With the FIFA World Cup 2026 final approaching on Sunday, Premier League clubs are bracing for a compressed pre-season — and new Opta data reveals that not all teams have felt the strain equally.

Manchester City lead the Premier League in total World Cup minutes logged by their squad, reaching a combined 5,027 minutes. Rodri has accumulated 537 minutes for Spain, Marc Guehi 483 for England, and Nico O'Reilly 454. Incoming signing Elliot Anderson, joining City from Nottingham Forest, has contributed a further 533 minutes with England.

Arsenal are close behind on 4,285 minutes — the second-highest figure in the division. William Saliba has featured for 450 minutes with France, Declan Rice for 386 with England, Noni Madueke for 288, Bukayo Saka for 267, Mikel Merino for 136, and Eberechi Eze for 130.

Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Manchester United all follow, each surpassing 2,500 minutes across their squads. Brentford sit among the least affected clubs, with just over 600 minutes recorded.

Injuries mounting

The physical toll has already claimed several players. Aston Villa midfielder Amadou Onana suffered the gravest blow, rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament during Belgium's 4-1 victory over the USA.

Manchester United's Manuel Ugarte was ruled out of the remainder of the tournament after sustaining a knee injury with Uruguay in the group stage. Jordan Henderson broke his arm celebrating England's win over Mexico but has remained in Thomas Tuchel's squad. Andy Robertson was carried off against Brazil with a suspected right ankle injury — and while Scotland's elimination spared him further minutes, the extent of the damage is still being assessed.