’s World Cup squad marks an important milestone following a difficult spell with injuries. Standing at 6’7″, he offers a unique attacking profile, giving Austria a target option capable of changing games through aerial presence and link-up play. His selection comes after a great season on loan at Lask, where he won a league and cup double in the Austrian Bundesliga.
Missed Out: Wolves Players Left Out of Final Squads:
João Gomes – Brazil
João Gomes misses out on Brazil’s final World Cup squad despite being part of earlier international involvement and wider selection discussions. The decision reflects the exceptional depth Brazil possesses in midfield, where competition for places is among the strongest in world football. His club-level form has been somewhat inconsistent, and with Wolves getting relegated to the second tier, he falls just short despite being voted Player’s Player of the Season.
André – Brazil
Unlike João Gomes, André was not included in Brazil’s preliminary squad at all, highlighting how competitive Carlo Ancelotti’s midfield options have become. Brazil’s system typically prioritises midfielders with greater international experience or more advanced tactical roles, leaving little room for rotation selections. His omission reflects his form with Wolves, which, like Gomes’, has been inconsistent at times, even if he is one of the better players in the squad.
Yerson Mosquera – Colombia
Yerson Mosquera was included in the provisional squad but did not make Colombia’s final World Cup squad. His omission is likely influenced by strong competition in central defence, and his poor disciplinary record after picking up 13 yellow cards this season. Despite his progress at Wolves, he remains just outside the final selection bracket.
Enso González – Paraguay
Enso González misses out on Paraguay’s final squad. However, his inclusion in the preliminary squad was not unexpected, as he has only made 10 appearances for the Wolves U21’s this season due to a knee injury. Still early in his development at club level, his omission suggests Paraguay have opted for more experienced attacking options for a major tournament setting.
Wolves will still be well represented at the 2026 World Cup, with seven players heading to North America to compete on football’s biggest stage. From established internationals like José Sá and Hwang Hee-chan to emerging figures such as David Møller Wolfe and Ladislav Krejčí, the club’s global contingent continues to grow. However, the omissions of João Gomes, André and Yerson Mosquera underline the fine margins of international selection, where even consistent Premier League performers can miss out due to depth, experience, and tactical preference at the international level.
