Footballers Who Switched Their International Teams and Set to Feature in 2026 FIFA World Cup

With less than 200 days left for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the world is gearing up for the biggest event the sport has ever seen. The tournament will feature 48 teams for the first time, giving teams an increased chance to qualify for the biggest footballing event. With teams like Uzbekistan and Cape Verde National Football Teams making their first-ever World Cup appearance, the stage is set for some of the emerging talents from these nations.

For a player, it's their ultimate dream to represent their nation and lead them to glory. For some players, it remains a distinct dream due to the nation they represent. For some players, they have another option to achieve their dream - dual nationality. In the lead-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the footballing world has several footballers who switched countries in the hope of making it to the grand stage. Here, we take the liberty to look into 5 players who switched their national teams to feature in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

List of Players Who Switched Nationalities

Several footballers who switched nationality in recent years, with the hope of gaining national team opportunities, as well as to guide their nation to the biggest footballing event, by fulfilling certain criteria set by FIFA. Here is a list of footballers playing for other countries after switching their nationalities to feature in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Who are the Players who switched their Nationalities?

Here is the list of footballers who switched nationality to feature in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

1. Aaron Wan-Bissaka (DR Congo)

Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who currently plays as a right back for Premier League West Ham United, is one of the latest players who switched national allegiance. He was born in England but had Congolese descent. Even though he hasn't represented England national football team, he was called up to the side for the 2020 UEFA Euro Qualifiers. However, he was forced to withdraw due to an injury. He didn't receive any further call-up due to the increased competition for the position.

On 22 August 2025, Wan-Bissaka's request to switch his national team to DR Congo was approved by FIFA. He made his debut in a comfortable 4-1 win against South Sudan. The nation aims to qualify for their first-ever World Cup, with the team currently second in their Qualifier group.

2. Jens Castrop (South Korea)

Jens Castrop currently plays as a midfielder for Bundesliga side Borussia Mönchengladbach. Born in Germany, he has represented the country at the youth levels, making brief appearances in all age categories. Jens Castrop was born to a German father and a South Korean mother, making him eligible to represent both nations. His request to switch national teams to South Korea was approved on 11 August 2025 by FIFA. Jens Castrop made his first-ever appearance for the national side in a 2-0 win against the United States in friendlies. Known for his work rate and pressing, many consider him part of the South Korea squad that has already qualified for the tournament next year.

3. Arbër Hoxha (Albania)

Arbër Hoxha currently plays as a winger for the Croatian side Dinamo Zagreb. Arbër Hoxha was born in Germany but had Kosovan and Albanian descent, making him eligible to represent all three nations. He has represented Kosovo in both youth and senior levels, with his most notable achievement for the side being the goal he scored against Gambia in a 1-0 friendly win, a match which saw his final appearance for the Kosovo national team.

In 2024, he confirmed in switch to Albania, citing a lack of opportunities as the reason for the change. Since then, he has been a regular member of the national team, with him being a part of the nation's UEFA Euro 2024 squad. The Albania national football team aims to make their first-ever World Cup appearance, with the team currently second in their World Cup Qualifier group.

4. Bruno Varela (Cape Verde)

Bruno Varela currently plays as a goalkeeper for Saudi Pro League club Al-Hazem. Born in Portugal, he had Cape Verdean descent, making him eligible to represent both nations. He has represented Portugal at the youth levels, making 53 appearances across various youth sides, before switching his allegiance to Cape Verde. He is currently part of a historic Cape Verde national side, who have confirmed their first ever World Cup appearance after a 3-0 victory against Eswatini, making them the second smallest nation (in terms of population) to qualify for the World Cup.

5. Folarin Balogun (United States)

Folarin Balogun currently plays as a forward for Ligue 1 side AS Monaco. Born in the United States to Nigerian parents, he was eligible to represent the United States, Nigeria, and England. He has represented England at the U17, U18, and U21 levels, with his most notable achievement during his time with England being the appearance at the 2018 UEFA European Under-17 Championship. He switched his national team affiliation to the United States National Soccer Team, with him being a part of the 2024 Copa America. Currently a regular starter for the national team, he aims to guide his side to World Cup glory, with the team automatically qualifying for the tournament, due to being one of the three co-hosts of the tournament, along with Mexico and Canada.