Impact of World Cup Returns on FPL Gameweek 1

The late returns of players from the 2026 World Cup could significantly impact Fantasy Premier League (FPL) Gameweek 1, which is scheduled from August 21 to 24. This situation arises as the World Cup concluded on July 19, disrupting the usual off-season for players.

Historically, similar scenarios occurred during Euro 2024 and Copa America 2024, where players who progressed to the later stages faced challenges in starting the new season. For instance, players like Luke Shaw and Rodri experienced injuries that limited their participation in early matches, while others like Bukayo Saka managed to perform well despite a busy schedule.

As clubs prepare for the new season, the return of players from international duty will be closely monitored, especially for those who played significant roles in their national teams. The patterns observed from previous tournaments suggest that player fatigue and injuries could affect their availability and performance in the initial weeks of the domestic league.