World Cup 2026: Crystal Palace and Sunderland top Premier League goals after group stage

Crystal Palace and Sunderland have emerged as the Premier League clubs with the most goals at the World Cup after the group stage, highlighting the remarkable depth of international talent now spread throughout England's top flight.

Players from both clubs have combined to score seven goals in North America, placing them ahead of established heavyweights Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United.

Across world football, only Real Madrid and Paris St-Germain have seen their players score more goals during the tournament so far.

It forms part of a wider picture of Premier League dominance. A total of 182 players connected to Premier League clubs - including returning loanees and players already signed before the 2026-27 season - were selected for the tournament, comfortably more than any other domestic league.

Restricting the count to players who ended last season registered with Premier League clubs still leaves an unrivalled total of 154.

The Premier League's influence has not merely been measured by representation. Its players have consistently delivered decisive moments, with goals arriving from title challengers, European hopefuls and mid-table clubs alike.

Crystal Palace's seven-goal haul has been shared between three players. Ismaila Sarr has struck three times for Senegal, while Daichi Kamada has scored twice for Japan and Daniel Munoz has netted twice for Colombia.

The tally underlines Palace's growing international pedigree after successive landmark campaigns. The Eagles lifted the FA Cup in 2024-25 - the first major trophy in the club's history - before following it with Uefa Europa Conference League success a year later. New head coach Pierre Sage now inherits a squad whose influence has extended well beyond Selhurst Park.

Sunderland matching Palace's tally is perhaps the tournament's biggest club surprise. After returning to the Premier League following an eight-year absence, the Black Cats finished seventh in 2025-26 and have quickly established themselves on the international stage.

Brian Brobbey has led the way with three goals for the Netherlands, while Granit Xhaka (Switzerland), Habib Diarra (Senegal), Wilson Isidor (Haiti) and Nilson Angulo (Ecuador) have all found the net to give Sunderland seven goals from five players.

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