10 Rising Stars Chelsea Must Scout at the 2026 World Cup

The hiring of Xabi Alonso offers a glimmer of hope at Stamford Bridge following a chaotic 2025–26 season.

While European competition is considered vital to BlueCo's ownership model, Alonso will undoubtedly welcome the free midweeks during his debut season at the helm. Having been alienated by Enzo Maresca, Chelsea's unpopular hierarchy must feel they've found the right person to guide the Blues into a promising new era.

The 2026 World Cup is set to shake up the summer transfer market, with standout tournament performances driving up transfer valuations rapidly. Alonso's Chelsea have considerable work ahead, with the Spaniard appearing to have more freedom than his predecessors to shape the squad in his own image.

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The club has several pressing positional needs and a range of players on their radar. Here are some Chelsea transfer targets worth watching at the World Cup.

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Goalkeeper

Mike Maignan penned a contract extension with AC Milan after being heavily linked with a Chelsea move last summer. However, with the Rossoneri undergoing a major overhaul, the Blues may look to test the waters once again as they hunt for a new first-choice goalkeeper.

Group stage matches: Senegal (June 16), Iraq (June 22), Norway (June 26)

There is considerable interest in Manchester City's James Trafford, with Chelsea among a number of Premier League clubs linked to the England shot-stopper. Trafford impressed in domestic cup competitions for the Cityzens and will serve as backup to Jordan Pickford this summer. It would take an extraordinary turn of events for Trafford to see meaningful action at this World Cup.

Group stage matches: Croatia (June 17), Ghana (June 23), Panama (June 27)

Center Back

Ecuador arrives at the World Cup boasting a remarkably solid defensive unit, and Club Brugge's Joel Ordoñez is expected to see his profile rise significantly over the coming weeks. A well-rounded center back with outstanding athleticism and composure on the ball, Chelsea's interest has remained fairly loose up to this point.

Group stage matches: Côte d'Ivoire (June 14), Curaçao (June 20), Germany (June 25)

Chelsea's pursuit of Sporting CP defender Ousmane Diomande has been an ongoing saga. Barely a transfer window has passed in recent years without the Ivorian's name being connected to a move to Stamford Bridge. Could the Blues finally make their move after the World Cup?

Group stage matches: Ecuador (June 14), Germany (June 20), Curaçao (June 26)

Jan Paul van Hecke appears to be heading to Tottenham Hotspur, though a deal with Brighton & Hove Albion is yet to be finalized. Former managers at the Bridge were admirers of Van Hecke, and it's easy to see why. The Dutchman ranks among the best ball-playing defenders in the league, and there's little question that Alonso would value his contributions in possession.

Group stage matches: Japan (June 14), Sweden (June 20), Tunisia (June 26)

Center Midfield

BlueCo secured Valentín Barco last summer, sending him to Strasbourg. A year later, the versatile Argentine is preparing to make his mark in the Premier League. Barco previously featured six times for Brighton as a youngster and will now be part of Alonso's squad for the 2026–27 campaign.

Group stage matches: Algeria (June 17), Austria (June 22), Jordan (June 28)

Chelsea made a bold approach for Spurs' Lucas Bergvall in January and have continued monitoring the Swede since. Tottenham's survival likely rules out a summer departure, but Bergvall remains one to watch going forward.

Group stage matches: Tunisia (June 14), Netherlands (June 20), Japan (June 25)

Attacking Midfield

Morgan Rogers attracted widespread attention following a standout season at Aston Villa, and Thomas Tuchel's admiration for the dynamic playmaker means he's expected to play a significant role for England this summer. Rogers shares a close friendship with Cole Palmer, despite Chelsea's No. 10 reportedly borrowing his goal celebration, though the Blues' absence from the Champions League puts them at a disadvantage in the transfer race.

Group stage matches: Croatia (June 17), Ghana (June 23), Panama (June 27)

Xabi Alonso found it difficult to unlock many players during his short spell at Real Madrid, but Arda Güler was a notable exception. The young Turkish star earned Alonso's confidence and became a key figure in his setup. It would require an enormous bid to convince Madrid to part ways with him, but Güler may be tempted by the prospect of reuniting with Alonso in west London.

Group stage matches: Australia (June 13), Paraguay (June 19), United States (June 25)

How aggressively Chelsea pursue wide attackers will hinge on the system Alonso intends to use in his first season. Should he opt for a back three, players capable of cutting inside while also being effective on the flank will be crucial. Portugal's Francisco Trincão fits that profile perfectly, having delivered an impressive campaign with Sporting CP.

Group stage matches: DR Congo (June 17), Uzbekistan (June 23), Colombia (June 28)