Which Premier League clubs have been hit hardest by World Cup?

**World Cup fatigue looms large over Premier League as clubs count the cost of squad involvement**

The 2026 World Cup will leave its mark on the Premier League long after the final whistle, with several clubs facing a significant player workload from the tournament, according to BBC Sport.

While the specific breakdown of which clubs have sent the most players is central to the report, the underlying concern for Premier League managers is clear: extended involvement in the World Cup means less rest, disrupted pre-season preparation, and a higher risk of fatigue-related dips in form or injuries once domestic football resumes.

Clubs with multiple internationals reaching the latter stages of the tournament are expected to feel the effects most acutely, as those players return later and with less recovery time before the new campaign kicks off.

BBC Sport's analysis highlights how the World Cup's timing continues to pose logistical headaches for top-flight sides, forcing coaching staff to carefully manage returning stars' fitness and integration amid a compressed turnaround before competitive action begins again.