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The 1.92 m defender is a key figure in Mexico's back line.", "facts": ["Won the CONCACAF Champions League with Monterrey", "At 1.92 m, one of the tallest players in the squad", "A regular goal threat from set pieces for club and country"], "data_rating": 75, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Russia"]}, {"player_id": 4, "team_id": 1, "fifa_code": "MEX", "team_name": "Mexico", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 4, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CDM", "player_name": "Edson Álvarez", "date_of_birth": "1997-10-24", "age": 28, "caps": 98, "international_goals": 7, "is_captain": true, "club": "Fenerbahçe", "club_country": "Turkey", "club_league": "Süper Lig", "height_cm": 187, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 18, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Süper Lig, Turkish Cup, UEFA Europa League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 255, "career_club_goals": 16, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Captain and defensive anchor", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edson_%C3%81lvarez", "backstory": "Edson Álvarez grew up in the Club América academy and won the Liga MX title before earning a move to Ajax, where his all-action style as a defensive midfielder and centre-back made him a fan favourite. He later joined West Ham United in the Premier League and then Fenerbahçe in Turkey. Approaching 100 caps, he wears the captain's armband and anchors Mexico's midfield as a leader at the home World Cup.", "facts": ["Came through the Club América academy and later starred for Ajax", "Captain of the 2026 Mexico squad, approaching 100 caps", "Nicknamed 'Machín' for his relentless work rate"], "data_rating": 71, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Turkey", "©️ Captain"]}, {"player_id": 5, "team_id": 1, "fifa_code": "MEX", "team_name": "Mexico", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 5, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Johan Vásquez", "date_of_birth": "1998-10-22", "age": 27, "caps": 46, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "Genoa", "club_country": "Italy", "club_league": "Serie A", "height_cm": 184, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 39, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Serie A, Coppa Italia", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 281, "career_club_goals": 11, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johan_V%C3%A1squez_(footballer,_born_1998)", "backstory": "Johan Vásquez came up through Pumas UNAM, where his left-footed composure at centre-back earned a move to Italy with Genoa. After a loan spell at Cremonese, he returned to Genoa and became a Serie A regular, even chipping in with goals from defence. The left-footed defender is a fixture in Mexico's back line.", "facts": ["Left-footed centre-back developed at Pumas UNAM", "Has spent several seasons in Italy's Serie A with Genoa", "Scored multiple Serie A goals from defence in 2025-26"], "data_rating": 76, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Italy"]}, {"player_id": 6, "team_id": 1, "fifa_code": "MEX", "team_name": "Mexico", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 6, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CDM", "player_name": "Érik Lira", "date_of_birth": "2000-05-08", "age": 26, "caps": 25, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Cruz Azul", "club_country": "Mexico", "club_league": "Liga MX", "height_cm": 175, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 12000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 43, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Liga MX, CONCACAF Champions Cup, Leagues Cup, FIFA Intercontinental Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 253, "career_club_goals": 2, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%89rik_Lira ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/erik-lira/leistungsdaten/spieler/602324", "backstory": "Érik Lira began his career at Pumas UNAM before joining Cruz Azul, where he developed into a tenacious, ball-winning central midfielder and won a Liga MX title. A disciplined holding player who racks up heavy minutes, he provides midfield balance for Mexico at the home World Cup.", "facts": ["Came through Pumas UNAM before joining Cruz Azul", "Won the Liga MX title with Cruz Azul", "One of the squad's higher-valued Liga MX-based players"], "data_rating": 68, "fun": ["💎 Most valuable in the squad"]}, {"player_id": 7, "team_id": 1, "fifa_code": "MEX", "team_name": "Mexico", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 7, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Luis Romo", "date_of_birth": "1995-06-05", "age": 31, "caps": 63, "international_goals": 4, "is_captain": false, "club": "Guadalajara", "club_country": "Mexico", "club_league": "Liga MX", "height_cm": 187, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 26, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2271, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Liga MX", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 252, "career_club_goals": 19, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luis_Romo ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/luis-romo/leistungsdaten/spieler/532938", "backstory": "Luis Romo is a versatile player who can operate as a defensive midfielder or centre-back. He rose to prominence at Querétaro before standout spells at Cruz Azul, with whom he won Liga MX, and Monterrey, then returned to Guadalajara. His positional flexibility and aerial presence make him a useful option for Aguirre.", "facts": ["Can play both defensive midfield and centre-back", "Won the Liga MX title with Cruz Azul", "Stands 1.87 m, tall for a midfielder"], "data_rating": 71, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 8, "team_id": 1, "fifa_code": "MEX", "team_name": "Mexico", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 8, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Álvaro Fidalgo", "date_of_birth": "1997-04-09", "age": 29, "caps": 4, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Real Betis", "club_country": "Spain", "club_league": "La Liga", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 37, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Liga MX, CONCACAF (with América); La Liga, Copa del Rey, UEFA competition (Betis)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 389, "career_club_goals": 38, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Joined Real Betis from América during 2025-26", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%81lvaro_Fidalgo", "backstory": "Spanish-born Álvaro Fidalgo came through Real Madrid's youth system before moving to Mexico with Club América, where his elegant passing and set-piece delivery made him one of Liga MX's best playmakers and a multiple-title winner. After becoming a naturalised Mexican and earning his first caps, he returned to Spain with Real Betis in 2025-26. He offers creativity from midfield for El Tri.", "facts": ["Came through the Real Madrid youth academy", "A naturalised Mexican who starred for Club América", "Joined Real Betis from América during the 2025-26 season"], "data_rating": 63, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Spain"]}, {"player_id": 9, "team_id": 1, "fifa_code": "MEX", "team_name": "Mexico", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 9, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Raúl Jiménez", "date_of_birth": "1991-05-05", "age": 35, "caps": 124, "international_goals": 45, "is_captain": false, "club": "Fulham", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 190, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 3000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 43, "club_starts_2025_26": 27, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2158, "club_goals_2025_26": 10, "club_assists_2025_26": 3, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 531, "career_club_goals": 158, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Veteran striker, all-time leading scorer for Mexico", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ra%C3%BAl_Jim%C3%A9nez ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/raul-jimenez/leistungsdaten/spieler/206040/saison/2025", "backstory": "Raúl Jiménez rose through the Club América academy and made his name in Mexico before moving to Europe with Atlético Madrid and Benfica, then to Wolverhampton Wanderers, where he became a Premier League force. After recovering from a serious skull fracture suffered in 2020, he rebuilt his career and joined Fulham. Mexico's all-time leading scorer, the veteran striker is a talismanic figure at the home World Cup.", "facts": ["Mexico's all-time leading goalscorer with 45 international goals", "Recovered from a fractured skull suffered in November 2020", "Won the Europa League with Atlético Madrid early in his career"], "data_rating": 72, "fun": ["🔥 Top 1% scorer at the Cup", "🧓 Veteran presence", "🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 10, "team_id": 1, "fifa_code": "MEX", "team_name": "Mexico", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 10, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "LW", "player_name": "Alexis Vega", "date_of_birth": "1997-11-25", "age": 28, "caps": 52, "international_goals": 7, "is_captain": false, "club": "Toluca", "club_country": "Mexico", "club_league": "Liga MX", "height_cm": 174, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 22, "club_starts_2025_26": 17, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1528, "club_goals_2025_26": 4, "club_assists_2025_26": 11, "club_yellow_2025_26": 4, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Liga MX (Clausura 2026)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 270, "career_club_goals": 66, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.transfermarkt.us/alexis-vega/leistungsdaten/spieler/424689 ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexis_Vega_(Mexican_footballer)", "backstory": "Alexis Vega came up through the Toluca academy and made his breakthrough there before joining Guadalajara, where he developed into one of Mexico's most creative forwards. He later returned to Toluca and rediscovered his best form, racking up goals and assists. A tricky, two-footed attacker, he wears the No. 10 for El Tri.", "facts": ["Developed at Toluca, where he returned and rediscovered his form", "Racked up double-digit assists in the 2025-26 Liga MX season", "Wears the iconic No. 10 shirt for Mexico"], "data_rating": 71, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 11, "team_id": 1, "fifa_code": "MEX", "team_name": "Mexico", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 11, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Santiago Giménez", "date_of_birth": "2001-04-18", "age": 25, "caps": 47, "international_goals": 6, "is_captain": false, "club": "Milan", "club_country": "Italy", "club_league": "Serie A", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 18, "club_starts_2025_26": 11, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": 2, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Serie A, Coppa Italia", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 247, "career_club_goals": 93, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Five months out with ankle injury from Oct 2025", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santiago_Gim%C3%A9nez ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/santiago-gimenez/leistungsdaten/spieler/552955", "backstory": "Santiago Giménez, son of former Cruz Azul midfielder Christian Giménez, was born in Buenos Aires and raised in Mexico. He broke through at Cruz Azul, helping end the club's long title drought in 2021, before a prolific move to Feyenoord made him one of the Eredivisie's top scorers and an Eredivisie champion. He joined AC Milan in 2025 for a reported €32m. After an ankle injury, the striker known as 'Bebote' aims to lead Mexico's line at home.", "facts": ["Son of former footballer Christian Giménez", "Became Mexico's all-time top scorer in the Eredivisie, passing Hirving Lozano", "Signed for AC Milan in 2025 for a reported €32 million"], "data_rating": 64, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Italy"]}, {"player_id": 12, "team_id": 1, "fifa_code": "MEX", "team_name": "Mexico", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 12, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Carlos Acevedo", "date_of_birth": "1996-04-19", "age": 30, "caps": 7, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Santos Laguna", "club_country": "Mexico", "club_league": "Liga MX", "height_cm": 183, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 32, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2860, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 5, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": 59, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Liga MX", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 226, "career_club_goals": 1, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://footystats.org/players/mexico/carlos-acevedo-lopez ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carlos_Acevedo", "backstory": "Carlos Acevedo is a goalkeeper who spent his entire career to date at Santos Laguna, working his way up to become the club's first-choice keeper and earning a Liga MX reputation for shot-stopping. Capped a handful of times by Mexico, he provides experienced cover in the goalkeeping department for the home World Cup.", "facts": ["A one-club man, developed at and starring for Santos Laguna", "Logged a heavy minutes load in goal during 2025-26", "Earned his first Mexico caps as a long-serving Liga MX keeper"], "data_rating": 71, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 13, "team_id": 1, "fifa_code": "MEX", "team_name": "Mexico", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 13, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Guillermo Ochoa", "date_of_birth": "1985-07-13", "age": 40, "caps": 152, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "AEL Limassol", "club_country": "Cyprus", "club_league": "Cypriot First Division", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 26, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Cypriot First Division, Cypriot Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 778, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Veteran, set for record sixth World Cup at age 40", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guillermo_Ochoa", "backstory": "Guillermo Ochoa, the legendary 'Memo', came through the Club América academy and became Mexico's most iconic goalkeeper, famed for heroic World Cup displays, most memorably against Brazil in 2014. His career has spanned Europe with Ajaccio, Málaga, Granada, Standard Liège, Salernitana and AEL Limassol. At 40, he is set to feature at a record-extending sixth World Cup on home soil.", "facts": ["Set to appear at a record sixth men's World Cup at age 40", "Famous for his goalkeeping masterclass against Brazil at the 2014 World Cup", "Won La Liga's lower divisions and Coppa Italia-level experience across a long European career"], "data_rating": 76, "fun": ["🎖️ Most-capped in the squad (152)", "🧓 Veteran presence", "🌍 Plays abroad · Cyprus"]}, {"player_id": 14, "team_id": 1, "fifa_code": "MEX", "team_name": "Mexico", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 14, "position": "FW", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Armando González", "date_of_birth": "2003-04-20", "age": 23, "caps": 7, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Guadalajara", "club_country": "Mexico", "club_league": "Liga MX", "height_cm": 179, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 35, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 25, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Liga MX, CONCACAF Champions Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 60, "career_club_goals": 27, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Liga MX top scorer 2025-26 (24 league goals); Clausura 2026 Player of the Tournament", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armando_Gonz%C3%A1lez_(footballer,_born_2003) ; https://www.excelsior.com.mx/deportes/chivas-para-mundo-hormiga-gonzalez-mejor-jugador-liga-mx", "backstory": "Armando González, nicknamed 'La Hormiga' (The Ant) for his industrious style, is the son of former footballer Armando González Bejarano. He came through Guadalajara's system via Tapatío and exploded in 2025-26 as Liga MX's top scorer and Clausura 2026 Player of the Tournament. Called up by Aguirre and scoring on his way into the squad, the young striker is one of Mexico's breakout hopes.", "facts": ["Liga MX top scorer in 2025-26 and Clausura 2026 Player of the Tournament", "Son of former footballer Armando González Bejarano", "Nicknamed 'La Hormiga' (The Ant) for his work rate"], "data_rating": 73, "fun": ["🎯 25 club goals in 2025/26"]}, {"player_id": 15, "team_id": 1, "fifa_code": "MEX", "team_name": "Mexico", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 15, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Israel Reyes", "date_of_birth": "2000-05-23", "age": 26, "caps": 34, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "América", "club_country": "Mexico", "club_league": "Liga MX", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 43, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": 2, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Liga MX, CONCACAF Champions Cup, Leagues Cup, Campeón de Campeones", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 226, "career_club_goals": 9, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israel_Reyes", "backstory": "Israel Reyes came up through Puebla before joining Club América, where his versatility across the back line, as a centre-back or full-back, made him a regular and multiple-trophy winner. Reliable and composed, he offers defensive flexibility for Mexico at the home World Cup.", "facts": ["Versatile defender who can play centre-back or full-back", "Won multiple trophies with Club América", "Made his name at Puebla before his América move"], "data_rating": 75, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 16, "team_id": 1, "fifa_code": "MEX", "team_name": "Mexico", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 16, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Julián Quiñones", "date_of_birth": "1997-03-24", "age": 29, "caps": 22, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al-Qadsiah", "club_country": "Saudi Arabia", "club_league": "Saudi Pro League", "height_cm": 173, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 35, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 37, "club_assists_2025_26": 4, "club_yellow_2025_26": 4, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Saudi Pro League, King's Cup, AFC Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 278, "career_club_goals": 129, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Saudi Pro League top scorer 2025-26 (33 league goals)", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juli%C3%A1n_Qui%C3%B1ones ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/julian-quinones/leistungsdaten/spieler/416090/saison/2025", "backstory": "Colombian-born Julián Quiñones moved to Mexico early in his career and became a Liga MX star, notably at Atlas, where he helped end the club's decades-long title drought, and at Club América. After naturalising and debuting for Mexico, he moved to Saudi Arabia with Al-Qadsiah, where he became the Saudi Pro League's top scorer in 2025-26. A pacey, clinical forward, he adds firepower to El Tri's attack.", "facts": ["Born in Colombia and naturalised as a Mexican international", "Saudi Pro League top scorer in 2025-26", "Helped end Atlas's long Liga MX title drought"], "data_rating": 79, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Saudi Arabia", "🎯 37 club goals in 2025/26"]}, {"player_id": 17, "team_id": 1, "fifa_code": "MEX", "team_name": "Mexico", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 17, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CAM", "player_name": "Orbelín Pineda", "date_of_birth": "1996-03-24", "age": 30, "caps": 92, "international_goals": 12, "is_captain": false, "club": "AEK Athens", "club_country": "Greece", "club_league": "Super League Greece", "height_cm": 170, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 27, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 4, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Super League Greece, Greek Cup, UEFA Conference League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 363, "career_club_goals": 42, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orbel%C3%ADn_Pineda", "backstory": "Orbelín Pineda began at Querétaro before becoming a creative force at Chivas and Cruz Azul, with whom he won Liga MX. He moved to Europe with Celta Vigo and then AEK Athens, where his goals and assists from midfield have flourished. A diminutive, technical playmaker, the much-capped Pineda is a key creator for Mexico.", "facts": ["Won the Liga MX title with Cruz Azul", "Has thrived in Greece with AEK Athens", "One of Mexico's most-capped current midfielders"], "data_rating": 74, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Greece"]}, {"player_id": 18, "team_id": 1, "fifa_code": "MEX", "team_name": "Mexico", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 18, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Obed Vargas", "date_of_birth": "2005-08-05", "age": 20, "caps": 6, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Atlético Madrid", "club_country": "Spain", "club_league": "La Liga", "height_cm": 180, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 13, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "La Liga, Copa del Rey (Atlético); MLS (Seattle Sounders)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 171, "career_club_goals": 8, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Joined Atlético Madrid from Seattle Sounders in 2026", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obed_Vargas", "backstory": "Obed Vargas was born in Anchorage, Alaska, and rose through the Seattle Sounders academy, debuting in MLS at 15 to become one of the league's youngest-ever players. A composed defensive midfielder, he won a CONCACAF Champions League and a Leagues Cup with Seattle before joining boyhood club Atlético Madrid in 2026. Eligible for both the USA and Mexico, he committed his future to El Tri.", "facts": ["Born in Anchorage, Alaska, the first Alaskan to play for a national team", "Debuted in MLS at 15, among the youngest in league history", "Joined his boyhood club Atlético Madrid from Seattle Sounders in 2026"], "data_rating": 57, "fun": ["🌟 Wonderkid", "🌍 Plays abroad · Spain"]}, {"player_id": 19, "team_id": 1, "fifa_code": "MEX", "team_name": "Mexico", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 19, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CAM", "player_name": "Gilberto Mora", "date_of_birth": "2008-10-14", "age": 17, "caps": 8, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Tijuana", "club_country": "Mexico", "club_league": "Liga MX", "height_cm": 167, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 17, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1131, "club_goals_2025_26": 4, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Liga MX", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Youngest player in the squad", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.transfermarkt.us/gilberto-mora/leistungsdaten/spieler/1155723 ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/1670377/gilberto-mora", "backstory": "Gilberto Mora, born in 2008 and son of former footballer Gilberto Mora, is the teenage sensation of the squad. He debuted for Tijuana at 15, becoming the youngest goalscorer in Mexican top-flight history, and went on to set records as the youngest player to feature for Mexico and the youngest to win a major tournament with the 2025 Gold Cup. The attacking midfielder is the youngest player at the 2026 World Cup.", "facts": ["Youngest player in Mexico's squad and at the 2026 World Cup", "Youngest goalscorer in Mexican top-flight history", "Youngest player to win the CONCACAF Gold Cup (2025)"], "data_rating": 61, "fun": ["🐣 Youngest in the squad (17)", "🌟 Wonderkid"]}, {"player_id": 20, "team_id": 1, "fifa_code": "MEX", "team_name": "Mexico", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 20, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "LB", "player_name": "Mateo Chávez", "date_of_birth": "2004-05-12", "age": 22, "caps": 10, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "AZ", "club_country": "Netherlands", "club_league": "Eredivisie", "height_cm": 177, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 32, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Eredivisie, KNVB Cup, UEFA Conference League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 116, "career_club_goals": 3, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mateo_Ch%C3%A1vez", "backstory": "Mateo Chávez, son of former footballer Paulo César Chávez, is a left-back who came through the Guadalajara academy and broke into the first team before earning a move to Eredivisie club AZ Alkmaar in 2025. An attacking, left-footed full-back, he has quickly become a regular in the Netherlands and offers width down Mexico's left flank.", "facts": ["Son of former footballer Paulo César Chávez", "Came through the Guadalajara academy before joining AZ Alkmaar in 2025", "Left-footed attacking full-back"], "data_rating": 67, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Netherlands"]}, {"player_id": 21, "team_id": 1, "fifa_code": "MEX", "team_name": "Mexico", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 21, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "LW", "player_name": "César Huerta", "date_of_birth": "2000-12-03", "age": 25, "caps": 26, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "Anderlecht", "club_country": "Belgium", "club_league": "Belgian Pro League", "height_cm": 169, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 17, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Belgian Pro League, Belgian Cup, UEFA Europa League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 179, "career_club_goals": 30, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C%C3%A9sar_Huerta", "backstory": "César 'Chino' Huerta developed at Guadalajara and gained experience on loan before flourishing as a winger at Pumas UNAM, earning a Liga MX Best XI selection. He moved to Belgian side Anderlecht in 2025 and scored on his debut. A direct, pacey wide attacker, he won the 2025 Gold Cup and Nations League with Mexico.", "facts": ["Scored on his Anderlecht debut in January 2025", "Made his name as a winger at Pumas UNAM", "Won the 2025 Gold Cup and CONCACAF Nations League with Mexico"], "data_rating": 62, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Belgium"]}, {"player_id": 22, "team_id": 1, "fifa_code": "MEX", "team_name": "Mexico", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 22, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Guillermo Martínez", "date_of_birth": "1995-03-15", "age": 31, "caps": 12, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "Pumas", "club_country": "Mexico", "club_league": "Liga MX", "height_cm": 186, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 1500000, "club_apps_2025_26": 26, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1342, "club_goals_2025_26": 9, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": 6, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Liga MX (Clausura 2026)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://footystats.org/players/mexico/guillermo-martinez-ayala ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/guillermo-martinez/leistungsdaten/spieler/347932/saison/2025", "backstory": "Guillermo Martínez is a tall, traditional centre-forward who has been a consistent Liga MX scorer, most recently for Pumas UNAM. Earning his Mexico call-up later in his career, the target man provides an aerial focal point as a squad option for the home World Cup.", "facts": ["Standing 1.86 m, a target-man centre-forward", "Earned his Mexico caps later in his career as a reliable Liga MX scorer", "Reached double figures in Pumas' goal contributions in 2025-26"], "data_rating": 64, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 23, "team_id": 1, "fifa_code": "MEX", "team_name": "Mexico", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 23, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "LB", "player_name": "Jesús Gallardo", "date_of_birth": "1994-08-15", "age": 31, "caps": 121, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "Toluca", "club_country": "Mexico", "club_league": "Liga MX", "height_cm": 179, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 33, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 5, "club_assists_2025_26": 5, "club_yellow_2025_26": 5, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Liga MX", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 294, "career_club_goals": 32, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.flashscore.com/player/gallardo-jesus/tSbTldMt/ ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jes%C3%BAs_Gallardo", "backstory": "Jesús Gallardo started as a winger at Pumas UNAM before reinventing himself as an attacking left-back at Monterrey, where he won major honours, and later at Toluca. Famously quick and energetic up and down the flank, the much-capped Gallardo brings vast experience to Mexico's defence at his home World Cup.", "facts": ["Converted from winger to attacking left-back during his career", "Holds well over 120 caps for Mexico", "Once recorded one of the fastest yellow cards in World Cup history (2018)"], "data_rating": 83, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 24, "team_id": 1, "fifa_code": "MEX", "team_name": "Mexico", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 24, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Luis Chávez", "date_of_birth": "1996-01-15", "age": 30, "caps": 45, "international_goals": 5, "is_captain": false, "club": "Dynamo Moscow", "club_country": "Russia", "club_league": "Russian Premier League", "height_cm": 175, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 5, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Russian Premier League, Russian Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 252, "career_club_goals": 24, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luis_Ch%C3%A1vez_(footballer)", "backstory": "Luis Chávez is a left-footed midfielder renowned for his powerful long-range shooting and set-piece delivery, including a memorable free-kick at the 2022 World Cup. He made his name at Pachuca, winning Liga MX, before moving to Europe and then to Russia with Dynamo Moscow. He offers a goal threat from distance for El Tri.", "facts": ["Scored a stunning free-kick at the 2022 World Cup against Saudi Arabia", "Won the Liga MX title with Pachuca", "Left-footed midfielder known for powerful long-range strikes"], "data_rating": 61, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Russia"]}, {"player_id": 25, "team_id": 1, "fifa_code": "MEX", "team_name": "Mexico", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 25, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "RW", "player_name": "Roberto Alvarado", "date_of_birth": "1998-09-07", "age": 27, "caps": 67, "international_goals": 5, "is_captain": false, "club": "Guadalajara", "club_country": "Mexico", "club_league": "Liga MX", "height_cm": 169, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 29, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2195, "club_goals_2025_26": 4, "club_assists_2025_26": 4, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Liga MX", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 330, "career_club_goals": 54, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/roberto-alvarado/leistungsdaten/spieler/353583 ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roberto_Alvarado", "backstory": "Roberto 'Piojo' Alvarado came through Pachuca and starred at Cruz Azul, where he won Liga MX, before joining Guadalajara. A versatile, left-footed attacker who can play on either wing or centrally, he is a creative, high-energy option for Mexico with a strong assist record.", "facts": ["Won the Liga MX title with Cruz Azul", "Left-footed attacker comfortable on either flank", "Nicknamed 'Piojo' (Louse)"], "data_rating": 70, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 26, "team_id": 1, "fifa_code": "MEX", "team_name": "Mexico", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 26, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Brian Gutiérrez", "date_of_birth": "2003-06-17", "age": 22, "caps": 7, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Guadalajara", "club_country": "Mexico", "club_league": "Liga MX", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 918, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": 4, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Liga MX (Clausura 2026)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": "Joined Chivas from Chicago Fire FC", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/1170238/brian-gutierrez ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/brian-gutierrez/profil/spieler/724443", "backstory": "Brian Gutiérrez was born in Berwyn, Illinois, to parents from Jalisco, and rose through the Chicago Fire academy to become a homegrown attacking midfielder in MLS. After early appearances for the United States, he obtained Mexican citizenship and switched allegiance, joining Guadalajara in early 2026 and quickly scoring for El Tri. The creative playmaker is one of Mexico's dual-national additions.", "facts": ["Born in Illinois and switched from the United States to Mexico in 2026", "Came through the Chicago Fire academy as a homegrown player", "Scored for Mexico in a 4-0 win over Iceland in February 2026"], "data_rating": 61, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 27, "team_id": 2, "fifa_code": "RSA", "team_name": "South Africa", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 1, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Ronwen Williams", "date_of_birth": "1992-01-21", "age": 34, "caps": 63, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": true, "club": "Mamelodi Sundowns", "club_country": "South Africa", "club_league": "Betway Premiership", "height_cm": 184, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 900000, "club_apps_2025_26": 29, "club_starts_2025_26": 29, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2610, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 13, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": 21, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Betway Premiership", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "First-choice keeper and captain", "enrichment_sources": "https://footystats.org/players/south-africa/ronwen-williams ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/253991/ronwen-williams ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/ronwen-williams/profil/spieler/175577", "backstory": "Ronwen Williams spent 18 years at SuperSport United from 2004, debuting in 2012 and becoming a one-club man before finally moving to Mamelodi Sundowns in July 2022. The captain's defining moment came at AFCON 2023, where he saved four penalties in the quarter-final shootout against Cape Verde and was named the tournament's best goalkeeper as Bafana finished third. Now South Africa's skipper and undisputed No. 1, the keeper they call 'Ronza' carries the armband and the country's hopes into its first World Cup since 2010.", "facts": ["Saved four penalties in one shootout at AFCON 2023, then was named the tournament's best goalkeeper", "Spent 18 years and 12 senior seasons at a single club, SuperSport United, before joining Sundowns", "Ranked the ninth-best goalkeeper in the world at the 2024 Ballon d'Or"], "data_rating": 72, "fun": ["🎖️ Most-capped in the squad (63)", "🧓 Veteran presence", "🧤 13 clean sheets in 2025/26", "©️ Captain"]}, {"player_id": 28, "team_id": 2, "fifa_code": "RSA", "team_name": "South Africa", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 2, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Thabang Matuludi", "date_of_birth": "1999-01-14", "age": 27, "caps": 2, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Polokwane City", "club_country": "South Africa", "club_league": "Betway Premiership", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 23, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1950, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 5, "club_red_2025_26": 1, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Betway Premiership", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://theanalyst.com/players/7814/thabang-matuludi/stats ; https://footystats.org/players/south-africa/tholo-thabang-matuludi ; https://www.sofascore.com/football/player/matuludi-tholo-thabang/1470073", "backstory": "Thabang Matuludi rose from Limpopo amateur side The Dolphins to the professional ranks with Polokwane City, where he has spent his entire top-flight career. A combative, versatile right-back prized for his work rate and defensive awareness, he broke into Hugo Broos' Bafana squad and featured at AFCON. Still uncapped beyond a handful of appearances, he heads to the World Cup as backup competition for Khuliso Mudau at right-back.", "facts": ["Came up through the amateur ranks at Limpopo's The Dolphins before joining Polokwane City", "Followed ex-Polokwane teammate Oswin Appollis into the Bafana setup"], "data_rating": 61, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 29, "team_id": 2, "fifa_code": "RSA", "team_name": "South Africa", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 3, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Khulumani Ndamane", "date_of_birth": "2004-02-05", "age": 22, "caps": 5, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Mamelodi Sundowns", "club_country": "South Africa", "club_league": "Betway Premiership", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 26, "club_starts_2025_26": 25, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Betway Premiership (combined with TS Galaxy spell before Jan 2026 transfer)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://africa.espn.com/football/team/squad/_/id/7084/rsa.mamelodi_sundowns ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khulumani_Ndamane ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/khulumani-ndamane/profil/spieler/1283140/", "backstory": "Born in Weenen, KwaZulu-Natal, Khulumani Ndamane came through the Kaizer Chiefs academy before joining TS Galaxy in 2024, where the composed, aerially dominant centre-back was an instant hit. His maturity beyond his years earned a 2025 AFCON call-up and a January 2026 move to champions Mamelodi Sundowns. At just 22, he is one of the bright young defenders Broos is blooding ahead of South Africa's World Cup return.", "facts": ["A Kaizer Chiefs academy product who broke through at TS Galaxy", "Joined champions Mamelodi Sundowns in January 2026 on a three-year deal"], "data_rating": 63, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 30, "team_id": 2, "fifa_code": "RSA", "team_name": "South Africa", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 4, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Teboho Mokoena", "date_of_birth": "1997-01-24", "age": 29, "caps": 51, "international_goals": 9, "is_captain": false, "club": "Mamelodi Sundowns", "club_country": "South Africa", "club_league": "Betway Premiership", "height_cm": 180, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 23, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1617, "club_goals_2025_26": 4, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": 5, "club_red_2025_26": 1, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Betway Premiership, CAF Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Key central midfielder, regular starter", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.flashscore.com/player/mokoena-teboho/MFTeufFd/ ; https://www.sofascore.com/football/player/teboho-mokoena/881117 ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/848361/teboho-mokoena", "backstory": "Teboho Mokoena joined SuperSport United from the Harmony Sports Academy, captaining the U19s before debuting in 2017 and helping the club win the 2017 Nedbank Cup and 2019 MTN8. He moved to Mamelodi Sundowns in January 2022 and has been central to back-to-back league titles and CAF Champions League glory. A driving central midfielder with a thunderous long-range shot, he is one of South Africa's most important players and a regular scorer for Bafana.", "facts": ["Won the PSL Goal of the Month award in January 2019 for a strike against Bloemfontein Celtic", "Reportedly turned down a move to Europe to stay at Sundowns"], "data_rating": 72, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 31, "team_id": 2, "fifa_code": "RSA", "team_name": "South Africa", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 5, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Thalente Mbatha", "date_of_birth": "2000-03-06", "age": 26, "caps": 14, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "Orlando Pirates", "club_country": "South Africa", "club_league": "Betway Premiership", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1537, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": 1, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Betway Premiership", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/1124424/thalente-mbatha ; https://www.sofascore.com/football/player/mbatha-thalente/1014410", "backstory": "From KwaMashu in Durban, Thalente Mbatha honed his game at Highlands Park and SuperSport United before joining Orlando Pirates on loan in January 2024, a move he quickly made permanent. A defensive midfielder who brings stability but also has a knack for goals, he has won the MTN8 and Nedbank Cup with the Buccaneers. He scored on his international debut and is part of Broos' midfield rotation for the World Cup.", "facts": ["Scored on his international debut, in 2024 against Uganda", "Made just 29 appearances at SuperSport before his career took off at Orlando Pirates"], "data_rating": 63, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 32, "team_id": 2, "fifa_code": "RSA", "team_name": "South Africa", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 6, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "LB", "player_name": "Aubrey Modiba", "date_of_birth": "1995-07-22", "age": 30, "caps": 44, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "Mamelodi Sundowns", "club_country": "South Africa", "club_league": "Betway Premiership", "height_cm": 175, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 27, "club_starts_2025_26": 22, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2017, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 3, "club_yellow_2025_26": 4, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Betway Premiership", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Regular left-back", "enrichment_sources": "https://africa.espn.com/football/team/squad/_/id/7084/rsa.mamelodi_sundowns ; https://www.sofascore.com/football/player/aubrey-modiba/837099 ; https://www.flashscore.com/player/modiba-aubrey/tWExAYOC/", "backstory": "Nicknamed 'Postman', Aubrey Modiba began at Mpumalanga Black Aces before four prolific seasons at SuperSport United, where the left-sided player racked up 130 appearances and 22 goals and won the MTN8 and Nedbank Cup. He joined Mamelodi Sundowns in 2020 and has since collected a stack of league titles and the 2025/26 CAF Champions League. An attacking left-back who loves to overlap, he is Bafana's regular option down the left.", "facts": ["Began his career at Mpumalanga Black Aces, which later became Cape Town City", "Has won five-plus consecutive PSL titles with Mamelodi Sundowns"], "data_rating": 72, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 33, "team_id": 2, "fifa_code": "RSA", "team_name": "South Africa", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 7, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "LW", "player_name": "Oswin Appollis", "date_of_birth": "2001-08-25", "age": 24, "caps": 25, "international_goals": 8, "is_captain": false, "club": "Orlando Pirates", "club_country": "South Africa", "club_league": "Betway Premiership", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 37, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2170, "club_goals_2025_26": 9, "club_assists_2025_26": 9, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Betway Premiership, CAF Champions League, MTN8, Carling Knockout, Nedbank Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Attacking winger; 9 goals and 9 assists across all competitions", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/1054166/oswin-appollis ; https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/oswin-appollis/43091/ ; https://www.sofascore.com/football/player/oswin-appollis/984505", "backstory": "Born in Bishop Lavis, Cape Town, Oswin Appollis came through Ajax Cape Town's youth academy and endured a string of rejections, reviving his career at Pretoria Callies before starring for Polokwane City. A low-slung, agile winger who terrorises full-backs, he completed a much-coveted move to Orlando Pirates in 2025 ahead of Chiefs, Sundowns and Esperance. Now one of Bafana's most dangerous attackers, he produced a near double-double of goals and assists this season.", "facts": ["Came through the Ajax Cape Town youth academy", "Joined Orlando Pirates in 2025 ahead of interest from Chiefs, Sundowns and Tunisia's Esperance", "His agent says he was repeatedly told he was 'not good enough' before making the World Cup squad"], "data_rating": 73, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 34, "team_id": 2, "fifa_code": "RSA", "team_name": "South Africa", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 8, "position": "FW", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Tshepang Moremi", "date_of_birth": "2000-10-02", "age": 25, "caps": 9, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Orlando Pirates", "club_country": "South Africa", "club_league": "Betway Premiership", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 17, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 8, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "All competitions (Betway Premiership and cups)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Winger; signed from AmaZulu in July 2025", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tshepang_Moremi ; https://www.flashscore.com/player/moremi-tshepang/QXY2UJk0/ ; https://www.sofascore.com/football/player/tshepang-moremi/1101745", "backstory": "Tshepang Moremi developed at Sharpeville Benfica and the Bizana Pondo Chiefs before breaking through at AmaZulu, where a strong 2024/25 season earned a July 2025 move to Orlando Pirates. The left-footed winger immediately won a clutch of trophies including the league title in his first Pirates campaign. He made his Bafana debut under Hugo Broos and was part of the 2025 AFCON squad.", "facts": ["Won the league, MTN8 and Carling Knockout in his first season at Orlando Pirates", "Came up through small clubs Sharpeville Benfica and the Bizana Pondo Chiefs"], "data_rating": 64, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 35, "team_id": 2, "fifa_code": "RSA", "team_name": "South Africa", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 9, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Lyle Foster", "date_of_birth": "2000-09-03", "age": 25, "caps": 27, "international_goals": 10, "is_captain": false, "club": "Burnley", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 182, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 8000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 26, "club_starts_2025_26": 15, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1372, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": 4, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 99, "career_club_goals": 12, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Leads the line; main striker", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.transfermarkt.us/lyle-foster/profil/spieler/467623 ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/881500/lyle-foster ; https://www.premierleague.com/en/players/435973/lyle-foster/stats", "backstory": "Lyle Foster was named in The Guardian's top 60 young players in the world during his Orlando Pirates breakthrough before a 2019 move to AS Monaco, followed by loans and spells at Cercle Brugge, Vitoria de Guimaraes and Westerlo. In January 2023 he joined Burnley in a deal that became a record fee for a South African player, helping the Clarets reach the Premier League. Bafana's main striker, he has spoken openly about overcoming mental health struggles and leads the line at the World Cup.", "facts": ["His move to Burnley became a record transfer fee for a South African player (rising to around €10m)", "Named in The Guardian's top 60 young players in the world as a teenager", "Has spoken publicly about his battle with mental health"], "data_rating": 66, "fun": ["💎 Most valuable in the squad", "🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 36, "team_id": 2, "fifa_code": "RSA", "team_name": "South Africa", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 10, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "RW", "player_name": "Relebohile Mofokeng", "date_of_birth": "2004-10-23", "age": 21, "caps": 12, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Orlando Pirates", "club_country": "South Africa", "club_league": "Betway Premiership", "height_cm": 166, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": 2000000, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2131, "club_goals_2025_26": 10, "club_assists_2025_26": 8, "club_yellow_2025_26": 2, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Betway Premiership", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Young attacking talent; key in Pirates' treble season", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/1471333/relebohile-mofokeng ; https://www.transfermarkt.co.za/relebohile-mofokeng/marktwertverlauf/spieler/1125037 ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Relebohile_Mofokeng", "backstory": "A product of the Transnet School of Excellence, Relebohile Mofokeng joined Orlando Pirates via a swap arrangement with Sundowns and made his first start in May 2023. The diminutive attacking midfielder/winger became a back-to-back PSL Young Player of the Season and the heartbeat of Pirates' attack, racking up double-figure goals and assists. One of South Africa's brightest prospects, the teenager is a key creative weapon for Bafana at the World Cup.", "facts": ["Back-to-back PSL Young Player of the Season winner", "Legally changed his surname from his mother's (Ratomo) to his father's (Mofokeng) after joining Pirates; his father Sechaba was also a footballer"], "data_rating": 66, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 37, "team_id": 2, "fifa_code": "RSA", "team_name": "South Africa", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 11, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CAM", "player_name": "Themba Zwane", "date_of_birth": "1989-08-03", "age": 36, "caps": 53, "international_goals": 12, "is_captain": false, "club": "Mamelodi Sundowns", "club_country": "South Africa", "club_league": "Betway Premiership", "height_cm": 170, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 7, "club_starts_2025_26": 1, "club_minutes_2025_26": 532, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Betway Premiership", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Veteran playmaker, experience role; limited minutes this season", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/303609/themba-zwane ; https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/157046/themba-zwane", "backstory": "A famous late bloomer from Tembisa, Themba 'Mshishi' Zwane joined Mamelodi Sundowns from amateur side Vardos FC in 2011 as a 21-year-old and grew into one of South African football's most decorated players. His trophy haul includes nine league titles and two CAF Champions Leagues across 400-plus appearances, and he was once crowned PSL Footballer of the Season. Now 36 and a veteran playmaker with reduced minutes, he brings experience and craft to the World Cup squad.", "facts": ["Joined Sundowns from amateur football and has won nine league titles", "Earned his 50th South Africa cap in October 2024, at age 35", "Won a contract extension with Sundowns after his World Cup call-up"], "data_rating": 65, "fun": ["🧓 Veteran presence"]}, {"player_id": 38, "team_id": 2, "fifa_code": "RSA", "team_name": "South Africa", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 12, "position": "FW", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Thapelo Maseko", "date_of_birth": "2003-11-11", "age": 22, "caps": 9, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "AEL Limassol", "club_country": "Cyprus", "club_league": "Cypriot First Division", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 294, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Cypriot First Division, Cypriot Cup (on loan from Jan 2026)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": "On loan at AEL Limassol from January 2026; scored on early appearance", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thapelo_Maseko ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/thapelo-maseko/profil/spieler/983330 ; https://www.kickoff.com/psl/sa-players-abroad/thapelo-maseko-announces-himself-with-goal-at-ael-limassol-in-cyprus", "backstory": "A SuperSport United academy graduate, Thapelo Maseko was named Player of the Tournament at the inaugural Africa Football League soon after joining Mamelodi Sundowns in 2023, earning an AFCON call-up. After his progress stalled with limited game time at Sundowns, he moved on loan to AEL Limassol in Cyprus in January 2026 and enjoyed a resurgence. The pacey winger heads to the World Cup looking to build on his revival abroad.", "facts": ["Named Player of the Tournament at the inaugural Africa Football League", "Joined South African internationals Luther Singh and others at AEL Limassol in Cyprus"], "data_rating": 57, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Cyprus"]}, {"player_id": 39, "team_id": 2, "fifa_code": "RSA", "team_name": "South Africa", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 13, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CDM", "player_name": "Sphephelo Sithole", "date_of_birth": "1999-03-03", "age": 27, "caps": 27, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Tondela", "club_country": "Portugal", "club_league": "Primeira Liga", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 26, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1543, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Primeira Liga", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Defensive midfielder, regular starter for Tondela", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/1107735/sphephelo-sithole ; https://us.soccerway.com/player/yaya-sithole/8QxUv8F5/ ; https://www.flashscore.com/player/yaya-sithole/8QxUv8F5/", "backstory": "Sphephelo 'Yaya' Sithole built his entire professional career in Portugal, joining Sporting CP's U19s in 2017 before spells at Vitoria Setubal, Belenenses SAD and then Tondela, with a loan at Gil Vicente. A combative defensive midfielder, he made his Bafana debut in 2022 and was part of the third-place 2023 AFCON squad. A regular starter for Tondela in the Primeira Liga, he adds European experience to South Africa's engine room.", "facts": ["Has spent his entire pro career in Portugal, starting in Sporting CP's youth setup", "Part of South Africa's bronze-medal 2023 AFCON squad"], "data_rating": 63, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Portugal"]}, {"player_id": 40, "team_id": 2, "fifa_code": "RSA", "team_name": "South Africa", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 14, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Mbekezeli Mbokazi", "date_of_birth": "2005-09-19", "age": 20, "caps": 10, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Chicago Fire", "club_country": "United States", "club_league": "Major League Soccer", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 14, "club_starts_2025_26": 12, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Major League Soccer", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": "MLS All-Star First XI selection; revelation for Chicago Fire", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/mbekezeli-mbokazi-world-cup-profile-chicago-fire-south-africa-defender ; https://www.chicagofirefc.com/players/mbekezeli-mbokazi/ ; https://www.kickoff.com/psl/sa-players-abroad/mbekezeli-mbokazi-helps-chicago-fire-to-clean-sheet-milestone", "backstory": "Mbekezeli 'TLB' Mbokazi enjoyed a meteoric rise at Orlando Pirates, debuting in March 2025 and becoming the club's youngest captain since Mbulelo Mabizela, lifting the MTN8 and Carling Knockout. A ball-playing, physical centre-back with a fierce shot, he moved to Chicago Fire in December 2025 in a deal worth around $3m and was an instant MLS sensation. Still a teenager, he made his Bafana debut in May 2025 and helped seal World Cup qualification.", "facts": ["Nicknamed 'TLB' after the powerful TLB backhoe loaders", "Became Orlando Pirates' youngest captain at 19", "Named to the MLS All-Star First XI in his first season with Chicago Fire"], "data_rating": 61, "fun": ["🐣 Youngest in the squad (20)", "🌟 Wonderkid", "🌍 Plays abroad · United States"]}, {"player_id": 41, "team_id": 2, "fifa_code": "RSA", "team_name": "South Africa", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 15, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Iqraam Rayners", "date_of_birth": "1995-12-19", "age": 30, "caps": 13, "international_goals": 4, "is_captain": false, "club": "Mamelodi Sundowns", "club_country": "South Africa", "club_league": "Betway Premiership", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 25, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1425, "club_goals_2025_26": 12, "club_assists_2025_26": 4, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Betway Premiership", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Sundowns top scorer this season with 12 league goals", "enrichment_sources": "https://footystats.org/players/south-africa/iqraam-rayners ; https://www.flashscore.com/player/rayners-iqraam/8M2gNoUh/ ; https://www.sofascore.com/football/player/iqraam-rayners/991024", "backstory": "Iqraam Rayners is a classic late bloomer: he played youth football at Kenpark United and Santos, struggled badly during a goalless spell at SuperSport United, then reignited his career back at Stellenbosch to become one of the country's leading strikers. He joined Mamelodi Sundowns on a free in August 2024 and scored their first-ever FIFA Club World Cup goal. Sundowns' top scorer this season, he overcame a cardiac scare to make the World Cup squad.", "facts": ["Scored Mamelodi Sundowns' first-ever FIFA Club World Cup goal, beating Ulsan HD in 2025", "Recovered from a cardiac scare that ruled him out of World Cup qualifiers to make the squad"], "data_rating": 70, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 42, "team_id": 2, "fifa_code": "RSA", "team_name": "South Africa", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 16, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Sipho Chaine", "date_of_birth": "1996-12-14", "age": 29, "caps": 3, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Orlando Pirates", "club_country": "South Africa", "club_league": "Betway Premiership", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 39, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 25, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": 19, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Betway Premiership, CAF Champions League, MTN8, Carling Knockout, Nedbank Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "First-choice keeper this season; record 21 league clean sheets (30 league apps)", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sipho_Chaine ; https://www.kickoff.com/psl/orlando-pirates/sipho-chaine-s-clean-sheet-count-effect ; https://www.soccerladuma.co.za/psl/orlando-pirates/chaine-humbled-with-orlando-pirates-season", "backstory": "Sipho Chaine's rise reads like an underdog story: he debuted for Bloemfontein Celtic, barely played after Royal AM bought the club's status, and made just two appearances at Chippa United before a deadline-day move to Orlando Pirates in September 2022. After starting third-choice, he became Pirates' No. 1, won the 2023 MTN8 with shootout heroics and was named Goalkeeper of the Season. He set a PSL record of 21 league clean sheets and challenges Williams for minutes at the World Cup.", "facts": ["Set a Premiership record with 21 league clean sheets, beating the previous mark of 18", "Joined Orlando Pirates after just two appearances for Chippa United", "Named 2024-25 South African Premiership Goalkeeper of the Season"], "data_rating": 79, "fun": ["🧤 25 clean sheets in 2025/26"]}, {"player_id": 43, "team_id": 2, "fifa_code": "RSA", "team_name": "South Africa", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 17, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Evidence Makgopa", "date_of_birth": "2000-06-05", "age": 26, "caps": 26, "international_goals": 6, "is_captain": false, "club": "Orlando Pirates", "club_country": "South Africa", "club_league": "Betway Premiership", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 18, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 4, "club_assists_2025_26": 3, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "All competitions (Betway Premiership and cups)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Contributed to MTN8 and Carling Knockout title runs", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/evidence-makgopa/3572/ ; https://www.flashscore.com/player/makgopa-evidence/riFLkbEo/ ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evidence_Makgopa", "backstory": "Evidence Makgopa started out as a defender before converting to striker and breaking through at Baroka, scoring a brace on his international debut. He joined Orlando Pirates in 2022 and has become a dependable forward, contributing to MTN8 and Carling Knockout title runs and helping Bafana to bronze at the 2023 AFCON. A hard-running centre-forward, he provides depth in attack for the World Cup squad.", "facts": ["Scored a brace on his international debut for South Africa", "Started his career as a defender before being converted into a striker"], "data_rating": 66, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 44, "team_id": 2, "fifa_code": "RSA", "team_name": "South Africa", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 18, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Samukele Kabini", "date_of_birth": "2004-03-15", "age": 22, "caps": 5, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Molde", "club_country": "Norway", "club_league": "Eliteserien", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 2, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 179, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Eliteserien (2026 calendar season early stage)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": "Limited minutes; Eliteserien is a calendar-year league", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/1680659/samukele-kabini ; https://www.sofascore.com/football/player/samukelo-kabini/1518180 ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samukele_Kabini", "backstory": "Samukele Kabini came through the Orlando Pirates youth system before joining TS Galaxy in 2023, where two seasons in the top flight earned a roughly R15m move to Norwegian club Molde in March 2025. A left-footed full-back, he has adapted to Eliteserien football and even scored against Brann. Uncapped only recently and with limited minutes, he was a notable selection in South Africa's World Cup squad.", "facts": ["An Orlando Pirates academy product who moved to Norway's Molde", "Scored for Molde in the Eliteserien against Brann"], "data_rating": 56, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Norway"]}, {"player_id": 45, "team_id": 2, "fifa_code": "RSA", "team_name": "South Africa", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 19, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Nkosinathi Sibisi", "date_of_birth": "1995-09-22", "age": 30, "caps": 19, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Orlando Pirates", "club_country": "South Africa", "club_league": "Betway Premiership", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 10, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 812, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 2, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Betway Premiership (plus cup appearances)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Central defender; club captain for 2025/26", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/716819/nkosinathi-sibisi ; https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/nkosinathi-sibisi/42884/ ; https://www.orlandopiratesfc.com/team/defenders/nkosinathi-sibisi/", "backstory": "Born in Durban, Nkosinathi Sibisi made over 100 appearances for Golden Arrows, rising from reserve captain to skippering the senior side, before joining Orlando Pirates in 2022. A commanding central defender, he has won five trophies with the Buccaneers and was named club captain for 2025/26 following Innocent Maela's retirement. He provides defensive leadership and experience to the Bafana backline.", "facts": ["Made over 100 appearances for Golden Arrows before joining Pirates", "Named Orlando Pirates club captain for the 2025/26 season"], "data_rating": 61, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 46, "team_id": 2, "fifa_code": "RSA", "team_name": "South Africa", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 20, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "RB", "player_name": "Khuliso Mudau", "date_of_birth": "1995-04-26", "age": 31, "caps": 32, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Mamelodi Sundowns", "club_country": "South Africa", "club_league": "Betway Premiership", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 21, "club_starts_2025_26": 17, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1437, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": 7, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Betway Premiership", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Regular right-back", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/940010/khuliso-mudau ; https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/khuliso-mudau/42942/ ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khuliso_Mudau", "backstory": "Khuliso Mudau worked his way up through JDR Stars, Magesi and Black Leopards before signing for Mamelodi Sundowns in October 2020. A relentless, attack-minded right-back who can also play in midfield, he was named PSL Defender of the Season in 2022/23 and has won multiple league titles. He is South Africa's first-choice right-back heading into the World Cup.", "facts": ["Named PSL Defender of the Season for 2022/23", "Rose through lower-tier clubs Black Leopards and JDR Stars before joining Sundowns"], "data_rating": 67, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 47, "team_id": 2, "fifa_code": "RSA", "team_name": "South Africa", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 21, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Ime Okon", "date_of_birth": "2004-02-20", "age": 22, "caps": 7, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Hannover 96", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "2. Bundesliga", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": 2000000, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1716, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 4, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "2. Bundesliga", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Centre-back; joined Hannover 96 in July 2025", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/1600334/ime-okon ; https://www.sofascore.com/football/player/okon-ime/1507710 ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/ime-okon/profil/spieler/1107265", "backstory": "Born in South Africa to a Nigerian father and South African mother, Ime Okon trained with Dynamo Kyiv before breaking through at SuperSport United, making 57 appearances and earning praise for his composure. He joined Hannover 96 on a four-year deal ahead of the 2025/26 season. The young centre-back made his Bafana debut at the 2025 COSAFA Cup and scored against Zimbabwe, choosing South Africa despite Nigerian eligibility.", "facts": ["Holds dual South African and Nigerian nationality and was eligible to play for Nigeria", "Scored his first international goal three days after his debut, against Zimbabwe", "Trained with Dynamo Kyiv before turning professional"], "data_rating": 63, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Germany"]}, {"player_id": 48, "team_id": 2, "fifa_code": "RSA", "team_name": "South Africa", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 22, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Ricardo Goss", "date_of_birth": "1994-04-02", "age": 32, "caps": 4, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Siwelele", "club_country": "South Africa", "club_league": "Betway Premiership", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 28, "club_starts_2025_26": 28, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2610, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 14, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": 24, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Betway Premiership", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "First-choice keeper at Siwelele; 14 clean sheets", "enrichment_sources": "https://footystats.org/players/south-africa/ricardo-goss ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/428006/ricardo-goss ; https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/186121/ricardo-goss", "backstory": "Born in Durban and raised in Chesterville, Ricardo Goss started at Golden Arrows and had spells at Real Kings and Bidvest Wits before joining Mamelodi Sundowns in 2020. He struggled for game time at Sundowns and spent stints on loan at SuperSport United before settling as first-choice keeper at Siwelele, where he has kept 14 clean sheets this season. A long-serving understudy, he provides goalkeeping depth at the World Cup.", "facts": ["Has appeared for South Africa at both under-23 and senior level", "Spent multiple loan seasons at SuperSport United while contracted to Sundowns"], "data_rating": 74, "fun": ["🧤 14 clean sheets in 2025/26"]}, {"player_id": 49, "team_id": 2, "fifa_code": "RSA", "team_name": "South Africa", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 23, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Jayden Adams", "date_of_birth": "2001-05-05", "age": 25, "caps": 4, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Mamelodi Sundowns", "club_country": "South Africa", "club_league": "Betway Premiership", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 18, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1107, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 4, "club_red_2025_26": 1, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Betway Premiership", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://footystats.org/players/south-africa/jayden-adams ; https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/jayden-adams/31257/ ; https://www.sofascore.com/football/player/adams-jayden/1049669", "backstory": "Cape Town-born Jayden Adams was the first academy graduate to sign a professional contract at Stellenbosch, spending five seasons there, winning the 2023 Carling Knockout and helping Bafana to AFCON bronze in 2023. He completed a permanent move to Mamelodi Sundowns in January 2025 and quickly impressed with man-of-the-match displays. A combative central midfielder who can also play wide, he adds depth to South Africa's midfield.", "facts": ["Was Stellenbosch's first-ever academy graduate to sign a professional contract", "Part of South Africa's bronze-medal squad at the 2023 AFCON"], "data_rating": 57, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 50, "team_id": 2, "fifa_code": "RSA", "team_name": "South Africa", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 24, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Olwethu Makhanya", "date_of_birth": "2004-04-30", "age": 22, "caps": 0, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Philadelphia Union", "club_country": "United States", "club_league": "Major League Soccer", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 28, "club_starts_2025_26": 22, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2055, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Major League Soccer (2025 season)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Uncapped debutant; helped Union win 2025 Supporters' Shield", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/olwethu-makhanya-world-cup-profile-philadelphia-union-south-africa ; https://www.philadelphiaunion.com/news/momentous-start-to-2025-for-olwethu-makhanya ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/olwethu-makhanya/leistungsdaten/spieler/1069801", "backstory": "Olwethu Makhanya started at Stellenbosch, winning the 2022/23 Nedbank Cup Most Promising Player award, before joining Philadelphia Union in 2023 as the club's first U-22 Initiative signing. He broke into the first team in 2025, forming an elite centre-back partnership with Jakob Glesnes as the Union won the Supporters' Shield with a league-low goals conceded. Brave and composed, he is an uncapped debutant named in South Africa's World Cup squad.", "facts": ["Uncapped at senior level when named in the World Cup squad", "Philadelphia Union's first-ever U-22 Initiative signing", "Helped the Union win the 2025 MLS Supporters' Shield"], "data_rating": 58, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · United States"]}, {"player_id": 51, "team_id": 2, "fifa_code": "RSA", "team_name": "South Africa", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 25, "position": "FW", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Kamogelo Sebelebele", "date_of_birth": "2002-07-21", "age": 23, "caps": 2, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Orlando Pirates", "club_country": "South Africa", "club_league": "Betway Premiership", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 799, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 3, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Betway Premiership, MTN8", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Signed from TS Galaxy in July 2025; 1 league goal, 2 MTN8 goals", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/1451566/kamogelo-sebelebele ; https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/kamogelo-sebelebele/32959/ ; https://africa.espn.com/football/player/_/id/337134/kamogelo-sebelebele", "backstory": "Kamogelo Sebelebele came through the TS Galaxy academy and broke out in 2024/25, earning a COSAFA Cup call-up where he won man of the match and made the Team of the Tournament. He joined Orlando Pirates ahead of 2025/26 and made an immediate mark, scoring both goals in an MTN8 tie against Sundowns and winning the August Goal of the Month. A versatile winger who can also play full-back, he provides attacking depth at the World Cup.", "facts": ["Scored both goals against Sundowns in an MTN8 fixture for Orlando Pirates", "Named in the Team of the Tournament at the COSAFA Cup"], "data_rating": 56, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 52, "team_id": 2, "fifa_code": "RSA", "team_name": "South Africa", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 26, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Bradley Cross", "date_of_birth": "2001-01-30", "age": 25, "caps": 0, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Kaizer Chiefs", "club_country": "South Africa", "club_league": "Betway Premiership", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 21, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1722, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": 2, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Betway Premiership", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Uncapped debutant; dependable left-back for Kaizer Chiefs", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/1202481/bradley-cross ; https://www.sofascore.com/football/player/cross-bradley/1085536 ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bradley_Cross_(soccer)", "backstory": "Born in Kempton Park, Bradley Cross had a globe-trotting youth career, playing for Schalke 04's U19s in Germany and captaining Newcastle United's U21 and U23 sides in England before returning to South Africa. After spells at Maritzburg United and Golden Arrows, he joined Kaizer Chiefs in September 2024 and settled into a steady run at left-back. An uncapped debutant, his improved club form earned him a place in the World Cup squad.", "facts": ["Played for Schalke 04's U19s in Germany and captained Newcastle United youth teams in England", "Made his South Africa debut in May 2026 after being uncapped when first selected"], "data_rating": 57, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 53, "team_id": 3, "fifa_code": "KOR", "team_name": "South Korea", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 1, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Kim Seung-gyu", "date_of_birth": "1990-09-30", "age": 35, "caps": 87, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "FC Tokyo", "club_country": "Japan", "club_league": "J1 League", "height_cm": 187, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 14, "club_starts_2025_26": 14, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1260, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 5, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": 16, "club_competitions_2025_26": "J1 League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Joined FC Tokyo June 2025; 14 J1 apps, 5 clean sheets in half-season", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kim_Seung-gyu ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/kim-seung-gyu/leistungsdaten/spieler/92076", "backstory": "Kim Seung-gyu came through Ulsan Hyundai's academy and made his K League name there before becoming one of Korean football's great football travellers, with long spells in Japan (Vissel Kobe, Kashiwa Reysol), Saudi Arabia (Al-Shabab) and then a 2025 move to FC Tokyo. A calm, reliable shot-stopper, he progressed from back-up at the 2014 World Cup to a long-serving senior keeper. In 2026 he provides veteran experience and competition in goal behind the in-form Jo Hyeon-woo.", "facts": ["Conceded no goals across six matches at the 2014 Asian Games, earning a military-service exemption", "Has played top-flight football in South Korea, Japan, Saudi Arabia and now Japan again with FC Tokyo"], "data_rating": 73, "fun": ["🧓 Veteran presence", "🌍 Plays abroad · Japan"]}, {"player_id": 54, "team_id": 3, "fifa_code": "KOR", "team_name": "South Korea", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 2, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Lee Han-beom", "date_of_birth": "2002-06-17", "age": 23, "caps": 8, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "FC Midtjylland", "club_country": "Denmark", "club_league": "Danish Superliga", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 14, "club_starts_2025_26": 13, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1189, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": 3, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Danish Superliga (league only)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Centre-back, breakout season at Midtjylland", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.playmakerstats.com/player/lee-han-beom/762301 ; https://footystats.org/players/south-korea/han-beom-lee", "backstory": "Lee Han-beom is a right-footed centre-back who came through FC Seoul, debuting in the K League in 2021 and becoming a key starter before earning a 2023 move to Danish side FC Midtjylland. After a slow start adapting to Midtjylland's man-marking defensive system, he enjoyed a breakout season and scored the decisive goal in the Danish Cup final. That form earned the relatively uncapped defender a place in Korea's 2026 World Cup squad.", "facts": ["Scored the winning goal in a Danish Cup final for Midtjylland", "Joined Midtjylland in 2023 as one of the most highly rated defenders in the K League"], "data_rating": 61, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Denmark"]}, {"player_id": 55, "team_id": 3, "fifa_code": "KOR", "team_name": "South Korea", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 3, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Lee Gi-hyuk", "date_of_birth": "2000-07-07", "age": 25, "caps": 3, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Gangwon FC", "club_country": "South Korea", "club_league": "K League 1", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 31, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 4, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "K League 1 (2025 season)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Versatile defender/centre-back at Gangwon", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/1232264/gi-hyuk-lee ; https://www.whoscored.com/players/447593/show/lee-gi-hyuk", "backstory": "Lee Gi-hyuk is a left-footed centre-back from Seoul who came through Ulsan Hyundai's youth setup and the University of Ulsan. After spells with Jeju and Suwon FC, he joined Gangwon FC in 2024, where he established himself as a versatile defender. With just a handful of senior caps, he is among the lesser-known squad members heading into the 2026 World Cup.", "facts": ["Developed in Ulsan Hyundai's youth academy and at the University of Ulsan"], "data_rating": 59, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 56, "team_id": 3, "fifa_code": "KOR", "team_name": "South Korea", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 4, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Kim Min-jae", "date_of_birth": "1996-11-15", "age": 29, "caps": 79, "international_goals": 4, "is_captain": false, "club": "Bayern Munich", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 190, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 20000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 37, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": 1, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, UEFA Champions League, Supercup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 255, "career_club_goals": 10, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Centre-back at Bayern Munich; rotation in trio with Tah and Upamecano", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kim_Min-jae_(footballer) ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/min-jae-kim/profil/spieler/503482", "backstory": "Born in Tongyeong, Kim Min-jae rose through semi-pro and K League football with Jeonbuk Hyundai, winning back-to-back titles, before moving abroad via Beijing Guoan and Fenerbahce. He became a global star at Napoli, where his dominant defending in their 2022-23 Scudetto win earned him the nickname 'Monster' and a then record €50m move to Bayern Munich. A powerful, fast centre-back, he is the defensive anchor of Korea's 2026 side.", "facts": ["Nicknamed 'Monster' after his Serie A title-winning season at Napoli", "His 2023 move to Bayern Munich made him the most expensive Asian footballer in history", "Earned a military-service exemption via gold at the 2018 Asian Games"], "data_rating": 75, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Germany"]}, {"player_id": 57, "team_id": 3, "fifa_code": "KOR", "team_name": "South Korea", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 5, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Kim Tae-hyeon", "date_of_birth": "2000-09-17", "age": 25, "caps": 7, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Kashima Antlers", "club_country": "Japan", "club_league": "J1 League", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 29, "club_starts_2025_26": 22, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2064, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": 6, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "J1 League (2025 season)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Regular defender at Kashima Antlers", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.transfermarkt.us/tae-hyeon-kim/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/645847 ; https://www.jleague.co/en/players/2346/KIM-Tae-Hyeon/", "backstory": "Kim Tae-hyeon is a left-footed centre-back from Gimpo who debuted in 2019 with Daejeon and passed through Seoul E-Land and Ulsan before building his career in Japan. After loan and permanent spells with Vegalta Sendai and Sagan Tosu, he joined Kashima Antlers in 2025 and helped them win the J1 League title. He arrives at the 2026 World Cup as a regular at one of Japan's biggest clubs.", "facts": ["Won the 2025 J1 League title with Kashima Antlers, the club's first championship since 2016", "Built much of his career in Japan after starting out in the K League"], "data_rating": 65, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Japan"]}, {"player_id": 58, "team_id": 3, "fifa_code": "KOR", "team_name": "South Korea", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 6, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CDM", "player_name": "Hwang In-beom", "date_of_birth": "1996-09-20", "age": 29, "caps": 73, "international_goals": 6, "is_captain": false, "club": "Feyenoord", "club_country": "Netherlands", "club_league": "Eredivisie", "height_cm": 177, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 17, "club_starts_2025_26": 12, "club_minutes_2025_26": 939, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 3, "club_yellow_2025_26": 2, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Eredivisie, KNVB Cup, UEFA competition", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 292, "career_club_goals": 36, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Central/defensive midfielder at Feyenoord", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hwang_In-beom ; https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/hwang-in-beom/42501/", "backstory": "Daejeon-born Hwang In-beom became his hometown club's youngest goalscorer before launching an itinerant European career through Vancouver Whitecaps, Rubin Kazan, Olympiacos and a trophy-laden spell at Red Star Belgrade. He now anchors midfield at Feyenoord. A two-footed deep-lying playmaker praised for his passing range and tackling, he is the metronome of Korea's midfield in 2026.", "facts": ["Won the league and cup double with Red Star Belgrade", "Nicknamed 'Bento's crown prince' under former Korea coach Paulo Bento", "Earned an early military discharge after the 2018 Asian Games gold"], "data_rating": 69, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Netherlands"]}, {"player_id": 59, "team_id": 3, "fifa_code": "KOR", "team_name": "South Korea", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 7, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "LW", "player_name": "Son Heung-min", "date_of_birth": "1992-07-08", "age": 33, "caps": 144, "international_goals": 56, "is_captain": true, "club": "Los Angeles FC", "club_country": "United States", "club_league": "Major League Soccer", "height_cm": 183, "preferred_foot": "Both", "market_value_eur": 15000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 23, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 12, "club_assists_2025_26": 4, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Major League Soccer (regular season + playoffs, 2025)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 497, "career_club_goals": 178, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Captain and talisman; 9 goals in 10 MLS regular-season games plus playoffs, won 2025 MLS Goal of the Year", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_Heung-min ; https://www.lafc.com/players/son-heung-min/ ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/son-heung-min/profil/spieler/91845", "backstory": "Son Heung-min, born in Chuncheon to former footballer and coach Son Woong-jung, moved to Germany at 16 and developed at Hamburg before a breakout spell at Bayer Leverkusen. A decade at Tottenham made him a global superstar: Premier League Golden Boot, 100+ league goals, the captaincy and finally the 2025 Europa League title that ended Spurs' trophy drought. Now at LAFC in MLS, the Korea captain and all-time leading scorer leads his country at a fourth World Cup.", "facts": ["First Asian player to win the Premier League Golden Boot (2021-22)", "Won the 2020 FIFA Puskas Award for his solo goal against Burnley", "Reportedly learned German partly by watching SpongeBob SquarePants"], "data_rating": 87, "fun": ["🔥 Top 1% scorer at the Cup", "🎖️ Most-capped in the squad (144)", "🌍 Plays abroad · United States", "©️ Captain"]}, {"player_id": 60, "team_id": 3, "fifa_code": "KOR", "team_name": "South Korea", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 8, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Paik Seung-ho", "date_of_birth": "1997-03-17", "age": 29, "caps": 27, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "Birmingham City", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "EFL Championship", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 36, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 3374, "club_goals_2025_26": 4, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": 6, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "EFL Championship (league only)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Midfielder at Birmingham City", "enrichment_sources": "https://footystats.org/players/south-korea/seung-ho-paik ; https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/seung-ho-paik/93308/", "backstory": "Paik Seung-ho left Seoul aged 13 to become the first South Korean to join Barcelona's La Masia academy, though a FIFA transfer ban cost him years of official matches. He made his Barcelona first-team debut before moving on via Girona, Darmstadt and Jeonbuk Hyundai, then returned to Europe with Birmingham City, helping them win League One and earning a PFA Team of the Year place. He is a technical, ball-playing midfield option for Korea in 2026.", "facts": ["First South Korean player to join Barcelona's La Masia academy", "Caught up in FIFA's Article 19 ban on Barcelona youth signings, sidelining him from official games until 2016", "Named in the PFA Team of the Year during Birmingham's League One title season"], "data_rating": 72, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 61, "team_id": 3, "fifa_code": "KOR", "team_name": "South Korea", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 9, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Cho Gue-sung", "date_of_birth": "1998-01-25", "age": 28, "caps": 44, "international_goals": 12, "is_captain": false, "club": "FC Midtjylland", "club_country": "Denmark", "club_league": "Danish Superliga", "height_cm": 189, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 2500000, "club_apps_2025_26": 35, "club_starts_2025_26": 14, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 5, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Danish Superliga, UEFA Europa League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Target-man striker; 26 league apps (3 g) + 9 Europa League apps (2 g)", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.transfermarkt.us/gue-sung-cho/leistungsdaten/spieler/652537 ; https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/stats/_/id/303464/cho-gue-sung", "backstory": "Cho Gue-sung was a university defensive midfielder converted into a striker, who rose through FC Anyang and Jeonbuk Hyundai to become the 2022 K League 1 top scorer. His defining moment came at the 2022 World Cup, where he scored twice against Ghana, and he later moved to Danish side FC Midtjylland. A physical target man dominant in the air, he offers Korea an aerial focal point in attack despite battling back from a long knee injury.", "facts": ["First South Korean to score two or more goals in a single World Cup match (vs Ghana, 2022)", "Originally a defensive midfielder before his coach moved him to striker in 2017", "Returned in 2025 from a roughly 448-day knee-injury layoff"], "data_rating": 67, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Denmark"]}, {"player_id": 62, "team_id": 3, "fifa_code": "KOR", "team_name": "South Korea", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 10, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Lee Jae-sung", "date_of_birth": "1992-08-10", "age": 33, "caps": 105, "international_goals": 15, "is_captain": false, "club": "Mainz 05", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 180, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 28, "club_starts_2025_26": 26, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2200, "club_goals_2025_26": 4, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": 4, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga (league only)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Attacking midfielder at Mainz", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.bundesliga.com/en/player/jae-sung-lee ; https://footystats.org/players/south-korea/jae-sung-lee", "backstory": "Lee Jae-sung came through university football before starring for Jeonbuk Hyundai, where he was K League MVP in 2017 and a key figure in their 2016 AFC Champions League win. He moved to Germany with Holstein Kiel before settling at Mainz 05 in the Bundesliga. An intelligent, hard-working attacking midfielder, the centurion is one of Korea's most experienced players in 2026.", "facts": ["Member of the 100-cap club for South Korea", "Recorded 17 assists in a single season for Jeonbuk in 2016", "Scored twice in a 2-1 upset of Bayern Munich for Mainz in December 2024"], "data_rating": 77, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Germany"]}, {"player_id": 63, "team_id": 3, "fifa_code": "KOR", "team_name": "South Korea", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 11, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "LW", "player_name": "Hwang Hee-chan", "date_of_birth": "1996-01-26", "age": 30, "caps": 79, "international_goals": 17, "is_captain": false, "club": "Wolverhampton Wanderers", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 177, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 6000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 26, "club_starts_2025_26": 18, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1454, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": 5, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League (league figures)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Winger/forward at Wolves", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.premierleague.com/en/players/184754/hwang-hee-chan/stats ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/hee-chan-hwang/leistungsdaten/spieler/292246", "backstory": "Hwang Hee-chan was a Pohang Steelers youth standout before joining Red Bull Salzburg, where he shone in the Champions League, then moved on via a Hamburg loan to RB Leipzig. A 2021 loan to Wolves turned permanent after he scored on debut, and he has been a regular Premier League contributor since. Nicknamed 'Hwangso' (bull) for his energetic, direct running, he is a key forward for Korea, remembered for his winner against Portugal at the 2022 World Cup.", "facts": ["Scored the stoppage-time winner against Portugal at the 2022 World Cup", "Nicknamed 'Hwangso' (bull) for his aggressive style", "Scored on his Premier League debut for Wolves"], "data_rating": 70, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 64, "team_id": 3, "fifa_code": "KOR", "team_name": "South Korea", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 12, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Song Bum-keun", "date_of_birth": "1997-10-15", "age": 28, "caps": 3, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors", "club_country": "South Korea", "club_league": "K League 1", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 7, "club_starts_2025_26": 7, "club_minutes_2025_26": 630, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 2, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": 6, "club_competitions_2025_26": "K League 1 (2025 season)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Returned to Jeonbuk Jan 2025; limited 2025 league appearances", "enrichment_sources": "https://footystats.org/players/south-korea/bum-keun-song ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/bum-keun-song/leistungsdaten/spieler/508237", "backstory": "Song Bum-keun made his debut at Jeonbuk Hyundai and helped them win four consecutive K League 1 titles from 2018 to 2021 before a permanent move to Japan with Shonan Bellmare. He returned to Jeonbuk as a free agent in 2025. A decorated youth-level goalkeeper, he provides depth in the 2026 squad.", "facts": ["Named Best Goalkeeper at the 2020 AFC U-23 Championship", "Won 2018 Asian Games gold with South Korea's under-23s"], "data_rating": 61, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 65, "team_id": 3, "fifa_code": "KOR", "team_name": "South Korea", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 13, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Lee Tae-seok", "date_of_birth": "2002-07-28", "age": 23, "caps": 15, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Austria Wien", "club_country": "Austria", "club_league": "Austrian Bundesliga", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 28, "club_starts_2025_26": 27, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2402, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": 4, "club_yellow_2025_26": 6, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Austrian Bundesliga", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Left-back/left winger; joined Austria Wien Aug 2025", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.playmakerstats.com/player/lee-tae-seok/762303 ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/tae-seok-lee/profil/spieler/639027", "backstory": "Lee Tae-seok, son of former international Lee Eul-yong, came through FC Seoul's academy and made nearly 90 league appearances for the capital club before moving to Pohang Steelers and then to Austria Wien in 2025. A left-back who can also play as a left winger, he featured at the 2019 U-17 World Cup and is now part of Korea's full-back rotation for 2026.", "facts": ["Son of former South Korea international Lee Eul-yong", "Reached the quarter-finals of the 2019 U-17 World Cup with South Korea"], "data_rating": 72, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Austria"]}, {"player_id": 66, "team_id": 3, "fifa_code": "KOR", "team_name": "South Korea", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 14, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Cho Wi-je", "date_of_birth": "2001-08-25", "age": 24, "caps": 1, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors", "club_country": "South Korea", "club_league": "K League 1", "height_cm": 189, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 3204, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 9, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "K League 2 (2025 season, at Busan IPark before joining Jeonbuk Jan 2026)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Centre-back; played 2025 in K League 2 (Busan IPark), joined Jeonbuk Jan 2026; late call-up replacing injured Cho Yu-min", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/1326507/wi-je-cho ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/wi-je-cho/leistungsdaten/spieler/550978", "backstory": "Cho Wi-je is a tall centre-back from Busan who played K League 2 football with Busan IPark before joining champions Jeonbuk Hyundai in early 2026, where he immediately impressed in the top flight. His rapid rise was capped by a late call-up to the World Cup squad to replace the injured Cho Yu-min, capping what he called a footballing fairytale.", "facts": ["Earned a late 2026 World Cup call-up after Cho Yu-min was injured", "Rose from second-tier K League 2 to the World Cup squad within months"], "data_rating": 66, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 67, "team_id": 3, "fifa_code": "KOR", "team_name": "South Korea", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 15, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "RB", "player_name": "Kim Moon-hwan", "date_of_birth": "1995-08-01", "age": 30, "caps": 35, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Daejeon Hana Citizen", "club_country": "South Korea", "club_league": "K League 1", "height_cm": 173, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": null, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "K League 1 (2025 season)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": "Right-back; named to 2025 K League 1 Best XI; Daejeon finished 2nd", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=115894 ; http://www.kleagueunited.com/2025/12/2025-season-review-daejeon-hana-citizen.html", "backstory": "Kim Moon-hwan played as a forward at university before reinventing himself as a right-back at Busan IPark, where he was twice named in the K League 2 Best XI. He had a spell with LAFC in MLS and in Qatar with Al-Duhail before returning home to Daejeon Hana Citizen in 2024. An attacking full-back, he was named in the 2025 K League 1 Best XI as Daejeon finished runners-up.", "facts": ["Named in the 2025 K League 1 Best XI", "Played as a forward until switching to right-back at Busan"], "data_rating": 59, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 68, "team_id": 3, "fifa_code": "KOR", "team_name": "South Korea", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 16, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Park Jin-seob", "date_of_birth": "1995-10-23", "age": 30, "caps": 14, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Zhejiang Professional", "club_country": "China", "club_league": "Chinese Super League", "height_cm": 183, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 1000000, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": null, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Chinese Super League (joined Zhejiang Jan 2026); played 2025 at Jeonbuk Hyundai (K League 1, Team of the Season)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": "Captained Jeonbuk to 2025 K League 1 title (as DM under Poyet); moved to Zhejiang Jan 2026", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.transfermarkt.us/jin-seob-park/profil/spieler/557469 ; https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/sports/20251120/captain-for-k-league-1-champions-jeonbuk-nominated-for-mvp-award", "backstory": "Park Jin-seob grew up playing in Jeonju and only turned professional in 2018 with Ansan Greeners after a university career, before joining Jeonbuk Hyundai in 2022. A defensive midfielder who also plays centre-back, he captained Jeonbuk to a 2025 domestic double before moving to Chinese Super League side Zhejiang in January 2026. He offers versatility and leadership in the World Cup squad.", "facts": ["Captained Jeonbuk Hyundai to a domestic double in 2025", "Named in the K League 1 Best XI in his first Jeonbuk season (2022)"], "data_rating": 56, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · China"]}, {"player_id": 69, "team_id": 3, "fifa_code": "KOR", "team_name": "South Korea", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 17, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CAM", "player_name": "Bae Jun-ho", "date_of_birth": "2003-08-21", "age": 22, "caps": 13, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Stoke City", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "EFL Championship", "height_cm": 180, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 4000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 42, "club_starts_2025_26": 32, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2930, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": 3, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "EFL Championship (league figures)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Regular under Mark Robins at Stoke; ~45 apps across season", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/stats/_/id/362208/bae-jun-ho ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/jun-ho-bae/profil/spieler/912081", "backstory": "Bae Jun-ho emerged from Daegu FC's academy and was rated among Korea's brightest youth talents before signing for Daejeon Hana Citizen, whom he helped win promotion to the K League 1. In 2023 he moved to Stoke City, where he was named Player of the Year in his first season and became a regular under several managers. An attacking midfielder and left winger, he is one of Korea's emerging creative talents.", "facts": ["Scored on his senior international debut, against Singapore in a 2024 World Cup qualifier", "Named Stoke City's Player of the Year in his first season"], "data_rating": 67, "fun": ["🐣 Youngest in the squad (22)", "🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 70, "team_id": 3, "fifa_code": "KOR", "team_name": "South Korea", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 18, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Oh Hyeon-gyu", "date_of_birth": "2001-04-12", "age": 25, "caps": 27, "international_goals": 6, "is_captain": false, "club": "Beşiktaş", "club_country": "Turkey", "club_league": "Süper Lig", "height_cm": 188, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 16, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 8, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Süper Lig, Turkish Cup (Beşiktaş, joined Feb 2026); earlier 2025-26 at Genk (32 apps, 10 goals all comps)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 229, "career_club_goals": 65, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Centre-forward; 8 goals in 16 apps for Besiktas after Feb 2026 move from Genk (where he had 10 goals in 32 apps)", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oh_Hyeon-gyu ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/hyeon-gyu-oh/leistungsdaten/spieler/639246", "backstory": "Oh Hyeon-gyu came through Suwon Samsung Bluewings' academy and became their top scorer in 2022 before earning a move to Celtic, where he debuted as a substitute and scored within the same match. After a spell at Genk in Belgium, he joined Besiktas in February 2026 for around €14m and hit the ground running. A tall, mobile striker often used as an impact player, he provides attacking depth for Korea.", "facts": ["Scored within minutes of coming on for his Celtic debut", "First Besiktas player to score in each of his first three matches for the club", "A move to VfB Stuttgart collapsed over concerns about a past knee injury"], "data_rating": 68, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Turkey"]}, {"player_id": 71, "team_id": 3, "fifa_code": "KOR", "team_name": "South Korea", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 19, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CAM", "player_name": "Lee Kang-in", "date_of_birth": "2001-02-19", "age": 25, "caps": 47, "international_goals": 11, "is_captain": false, "club": "Paris Saint-Germain", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Ligue 1", "height_cm": 173, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": 28000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 39, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 4, "club_assists_2025_26": 4, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue 1, Coupe de France, UEFA Champions League, Trophée des Champions", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 285, "career_club_goals": 30, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Attacking midfielder at PSG; back-up role, won Ligue 1 and UCL; 3 Ligue 1 goals + 4 Ligue 1 assists", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lee_Kang-in ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/kangin-lee/profil/spieler/557149 ; https://www.premierleague.com/ , https://www.livescore.com/ (2025/26 assists)", "backstory": "Lee Kang-in left Incheon for Spain at age ten, joining Valencia's academy, and became the youngest South Korean to debut professionally in Europe, winning the Copa del Rey in his first season. After developing into one of Europe's best dribblers at Mallorca, he joined PSG in 2023 as the first South Korean at the club, winning Ligue 1 and Champions League honours. A creative left-footed attacking midfielder, he is a key playmaker for Korea.", "facts": ["Won the Golden Ball as best player of the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup", "First South Korean to play for Paris Saint-Germain", "As a child appeared on a Korean football reality TV show"], "data_rating": 76, "fun": ["💎 Most valuable in the squad", "🌍 Plays abroad · France"]}, {"player_id": 72, "team_id": 3, "fifa_code": "KOR", "team_name": "South Korea", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 20, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "LW", "player_name": "Yang Hyun-jun", "date_of_birth": "2002-05-25", "age": 24, "caps": 9, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Celtic", "club_country": "Scotland", "club_league": "Scottish Premiership", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 28, "club_starts_2025_26": 25, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2070, "club_goals_2025_26": 8, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": 1, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Scottish Premiership (league figures; ~9 goals across all competitions)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Winger; breakout 2025-26 season for Celtic, 8 league goals", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yang_Hyun-jun ; https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/stats/_/id/350711/yang-hyun-jun", "backstory": "Yang Hyun-jun broke through at Gangwon FC, winning the 2022 K League 1 Young Player of the Year before a 2023 move to Celtic, where he became a regular and signed a long-term extension. A pacey right winger known for his dribbling, his breakout 2025-26 season included goals in Old Firm derbies, earning him a place in Korea's 2026 World Cup squad.", "facts": ["K League 1 Young Player of the Year in 2022", "Scored in Old Firm derbies against Rangers in both January and May 2026"], "data_rating": 68, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Scotland"]}, {"player_id": 73, "team_id": 3, "fifa_code": "KOR", "team_name": "South Korea", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 21, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Jo Hyeon-woo", "date_of_birth": "1991-09-25", "age": 34, "caps": 48, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Ulsan HD", "club_country": "South Korea", "club_league": "K League 1", "height_cm": 189, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 19, "club_starts_2025_26": 19, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 5, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": 22, "club_competitions_2025_26": "K League 1 (2025 season league figures)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "2025 K League 1 MVP (first GK since 2009); likely first-choice goalkeeper", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jo_Hyeon-woo ; https://tribuna.com/en/persons/hyeon-woo-jo/", "backstory": "Jo Hyeon-woo decided to become a goalkeeper as a child after watching the 1998 World Cup, and rose with Daegu FC, helping them win the 2018 Korean FA Cup. His career-defining display came at the 2018 World Cup, where his seven saves helped beat Germany. Now at Ulsan HD, where he won three straight K League titles, he became the 2025 K League 1 MVP and is Korea's likely first-choice goalkeeper for 2026.", "facts": ["Man of the Match against Germany at the 2018 World Cup with seven saves", "Won the K League 1 MVP, a rare honour for a goalkeeper", "Saved 10 of 11 shots against Borussia Dortmund at the 2025 Club World Cup"], "data_rating": 70, "fun": ["🧓 Veteran presence"]}, {"player_id": 74, "team_id": 3, "fifa_code": "KOR", "team_name": "South Korea", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 22, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "RB", "player_name": "Seol Young-woo", "date_of_birth": "1998-12-05", "age": 27, "caps": 34, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Red Star Belgrade", "club_country": "Serbia", "club_league": "Serbian SuperLiga", "height_cm": 183, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 50, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Serbian SuperLiga, Serbian Cup, UEFA competitions", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 249, "career_club_goals": 16, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Right-back; won SuperLiga and Serbian Cup double with Red Star", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seol_Young-woo ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/young-woo-seol/profil/spieler/639414", "backstory": "Seol Young-woo came through his hometown Ulsan's academy and the University of Ulsan as a winger before converting to full-back, winning two K League titles with Ulsan. In 2024 he moved to Red Star Belgrade, where he has won back-to-back domestic doubles. A high-energy right-back known for his work rate and crossing, he offers Korea attacking width from defence.", "facts": ["Won back-to-back domestic doubles with Red Star Belgrade", "K League 1 Young Player of the Year in 2021", "Won gold at the 2022 Asian Games"], "data_rating": 78, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Serbia"]}, {"player_id": 75, "team_id": 3, "fifa_code": "KOR", "team_name": "South Korea", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 23, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Jens Castrop", "date_of_birth": "2003-07-29", "age": 22, "caps": 7, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Borussia Mönchengladbach", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": 10000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 26, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1592, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": 2, "club_red_2025_26": 2, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga (league figures)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Central midfielder; joined Gladbach July 2025 from Nuremberg, Player of the Month Sept 2025", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.bundesliga.com/en/player/jens-castrop ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/jens-castrop/profil/spieler/613192", "backstory": "Jens Castrop was born in Dusseldorf to a German father and South Korean mother, and came through the academies of Fortuna Dusseldorf and FC Koln before establishing himself at Nuremberg and then Borussia Monchengladbach. Having represented Germany at youth level, he switched allegiance to South Korea in 2025 and debuted that September. A versatile midfielder, he adds Bundesliga quality to Korea's engine room.", "facts": ["Switched from Germany's youth teams to South Korea in 2025 through his Korean mother", "Scored his first Bundesliga goal in a dramatic 6-4 loss to Eintracht Frankfurt", "Named Borussia Monchengladbach's Player of the Month for September 2025"], "data_rating": 65, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Germany"]}, {"player_id": 76, "team_id": 3, "fifa_code": "KOR", "team_name": "South Korea", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 24, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Kim Jin-gyu", "date_of_birth": "1997-02-24", "age": 29, "caps": 22, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors", "club_country": "South Korea", "club_league": "K League 1", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 35, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 5, "club_assists_2025_26": 6, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "K League 1 (2025 season)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Box-to-box midfielder; 2025 K League 1 Best XI, double-digit goal contributions", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.kleagueunited.com/2025/12/2025-season-review-jeonbuk-hyundai.html ; https://www.besoccer.com/player/kim-jin-gyu-320512", "backstory": "Kim Jin-gyu, born in Pohang, turned professional with Busan IPark in 2015 before joining Jeonbuk Hyundai in 2022. A box-to-box midfielder, he posted double-digit goal contributions in 2025 and was named in the K League 1 Best XI as Jeonbuk won the title. He provides energy and goal threat from midfield for Korea.", "facts": ["Named in the 2025 K League 1 Best XI", "Won the K League 1 title with Jeonbuk Hyundai in 2025"], "data_rating": 74, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 77, "team_id": 3, "fifa_code": "KOR", "team_name": "South Korea", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 25, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Eom Ji-sung", "date_of_birth": "2002-05-09", "age": 24, "caps": 9, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Swansea City", "club_country": "Wales", "club_league": "EFL Championship", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 44, "club_starts_2025_26": 31, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2459, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": 3, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "EFL Championship (league figures)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Attacker; regular for Swansea City", "enrichment_sources": "https://theanalyst.com/players/5198/eom-ji-sung ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/ji-sung-eom/leistungsdaten/spieler/706968", "backstory": "Eom Ji-sung came through Gwangju FC, where he suffered relegation in his debut season but bounced back to help win the K League 2 and earn Young Player of the Year recognition. He scored 20 goals in 108 K League appearances before a 2024 move to Swansea City. A winger, he became a regular in the Championship and is among Korea's younger attacking options for 2026.", "facts": ["K League 2 Young Player of the Year during Gwangju's promotion season", "Scored 20 goals in 108 K League appearances before moving to Swansea"], "data_rating": 67, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Wales"]}, {"player_id": 78, "team_id": 3, "fifa_code": "KOR", "team_name": "South Korea", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 26, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Lee Dong-gyeong", "date_of_birth": "1997-09-20", "age": 28, "caps": 18, "international_goals": 4, "is_captain": false, "club": "Ulsan HD", "club_country": "South Korea", "club_league": "K League 1", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 2, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "K League 1 (2 apps at Ulsan after Oct 2025 return); spent most of 2025 on loan at Gimcheon Sangmu (military): 34 apps, 13 goals, 11 assists", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "2025 K League 1 MVP; 13 goals & 11 assists at Gimcheon Sangmu before returning to Ulsan in October", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lee_Dong-gyeong ; https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/sports/20251201/ulsan-hd-fc-forward-lee-dong-gyeong-voted-2025-k-league-1-mvp", "backstory": "Lee Dong-gyeong came through Ulsan Hyundai's youth academy and had loan spells in Germany with Schalke 04 and Hansa Rostock before completing military service with Gimcheon Sangmu. There he produced the season of his life, posting 13 goals and 11 assists and winning the 2025 K League 1 MVP award before returning to Ulsan. An attacking midfielder, his form earned him a 2026 World Cup place.", "facts": ["Won the 2025 K League 1 MVP award", "Recorded 13 goals and 11 assists during his military-service season at Gimcheon Sangmu", "Won the 2020 AFC U-23 Championship with South Korea"], "data_rating": 59, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 79, "team_id": 4, "fifa_code": "CZE", "team_name": "Czechia", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 1, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Matěj Kovář", "date_of_birth": "2000-05-17", "age": 26, "caps": 20, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "PSV Eindhoven", "club_country": "Netherlands", "club_league": "Eredivisie", "height_cm": 196, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 26, "club_starts_2025_26": 26, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2340, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 5, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": 38, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Eredivisie, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "First-choice goalkeeper; made PSV move permanent in January 2026", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/matej-kovar/1473/ ; https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/clubs/players/250117491--matej-kovar/ ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mat%C4%9Bj_Kov%C3%A1%C5%99", "backstory": "Matěj Kovář left home club Slovácko as a teenager to join Manchester United in 2018, learning his trade on loan at Swindon Town, Burton Albion and Sparta Prague, where he was named Czech goalkeeper of the season. A 2023 move to Bayer Leverkusen made him understudy to Lukáš Hrádecký during their unbeaten title-winning campaign, before he joined PSV Eindhoven and made the deal permanent in January 2026. Now the Netherlands club's first-choice keeper, the commanding 196cm shot-stopper goes to the World Cup as Czechia's No. 1.", "facts": ["Joined Manchester United at 17 but never played a senior game for them", "Won the 2023-24 Bundesliga with Leverkusen's 'Invincibles' as backup keeper", "Made his PSV loan permanent in January 2026 on a deal to 2030"], "data_rating": 71, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Netherlands"]}, {"player_id": 80, "team_id": 4, "fifa_code": "CZE", "team_name": "Czechia", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 2, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "David Zima", "date_of_birth": "2000-11-08", "age": 25, "caps": 25, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Slavia Prague", "club_country": "Czech Republic", "club_league": "Czech First League", "height_cm": 188, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 29, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Czech First League, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/clubs/players/250124916--david-zima/statistics/ ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Zima", "backstory": "David Zima came through Sigma Olomouc and broke through during a loan-then-permanent spell at Slavia Prague, winning a league-and-cup double. In 2021 he moved to Serie A side Torino for around €5 million, spending two and a half years in Italy before returning to Slavia, where he is again a Champions League regular. A composed, right-footed centre-back, he is part of Czechia's defensive core for 2026.", "facts": ["Spent two and a half years at Torino in Serie A", "Won a Czech league-and-cup double in his first spell at Slavia"], "data_rating": 69, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Czech Republic"]}, {"player_id": 81, "team_id": 4, "fifa_code": "CZE", "team_name": "Czechia", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 3, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Tomáš Holeš", "date_of_birth": "1993-03-31", "age": 33, "caps": 41, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Slavia Prague", "club_country": "Czech Republic", "club_league": "Czech First League", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 23, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 3, "club_yellow_2025_26": 5, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Czech First League, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://footystats.org/players/czech-republic/tomas-holes ; https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/clubs/players/250054481--tomas-holes/", "backstory": "Tomáš Holeš grew up at Hradec Králové, captaining the club before a spell at Jablonec earned him a 2019 move to Slavia Prague. A versatile defender who can play centre-back, right-back or in midfield, he became a national hero at Euro 2020 by scoring and assisting in the round-of-16 win over the Netherlands. Now a seasoned 30-something leader at Slavia, he brings tournament experience to the squad.", "facts": ["Scored and assisted in the Euro 2020 last-16 win over the Netherlands", "First Czech to score and assist in one Euros match since Koller and Baros in 2004", "Can play across the back line and in defensive midfield"], "data_rating": 71, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Czech Republic"]}, {"player_id": 82, "team_id": 4, "fifa_code": "CZE", "team_name": "Czechia", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 4, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Robin Hranáč", "date_of_birth": "2000-01-29", "age": 26, "caps": 14, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "TSG Hoffenheim", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 188, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": 7000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 25, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2251, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 4, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.transfermarkt.us/robin-hranac/leistungsdaten/spieler/620217 ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/1225995/robin-hranac", "backstory": "Robin Hranáč took a winding road to the top, with loans at Liptovský Mikuláš and Pardubice before establishing himself at Viktoria Plzeň, where he was named the Czech league's best defender in 2023-24 after reaching the Conference League quarter-finals. A left-footed centre-back, he joined Bundesliga side Hoffenheim in 2024 for a fee reported up to €11 million. He played all three of Czechia's Euro 2024 matches and is now a fixture in the back line.", "facts": ["Named the Czech league's best defender in 2023-24", "Played every minute of Czechia's Euro 2024 group games on his tournament debut"], "data_rating": 67, "fun": ["💎 Most valuable in the squad", "🌍 Plays abroad · Germany"]}, {"player_id": 83, "team_id": 4, "fifa_code": "CZE", "team_name": "Czechia", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 5, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "RB", "player_name": "Vladimír Coufal", "date_of_birth": "1992-08-22", "age": 33, "caps": 62, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "TSG Hoffenheim", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 181, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 34, "club_starts_2025_26": 34, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 8, "club_yellow_2025_26": 4, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Ever-present right-back; started all 34 Bundesliga matches", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.bundesliga.com/en/bundesliga/news/vladimir-coufal-hoffenheim-secret-weapon-czechia-right-back-west-ham-36629 ; https://www.sportbusy.com/players/soccer/191209/", "backstory": "Vladimír Coufal was released by Baník Ostrava's academy for being physically underdeveloped, rebuilding his career at lower-league Hlučín and then Slovan Liberec before Slavia Prague and a 2020 move to West Ham United. There he became a Premier League mainstay and won the 2023 Conference League. After five years in London he joined Hoffenheim in 2025, where the reliable right-back started all 34 Bundesliga matches in 2025-26. One of Czechia's most experienced internationals.", "facts": ["Released by Baník Ostrava's youth setup for being too small", "Won the 2023 UEFA Conference League with West Ham", "Started all 34 Bundesliga games for Hoffenheim in 2025-26"], "data_rating": 79, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Germany"]}, {"player_id": 84, "team_id": 4, "fifa_code": "CZE", "team_name": "Czechia", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 6, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Štěpán Chaloupek", "date_of_birth": "2003-03-08", "age": 23, "caps": 5, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Slavia Prague", "club_country": "Czech Republic", "club_league": "Czech First League", "height_cm": 191, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Czech First League, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": "Rotation centre-back; 3 Champions League appearances (1 start)", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/clubs/players/250190353--stepan-chaloupek/ ; https://www.flashscore.com/player/chaloupek-stepan/W4rJpOaK/", "backstory": "Štěpán Chaloupek made his name at Teplice, where he was voted the club's player of the season, earning a 2024 move to Slavia Prague on a four-year deal. A tall, 191cm centre-back, he is still establishing himself at the Czech champions, used mainly in rotation but with a handful of Champions League appearances to his name. The youngster heads to the World Cup as a developing squad option.", "facts": ["Won Teplice's Player of the Season award before joining Slavia", "Stands 191cm tall"], "data_rating": 54, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Czech Republic"]}, {"player_id": 85, "team_id": 4, "fifa_code": "CZE", "team_name": "Czechia", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 7, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Ladislav Krejčí", "date_of_birth": "1999-04-20", "age": 27, "caps": 27, "international_goals": 5, "is_captain": true, "club": "Wolverhampton Wanderers", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 189, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 26, "club_starts_2025_26": 25, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2205, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": 3, "club_red_2025_26": 1, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Captain; on loan from Girona, regular starter at centre-back", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/798029/ladislav-krejci ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ladislav_Krej%C4%8D%C3%AD_(footballer,_born_1999)", "backstory": "Ladislav Krejčí began at Zbrojovka Brno before a 2019 move to Sparta Prague, where he became captain and won two league titles, scoring 44 goals in 148 games as a goal-getting centre-back. A €26m-linked move took him to Spain's Girona in 2024, and in 2025 he joined Premier League Wolves on loan, becoming the club's first-ever Czech player. The left-footed defender is Czechia's captain for the World Cup.", "facts": ["Captains the Czech Republic national team", "First Czech player in Wolverhampton Wanderers' history", "Scored 44 goals in 148 games as a centre-back for Sparta Prague"], "data_rating": 71, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England", "©️ Captain"]}, {"player_id": 86, "team_id": 4, "fifa_code": "CZE", "team_name": "Czechia", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 8, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Vladimír Darida", "date_of_birth": "1990-08-08", "age": 35, "caps": 79, "international_goals": 8, "is_captain": false, "club": "Hradec Králové", "club_country": "Czech Republic", "club_league": "Czech First League", "height_cm": 171, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 32, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2764, "club_goals_2025_26": 11, "club_assists_2025_26": 4, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Czech First League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Veteran playmaker; 11 league goals in 2025/26", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.sofascore.com/football/player/vladimir-darida/109002 ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/196311/vladimir-darida", "backstory": "Vladimír Darida is a Plzeň-born playmaker who came through Viktoria Plzeň, winning league titles before a 2013 move to SC Freiburg and then seven seasons at Hertha Berlin, where he made 190 appearances. After a spell at Aris Thessaloniki he felt 'pulled back' home and joined Hradec Králové in 2025. The diminutive veteran enjoyed a remarkable late-career season with 11 league goals, earning a recall to the squad.", "facts": ["Spent seven seasons and made 190 appearances for Hertha Berlin", "Returned to the Czech league in 2025 and scored 11 goals for Hradec Králové", "Stands just 171cm tall"], "data_rating": 81, "fun": ["🧓 Veteran presence", "🌍 Plays abroad · Czech Republic"]}, {"player_id": 87, "team_id": 4, "fifa_code": "CZE", "team_name": "Czechia", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 9, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Adam Hložek", "date_of_birth": "2002-07-25", "age": 23, "caps": 43, "international_goals": 5, "is_captain": false, "club": "TSG Hoffenheim", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 188, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 5, "club_starts_2025_26": 0, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Very limited playing time in 2025/26, mainly substitute appearances", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.bundesliga.com/en/player/adam-hlozek ; https://www.sportbusy.com/players/soccer/292169/", "backstory": "Adam Hložek was a teenage sensation at Sparta Prague, becoming the youngest goalscorer in Czech league history and earning comparisons to Zlatan Ibrahimović. A 2022 move to Bayer Leverkusen brought a Bundesliga-and-cup double, and in 2024 he joined Hoffenheim. After a difficult, injury-and-rotation-hit 2025-26 with very limited minutes, the versatile forward arrives at the World Cup looking to rediscover his form.", "facts": ["Youngest goalscorer in Czech First League history", "Once tipped as 'the next Ibrahimović'", "Won the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal double with Leverkusen in 2023-24"], "data_rating": 61, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Germany"]}, {"player_id": 88, "team_id": 4, "fifa_code": "CZE", "team_name": "Czechia", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 10, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Patrik Schick", "date_of_birth": "1996-01-24", "age": 30, "caps": 53, "international_goals": 26, "is_captain": false, "club": "Bayer Leverkusen", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 187, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 28, "club_starts_2025_26": 23, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1995, "club_goals_2025_26": 16, "club_assists_2025_26": 3, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "In-form striker, 16 Bundesliga goals (4th most in the league)", "enrichment_sources": "https://statz.ai/bayer-04-leverkusen/player/80675 ; https://www.bundesliga.com/en/player/patrik-schick", "backstory": "Patrik Schick came through Sparta Prague and exploded at Sampdoria with 11 Serie A goals, earning a big-money move to Roma that didn't work out. He revived his career on loan at RB Leipzig and then permanently at Bayer Leverkusen, where he won the 2023-24 double. A clinical, two-footed striker, he became a national icon at Euro 2020 with five goals — including a 45-metre lob against Scotland voted the goal of the tournament. He is Czechia's talisman and main goal threat.", "facts": ["Scored a 45-metre halfway-line goal vs Scotland at Euro 2020 — the goal of the tournament", "Finished joint top scorer at Euro 2020 with five goals, level with Cristiano Ronaldo", "Won the 2023-24 Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal double with Leverkusen"], "data_rating": 78, "fun": ["🔥 Top 3% scorer at the Cup", "🌍 Plays abroad · Germany", "🎯 16 club goals in 2025/26"]}, {"player_id": 89, "team_id": 4, "fifa_code": "CZE", "team_name": "Czechia", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 11, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Jan Kuchta", "date_of_birth": "1997-01-08", "age": 29, "caps": 31, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "Sparta Prague", "club_country": "Czech Republic", "club_league": "Czech First League", "height_cm": 186, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 27, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1439, "club_goals_2025_26": 12, "club_assists_2025_26": 5, "club_yellow_2025_26": 5, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Czech First League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Sparta's top scorer with 12 league goals", "enrichment_sources": "https://footystats.org/players/czech-republic/jan-kuchta ; https://sparta.cz/en/tymy/1-men-a/hraci/1175-jan-kuchta/statistiky", "backstory": "Liberec-born Jan Kuchta passed through both Sparta and Slavia academies before establishing himself, finishing as joint top scorer of the 2020-21 league season as Slavia went unbeaten. A brief 2022 move to Lokomotiv Moscow ended quickly, and he returned to play for Sparta Prague, where he became the club's top scorer in 2025-26 with 12 league goals. A hard-running, physical forward, he provides a focal point up front for Czechia.", "facts": ["Joint top scorer of the unbeaten 2020-21 Czech league season", "Briefly played for Lokomotiv Moscow in 2022", "Sparta Prague's leading scorer in 2025-26"], "data_rating": 72, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Czech Republic"]}, {"player_id": 90, "team_id": 4, "fifa_code": "CZE", "team_name": "Czechia", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 12, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Lukáš Červ", "date_of_birth": "2001-04-10", "age": 25, "caps": 17, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Viktoria Plzeň", "club_country": "Czech Republic", "club_league": "Czech First League", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 36, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 3072, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": 3, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Czech First League, UEFA Europa League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "League: 26 apps, 1G/2A; Europa League: 10 apps, 1G/1A", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/1151313/lukas-cerv ; https://www.sofascore.com/football/player/lukas-cerv/952114", "backstory": "Lukáš Červ is a Prague-born midfielder who came through Slavia's youth ranks and gained experience on loans at Pardubice and Slovan Liberec. In January 2024 he moved to Viktoria Plzeň as part of the swap deal that took goalkeeper Jindřich Staněk to Slavia. A tireless central or defensive midfielder, he was an ever-present for Plzeň in 2025-26, racking up over 3,000 minutes across league and Europa League play.", "facts": ["Moved to Plzeň in a swap deal involving keeper Jindřich Staněk", "Logged over 3,000 minutes across all competitions in 2025-26"], "data_rating": 71, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Czech Republic"]}, {"player_id": 91, "team_id": 4, "fifa_code": "CZE", "team_name": "Czechia", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 13, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Mojmír Chytil", "date_of_birth": "1999-04-29", "age": 27, "caps": 22, "international_goals": 6, "is_captain": false, "club": "Slavia Prague", "club_country": "Czech Republic", "club_league": "Czech First League", "height_cm": 186, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 8, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Czech First League, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": "8 league goals, 2nd in Slavia's scoring charts", "enrichment_sources": "https://footystats.org/players/czech-republic/mojmir-chytil ; https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/clubs/players/250092161--mojmir-chytil/statistics/", "backstory": "Mojmír Chytil rose through Sigma Olomouc's academy and made his name there before a 2023 move to Slavia Prague, where he has won back-to-back league titles. The centre-forward announced himself for the national team with a hat-trick on his international debut in 2023. He featured in Slavia's 2025-26 Champions League run against Barcelona, Tottenham and Atlético Madrid.", "facts": ["Scored a hat-trick on his international debut in 2023", "Won back-to-back Czech league titles with Slavia"], "data_rating": 65, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Czech Republic"]}, {"player_id": 92, "team_id": 4, "fifa_code": "CZE", "team_name": "Czechia", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 14, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "LB", "player_name": "David Jurásek", "date_of_birth": "2000-08-07", "age": 25, "caps": 18, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Slavia Prague", "club_country": "Czech Republic", "club_league": "Czech First League", "height_cm": 180, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1346, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 6, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Czech First League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Returned to Slavia from Benfica in Jan 2026 after a loan at Beşiktaş (17 apps); 1G/6A for Slavia in the league", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Jur%C3%A1sek ; https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/david-jurasek/8474/", "backstory": "David Jurásek climbed from the lower leagues via Prostějov and Mladá Boleslav to Slavia Prague, where he was named the league's Young Player of the Year in 2022. A €14 million move to Benfica in 2023 followed, but minutes were scarce, leading to loans at Hoffenheim and Beşiktaş before he rejoined Slavia in January 2026. An attacking left-back, he chipped in with a goal and six assists on his return.", "facts": ["Named Czech league Young Player of the Year in 2022", "Joined Benfica for a reported €14 million in 2023", "Had loan spells at Hoffenheim and Beşiktaş before returning to Slavia"], "data_rating": 67, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Czech Republic"]}, {"player_id": 93, "team_id": 4, "fifa_code": "CZE", "team_name": "Czechia", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 15, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "CAM", "player_name": "Pavel Šulc", "date_of_birth": "2000-12-29", "age": 25, "caps": 21, "international_goals": 5, "is_captain": false, "club": "Lyon", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Ligue 1", "height_cm": 180, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 27, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1568, "club_goals_2025_26": 11, "club_assists_2025_26": 3, "club_yellow_2025_26": 3, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue 1", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "11 Ligue 1 goals; key attacking contributor after summer move from Plzeň", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/1037539/pavel-sulc ; https://statz.ai/player/24469162", "backstory": "Pavel Šulc made over 150 appearances for Viktoria Plzeň, developing into one of the league's standout attackers and being crowned Czech Footballer of the Year in 2025. That summer he moved to Ligue 1 club Lyon for a reported €10 million and made an immediate impact, scoring 11 goals in his debut French campaign. A creative attacking midfielder/forward, he is a key source of goals for Czechia.", "facts": ["Named Czech Footballer of the Year in 2025", "Scored 11 Ligue 1 goals in his first season at Lyon"], "data_rating": 70, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · France"]}, {"player_id": 94, "team_id": 4, "fifa_code": "CZE", "team_name": "Czechia", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 16, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Jindřich Staněk", "date_of_birth": "1996-04-27", "age": 30, "caps": 14, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Slavia Prague", "club_country": "Czech Republic", "club_league": "Czech First League", "height_cm": 190, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 24, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 7, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": 33, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Czech First League, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "First-choice Slavia keeper; 24 apps, 7 clean sheets across competitions", "enrichment_sources": "https://footystats.org/players/czech-republic/jindrich-stanek ; https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/clubs/players/250055112--jindrich-stanek/", "backstory": "Jindřich Staněk started at Sparta Prague and joined Everton at 17, but never broke through in England and was released without a senior appearance. He rebuilt at České Budějovice and Viktoria Plzeň before a January 2024 swap deal brought him to Slavia Prague. Now a dependable first-choice keeper, he provides experienced competition in goal for the national team.", "facts": ["Joined Everton at 17 but never played a senior game in England", "Moved to Slavia in a 2024 swap deal involving midfielder Lukáš Červ"], "data_rating": 70, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Czech Republic"]}, {"player_id": 95, "team_id": 4, "fifa_code": "CZE", "team_name": "Czechia", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 17, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Lukáš Provod", "date_of_birth": "1996-10-23", "age": 29, "caps": 38, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "Slavia Prague", "club_country": "Czech Republic", "club_league": "Czech First League", "height_cm": 183, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 30, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 7, "club_assists_2025_26": 10, "club_yellow_2025_26": 2, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Czech First League, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "30 apps all comps, 7G/10A; 5 league goals", "enrichment_sources": "https://footystats.org/players/czech-republic/lukas-provod ; https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/clubs/players/250064811--lukas-provod/statistics/", "backstory": "Lukáš Provod worked his way up via Baník Sokolov and České Budějovice before joining Slavia Prague, initially on loan from Plzeň, in 2019. A serious knee injury cost him a place at Euro 2020, but he fought back to become a key creative force. The left-footed winger scored on his goalscoring international debut against Belgium and netted Czechia's first goal of Euro 2024 against Portugal. He enjoyed a productive 2025-26 with seven goals and ten assists.", "facts": ["Missed Euro 2020 with a serious knee injury", "Scored his first international goal against Belgium", "Scored Czechia's opening goal of Euro 2024 against Portugal"], "data_rating": 78, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Czech Republic"]}, {"player_id": 96, "team_id": 4, "fifa_code": "CZE", "team_name": "Czechia", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 18, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Michal Sadílek", "date_of_birth": "1999-05-31", "age": 27, "caps": 35, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Slavia Prague", "club_country": "Czech Republic", "club_league": "Czech First League", "height_cm": 180, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 26, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 3, "club_yellow_2025_26": 5, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Czech First League, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "League: 18 apps, 1G/3A; plus 8 Champions League appearances", "enrichment_sources": "https://footystats.org/players/czech-republic/michal-sadilek ; https://www.sofascore.com/football/player/michal-sadilek/825731", "backstory": "Michal Sadílek came through PSV Eindhoven's setup in the Netherlands, debuting in the Eredivisie and Champions League before establishing himself at FC Twente, where his move was made permanent in 2022. A serious bicycle accident in 2024 cost him a place at Euro 2024. He returned home to Slavia Prague in 2025, adding a steady, ball-winning presence in central midfield.", "facts": ["Came through the PSV Eindhoven academy", "Missed Euro 2024 after a serious bicycle accident"], "data_rating": 68, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Czech Republic"]}, {"player_id": 97, "team_id": 4, "fifa_code": "CZE", "team_name": "Czechia", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 19, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Tomáš Chorý", "date_of_birth": "1995-01-26", "age": 31, "caps": 22, "international_goals": 7, "is_captain": false, "club": "Slavia Prague", "club_country": "Czech Republic", "club_league": "Czech First League", "height_cm": 198, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 33, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 17, "club_assists_2025_26": 4, "club_yellow_2025_26": 5, "club_red_2025_26": 2, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Czech First League, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "33 apps all comps, 17 goals; Slavia's leading scorer", "enrichment_sources": "https://footystats.org/players/czech-republic/tomas-chory ; https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/clubs/players/250042406--tomas-chory/statistics/", "backstory": "Tomáš Chorý made his top-flight debut for Sigma Olomouc before becoming a key man at Viktoria Plzeň, winning two titles and famously scoring twice against Barcelona in the 2022 Champions League. In 2024 he joined Slavia Prague and responded with his best season yet, leading the club with 17 goals across all competitions in 2025-26. A towering target man, he gives Czechia an aerial outlet up front.", "facts": ["Scored twice against Barcelona in the Champions League in 2022", "Stands roughly two metres tall", "Slavia's top scorer in 2025-26 with 17 goals"], "data_rating": 75, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Czech Republic", "🎯 17 club goals in 2025/26"]}, {"player_id": 98, "team_id": 4, "fifa_code": "CZE", "team_name": "Czechia", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 20, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "LB", "player_name": "Jaroslav Zelený", "date_of_birth": "1992-08-20", "age": 33, "caps": 23, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Sparta Prague", "club_country": "Czech Republic", "club_league": "Czech First League", "height_cm": 182, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": 700000, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": null, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Czech First League, UEFA Conference League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": "Experienced left-back/centre-back; detailed 2025/26 totals not reliably verified", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.flashscore.com/player/zeleny-jaroslav/QXMeCeIq/ ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/jaroslav-zeleny/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/142219/wettbewerb/TS2", "backstory": "Jaroslav Zelený debuted for Hradec Králové in 2011 and won a second-division title with Karviná before spells at Jablonec and Slavia Prague, where he lifted two league titles and played in the Champions League. He returned to Jablonec before joining Sparta Prague in 2022. An experienced, left-footed defender who can play full-back or centre-back, he offers veteran depth to the squad.", "facts": ["Won Czech league titles with both Slavia and Sparta", "Can play at left-back or centre-back"], "data_rating": 56, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Czech Republic"]}, {"player_id": 99, "team_id": 4, "fifa_code": "CZE", "team_name": "Czechia", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 21, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "RB", "player_name": "David Douděra", "date_of_birth": "1998-05-31", "age": 28, "caps": 17, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Slavia Prague", "club_country": "Czech Republic", "club_league": "Czech First League", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Czech First League, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": "At least 7 Champions League appearances; full-season league totals not verified", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/clubs/players/250134691--david-doudera/ ; https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/david-doudera/8658/", "backstory": "David Douděra came up through Prague clubs and Dukla Prague before a breakout 2021-22 at Mladá Boleslav, where he scored 10 league goals from full-back. That form earned a 2022 move to Slavia Prague, where he became a versatile right-back/midfielder and featured in the Champions League. A combative, attacking-minded defender, he provides cover on the right flank.", "facts": ["Scored 10 league goals in one season as a full-back at Mladá Boleslav", "Can play right-back or in midfield"], "data_rating": 57, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Czech Republic"]}, {"player_id": 100, "team_id": 4, "fifa_code": "CZE", "team_name": "Czechia", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 22, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Tomáš Souček", "date_of_birth": "1995-02-27", "age": 31, "caps": 90, "international_goals": 17, "is_captain": false, "club": "West Ham United", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 192, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 24, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 5, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 3, "club_red_2025_26": 1, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 510, "career_club_goals": 91, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Most-capped player; became highest-scoring Czech in PL history (39 PL goals); sent off vs Spurs", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom%C3%A1%C5%A1_Sou%C4%8Dek ; https://www.sportbusy.com/players/soccer/230666/", "backstory": "Tomáš Souček joined Slavia Prague at age 10 and, after loans at Žižkov and Liberec, became their captain and won the 2018-19 double plus Player of the Year. A 2020 move to West Ham United followed, where he won the 2023 Conference League and became the highest-scoring Czech in Premier League history. Czechia's most-capped player and a towering box-to-box midfielder, he is the engine of the team.", "facts": ["Czechia's most-capped player", "Highest-scoring Czech in Premier League history", "Won the 2023 Conference League with West Ham"], "data_rating": 74, "fun": ["🎖️ Most-capped in the squad (90)", "🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 101, "team_id": 4, "fifa_code": "CZE", "team_name": "Czechia", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 23, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Lukáš Horníček", "date_of_birth": "2002-07-13", "age": 23, "caps": 1, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Braga", "club_country": "Portugal", "club_league": "Primeira Liga", "height_cm": 192, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 47, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 19, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": 64, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Primeira Liga, UEFA Europa League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "League: 33 apps, 12 CS, 32 GC; Europa League: 14 apps, 7 CS. Breakout season, linked with Leeds", "enrichment_sources": "https://footystats.org/players/czech-republic/lukas-hornicek ; https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/clubs/players/250127047--lukas-hornicek/", "backstory": "Lukáš Horníček came through Pardubice and moved to Portuguese side Braga in 2019 in what was Pardubice's biggest-ever sale. After years developing in Portugal, he broke through as Braga's first-choice goalkeeper in 2025-26, a busy campaign across the league and Europa League that drew transfer interest from abroad. With just one senior cap, he travels to the World Cup as a young keeping option.", "facts": ["His transfer to Braga was Pardubice's record sale", "Broke out as Braga's first-choice keeper in 2025-26"], "data_rating": 75, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Portugal", "🧤 19 clean sheets in 2025/26"]}, {"player_id": 102, "team_id": 4, "fifa_code": "CZE", "team_name": "Czechia", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 24, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Alexandr Sojka", "date_of_birth": "2003-04-02", "age": 23, "caps": 2, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Viktoria Plzeň", "club_country": "Czech Republic", "club_league": "Czech First League", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": null, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Czech First League, UEFA Europa League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": "Young midfielder re-signed by Plzeň from Hradec Králové; detailed 2025/26 stats not verified", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fcviktoria.cz/eng/soupiska.asp ; https://www.chanceliga.cz/hrac/4647-alexandr-sojka", "backstory": "Alexandr Sojka is a young, left-footed midfielder at Viktoria Plzeň who earned a call-up as one of the squad's newcomers. He has featured in both the Czech league and the Europa League for Plzeň. With only a couple of senior caps, the 23-year-old is among the squad's least experienced members and travels as a developing prospect.", "facts": ["One of the newcomers in the 2026 World Cup squad"], "data_rating": 50, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Czech Republic"]}, {"player_id": 103, "team_id": 4, "fifa_code": "CZE", "team_name": "Czechia", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 25, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Hugo Sochůrek", "date_of_birth": "2008-06-07", "age": 18, "caps": 1, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Sparta Prague", "club_country": "Czech Republic", "club_league": "Czech First League", "height_cm": 183, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 8, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Czech First League, UEFA Conference League, MOL Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Teenage prospect (17); 8 league apps with 2 goals, plus cup/Europe appearances", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hugo_Soch%C5%AFrek ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/hugo-sochurek/profil/spieler/1206877", "backstory": "Hugo Sochůrek joined Sparta Prague's academy at age 12 from his local club Táborsko and was promoted to the senior side in 2026, scoring twice in his first eight league games as a teenager. Touted as a wonderkid with an unusual playing profile for the Czech league, he earned a shock senior call-up. He is one of the youngest players at the entire World Cup.", "facts": ["Turned 18 on the eve of the tournament (born 7 June 2008)", "One of the youngest players at the 2026 World Cup", "Joined Sparta Prague's academy at age 12"], "data_rating": 54, "fun": ["🐣 Youngest in the squad (18)", "🌟 Wonderkid", "🌍 Plays abroad · Czech Republic"]}, {"player_id": 104, "team_id": 4, "fifa_code": "CZE", "team_name": "Czechia", "group_letter": "A", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 26, "position": "FW", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Denis Višinský", "date_of_birth": "2003-03-21", "age": 23, "caps": 2, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Viktoria Plzeň", "club_country": "Czech Republic", "club_league": "Czech First League", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": null, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": 6, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Czech First League, UEFA Europa League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": "Attacking midfielder/forward; in good scoring form (4 goals in last 5). Full league totals not verified", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.sofascore.com/football/player/denis-visinsky/1088727 ; https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/clubs/players/250135725--denis-visinsky/statistics/", "backstory": "Denis Višinský is a youth product of Slavia Prague, where he won a league-and-cup double in 2020-21 and made his top-flight debut as a teenager. After spells out on loan and at Liberec and Vlašim, he signed for Viktoria Plzeň as a free agent in 2025. A quick, attacking winger/forward, he forced his way into the squad on the back of a hot scoring run.", "facts": ["Won a Czech league-and-cup double as a Slavia youngster in 2020-21", "Scored on the way into the senior national-team setup"], "data_rating": 50, "fun": ["⚡ 0.5 goals per cap", "🌍 Plays abroad · Czech Republic"]}, {"player_id": 105, "team_id": 5, "fifa_code": "CAN", "team_name": "Canada", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 1, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Dayne St. Clair", "date_of_birth": "1997-05-09", "age": 29, "caps": 20, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Inter Miami CF", "club_country": "United States", "club_league": "Major League Soccer", "height_cm": 191, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 39, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 10, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": 30, "club_competitions_2025_26": "MLS (with Minnesota United FC), incl. playoffs, US Open Cup and other competitions; signed for Inter Miami CF ahead of 2026", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 175, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dayne_St._Clair ; https://www.intermiamicf.com/news/inter-miami-cf-signs-2025-mls-goalkeeper-of-the-year-dayne-st-clair", "backstory": "Born in Pickering, Ontario to a Trinidadian father and Scottish-Canadian mother, Dayne St. Clair starred at the University of Maryland, winning NCAA Tournament Defensive MVP during the Terrapins' 2018 national title run. Drafted 7th overall by Minnesota United in 2019, he spent seven seasons there and was named 2025 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year before signing for Inter Miami in January 2026. A commanding, athletic shot-stopper, he heads into the home World Cup battling Maxime Crepeau for the No. 1 shirt.", "facts": ["2025 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year and MLS Best XI", "Won NCAA Defensive MVP in Maryland's 2018 national championship", "Joined Inter Miami in January 2026"], "data_rating": 75, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · United States", "🧤 10 clean sheets in 2025/26"]}, {"player_id": 106, "team_id": 5, "fifa_code": "CAN", "team_name": "Canada", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 2, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "RB", "player_name": "Alistair Johnston", "date_of_birth": "1998-10-08", "age": 27, "caps": 58, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Celtic", "club_country": "Scotland", "club_league": "Scottish Premiership", "height_cm": 180, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 11, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Scottish Premiership, Scottish Cup, Scottish League Cup, UEFA competitions", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 176, "career_club_goals": 12, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alistair_Johnston ; https://footystats.org/players/canada/alistair-johnston", "backstory": "Born in Vancouver to a Canadian father and Irish mother, Alistair Johnston grew up in Ontario and converted from central midfield to right-back at Wake Forest. After being drafted by Nashville SC and a stint at CF Montreal, he joined Celtic in 2023 and won a domestic treble in his first season. A relentless, attack-minded full-back, he was the only non-South American named to the 2024 Copa America Team of the Tournament.", "facts": ["Only non-South American in the 2024 Copa America Team of the Tournament", "Won a domestic treble in his debut Celtic season", "Brother Malcolm was drafted by New York City FC in 2023"], "data_rating": 67, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Scotland"]}, {"player_id": 107, "team_id": 5, "fifa_code": "CAN", "team_name": "Canada", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 3, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Alfie Jones", "date_of_birth": "1997-10-07", "age": 28, "caps": 2, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Middlesbrough", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "EFL Championship", "height_cm": 188, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 35, "club_starts_2025_26": 22, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "EFL Championship, FA Cup, EFL Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Underwent ankle surgery after a Boxing Day 2025 injury; expected 8-10 weeks out", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alfie_Jones ; https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/240589/alfie-jones", "backstory": "Born in Bristol, England, Alfie Jones came through Southampton's academy before establishing himself as a dependable ball-playing centre-back at Hull City, where he was named Player of the Year for 2022-23, and later Middlesbrough. Eligible for Canada through his Alberta-born grandmother, he made his international debut in November 2025. His call-up reportedly stemmed from conversations with Canada teammate Liam Millar at Hull.", "facts": ["Qualifies for Canada through a grandmother from Hillcrest, Alberta", "Discovered his Canadian eligibility chatting with Liam Millar at Hull City", "Won the League One title with Hull in 2021"], "data_rating": 65, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 108, "team_id": 5, "fifa_code": "CAN", "team_name": "Canada", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 4, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Luc de Fougerolles", "date_of_birth": "2005-10-12", "age": 20, "caps": 13, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Dender", "club_country": "Belgium", "club_league": "Belgian Pro League", "height_cm": 183, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 30, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Belgian Pro League, Belgian Cup, plus other competition", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 31, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luc_de_Fougerolles", "backstory": "Born in London, England to a Canadian father and Iranian-born English mother, Luc de Fougerolles joined Fulham's academy at age eight and signed professional terms in 2023. A composed, versatile defender comfortable across the back line and in midfield, he moved on loan to Belgian side Dender in 2025. He made his Canada debut in 2024 and was named Canada Soccer Young Player of the Year for 2025.", "facts": ["Came through Fulham's academy from age eight", "Canada Soccer Young Player of the Year for 2025", "Born in England but chose Canada through his father"], "data_rating": 66, "fun": ["🐣 Youngest in the squad (20)", "🌟 Wonderkid", "🌍 Plays abroad · Belgium"]}, {"player_id": 109, "team_id": 5, "fifa_code": "CAN", "team_name": "Canada", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 5, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Joel Waterman", "date_of_birth": "1996-01-24", "age": 30, "caps": 17, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Chicago Fire FC", "club_country": "United States", "club_league": "Major League Soccer", "height_cm": 188, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 20, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "MLS regular season (16), MLS playoffs (3), US Open Cup (2) - 2025 season", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 243, "career_club_goals": 7, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joel_Waterman", "backstory": "Born in Surrey, British Columbia, Joel Waterman is the ultimate late bloomer, working up through Canadian lower leagues via Trinity Western University and Calgary Foothills. He became the first Canadian Premier League player ever sold to MLS when CF Montreal signed him in 2020, before moving to Chicago Fire in 2025. A versatile, no-frills defender, he debuted for Canada just before the 2022 World Cup.", "facts": ["First Canadian Premier League player ever transferred to MLS", "Registered for the CPL draft just two days before the deadline", "Played five seasons of college soccer at Trinity Western"], "data_rating": 64, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · United States"]}, {"player_id": 110, "team_id": 5, "fifa_code": "CAN", "team_name": "Canada", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 6, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Mathieu Choinière", "date_of_birth": "1999-02-07", "age": 27, "caps": 23, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Los Angeles FC", "club_country": "United States", "club_league": "Major League Soccer", "height_cm": 175, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 10, "club_starts_2025_26": 7, "club_minutes_2025_26": 642, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "MLS (2025, on loan from Grasshopper Club Zürich)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 161, "career_club_goals": 15, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mathieu_Choini%C3%A8re ; https://www.lafc.com/players/mathieu-choiniere/", "backstory": "Born in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec and of Filipino descent, Mathieu Choiniere was the first player to climb every level of the Montreal Impact academy before becoming a two-time MLS All-Star with CF Montreal. He moved to Grasshopper Zurich in 2024 and then to LAFC in 2025. A tidy, energetic central midfielder, he earned his first Canada caps in 2023.", "facts": ["First player to progress through every level of the Montreal Impact academy", "Two-time MLS All-Star (2023, 2024)", "Of Filipino descent"], "data_rating": 61, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · United States"]}, {"player_id": 111, "team_id": 5, "fifa_code": "CAN", "team_name": "Canada", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 7, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Stephen Eustáquio", "date_of_birth": "1996-12-21", "age": 29, "caps": 56, "international_goals": 4, "is_captain": false, "club": "Los Angeles FC", "club_country": "United States", "club_league": "Major League Soccer", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 14, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "MLS (10), CONCACAF Champions Cup (4) - on loan from FC Porto", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 369, "career_club_goals": 18, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Eust%C3%A1quio ; https://www.lafc.com/players/stephen-eustaquio/", "backstory": "Born in Leamington, Ontario to Portuguese parents, Stephen Eustaquio moved to Portugal aged seven and developed there, rising through Chaves and Pacos de Ferreira to become a trophy-winning starter at FC Porto. A cultured deep-lying midfielder once likened to a La Masia product, he is on loan at LAFC and serves as Canada's vice-captain. He plays on after losing both parents within a year of each other in 2023-24.", "facts": ["Vice-captain of Canada under Jesse Marsch", "Won multiple domestic titles at FC Porto", "Born in Ontario but raised in Portugal from age seven"], "data_rating": 66, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · United States"]}, {"player_id": 112, "team_id": 5, "fifa_code": "CAN", "team_name": "Canada", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 8, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Ismaël Koné", "date_of_birth": "2002-06-16", "age": 23, "caps": 40, "international_goals": 4, "is_captain": false, "club": "Sassuolo", "club_country": "Italy", "club_league": "Serie A", "height_cm": 188, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 36, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2756, "club_goals_2025_26": 6, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 3, "club_red_2025_26": 1, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Serie A (35), Coppa Italia (1)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 153, "career_club_goals": 15, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Loan from Marseille made permanent by Sassuolo in February 2026", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isma%C3%ABl_Kon%C3%A9 ; https://www.sofascore.com/football/player/ismael-kone/1134351", "backstory": "Born in Abidjan, Ivory Coast and raised in Montreal from age seven, Ismael Kone broke through at CF Montreal before a 2022 move to Watford. A powerful box-to-box midfielder, he later joined Marseille, impressed on loan at Rennes, and made a permanent switch to Sassuolo in 2026. He was named Canada Soccer Young Player of the Year in both 2022 and 2023.", "facts": ["Two-time Canada Soccer Young Player of the Year (2022, 2023)", "Scored a long-range goal against parent club Marseille while on loan at Rennes", "Moved to Italy permanently with Sassuolo in February 2026"], "data_rating": 73, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Italy"]}, {"player_id": 113, "team_id": 5, "fifa_code": "CAN", "team_name": "Canada", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 9, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Cyle Larin", "date_of_birth": "1995-04-17", "age": 31, "caps": 90, "international_goals": 30, "is_captain": false, "club": "Southampton", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "EFL Championship", "height_cm": 188, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 22, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 9, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "EFL Championship (16+ apps, 8-9 goals), Championship play-offs", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 324, "career_club_goals": 112, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyle_Larin ; https://footystats.org/players/canada/cyle-larin", "backstory": "Born in Brampton, Ontario of Jamaican heritage, Cyle Larin came through the Sigma FC academy and became the first Canadian taken first overall in the MLS SuperDraft (2015), winning Rookie of the Year with a record-breaking debut season at Orlando City. He won the Super Lig with Besiktas and later played for Brugge, Mallorca and Southampton. A powerful target man, he was Canada's all-time top scorer until Jonathan David passed him.", "facts": ["First Canadian selected first overall in the MLS SuperDraft", "Broke the MLS rookie scoring record in 2015", "Co-owner of Canadian club Simcoe County Rovers"], "data_rating": 74, "fun": ["🔥 Top 3% scorer at the Cup", "🎖️ Most-capped in the squad (90)", "🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 114, "team_id": 5, "fifa_code": "CAN", "team_name": "Canada", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 10, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Jonathan David", "date_of_birth": "2000-01-14", "age": 26, "caps": 77, "international_goals": 39, "is_captain": false, "club": "Juventus", "club_country": "Italy", "club_league": "Serie A", "height_cm": 175, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": 30000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 46, "club_starts_2025_26": 20, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1781, "club_goals_2025_26": 8, "club_assists_2025_26": 4, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Serie A (35), Coppa Italia (2), UEFA Champions League (9)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 273, "career_club_goals": 122, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonathan_David ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/jonathan-david/leistungsdaten/spieler/533738/saison/2025", "backstory": "Born in Brooklyn to Haitian parents and raised in Ottawa, Jonathan David was rejected by Salzburg and Stuttgart as a teen before signing for Gent, then moving to Lille in a then-record Canadian transfer where he won Ligue 1. He joined Juventus on a free transfer in 2025. A clinical, intelligent forward, he became Canada's all-time leading men's scorer in 2024 and is the talisman of the home World Cup squad.", "facts": ["Canada's all-time leading men's goalscorer", "His Lille move was the most expensive transfer ever for a Canadian", "Was rejected after trials at Salzburg and Stuttgart as a teenager"], "data_rating": 74, "fun": ["⚡ 0.51 goals per cap", "🔥 Top 2% scorer at the Cup", "🌍 Plays abroad · Italy"]}, {"player_id": 115, "team_id": 5, "fifa_code": "CAN", "team_name": "Canada", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 11, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "LW", "player_name": "Liam Millar", "date_of_birth": "1999-09-27", "age": 26, "caps": 41, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Hull City", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "EFL Championship", "height_cm": 176, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 38, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "EFL Championship (33), FA Cup (2), Championship play-offs (3)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 251, "career_club_goals": 29, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liam_Millar", "backstory": "Born in Toronto and raised in Brampton and Oakville, Liam Millar moved to England at 13 and came through Fulham and Liverpool's academies, making his Liverpool senior bow in the FA Cup. After loan spells in Scotland and England he established himself at Basel and now Hull City. A direct, goal-threat winger, he scored his first Canada goal against Cuba in 2023 after recovering from a 2024 ACL injury.", "facts": ["Made his Liverpool senior debut in the FA Cup", "Father worked as an electrician on Game of Thrones", "Recovered from an ACL injury suffered in October 2024"], "data_rating": 70, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 116, "team_id": 5, "fifa_code": "CAN", "team_name": "Canada", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 12, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Tani Oluwaseyi", "date_of_birth": "2000-05-15", "age": 26, "caps": 24, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Villarreal", "club_country": "Spain", "club_league": "La Liga", "height_cm": 188, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 37, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 7, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": 1, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "La Liga (27), Copa del Rey (3), UEFA Champions League (7)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 142, "career_club_goals": 49, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tani_Oluwaseyi ; https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/tani-oluwaseyi/30939/", "backstory": "Born in Abuja, Nigeria and relocated to Mississauga at age ten, Tani Oluwaseyi was a college star at St. John's before Minnesota United drafted him. A breakout loan at San Antonio FC, where he set a franchise scoring record, fueled his rise, and in 2025 he earned a move to La Liga side Villarreal. A tall, mobile forward, he scored his first La Liga goal against Sevilla.", "facts": ["Set San Antonio FC's single-season scoring record on loan", "Big East Offensive Player of the Year at St. John's", "Scored his first La Liga goal against Sevilla in 2025"], "data_rating": 69, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Spain"]}, {"player_id": 117, "team_id": 5, "fifa_code": "CAN", "team_name": "Canada", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 13, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Derek Cornelius", "date_of_birth": "1997-11-25", "age": 28, "caps": 44, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Rangers", "club_country": "Scotland", "club_league": "Scottish Premiership", "height_cm": 187, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 12, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Scottish Premiership (7), UEFA Europa League (3) - on loan from Marseille", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 217, "career_club_goals": 12, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Out for the rest of 2025/26 with a muscle injury; dropped from Rangers' UEL roster in November 2025", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derek_Cornelius ; https://canadiansoccerdaily.com/2025/11/26/derek-cornelius-out-for-the-year-with-muscle-injury-could-be-a-serious-one/", "backstory": "Born in Ajax, Ontario to a Barbadian father and Jamaican mother, Derek Cornelius took an unusual path through Germany and Serbia before joining Vancouver Whitecaps, then won back-to-back Allsvenskan titles at Malmo. He moved to Marseille in 2024 and was on loan at Rangers. A commanding centre-back and 2018 Canada Soccer Youth International of the Year, he is racing to recover from a muscle injury that ended his 2025-26 club season early.", "facts": ["Won back-to-back Swedish league titles with Malmo", "Captained Canada's U-23 Olympic qualifying side", "Began his pro career in Germany and Serbia"], "data_rating": 65, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Scotland"]}, {"player_id": 118, "team_id": 5, "fifa_code": "CAN", "team_name": "Canada", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 14, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "LW", "player_name": "Jacob Shaffelburg", "date_of_birth": "1999-11-26", "age": 26, "caps": 31, "international_goals": 6, "is_captain": false, "club": "Los Angeles FC", "club_country": "United States", "club_league": "Major League Soccer", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 26, "club_starts_2025_26": 13, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1263, "club_goals_2025_26": 4, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "MLS regular season (23) and playoffs (3) - 2025 season (acquired from Nashville SC)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 157, "career_club_goals": 24, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacob_Shaffelburg ; https://www.lafc.com/players/jacob-shaffelburg/", "backstory": "Born in Kentville, Nova Scotia and raised in Port Williams, Jacob Shaffelburg came through the Toronto FC academy and set up the fastest goal in TFC history on his starting debut. After a productive move to Nashville SC, where he won the 2025 U.S. Open Cup, he joined LAFC in 2026. A blistering left winger nicknamed the 'Maritime Messi', he has become a key attacking option for Canada.", "facts": ["Set up the fastest goal in Toronto FC history (29 seconds) on his starting debut", "Nicknamed the 'Maritime Messi'", "Won the 2025 U.S. Open Cup with Nashville SC"], "data_rating": 68, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · United States"]}, {"player_id": 119, "team_id": 5, "fifa_code": "CAN", "team_name": "Canada", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 15, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Moïse Bombito", "date_of_birth": "2000-03-30", "age": 26, "caps": 20, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Nice", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Ligue 1", "height_cm": 191, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 2, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 146, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 1, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue 1 (2)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 101, "career_club_goals": 8, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Very limited 2025/26 minutes at Nice", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mo%C3%AFse_Bombito ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/1440009/moise-bombito", "backstory": "Born in Montreal of Congolese descent, Moise Bombito converted from forward to centre-back at 18 and rose quickly through junior college and the University of New Hampshire before Colorado Rapids drafted him third overall in 2023. A fast, physically dominant defender, he earned a record MLS fee for a centre-back when Nice signed him in 2024. His World Cup preparation is tempered by limited club minutes in 2025-26.", "facts": ["Nice paid a reported MLS-record fee for a centre-back to sign him", "Only converted from forward to centre-back at age 18", "2024 MLS All-Star"], "data_rating": 59, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · France"]}, {"player_id": 120, "team_id": 5, "fifa_code": "CAN", "team_name": "Canada", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 16, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Maxime Crépeau", "date_of_birth": "1994-05-11", "age": 32, "caps": 32, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Orlando City SC", "club_country": "United States", "club_league": "Major League Soccer", "height_cm": 181, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 14, "club_starts_2025_26": 14, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 0, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": 38, "club_competitions_2025_26": "MLS (2026 season at Orlando City; played 2025 at Portland Timbers - 15 apps)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 244, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Signed for Orlando City in January 2026; 2025 club season was at Portland Timbers", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maxime_Cr%C3%A9peau ; https://www.orlandocitysc.com/players/maxime-crepeau/", "backstory": "Born in Greenfield Park, Quebec, Maxime Crepeau came through the Montreal Impact, set a USL single-season shutout record on loan at Ottawa Fury, and won the 2022 MLS Cup with LAFC despite breaking his leg while being sent off in the final. After spells at Portland and Vancouver, he signed for Orlando City in 2026. An agile, vocal keeper, he is in a tight race with Dayne St. Clair for Canada's starting spot.", "facts": ["Won the 2022 MLS Cup despite breaking his leg and being red-carded in the final", "Set the USL single-season shutout record (15) at Ottawa Fury", "Twice named Vancouver Whitecaps player of the year"], "data_rating": 66, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · United States"]}, {"player_id": 121, "team_id": 5, "fifa_code": "CAN", "team_name": "Canada", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 17, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "RW", "player_name": "Tajon Buchanan", "date_of_birth": "1999-02-08", "age": 27, "caps": 60, "international_goals": 8, "is_captain": false, "club": "Villarreal", "club_country": "Spain", "club_league": "La Liga", "height_cm": 183, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 43, "club_starts_2025_26": 19, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1669, "club_goals_2025_26": 7, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": 8, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "La Liga (34), Copa del Rey (2), UEFA Europa League (7)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 214, "career_club_goals": 28, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "First Canadian to score a La Liga hat-trick (2025/26)", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tajon_Buchanan ; https://www.sportbusy.com/players/soccer/284769/", "backstory": "Born in Brampton, Ontario of Jamaican descent, Tajon Buchanan starred at Syracuse before New England Revolution drafted him and he earned MLS Best XI honors. He moved to Club Brugge, then made history as the first Canadian to score in Serie A with Inter Milan, before joining Villarreal. A pacy, versatile wide player, he became the first Canadian to score a La Liga hat-trick in 2025.", "facts": ["First Canadian to score in Serie A", "First Canadian to score a La Liga hat-trick (vs Girona, 2025)", "Named to MLS Best XI in 2021"], "data_rating": 70, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Spain"]}, {"player_id": 122, "team_id": 5, "fifa_code": "CAN", "team_name": "Canada", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 18, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Owen Goodman", "date_of_birth": "2003-11-27", "age": 22, "caps": 0, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Barnsley", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "EFL League One", "height_cm": 193, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 22, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "EFL League One and cups (on loan from Crystal Palace)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 126, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Owen_Goodman", "backstory": "Born in Harold Wood, London, Owen Goodman joined Crystal Palace's academy at 13 after moving from Ontario. A towering 6'4\" goalkeeper, he won the League Two Golden Glove on loan at AFC Wimbledon and has gathered experience at several EFL clubs, currently Barnsley. After pursuing Canadian citizenship in 2025 he switched from England's youth setup to Canada, earning a place in the World Cup squad without a senior cap.", "facts": ["Won the League Two Golden Glove with 24 clean sheets at AFC Wimbledon", "Eligible for England, Canada and Nigeria", "Switched to Canada after representing England at youth level"], "data_rating": 58, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 123, "team_id": 5, "fifa_code": "CAN", "team_name": "Canada", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 19, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "LB", "player_name": "Alphonso Davies", "date_of_birth": "2000-11-02", "age": 25, "caps": 58, "international_goals": 15, "is_captain": true, "club": "Bayern Munich", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": "left", "market_value_eur": 40000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 23, "club_starts_2025_26": 6, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 3, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga (13), DFB-Pokal (2), UEFA Champions League (8)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 249, "career_club_goals": 20, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Returned in December 2025 from ACL injury suffered in March 2025", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alphonso_Davies ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/alphonso-davies/leistungsdaten/spieler/424204", "backstory": "Born in a refugee camp in Ghana to Liberian parents and raised in Edmonton, Alphonso Davies rose through the Vancouver Whitecaps to become one of MLS's youngest players before a then-record transfer to Bayern Munich in 2019. The 'Roadrunner' won the Champions League and a treble in 2020 and is among the fastest players in the world. Canada's captain and biggest star, he returned in late 2025 from an ACL injury to lead the home World Cup charge.", "facts": ["Born in a refugee camp in Ghana; first Canadian to win the Champions League", "Scored Canada's first-ever men's World Cup goal in 2022", "First footballer to become a UNHCR ambassador"], "data_rating": 75, "fun": ["💎 Most valuable in the squad", "🌍 Plays abroad · Germany", "©️ Captain"]}, {"player_id": 124, "team_id": 5, "fifa_code": "CAN", "team_name": "Canada", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 20, "position": "FW", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Ali Ahmed", "date_of_birth": "2000-10-10", "age": 25, "caps": 24, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Norwich City", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "EFL Championship", "height_cm": 180, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 21, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 4, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "EFL Championship (19), FA Cup (2)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 138, "career_club_goals": 11, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ali_Ahmed_(soccer)", "backstory": "Born in Toronto to Ethiopian parents, Ali Ahmed started with the North Toronto Nitros and became the first Whitecaps FC 2 player to sign a first-team contract, winning the 2023 Canadian Championship. A creative wide midfielder, he moved to Norwich City in January 2026 and made an instant impact with an assist and a goal in his first days. He won the 2025 Canadian Championship MVP.", "facts": ["First Whitecaps FC 2 player to earn a first-team contract", "2025 Canadian Championship MVP (George Gross Memorial Trophy)", "Assisted within 10 minutes of his Norwich debut"], "data_rating": 63, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 125, "team_id": 5, "fifa_code": "CAN", "team_name": "Canada", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 21, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Jonathan Osorio", "date_of_birth": "1992-06-12", "age": 33, "caps": 90, "international_goals": 10, "is_captain": false, "club": "Toronto FC", "club_country": "Canada", "club_league": "Major League Soccer", "height_cm": 175, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 24, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 4, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "MLS (2025 season)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 410, "career_club_goals": 69, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonathan_Osorio", "backstory": "Born in Toronto to Colombian parents, Jonathan Osorio trained at Nacional's academy in Uruguay before becoming a Toronto FC one-club man and the club's all-time appearance leader. He won MLS Cup 2017 and now captains TFC. A clever, experienced midfielder, he famously scored against Mexico at the Estadio Azteca and brings veteran leadership to Canada's deepest-ever squad.", "facts": ["Toronto FC's all-time appearance leader and current captain", "Scored Canada's first goal against Mexico at the Azteca since 1980", "Both younger brothers also played in the Toronto FC system"], "data_rating": 73, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 126, "team_id": 5, "fifa_code": "CAN", "team_name": "Canada", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 22, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "RB", "player_name": "Richie Laryea", "date_of_birth": "1995-01-07", "age": 31, "caps": 75, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Toronto FC", "club_country": "Canada", "club_league": "Major League Soccer", "height_cm": 175, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 17, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "MLS (2025 season)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 215, "career_club_goals": 23, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richie_Laryea", "backstory": "Born in Toronto of Ghanaian descent, Richie Laryea played college soccer at Akron and was drafted by Orlando City before breaking through at Toronto FC, where he reinvented himself as an attacking right-back. He had a spell at Nottingham Forest before returning to TFC. Energetic and tireless, he has earned 75 caps and featured at the 2022 World Cup and 2024 Copa America.", "facts": ["Reinvented himself from forward into an attacking full-back at Toronto FC", "Played college soccer at the University of Akron", "Had a Premier League stint with Nottingham Forest"], "data_rating": 70, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 127, "team_id": 5, "fifa_code": "CAN", "team_name": "Canada", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 23, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Niko Sigur", "date_of_birth": "2003-09-09", "age": 22, "caps": 19, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Hajduk Split", "club_country": "Croatia", "club_league": "Croatian Football League", "height_cm": 180, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 29, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "HNL (23), Croatian Cup (2), UEFA Europa Conference League (4)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 108, "career_club_goals": 5, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Stats as of late March 2026", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niko_Sigur", "backstory": "Born in Burnaby, British Columbia with dual Canadian-Croatian citizenship, Niko Sigur came through the Whitecaps academy and York University before joining Hajduk Split, where he debuted at 19 and won the Croatian Cup. A versatile defensive midfielder and right-back, he initially played for Croatia's U21s before switching to Canada in 2024 and scoring at the 2025 Gold Cup.", "facts": ["Switched from Croatia U21 to Canada in 2024", "Named to the 2025 Gold Cup Group Stage Best XI", "Won the Croatian Cup with Hajduk Split"], "data_rating": 69, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Croatia"]}, {"player_id": 128, "team_id": 5, "fifa_code": "CAN", "team_name": "Canada", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 24, "position": "FW", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Promise David", "date_of_birth": "2001-07-03", "age": 24, "caps": 10, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "Union Saint-Gilloise", "club_country": "Belgium", "club_league": "Belgian Pro League", "height_cm": 195, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 37, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 15, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Belgian Pro League (24, 9 goals), Belgian Cup (5), UEFA Champions League (7, 2 goals), plus other", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 162, "career_club_goals": 97, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Leading Belgian Pro League scoring race in 2025/26", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Promise_David ; https://www.sportbusy.com/players/soccer/318522/", "backstory": "Born in Brampton, Ontario to Nigerian parents, Promise David took an unconventional route, breaking out with Estonian club Nomme Kalju before joining Union Saint-Gilloise in 2024 and helping them win their first Belgian title in 90 years. A towering 6'5\" striker, he switched from Nigeria's youth setup to Canada in 2025 and has led the Belgian Pro League scoring charts in 2025-26.", "facts": ["Helped Union SG win their first Belgian league title in 90 years", "Switched from Nigeria's U23s to Canada in 2025", "Stands 6'5\" (1.95m) tall"], "data_rating": 72, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Belgium", "🎯 15 club goals in 2025/26"]}, {"player_id": 129, "team_id": 5, "fifa_code": "CAN", "team_name": "Canada", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 25, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Nathan Saliba", "date_of_birth": "2004-02-07", "age": 22, "caps": 15, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Anderlecht", "club_country": "Belgium", "club_league": "Belgian Pro League", "height_cm": 174, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 45, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 5, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Belgian Pro League (34), playoffs (6), UEFA continental (5)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 109, "career_club_goals": 9, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nathan_Saliba", "backstory": "Born in Longueuil, Quebec to a family of Haitian and Lebanese heritage, Nathan Saliba came through the Montreal Impact academy and signed his first pro deal at 16, debuting for CF Montreal in 2023. A tenacious young midfielder, he moved to Anderlecht in 2025. He was named Canada Soccer Young Player of the Year in 2024 and scored his first international goal against Honduras in 2025.", "facts": ["Canada Soccer Young Player of the Year for 2024", "Speaks English, French and Haitian Creole", "Moved to Anderlecht in 2025"], "data_rating": 71, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Belgium"]}, {"player_id": 130, "team_id": 5, "fifa_code": "CAN", "team_name": "Canada", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 26, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Marcelo Flores", "date_of_birth": "2003-10-01", "age": 22, "caps": 2, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Tigres UANL", "club_country": "Mexico", "club_league": "Liga MX", "height_cm": 171, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 28, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 4, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Liga MX (19), CONCACAF Champions Cup (7), Leagues Cup (2)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 84, "career_club_goals": 12, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Named to squad May 29 but withdrew with ACL injury May 31; replacement not yet officially announced", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marcelo_Flores", "backstory": "Born in Georgetown, Ontario to a Mexican former footballer father and English-Canadian mother, Marcelo Flores came through Arsenal's academy and represented Mexico at youth and senior friendly level before completing a switch to Canada in early 2026. An inventive attacking midfielder now with Tigres UANL, he made his Canada debut in March 2026 but suffered an ACL injury at the end of May, casting doubt over his World Cup participation.", "facts": ["Switched from Mexico to Canada in February 2026", "Came through Arsenal's academy", "His sisters Silvana and Tatiana are also professional footballers"], "data_rating": 61, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Mexico"]}, {"player_id": 131, "team_id": 6, "fifa_code": "BIH", "team_name": "Bosnia and Herzegovina", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 1, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Nikola Vasilj", "date_of_birth": "1995-12-02", "age": 30, "caps": 25, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "FC St. Pauli", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 193, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 36, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 278, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_Vasilj ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/nikola-vasilj/profil/spieler/248454", "backstory": "A product of Zrinjski Mostar's academy, Vasilj made his pro debut at 17 before grinding through loans and stops at Nurnberg's reserves and Zorya Luhansk. His career took off after a 2021 move to FC St. Pauli, where he became the commanding No. 1 who backstopped the club's 2023-24 promotion to the Bundesliga. At the 2026 World Cup he is Bosnia's first-choice goalkeeper.", "facts": ["Comes from a family of goalkeepers - his father Vladimir and brother Filip also kept goal", "Kept a clean sheet on his St. Pauli debut", "Key part of St. Pauli's 2023-24 2. Bundesliga title and promotion"], "data_rating": 70, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Germany"]}, {"player_id": 132, "team_id": 6, "fifa_code": "BIH", "team_name": "Bosnia and Herzegovina", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 2, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Nihad Mujakić", "date_of_birth": "1998-04-15", "age": 28, "caps": 11, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Gaziantep F.K.", "club_country": "Turkey", "club_league": "Süper Lig", "height_cm": 189, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 13, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Süper Lig, Turkish Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 252, "career_club_goals": 3, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nihad_Mujaki%C4%87", "backstory": "A centre-back raised through FK Sarajevo's academy, Mujakic debuted at 18 and won the Bosnian league and cup double in 2018-19. His career has been a tour of European leagues - Belgium with Kortrijk, loans to Hajduk Split and Beveren, then Turkey with Ankaragucu and Partizan, before landing on loan at Gaziantep. He is a reliable squad defender for Bosnia at the 2026 finals.", "facts": ["Won the Bosnian Premier League and Cup double with Sarajevo in 2018-19", "Scored his first international goal against San Marino in September 2025"], "data_rating": 61, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Turkey"]}, {"player_id": 133, "team_id": 6, "fifa_code": "BIH", "team_name": "Bosnia and Herzegovina", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 3, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Dennis Hadžikadunić", "date_of_birth": "1998-07-09", "age": 27, "caps": 31, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Sampdoria", "club_country": "Italy", "club_league": "Serie B", "height_cm": 190, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 28, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Serie B", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 213, "career_club_goals": 6, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dennis_Had%C5%BEikaduni%C4%87", "backstory": "Born in Malmo, Sweden, Hadzikadunic came through Malmo FF's academy and won back-to-back Allsvenskan titles in 2016 and 2017 as a teenager. He moved to Russia with Rostov and bounced through loans at Mallorca, Hamburg and Malmo before joining Sampdoria. Though raised in Sweden, he switched to Bosnia in 2020 and is now a seasoned centre-back in their World Cup squad with over 30 caps.", "facts": ["Won two Allsvenskan titles with Malmo FF before turning 20", "Born in Sweden and capped by Swedish youth teams before switching to Bosnia in 2020"], "data_rating": 69, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Italy"]}, {"player_id": 134, "team_id": 6, "fifa_code": "BIH", "team_name": "Bosnia and Herzegovina", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 4, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Tarik Muharemović", "date_of_birth": "2003-02-28", "age": 23, "caps": 13, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Sassuolo", "club_country": "Italy", "club_league": "Serie A", "height_cm": 187, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 33, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Serie A, Coppa Italia", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 127, "career_club_goals": 5, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tarik_Muharemovi%C4%87", "backstory": "Born in Ljubljana to Bosnian parents, Muharemovic developed at Wolfsberger AC before Juventus signed him in 2021, where he honed his game with Juventus Next Gen in Serie C. A loan to Sassuolo turned permanent, and he became a key piece of their 2024-25 Serie B title and promotion. The composed centre-back is now one of Bosnia's promising young defenders at the World Cup.", "facts": ["Spent three years in Juventus's system, mostly with Juventus Next Gen", "Helped Sassuolo win the 2024-25 Serie B title", "His younger brother Kenan is also a professional footballer"], "data_rating": 69, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Italy"]}, {"player_id": 135, "team_id": 6, "fifa_code": "BIH", "team_name": "Bosnia and Herzegovina", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 5, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "LB", "player_name": "Sead Kolašinac", "date_of_birth": "1993-06-20", "age": 32, "caps": 64, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Atalanta", "club_country": "Italy", "club_league": "Serie A", "height_cm": 183, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 28, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Serie A, Coppa Italia, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 318, "career_club_goals": 14, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sead_Kola%C5%A1inac", "backstory": "Born in Karlsruhe, Germany, Kolasinac rose through the academies of Hoffenheim, Stuttgart and Schalke 04, breaking into Schalke's side in 2012. The powerful left-back earned a high-profile free transfer to Arsenal in 2017, winning the FA Cup, before moving on to Marseille and Atalanta, where he lifted the 2024 Europa League. A 64-cap veteran, he brings strength and experience to Bosnia's defence in 2026.", "facts": ["Won the 2024 Europa League with Atalanta", "Fought off an attempted carjacking of teammate Mesut Ozil in London in 2019", "A former Germany youth international who switched to Bosnia in 2013"], "data_rating": 71, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Italy"]}, {"player_id": 136, "team_id": 6, "fifa_code": "BIH", "team_name": "Bosnia and Herzegovina", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 6, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Benjamin Tahirović", "date_of_birth": "2003-03-03", "age": 23, "caps": 27, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Brøndby IF", "club_country": "Denmark", "club_league": "Danish Superliga", "height_cm": 191, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 32, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Danish Superliga, Danish Cup, UEFA Conference League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 129, "career_club_goals": 3, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benjamin_Tahirovi%C4%87", "backstory": "Born in Sweden, Tahirovic came through Swedish football before a move to Roma, where he made his Serie A debut. In 2023 he joined Ajax on a five-year deal, then moved to Brondby in Denmark in 2025. A tall, composed defensive midfielder who breaks up play and starts attacks, he is a key engine in Bosnia's midfield at the 2026 World Cup.", "facts": ["Came through Roma and later spent two years at Ajax", "Made his Serie A debut for Roma against Torino in 2022"], "data_rating": 66, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Denmark"]}, {"player_id": 137, "team_id": 6, "fifa_code": "BIH", "team_name": "Bosnia and Herzegovina", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 7, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "RB", "player_name": "Amar Dedić", "date_of_birth": "2002-08-18", "age": 23, "caps": 27, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "S.L. Benfica", "club_country": "Portugal", "club_league": "Primeira Liga", "height_cm": 180, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 43, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Primeira Liga, Taça de Portugal, Taça da Liga, UEFA Champions League, Supertaça", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 235, "career_club_goals": 14, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amar_Dedi%C4%87", "backstory": "Born in Austria to Bosnian parents, Dedic developed in the academies of Sturm Graz and Red Bull Salzburg, breaking through after loans to Wolfsberger AC and Marseille. He won an Austrian title with Salzburg before a 2025 move to Benfica, where he claimed the Portuguese Super Cup. The attacking right-back is a regular for Bosnia heading into the World Cup.", "facts": ["Came through the Red Bull Salzburg academy and won the Austrian Bundesliga title", "Won the Supertaca with Benfica in 2025"], "data_rating": 75, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Portugal"]}, {"player_id": 138, "team_id": 6, "fifa_code": "BIH", "team_name": "Bosnia and Herzegovina", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 8, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Armin Gigović", "date_of_birth": "2002-04-06", "age": 24, "caps": 19, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "BSC Young Boys", "club_country": "Switzerland", "club_league": "Swiss Super League", "height_cm": 187, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 41, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 4, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Swiss Super League, Swiss Cup, UEFA Europa League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 218, "career_club_goals": 16, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armin_Gigovi%C4%87", "backstory": "Born in Lund, Sweden into a football family, Gigovic came through Helsingborgs IF and made his pro debut at 17. He moved to Russia with Rostov, won the Danish title on loan at Midtjylland, then played in the Bundesliga with Holstein Kiel before joining Young Boys in Switzerland. A physical box-to-box midfielder, he switched from Sweden to Bosnia in 2024 and features in their World Cup squad.", "facts": ["Won the Danish Superliga on loan at Midtjylland", "Former Sweden senior international who switched to Bosnia in 2024", "Scored his first Bosnia goal against Romania in March 2025"], "data_rating": 70, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Switzerland"]}, {"player_id": 139, "team_id": 6, "fifa_code": "BIH", "team_name": "Bosnia and Herzegovina", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 9, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Samed Baždar", "date_of_birth": "2004-01-31", "age": 22, "caps": 12, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Jagiellonia Białystok", "club_country": "Poland", "club_league": "Ekstraklasa", "height_cm": 186, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 17, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ekstraklasa, UEFA Conference League (on loan)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 113, "career_club_goals": 22, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samed_Ba%C5%BEdar", "backstory": "A forward who came through Partizan Belgrade's academy, Bazdar debuted at 17 and earned a move to Spain's Real Zaragoza in 2024, later loaned to Polish side Jagiellonia Bialystok. Originally a Serbia youth international, he switched allegiance to Bosnia in late 2024. The versatile attacker is among the younger options in Bosnia's 2026 squad.", "facts": ["Came through the Partizan Belgrade academy", "A former Serbia youth international who switched to Bosnia in 2024"], "data_rating": 61, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Poland"]}, {"player_id": 140, "team_id": 6, "fifa_code": "BIH", "team_name": "Bosnia and Herzegovina", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 10, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Ermedin Demirović", "date_of_birth": "1998-03-25", "age": 28, "caps": 39, "international_goals": 4, "is_captain": false, "club": "VfB Stuttgart", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 38, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 15, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, UEFA Europa League, DFL-Supercup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 287, "career_club_goals": 86, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ermedin_Demirovi%C4%87 ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/ermedin-demirovic/marktwertverlauf/spieler/335457", "backstory": "Demirovic began at Hamburger SV and RB Leipzig's academy before launching his senior career in Spain with Alaves. He found his scoring touch on loan at St. Gallen, then established himself in the Bundesliga with Freiburg and Augsburg, where he captained the side. A 2024 move to VfB Stuttgart brought a DFB-Pokal and prolific goal hauls. He is a central attacking figure for Bosnia in 2026.", "facts": ["Came through RB Leipzig's youth setup", "Won the DFB-Pokal with Stuttgart in 2025", "Scored 15 Bundesliga goals in his first Stuttgart season"], "data_rating": 74, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Germany", "🎯 15 club goals in 2025/26"]}, {"player_id": 141, "team_id": 6, "fifa_code": "BIH", "team_name": "Bosnia and Herzegovina", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 11, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Edin Džeko", "date_of_birth": "1986-03-17", "age": 40, "caps": 148, "international_goals": 73, "is_captain": true, "club": "FC Schalke 04", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "2. Bundesliga", "height_cm": 193, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 29, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 8, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Serie A, UEFA Conference League (Fiorentina); 2. Bundesliga (Schalke 04 from Jan 2026)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 920, "career_club_goals": 387, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Captain and all-time leading scorer (73 goals). Moved Fiorentina -> Schalke 04 in Jan 2026; 2025/26 totals combine both clubs (18 apps/2 goals Fiorentina + 11 apps/6 goals Schalke)", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edin_D%C5%BEeko", "backstory": "Bosnia's captain and greatest-ever striker, Dzeko grew up in war-torn Sarajevo and started at Zeljeznicar before a transformative move to the Czech Republic with Teplice. He exploded at Wolfsburg (Bundesliga title, 2008-09 Player of the Year), then won Premier League titles at Manchester City, the Serie A Golden Boot at Roma, and reached the 2023 Champions League final with Inter. At 40, the all-time record scorer leads Bosnia at the World Cup.", "facts": ["Bosnia's all-time top scorer with 73 international goals", "Only player to score 50+ goals in three of Europe's major leagues (Germany, England, Italy)", "Cousin of former Bosnia captain Emir Spahic"], "data_rating": 77, "fun": ["🔥 Top 1% scorer at the Cup", "🎖️ Most-capped in the squad (148)", "🧓 Veteran presence", "🌍 Plays abroad · Germany", "©️ Captain"]}, {"player_id": 142, "team_id": 6, "fifa_code": "BIH", "team_name": "Bosnia and Herzegovina", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 12, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Mladen Jurkas", "date_of_birth": "2007-10-07", "age": 18, "caps": 0, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "FK Borac Banja Luka", "club_country": "Bosnia and Herzegovina", "club_league": "Premier League of BiH", "height_cm": 193, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 31, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League of BiH", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 33, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mladen_Jurkas", "backstory": "Born in Doboj in 2007, Jurkas came through Sloga Doboj and Borac Banja Luka's youth setup, turning professional at 16. The towering teenage goalkeeper helped Borac win the 2025-26 Bosnian Premier League title. Uncapped at senior level, he is the youngest member of Bosnia's 2026 World Cup squad, called up as a developmental third-choice keeper.", "facts": ["Born in 2007, the youngest player in Bosnia's World Cup squad", "Turned professional at Borac Banja Luka at age 16", "Won the 2025-26 Bosnian Premier League as a teenager"], "data_rating": 60, "fun": ["🐣 Youngest in the squad (18)", "🌟 Wonderkid"]}, {"player_id": 143, "team_id": 6, "fifa_code": "BIH", "team_name": "Bosnia and Herzegovina", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 13, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Ivan Bašić", "date_of_birth": "2002-04-30", "age": 24, "caps": 16, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "FC Astana", "club_country": "Kazakhstan", "club_league": "Kazakhstan Premier League", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 10, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Kazakhstan Premier League (league apps only per Wikipedia table)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 157, "career_club_goals": 14, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ivan_Ba%C5%A1i%C4%87", "backstory": "A midfielder from Posusje who came through Zrinjski Mostar's academy, Basic won the Bosnian league title with Zrinjski in 2021-22. He moved to Russia with Orenburg for three seasons before joining FC Astana in Kazakhstan in 2025. A versatile, hard-working midfielder, he provides squad depth for Bosnia at the World Cup.", "facts": ["Won the 2021-22 Bosnian Premier League with Zrinjski Mostar", "Spent three seasons in the Russian Premier League with Orenburg"], "data_rating": 59, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Kazakhstan"]}, {"player_id": 144, "team_id": 6, "fifa_code": "BIH", "team_name": "Bosnia and Herzegovina", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 14, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CDM", "player_name": "Ivan Šunjić", "date_of_birth": "1996-10-09", "age": 29, "caps": 11, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Pafos FC", "club_country": "Cyprus", "club_league": "Cypriot First Division", "height_cm": 184, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 46, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 4, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Cypriot First Division, Cypriot Cup, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 356, "career_club_goals": 23, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ivan_%C5%A0unji%C4%87", "backstory": "Sunjic came through NK Zagreb and Dinamo Zagreb, breaking out at Lokomotiva before returning to Dinamo to win a Croatian title and feature in Europe. A 2019 move to Birmingham City made him an English Championship regular, and after a Hertha Berlin loan he joined Cyprus's Pafos, winning their first-ever league title. The combative destroyer adds steel to Bosnia's midfield in 2026.", "facts": ["Won the Championship Goal of the Month in October 2019 for Birmingham City", "Helped Pafos win their first-ever Cypriot league title"], "data_rating": 69, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Cyprus"]}, {"player_id": 145, "team_id": 6, "fifa_code": "BIH", "team_name": "Bosnia and Herzegovina", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 15, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Amar Memić", "date_of_birth": "2001-01-20", "age": 25, "caps": 12, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "FC Viktoria Plzeň", "club_country": "Czech Republic", "club_league": "Czech First League", "height_cm": 176, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 44, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Czech First League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 179, "career_club_goals": 28, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amar_Memi%C4%87", "backstory": "A winger who came through FK Radnik Hadzici in Bosnia, Memic built his career abroad with NK Bravo in Slovenia and then in the Czech Republic, winning a second-tier title at Karvina before joining Viktoria Plzen. Pacy and direct on the flank, he debuted for Bosnia in 2025 and earned a place in the World Cup squad.", "facts": ["Won the Czech National League (second tier) with Karvina in 2022-23", "Scored his first Bosnia goal in a friendly against Malta"], "data_rating": 68, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Czech Republic"]}, {"player_id": 146, "team_id": 6, "fifa_code": "BIH", "team_name": "Bosnia and Herzegovina", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 16, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CDM", "player_name": "Amir Hadžiahmetović", "date_of_birth": "1997-03-08", "age": 29, "caps": 35, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Hull City", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "EFL Championship", "height_cm": 179, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 39, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "EFL Championship, FA Cup (on loan)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 365, "career_club_goals": 22, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amir_Had%C5%BEiahmetovi%C4%87", "backstory": "Hadziahmetovic came through Zeljeznicar's academy and debuted at 17 before a 2016 move to Turkey's Konyaspor, where he spent seven seasons and won a Turkish Cup and Super Cup. He joined Besiktas in 2023, lifting another Turkish Cup, and is currently on loan at Hull City in the Championship. The disciplined defensive midfielder is an experienced presence for Bosnia in 2026.", "facts": ["Won the Turkish Cup with both Konyaspor (2017) and Besiktas (2024)", "Spent seven seasons in Turkey's top flight with Konyaspor"], "data_rating": 68, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 147, "team_id": 6, "fifa_code": "BIH", "team_name": "Bosnia and Herzegovina", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 17, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Dženis Burnić", "date_of_birth": "1998-05-22", "age": 28, "caps": 19, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Karlsruher SC", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "2. Bundesliga", "height_cm": 181, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 33, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "2. Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 215, "career_club_goals": 7, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D%C5%BEenis_Burni%C4%87", "backstory": "Born in Hamm, Germany, Burnic came through Borussia Dortmund's youth academy and made his Champions League debut for them in 2016. After loans at Stuttgart and Dynamo Dresden, he won a 2. Bundesliga title with Heidenheim, then settled at Karlsruher SC. A former Germany youth international, he switched to Bosnia in 2024 and provides midfield depth at the World Cup.", "facts": ["Came through the Borussia Dortmund academy and made his Champions League debut for them at 18", "Former Germany youth international who switched to Bosnia in 2024", "Won the 2. Bundesliga title with Heidenheim"], "data_rating": 65, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Germany"]}, {"player_id": 148, "team_id": 6, "fifa_code": "BIH", "team_name": "Bosnia and Herzegovina", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 18, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Nikola Katić", "date_of_birth": "1996-10-10", "age": 29, "caps": 16, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "FC Schalke 04", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "2. Bundesliga", "height_cm": 194, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 28, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "2. Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 314, "career_club_goals": 20, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_Kati%C4%87", "backstory": "Katic began in Croatian lower-league football before earning a 2018 move to Rangers, where he became a key centre-back and won the 2020-21 Scottish title despite a serious knee injury. After spells at Zurich and a loan at Plymouth Argyle - where he beat Liverpool in the FA Cup - he joined Schalke 04. A former Croatia youth player, he switched to Bosnia in 2024 and adds aerial power to their World Cup defence.", "facts": ["Won the 2020-21 Scottish Premiership with Rangers", "Played in Plymouth's shock FA Cup win over Liverpool in 2025", "Former Croatia youth international who switched to Bosnia in 2024"], "data_rating": 67, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Germany"]}, {"player_id": 149, "team_id": 6, "fifa_code": "BIH", "team_name": "Bosnia and Herzegovina", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 19, "position": "FW", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Kerim Alajbegović", "date_of_birth": "2007-09-21", "age": 18, "caps": 9, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "FC Red Bull Salzburg", "club_country": "Austria", "club_league": "Austrian Bundesliga", "height_cm": 186, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 44, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 13, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Austrian Bundesliga, Austrian Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 44, "career_club_goals": 13, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Wikipedia Salzburg career totals equal 2025/26 figures; verify split if needed", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kerim_Alajbegovi%C4%87", "backstory": "Born in Cologne to a Bosnian family, Alajbegovic came through 1. FC Koln and Bayer Leverkusen's academy. He signed his first pro deal with Leverkusen, then moved to Red Bull Salzburg in 2025, debuting in the Champions League at 17 and scoring freely. One of Bosnia's brightest teenage talents, he is set to rejoin Leverkusen in 2026 and is an exciting young forward at the World Cup.", "facts": ["Made his professional debut in a Champions League qualifier at age 17", "Scored on his senior Bosnia debut against San Marino in September 2025", "Set to rejoin Bayer Leverkusen on a five-year deal in 2026"], "data_rating": 70, "fun": ["🌟 Wonderkid", "🌍 Plays abroad · Austria"]}, {"player_id": 150, "team_id": 6, "fifa_code": "BIH", "team_name": "Bosnia and Herzegovina", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 20, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "RW", "player_name": "Esmir Bajraktarević", "date_of_birth": "2005-03-10", "age": 21, "caps": 15, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "PSV Eindhoven", "club_country": "Netherlands", "club_league": "Eredivisie", "height_cm": 175, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": 5000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 36, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 7, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Eredivisie, KNVB Cup, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 113, "career_club_goals": 14, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Scored winning penalty in playoff final vs Italy", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Esmir_Bajraktarevi%C4%87 ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/1346860/esmir-bajraktarevic", "backstory": "Born in Appleton, Wisconsin to a Bosnian family who survived the Srebrenica genocide, Bajraktarevic came through New England Revolution's academy and debuted in MLS at 16. A January 2025 move to PSV Eindhoven brought back-to-back Eredivisie titles. He switched from the USA to Bosnia in 2024 - and became a national hero by scoring the winning penalty against Italy that sent Bosnia to the World Cup.", "facts": ["Scored the winning penalty in the shootout against Italy that sent Bosnia to the 2026 World Cup", "Born in Wisconsin and switched from the USA to Bosnia in 2024", "Won the Eredivisie title with PSV in 2024-25 and 2025-26"], "data_rating": 65, "fun": ["💎 Most valuable in the squad", "🌍 Plays abroad · Netherlands"]}, {"player_id": 151, "team_id": 6, "fifa_code": "BIH", "team_name": "Bosnia and Herzegovina", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 21, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Stjepan Radeljić", "date_of_birth": "1997-09-05", "age": 28, "caps": 5, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "HNK Rijeka", "club_country": "Croatia", "club_league": "Croatian Football League", "height_cm": 201, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 42, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Croatian Football League, Croatian Cup, UEFA competitions", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 264, "career_club_goals": 13, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stjepan_Radelji%C4%87", "backstory": "Radeljic came through Zrinjski Mostar's academy and joined VfB Stuttgart's reserves before establishing himself at Osijek. He won three straight Moldovan titles with Sheriff Tiraspol, then joined HNK Rijeka, helping them to the 2024-25 Croatian league title. Standing 2.01m, the giant centre-back adds towering aerial presence to Bosnia's World Cup squad.", "facts": ["At 2.01m (6'7\"), one of the tallest players in the squad", "Won three consecutive Moldovan titles with Sheriff Tiraspol", "Made his Bosnia debut against England in June 2024"], "data_rating": 70, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Croatia"]}, {"player_id": 152, "team_id": 6, "fifa_code": "BIH", "team_name": "Bosnia and Herzegovina", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 22, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Martin Zlomislić", "date_of_birth": "1998-08-16", "age": 27, "caps": 3, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "HNK Rijeka", "club_country": "Croatia", "club_league": "Croatian Football League", "height_cm": 189, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 53, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Croatian Football League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 115, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Zlomisli%C4%87", "backstory": "Zlomislic came through Siroki Brijeg's academy and made his name as their goalkeeper before a 2021 move to HNK Rijeka in Croatia. He became a key keeper there and won the 2024-25 Croatian league and cup double. He debuted for Bosnia in 2024 and serves as a goalkeeping option at the World Cup.", "facts": ["Won the Croatian league and cup double with Rijeka in 2024-25", "Made his Bosnia debut against the Netherlands in November 2024"], "data_rating": 70, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Croatia"]}, {"player_id": 153, "team_id": 6, "fifa_code": "BIH", "team_name": "Bosnia and Herzegovina", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 23, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Haris Tabaković", "date_of_birth": "1994-06-20", "age": 31, "caps": 10, "international_goals": 4, "is_captain": false, "club": "Borussia Mönchengladbach", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 196, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 35, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 15, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal (on loan)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 283, "career_club_goals": 128, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haris_Tabakovi%C4%87", "backstory": "Born in Grenchen, Switzerland, the 1.96m Tabakovic came through Young Boys' academy and made his name as a prolific scorer at Austria Lustenau, where he was the league's top scorer. He then topped the 2. Bundesliga scoring charts at Hertha BSC before moves to Hoffenheim and a loan at Borussia Monchengladbach. A former Switzerland youth player, he switched to Bosnia in 2023 and is a target-man option in 2026.", "facts": ["Was the 2. Bundesliga top scorer with 22 goals for Hertha in 2023-24", "Former Switzerland youth international who switched to Bosnia in 2023"], "data_rating": 71, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Germany", "🎯 15 club goals in 2025/26"]}, {"player_id": 154, "team_id": 6, "fifa_code": "BIH", "team_name": "Bosnia and Herzegovina", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 24, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Nidal Čelik", "date_of_birth": "2006-07-17", "age": 19, "caps": 1, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "RC Lens", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Ligue 1", "height_cm": 192, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 9, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue 1, Coupe de France", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 33, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nidal_%C4%8Celik", "backstory": "Born in Sarajevo in 2006, Celik came through FK Sarajevo's academy and became the club's captain as a teenager. His February 2025 move to RC Lens was the largest transfer in Bosnian league history at around 2.5 million euros, and he won the Coupe de France with Lens in 2026. The young centre-back made his senior Bosnia debut just before the World Cup.", "facts": ["His move to Lens was the most expensive transfer in Bosnian league history (around 2.5m euros)", "Captained FK Sarajevo as a teenager", "Won the Coupe de France with Lens in 2026"], "data_rating": 55, "fun": ["🌟 Wonderkid", "🌍 Plays abroad · France"]}, {"player_id": 155, "team_id": 6, "fifa_code": "BIH", "team_name": "Bosnia and Herzegovina", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 25, "position": "FW", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Jovo Lukić", "date_of_birth": "1998-11-28", "age": 27, "caps": 2, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "FC Universitatea Cluj", "club_country": "Romania", "club_league": "Liga I", "height_cm": 193, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 39, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 20, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Liga I, Cupa României, UEFA Conference League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 260, "career_club_goals": 82, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jovo_Luki%C4%87", "backstory": "A tall striker born in Serbia, Lukic came through Sloga Doboj and made his name as a prolific scorer in Bosnia, winning two league titles with Borac Banja Luka. He moved to Romania's Liga I with Universitatea Craiova and Cluj, finishing as the league's top scorer in 2025-26. The late-blooming goalscorer earned a Bosnia recall during World Cup qualifying.", "facts": ["Was Romanian Liga I top scorer in 2025-26 and named in the Team of the Season", "Born in Serbia but represents Bosnia and Herzegovina", "His father Mitar Lukic was also a professional footballer"], "data_rating": 69, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Romania", "🎯 20 club goals in 2025/26"]}, {"player_id": 156, "team_id": 6, "fifa_code": "BIH", "team_name": "Bosnia and Herzegovina", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 26, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Ermin Mahmić", "date_of_birth": "2005-03-14", "age": 21, "caps": 1, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "FC Slovan Liberec", "club_country": "Czech Republic", "club_league": "Czech First League", "height_cm": 182, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 30, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 8, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Czech First League, Czech Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 75, "career_club_goals": 13, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ermin_Mahmi%C4%87", "backstory": "Born in Wels, Austria to Bosnian parents, Mahmic came through several Austrian academies including LASK and Rapid Vienna. He broke through at SV Lafnitz in Austria's second tier before a 2025 move to Slovan Liberec in the Czech Republic, where he impressed as an attacking midfielder. A former Austria youth player, he switched to Bosnia and earned a surprise World Cup call-up after debuting in 2026.", "facts": ["Came through the academies of LASK and Rapid Vienna", "Former Austria youth international who switched to Bosnia", "Made his senior Bosnia debut in May 2026, just before the World Cup"], "data_rating": 64, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Czech Republic"]}, {"player_id": 157, "team_id": 7, "fifa_code": "QAT", "team_name": "Qatar", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 1, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Mahmoud Abunada", "date_of_birth": "2000-02-05", "age": 26, "caps": 4, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al-Rayyan SC", "club_country": "Qatar", "club_league": "Qatar Stars League", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": 300000, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": null, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Qatar Stars League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.transfermarkt.us/mahmoud-abunada/profil/spieler/669629 ; https://www.playmakerstats.com/player/mahmud-abunada/701719", "backstory": "Born in Qatar to a family of Palestinian descent, Mahmoud Abunada came through the Al-Arabi youth system, making his professional debut in 2019 and racking up dozens of appearances before moving to Al-Rayyan in 2025. A dual Qatari-Palestinian citizen, he is a back-up goalkeeper in Lopetegui's squad for Qatar's first World Cup reached through qualification.", "facts": ["Holds dual Qatari and Palestinian citizenship", "Product of the Al-Arabi youth academy", "After qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, donated to help build a hospital in Gaza"], "data_rating": 54, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 158, "team_id": 7, "fifa_code": "QAT", "team_name": "Qatar", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 2, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "RB", "player_name": "Pedro Miguel", "date_of_birth": "1990-08-06", "age": 35, "caps": 98, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al Sadd SC", "club_country": "Qatar", "club_league": "Qatar Stars League", "height_cm": 182, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": null, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Qatar Stars League, AFC Champions League Elite", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/pedro-miguel/30384/ ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/pedro-miguel", "backstory": "Born Pedro Miguel Carvalho Deus Correia in Sintra, Portugal, of Cape Verdean descent, the defender nicknamed 'Ro-Ro' (after idols Ronaldo and Romario) came through Benfica's youth system before a lower-league career in Portugal. He moved to Qatar in 2011 and joined Al Sadd in 2016, becoming a naturalized international and a fixture at three Asian Cups and the 2022 World Cup. A versatile, vastly experienced right-back/centre-back closing in on 100 caps.", "facts": ["Nicknamed 'Ro-Ro' in tribute to Ronaldo and Romario", "Of Cape Verdean descent and once represented Cape Verde at youth level", "Won the 2019 and 2023 AFC Asian Cups with Qatar"], "data_rating": 64, "fun": ["🧓 Veteran presence"]}, {"player_id": 159, "team_id": 7, "fifa_code": "QAT", "team_name": "Qatar", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 3, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "LB", "player_name": "Lucas Mendes", "date_of_birth": "1990-07-03", "age": 35, "caps": 25, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al-Wakrah SC", "club_country": "Qatar", "club_league": "Qatar Stars League", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 17, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1472, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": 3, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Qatar Stars League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/lucas-mendes/76997/ ; https://footystats.org/players/brazil/lucas-michel-mendes", "backstory": "Born in Curitiba, Brazil, Lucas Michel Mendes started at hometown club Coritiba and helped them win the 2010 Serie B title before a two-season spell at Olympique de Marseille in Ligue 1. He returned to Qatar with El Jaish in 2014, won the league with Al-Duhail, and joined Al-Wakrah in 2020. Naturalized in 2023, he made his Qatar debut that November and was part of the 2023 Asian Cup-winning squad.", "facts": ["Played 48 matches for Olympique de Marseille in Ligue 1", "Naturalized as a Qatari in 2023 after living in the country for nine years", "Won the 2010 Campeonato Brasileiro Serie B with Coritiba"], "data_rating": 66, "fun": ["🧓 Veteran presence"]}, {"player_id": 160, "team_id": 7, "fifa_code": "QAT", "team_name": "Qatar", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 4, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Issa Laye", "date_of_birth": "1997-12-22", "age": 28, "caps": 3, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al-Arabi SC", "club_country": "Qatar", "club_league": "Qatar Stars League", "height_cm": 188, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 13, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Qatar Stars League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.sofascore.com/football/player/issa-laye/1892282 ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/issa-laye/leistungsdaten/spieler/1264176", "backstory": "Born Gueye Seydinaissa Laye in Senegal, the towering centre-back built his career in Qatar's lower divisions with Lusail before loans to Al-Shamal and Al-Arabi, signing permanently with Al-Arabi in 2025. He obtained Qatari citizenship that same year and was called up to the national team for the 2025 FIFA Arab Cup, earning a place in the World Cup squad with only a handful of caps.", "facts": ["Born in Senegal and holds dual Qatari-Senegalese citizenship", "Worked his way up from Qatar's Second Division with Lusail"], "data_rating": 58, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 161, "team_id": 7, "fifa_code": "QAT", "team_name": "Qatar", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 5, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Jassem Gaber", "date_of_birth": "2002-02-20", "age": 24, "caps": 31, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al-Rayyan SC", "club_country": "Qatar", "club_league": "Qatar Stars League", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 15, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 703, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 3, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Qatar Stars League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://footystats.org/players/qatar/jassem-gaber-abdulsallam ; https://www.flashscore.com/player/abulsallam-jassem/bmveeNBS/", "backstory": "An Aspire Academy graduate, Jassem Gaber broke through at Al-Arabi in 2019 and became a regular before a roughly 2.4 million-euro move to Al-Rayyan in 2025. A versatile centre-back/defensive midfielder, he was selected for the home 2022 World Cup, where he scored a memorable equalizer from distance against Iran. He is part of Qatar's young midfield core heading into 2026.", "facts": ["Scored a long-range equalizer against Iran at the 2022 World Cup", "Came through the Aspire Academy"], "data_rating": 60, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 162, "team_id": 7, "fifa_code": "QAT", "team_name": "Qatar", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 6, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Abdulaziz Hatem", "date_of_birth": "1990-01-01", "age": 36, "caps": 117, "international_goals": 11, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al-Rayyan SC", "club_country": "Qatar", "club_league": "Qatar Stars League", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 26, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Qatar Stars League, AFC Champions League Elite", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://footystats.org/players/qatar/abdulaziz-hatem-mohammed-abdullah ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/308909/abdulaziz-hatem", "backstory": "Born in Doha, Abdulaziz Hatem began his career at Al-Arabi in 2007, spent four years at Al-Gharafa, then joined Al-Rayyan in 2019, where he captained back-to-back league title-winning sides. A combative, deep-lying midfielder with over 110 caps and a knack for goals, he is one of the most experienced heads in the squad and has at times worn the national-team armband.", "facts": ["Has earned over 110 caps for Qatar", "Won back-to-back Qatar Stars League titles captaining Al-Rayyan"], "data_rating": 72, "fun": ["🧓 Veteran presence"]}, {"player_id": 163, "team_id": 7, "fifa_code": "QAT", "team_name": "Qatar", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 7, "position": "FW", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Ahmed Alaaeldin", "date_of_birth": "1993-01-31", "age": 33, "caps": 67, "international_goals": 9, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al-Rayyan SC", "club_country": "Qatar", "club_league": "Qatar Stars League", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 10, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Qatar Stars League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.transfermarkt.us/ahmed-alaaeldin/profil/spieler/187987 ; https://www.flashscore.com/player/ahmed-alaaeldin/21NHNvF4/", "backstory": "Born in Ismailia, Egypt, Ahmed Alaaeldin moved to Qatar aged 10 when his engineer father relocated the family in 2003. He came through Al-Rayyan, debuting in 2010, and has spent his career across Al-Rayyan, Al-Gharafa and Al-Arabi. A versatile forward who can play through the middle or on either wing, he was the top scorer at the 2016 AFC U-23 Championship and is an Asian Cup winner.", "facts": ["Born in Egypt; moved to Qatar at age 10", "Top scorer at the 2016 AFC U-23 Championship with six goals"], "data_rating": 66, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 164, "team_id": 7, "fifa_code": "QAT", "team_name": "Qatar", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 8, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "RW", "player_name": "Edmilson Junior", "date_of_birth": "1994-08-19", "age": 31, "caps": 15, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al Duhail SC", "club_country": "Qatar", "club_league": "Qatar Stars League", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1521, "club_goals_2025_26": 5, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": 4, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Qatar Stars League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/edmilson-junior/31666/ ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/365245/edmilson-junior", "backstory": "Born in Belgium as Edmilson Paulo da Silva Junior, the winger made his name at Sint-Truiden before joining Standard Liege, winning the 2018 Belgian Cup. He moved to Al-Duhail in 2018 and, after years in Qatar, was naturalized and made his international debut in September 2024 in a World Cup qualifier. A direct, technical attacker adding firepower to Qatar's 2026 squad.", "facts": ["Born in Belgium and was eligible for Brazil and Belgium", "Won the 2018 Belgian Cup with Standard Liege", "Made his Qatar debut in a 2024 World Cup qualifier"], "data_rating": 63, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 165, "team_id": 7, "fifa_code": "QAT", "team_name": "Qatar", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 9, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Mohammed Muntari", "date_of_birth": "1993-12-20", "age": 32, "caps": 67, "international_goals": 16, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al-Gharafa SC", "club_country": "Qatar", "club_league": "Qatar Stars League", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 311, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 2, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Qatar Stars League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/mohammed-muntari/31670/ ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/431151/mohammed-muntari", "backstory": "Born and raised in Ghana, Mohammed Muntari started at Nii Lamptey's Golden Lions academy before moving to Qatar with El Jaish in 2012 and later Lekhwiya/Al-Duhail, where he won four league titles. The 1.94m striker was naturalized and made his Qatar debut in 2014, scoring on his first appearance. He etched his name in history by scoring Qatar's first-ever World Cup goal, against Senegal in 2022.", "facts": ["Scored Qatar's first-ever World Cup goal, against Senegal in 2022", "Born in Ghana; scored on his Qatar debut in 2014", "Started out at Nii Lamptey's Golden Lions Academy"], "data_rating": 62, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 166, "team_id": 7, "fifa_code": "QAT", "team_name": "Qatar", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 10, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "CAM", "player_name": "Hassan Al-Haydos", "date_of_birth": "1990-12-11", "age": 35, "caps": 185, "international_goals": 41, "is_captain": true, "club": "Al Sadd SC", "club_country": "Qatar", "club_league": "Qatar Stars League", "height_cm": 170, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 10, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Qatar Stars League, AFC Champions League Elite", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Captain and all-time appearance leader", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.transfermarkt.co.in/hasan-al-haydos/leistungsdaten/spieler/86286 ; https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/stats/_/id/236586/hassan-al-haydos", "backstory": "Doha-born Hassan Al-Haydos joined Al Sadd's academy as a boy, debuting in 2007 and becoming a club legend across a long trophy-laden career. As national-team captain he lifted the 2019 and 2023 Asian Cups and became Qatar's most-capped player ever. He retired from internationals in March 2024 but returned in 2025 to help drive the World Cup qualification campaign, and leads the side into 2026 as captain.", "facts": ["Qatar's all-time most-capped player", "Captained Qatar to the 2019 and 2023 AFC Asian Cup titles", "Came out of international retirement in 2025 to help reach the World Cup"], "data_rating": 69, "fun": ["🔥 Top 2% scorer at the Cup", "🎖️ Most-capped in the squad (185)", "🧓 Veteran presence", "©️ Captain"]}, {"player_id": 167, "team_id": 7, "fifa_code": "QAT", "team_name": "Qatar", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 11, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "LW", "player_name": "Akram Afif", "date_of_birth": "1996-11-18", "age": 29, "caps": 128, "international_goals": 40, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al Sadd SC", "club_country": "Qatar", "club_league": "Qatar Stars League", "height_cm": 176, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": 8000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 21, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 14, "club_assists_2025_26": 12, "club_yellow_2025_26": 1, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Qatar Stars League (league only; plus Amir Cup goals separate)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Two-time AFC Asian Player of the Year, key attacker", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.transfermarkt.us/akram-afif/leistungsdaten/spieler/336646 ; https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/akram-afif/30385/ ; https://footystats.org/players/qatar/akram-hassan-afif", "backstory": "Born in Doha of Somali and Yemeni Arab heritage, Akram Afif joined Aspire Academy in 2009 and went on an exchange to Spain, becoming the first Qatari-born player to sign for a La Liga club at Villarreal. After loans across Europe at Sporting Gijon and Eupen, he returned to Al Sadd and exploded into one of Asia's best players. A two-time AFC Player of the Year, he set an assist record at the 2019 Asian Cup and scored a hat-trick of penalties in the 2023 final.", "facts": ["First Qatari-born player to join a La Liga club (Villarreal)", "Two-time AFC Asian Player of the Year (2019, 2023)", "Recorded a record 10 assists at the 2019 Asian Cup"], "data_rating": 76, "fun": ["🔥 Top 2% scorer at the Cup", "💎 Most valuable in the squad"]}, {"player_id": 168, "team_id": 7, "fifa_code": "QAT", "team_name": "Qatar", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 12, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CDM", "player_name": "Karim Boudiaf", "date_of_birth": "1990-09-16", "age": 35, "caps": 117, "international_goals": 5, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al Duhail SC", "club_country": "Qatar", "club_league": "Qatar Stars League", "height_cm": 187, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 9, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Qatar Stars League, AFC Champions League Elite", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.transfermarkt.us/karim-boudiaf/leistungsdaten/spieler/222385 ; https://www.sofascore.com/player/karim-boudiaf/303826", "backstory": "Born in Rueil-Malmaison, France to Algerian parents, Karim Boudiaf came through FC Lorient's youth setup before joining Lekhwiya (now Al-Duhail) in 2010, where he became a one-club mainstay with eight league titles. A tall, versatile defensive midfielder and centre-back, he was naturalized and is an Asian Cup winner with over 110 caps, bringing physical presence and experience to Qatar's midfield.", "facts": ["Born in France to Algerian parents; was also eligible for Algeria and Morocco", "Came through FC Lorient's academy", "Won eight Qatar Stars League titles with Al-Duhail"], "data_rating": 67, "fun": ["🧓 Veteran presence"]}, {"player_id": 169, "team_id": 7, "fifa_code": "QAT", "team_name": "Qatar", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 13, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Ayoub Al-Oui", "date_of_birth": "2005-03-11", "age": 21, "caps": 5, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al-Gharafa SC", "club_country": "Qatar", "club_league": "Qatar Stars League", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 9, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 2, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Qatar Stars League, AFC Champions League Elite", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Best U-23 Player of the Season; won 2026 Amir of Qatar Cup", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/346649/ayoub-al-oui ; https://www.sofascore.com/football/player/ayoub-al-oui/1396639", "backstory": "A youth product of Al-Gharafa, Ayoub Al-Oui broke into the first team in 2025-26 and quickly became a starter, helping the club win the 2026 Amir of Qatar Cup and earning the Qatar Stars League Best U-23 Player award. The young right-back/centre-back made his international debut in October 2025 in a World Cup qualifier against Oman and is one of the squad's exciting youngsters.", "facts": ["Named Qatar Stars League Best U-23 Player of the Season", "Won the 2026 Amir of Qatar Cup with Al-Gharafa", "Made his international debut in a 2026 World Cup qualifier in October 2025"], "data_rating": 58, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 170, "team_id": 7, "fifa_code": "QAT", "team_name": "Qatar", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 14, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Homam Ahmed", "date_of_birth": "1999-08-25", "age": 26, "caps": 67, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "Cultural Leonesa", "club_country": "Spain", "club_league": "Segunda División", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 5, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 72, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Segunda División", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "On loan from Al-Duhail", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.transfermarkt.us/homam-ahmed/leistungsdaten/spieler/556713 ; https://www.soccerzz.com/player/homam-ahmed/639515", "backstory": "Doha-born Homam Ahmed is an Aspire Academy graduate who began his senior career on loan at Belgium's KAS Eupen before joining Al-Gharafa and later Al-Duhail. An attacking, left-footed full-back, he has earned more than 60 caps for Qatar. In January 2026 he moved on loan to Cultural Leonesa in Spain's Segunda Division, gaining European experience ahead of the World Cup.", "facts": ["Came through the Aspire Academy", "Plays in Spain's Segunda Division on loan at Cultural Leonesa"], "data_rating": 64, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Spain"]}, {"player_id": 171, "team_id": 7, "fifa_code": "QAT", "team_name": "Qatar", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 15, "position": "FW", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Yusuf Abdurisag", "date_of_birth": "1999-08-06", "age": 26, "caps": 38, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al-Wakrah SC", "club_country": "Qatar", "club_league": "Qatar Stars League", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 940, "club_goals_2025_26": 4, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": 3, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Qatar Stars League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "On loan from Al-Sadd", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/1053987 ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/yusuf-abdurisag/leistungsdaten/spieler/589099", "backstory": "Born in Somalia, Yusuf Abdurisag began his professional career at Al Sadd in 2018, winning multiple domestic trophies including two league titles, with a loan spell at Al-Arabi along the way. He joined Al-Wakrah in 2023 (later returning on loan from Al-Sadd). A pacey winger/forward, he brings attacking depth to Qatar's 2026 squad.", "facts": ["Born in Somalia", "Won two Qatar Stars League titles with Al Sadd"], "data_rating": 65, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 172, "team_id": 7, "fifa_code": "QAT", "team_name": "Qatar", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 16, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Boualem Khoukhi", "date_of_birth": "1990-07-09", "age": 35, "caps": 115, "international_goals": 20, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al Sadd SC", "club_country": "Qatar", "club_league": "Qatar Stars League", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 9, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Qatar Stars League, AFC Champions League Elite", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.flashscore.com/player/khoukhi-boualem/QyW8enUd/ ; https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/205377/boualem-khoukhi", "backstory": "Born in Bou Ismail, Algeria, Boualem Khoukhi began at JSM Cheraga before moving to Qatar with Al-Arabi in 2009, converting from a winger into a versatile centre-back. He joined Al Sadd in 2017 and won numerous domestic honours. Naturalized after initially resisting, he debuted for Qatar in 2013 and became a goal-scoring defender with around 20 international goals and two Asian Cup titles.", "facts": ["Born in Algeria; initially refused naturalization, wanting to play for Algeria", "Has scored roughly 20 goals for Qatar despite being a defender", "Converted from a winger into a centre-back"], "data_rating": 74, "fun": ["🔥 Top 5% scorer at the Cup", "🧓 Veteran presence"]}, {"player_id": 173, "team_id": 7, "fifa_code": "QAT", "team_name": "Qatar", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 17, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Ahmed Al-Ganehi", "date_of_birth": "2000-09-22", "age": 25, "caps": 13, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al-Gharafa SC", "club_country": "Qatar", "club_league": "Qatar Stars League", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 11, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Qatar Stars League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/ahmed-al-ganehi/27471/ ; https://tribuna.com/en/persons/ahmed-alganehi/", "backstory": "Doha-born Ahmed Al-Ganehi joined Al-Gharafa in 2018 and developed into a right winger/attacking midfielder for the club. He has earned a place in the Qatar national team and is part of the squad's home-grown attacking options for the 2026 World Cup.", "facts": ["Has spent his senior career at Al-Gharafa"], "data_rating": 61, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 174, "team_id": 7, "fifa_code": "QAT", "team_name": "Qatar", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 18, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Sultan Al-Brake", "date_of_birth": "1996-04-07", "age": 30, "caps": 16, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al Duhail SC", "club_country": "Qatar", "club_league": "Qatar Stars League", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 28, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1435, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 3, "club_yellow_2025_26": 3, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Qatar Stars League, AFC Champions League Elite", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/sultan-al-brake/31677/ ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/644014/sultan-al-brake", "backstory": "Sultan Al-Brake began his career at Al-Wakrah in 2015, with an early loan to Spain's Cultural Leonesa, before joining Al-Duhail in 2017-18. An attacking left-back, he was part of Qatar's 2023 Asian Cup-winning squad, where he coolly converted a penalty in the quarter-final shootout against Uzbekistan.", "facts": ["Scored in the penalty shootout win over Uzbekistan at the 2023 Asian Cup", "Had an early-career loan spell at Cultural Leonesa in Spain"], "data_rating": 65, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 175, "team_id": 7, "fifa_code": "QAT", "team_name": "Qatar", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 19, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Almoez Ali", "date_of_birth": "1996-08-19", "age": 29, "caps": 119, "international_goals": 55, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al Duhail SC", "club_country": "Qatar", "club_league": "Qatar Stars League", "height_cm": 180, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": 2500000, "club_apps_2025_26": 3, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 89, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Qatar Stars League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Qatar all-time top scorer; injury-limited season", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/almoez-ali/31676/ ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/almoez-ali/leistungsdaten/spieler/345095", "backstory": "Born in Sudan and raised in Qatar, Almoez Ali is the country's all-time top scorer and one of Asian football's modern icons. He starred at the 2019 Asian Cup, winning the Golden Boot and MVP with a record nine goals, including a four-goal haul against North Korea and a stunning overhead kick in the final win over Japan. An injury-hit 2025-26 club season limits his minutes, but Qatar's record marksman remains central to their World Cup hopes.", "facts": ["Qatar's all-time leading goalscorer", "Scored a record nine goals to win the 2019 Asian Cup Golden Boot and MVP", "Only player to score in the Asian Cup, Copa America and CONCACAF Gold Cup"], "data_rating": 64, "fun": ["🔥 Top 1% scorer at the Cup"]}, {"player_id": 176, "team_id": 7, "fifa_code": "QAT", "team_name": "Qatar", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 20, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Ahmed Fathy", "date_of_birth": "1993-01-25", "age": 33, "caps": 47, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al-Arabi SC", "club_country": "Qatar", "club_league": "Qatar Stars League", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1147, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 7, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Qatar Stars League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/en-GB/players/898424/ahmed-fathi ; https://www.playmakerstats.com/player/ahmed-fathi/1229272", "backstory": "Born in Aswan, Egypt, Ahmed Fathy moved to Qatar as a child after his father became a coach in Al Sadd's youth academy. He came through Al-Arabi's ranks, signing professionally in 2011, and has been a remarkably loyal one-club defensive midfielder with over 250 appearances. Naturalized ahead of his 2015 debut, he is a two-time Asian Cup winner.", "facts": ["Born in Egypt; his father was a youth coach at Al Sadd", "A one-club man with over 250 appearances for Al-Arabi", "Won the 2019 and 2023 AFC Asian Cups"], "data_rating": 63, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 177, "team_id": 7, "fifa_code": "QAT", "team_name": "Qatar", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 21, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Salah Zakaria", "date_of_birth": "1999-04-24", "age": 27, "caps": 8, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al Duhail SC", "club_country": "Qatar", "club_league": "Qatar Stars League", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 4, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 1, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Qatar Stars League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/288537/salah-zakaria ; https://www.flashscore.com/player/moussa-salah-zakaria/2PKRB16d/", "backstory": "Born in Egypt's Al-Sharqiyah, Salah Zakaria holds dual Qatari-Egyptian citizenship. He began his senior career at Al-Gharafa in 2019, with a stint at KAS Eupen's reserves in Belgium, before joining Al-Duhail in 2021 and establishing himself there. He debuted for Qatar in 2022 and was part of the 2023 Asian Cup-winning squad, providing goalkeeping depth for 2026.", "facts": ["Born in Egypt; holds dual Qatari-Egyptian citizenship", "Was part of the 2023 Asian Cup-winning squad"], "data_rating": 61, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 178, "team_id": 7, "fifa_code": "QAT", "team_name": "Qatar", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 22, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Meshaal Barsham", "date_of_birth": "1998-02-14", "age": 28, "caps": 52, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al Sadd SC", "club_country": "Qatar", "club_league": "Qatar Stars League", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 30, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 7, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": 48, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Qatar Stars League, AFC Champions League Elite, Amir Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "First-choice goalkeeper", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.transfermarkt.us/meshaal-barsham/leistungsdaten/spieler/560423 ; https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/270844/meshaal-barsham", "backstory": "Born in Khartoum, Sudan to Sudanese parents, Meshaal Barsham is an Aspire Academy product who joined Al Sadd's youth ranks in 2013 and debuted in 2017, racking up over 150 club appearances. A backup at the 2022 World Cup, he seized the No. 1 jersey and was named Best Goalkeeper at the 2023 Asian Cup as Qatar retained the title. He is the first-choice keeper heading into the 2026 World Cup.", "facts": ["Born in Khartoum, Sudan; holds dual Qatari-Sudanese citizenship", "Named Best Goalkeeper of the 2023 AFC Asian Cup", "Came through the Aspire Academy"], "data_rating": 74, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 179, "team_id": 7, "fifa_code": "QAT", "team_name": "Qatar", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 23, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CDM", "player_name": "Assim Madibo", "date_of_birth": "1996-10-22", "age": 29, "caps": 50, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al-Wakrah SC", "club_country": "Qatar", "club_league": "Qatar Stars League", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 8, "club_starts_2025_26": 8, "club_minutes_2025_26": 720, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Qatar Stars League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "On loan from Al-Duhail", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.transfermarkt.us/assim-madibo/leistungsdaten/spieler/336667 ; https://www.playmakerstats.com/player/assim-madibo/408357", "backstory": "Born in Qatar to a Sudanese family, Assim Madibo trained at AJ Auxerre's youth setup as a boy before joining Aspire Academy in 2014 and heading to Europe with LASK Linz, with later stints at Cultural Leonesa and KAS Eupen. A neat, disciplined holding midfielder, he was a key part of the generation that won Qatar's first Asian Cup in 2019 and now plays for Al-Wakrah on loan from Al-Duhail.", "facts": ["Born in Qatar to a Sudanese family; could have played for Sudan", "Trained at AJ Auxerre's academy as a child", "Won the AFC U-19 Championship in 2014 before the senior 2019 Asian Cup"], "data_rating": 61, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 180, "team_id": 7, "fifa_code": "QAT", "team_name": "Qatar", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 24, "position": "FW", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Tahsin Jamshid", "date_of_birth": "2006-06-16", "age": 19, "caps": 2, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al Duhail SC", "club_country": "Qatar", "club_league": "Qatar Stars League", "height_cm": 177, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 19, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Qatar Stars League, AFC Champions League Elite, Amir Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Youngest player in the squad", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/tahsin-mohammed-jamshid/68782/ ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tahsin_Jamshid", "backstory": "Born in Qatar to Indian Malayali parents from Kerala, Tahsin Jamshid is an Aspire Academy product who became the first player of Indian origin to feature in the Qatar Stars League, debuting for Al-Duhail in 2024 at age 17. A direct young winger and the youngest member of the squad, he represents the next generation of Qatari football.", "facts": ["First player of Indian origin to play in the Qatar Stars League", "Of Kerala (Malayali) heritage", "Youngest player in Qatar's 2026 World Cup squad"], "data_rating": 57, "fun": ["🐣 Youngest in the squad (19)", "🌟 Wonderkid"]}, {"player_id": 181, "team_id": 7, "fifa_code": "QAT", "team_name": "Qatar", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 25, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Al-Hashmi Al-Hussain", "date_of_birth": "2003-08-15", "age": 22, "caps": 7, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al-Arabi SC", "club_country": "Qatar", "club_league": "Qatar Stars League", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 11, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 3, "club_red_2025_26": 1, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Qatar Stars League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.transfermarkt.us/al-hashmi-al-hussain/leistungsdaten/spieler/943150 ; https://www.sofascore.com/football/player/el-hashmi-el-hussain/1148402", "backstory": "Al-Hashmi Al-Hussain came through Al-Arabi's academy and gained experience on loan in Spain with Calahorra B and Alcorcon B before returning to Doha. The young defender represented Qatar at the 2023 AFC U-20 Asian Cup and made his senior debut in June 2024 in a World Cup qualifying win over India, earning his place in the 2026 squad.", "facts": ["Had loan spells in Spain's lower divisions with Calahorra B and Alcorcon B", "Made his senior debut in a 2026 World Cup qualifier against India"], "data_rating": 59, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 182, "team_id": 7, "fifa_code": "QAT", "team_name": "Qatar", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 26, "position": "FW", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Mohamed Al-Mannai", "date_of_birth": "2002-10-25", "age": 23, "caps": 9, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al-Shamal SC", "club_country": "Qatar", "club_league": "Qatar Stars League", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1480, "club_goals_2025_26": 5, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": 3, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Qatar Stars League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "2024-25 QSL Best U-23 Player of the Season", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/1553870/mohammad-al-mannai ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohamed_Al-Mannai", "backstory": "Born in Qatar of Tunisian descent, Mohamed Al-Mannai is a product of the Al Sadd academy who was loaned to Al-Shamal in 2024. A defensive midfielder, he announced himself by winning the 2024-25 Qatar Stars League Best U-23 Player of the Season award and broke into the national team via the 2025 FIFA Arab Cup, earning a World Cup call-up.", "facts": ["Of Tunisian descent", "Named 2024-25 Qatar Stars League Best U-23 Player of the Season", "Product of the Al Sadd academy"], "data_rating": 62, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 183, "team_id": 8, "fifa_code": "SUI", "team_name": "Switzerland", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 1, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Gregor Kobel", "date_of_birth": "1997-12-06", "age": 28, "caps": 20, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Borussia Dortmund", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 194, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 40000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 47, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 15, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": 38, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 273, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "First-choice goalkeeper at Borussia Dortmund", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gregor_Kobel ; https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/gregor-kobel/15416/", "backstory": "Zurich-born Gregor Kobel came through FC Zurich's academy before moving to Germany with Hoffenheim, where loans to Augsburg and Stuttgart built his reputation as a commanding shot-stopper. A breakout permanent spell at Stuttgart earned a 2021 move to Borussia Dortmund, where he became one of the Bundesliga's most respected goalkeepers and a Champions League finalist in 2024. At 194cm with quick reflexes and assured distribution, he arrives as Switzerland's undisputed number one for 2026.", "facts": ["Stands 194cm tall, among the tallest keepers at the tournament", "Started the 2024 Champions League final for Borussia Dortmund", "Came through FC Zurich's youth system before moving to Germany"], "data_rating": 78, "fun": ["💎 Most valuable in the squad", "🌍 Plays abroad · Germany", "🧤 15 clean sheets in 2025/26"]}, {"player_id": 184, "team_id": 8, "fifa_code": "SUI", "team_name": "Switzerland", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 2, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "LB", "player_name": "Miro Muheim", "date_of_birth": "1998-03-24", "age": 28, "caps": 9, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Hamburger SV", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 183, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 32, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 226, "career_club_goals": 9, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miro_Muheim", "backstory": "Born in Zurich, Miro Muheim spent his teenage years in Chelsea's academy after starting at FC Zurich, but built his senior career back in Switzerland with St. Gallen. A move to Hamburger SV in 2021 turned permanent, and he became a fixture on the left side as the club climbed back to the Bundesliga. Left-footed and energetic down the flank, he is a relatively late bloomer in the Swiss setup, debuting only in 2024.", "facts": ["Spent four years in Chelsea's academy as a teenager", "Helped Hamburger SV return to the Bundesliga"], "data_rating": 67, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Germany"]}, {"player_id": 185, "team_id": 8, "fifa_code": "SUI", "team_name": "Switzerland", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 3, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "RB", "player_name": "Silvan Widmer", "date_of_birth": "1993-03-05", "age": 33, "caps": 59, "international_goals": 5, "is_captain": false, "club": "Mainz 05", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 181, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 40, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, UEFA Conference League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 481, "career_club_goals": 35, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silvan_Widmer", "backstory": "A product of FC Aarau in his native canton of Aargau, right-back Silvan Widmer earned a move to Serie A with Udinese in 2013, spending five seasons in Italy before returning home to Basel. Since 2021 he has been a reliable, goal-threatening full-back for Mainz 05, where he has worn the captain's armband. A Switzerland regular across multiple major tournaments, the veteran offers experience and an attacking outlet on the right.", "facts": ["Has captained Bundesliga side Mainz 05", "Spent five seasons in Serie A with Udinese"], "data_rating": 78, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Germany"]}, {"player_id": 186, "team_id": 8, "fifa_code": "SUI", "team_name": "Switzerland", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 4, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Nico Elvedi", "date_of_birth": "1996-09-30", "age": 29, "caps": 66, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "Borussia Mönchengladbach", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 189, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 35, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 389, "career_club_goals": 20, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nico_Elvedi", "backstory": "Zurich-born Nico Elvedi joined Borussia Monchengladbach as a teenager from FC Zurich and grew into one of the Bundesliga's most consistent centre-backs, racking up well over 300 appearances for Gladbach. Tall, composed and comfortable bringing the ball out, he has been a Switzerland mainstay across recent World Cups and Euros. He brings a decade of top-flight defending to the heart of the Swiss back line.", "facts": ["Has made over 300 appearances for Borussia Monchengladbach", "Joined Gladbach as a teenager from FC Zurich"], "data_rating": 76, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Germany"]}, {"player_id": 187, "team_id": 8, "fifa_code": "SUI", "team_name": "Switzerland", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 5, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Manuel Akanji", "date_of_birth": "1995-07-19", "age": 30, "caps": 80, "international_goals": 4, "is_captain": false, "club": "Inter Milan", "club_country": "Italy", "club_league": "Serie A", "height_cm": 187, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 18000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 45, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Serie A, Coppa Italia, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 336, "career_club_goals": 14, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Regular starter in central defence", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manuel_Akanji ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/manuel-akanji/profil/spieler/284730", "backstory": "Of Nigerian descent and born in Neftenbach, Manuel Akanji rose through FC Winterthur and Basel before a 2018 transfer to Borussia Dortmund. In 2022 he joined Manchester City, winning the Champions League and Premier League titles under Pep Guardiola, who praised his versatility and reading of the game; he later moved on to Inter Milan. Calm in possession and tactically flexible, Akanji is the cornerstone of Switzerland's defence and one of their most decorated players.", "facts": ["Won the Champions League with Manchester City in 2023", "Of Nigerian descent through his father", "Known for solving a Rubik's Cube in under a minute"], "data_rating": 77, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Italy"]}, {"player_id": 188, "team_id": 8, "fifa_code": "SUI", "team_name": "Switzerland", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 6, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CDM", "player_name": "Denis Zakaria", "date_of_birth": "1996-11-20", "age": 29, "caps": 64, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "AS Monaco", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Ligue 1", "height_cm": 191, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 33, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue 1, Coupe de France, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 273, "career_club_goals": 28, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Key central midfielder for Monaco", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denis_Zakaria", "backstory": "Born in Geneva to a South Sudanese mother and Congolese father, Denis Zakaria came through Servette before breaking out at Young Boys and then Borussia Monchengladbach. Spells at Juventus, a loan at Chelsea and a move to Monaco followed, where his power, range of passing and ball-carrying from deep midfield have shone. A towering, dynamic engine in central midfield, he is a key figure in the Swiss spine.", "facts": ["Born in Geneva to a South Sudanese mother and Congolese father", "Has played for Juventus, Chelsea and Monaco"], "data_rating": 71, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · France"]}, {"player_id": 189, "team_id": 8, "fifa_code": "SUI", "team_name": "Switzerland", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 7, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Breel Embolo", "date_of_birth": "1997-02-14", "age": 29, "caps": 86, "international_goals": 24, "is_captain": false, "club": "Rennes", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Ligue 1", "height_cm": 187, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 15000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 34, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 10, "club_assists_2025_26": 3, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue 1, Coupe de France", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 294, "career_club_goals": 80, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breel_Embolo ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/breel-embolo/leistungsdaten/spieler/237662", "backstory": "Born in Yaounde, Cameroon and raised in Basel, Breel Embolo became Swiss football's hottest teenage prospect at FC Basel before a big-money move to Schalke in 2016. After spells at Borussia Monchengladbach, Monaco and Rennes, the powerful forward has become Switzerland's go-to striker, with more than 20 international goals. Strong, direct and a constant handful for defenders, he leads the Swiss attack into 2026.", "facts": ["Scored for Switzerland at the 2022 World Cup against his birth country Cameroon", "Born in Yaounde, Cameroon and raised in Basel", "Was one of Swiss football's most coveted teenagers at FC Basel"], "data_rating": 73, "fun": ["🔥 Top 4% scorer at the Cup", "🌍 Plays abroad · France"]}, {"player_id": 190, "team_id": 8, "fifa_code": "SUI", "team_name": "Switzerland", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 8, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Remo Freuler", "date_of_birth": "1992-04-15", "age": 34, "caps": 87, "international_goals": 11, "is_captain": false, "club": "Bologna", "club_country": "Italy", "club_league": "Serie A", "height_cm": 180, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 40, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Serie A, Coppa Italia, UEFA Europa League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 616, "career_club_goals": 56, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Remo_Freuler", "backstory": "A native of Glarus, Remo Freuler began at FC Winterthur and Luzern before a defining decade in Italy, joining Atalanta where he became a midfield mainstay during the club's rise. After a season at Nottingham Forest he returned to Serie A with Bologna, helping them qualify for the Champions League and win the Coppa Italia. A tireless, intelligent box-to-box midfielder, the veteran brings calm and stamina to the Swiss middle.", "facts": ["Spent many seasons as a key midfielder for Atalanta in Serie A", "Won the 2024-25 Coppa Italia with Bologna"], "data_rating": 74, "fun": ["🧓 Veteran presence", "🌍 Plays abroad · Italy"]}, {"player_id": 191, "team_id": 8, "fifa_code": "SUI", "team_name": "Switzerland", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 9, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Johan Manzambi", "date_of_birth": "2005-10-14", "age": 20, "caps": 11, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "SC Freiburg", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 182, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 47, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 7, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, UEFA Europa League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 57, "career_club_goals": 10, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Emerging young midfielder", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johan_Manzambi", "backstory": "Born in Geneva to parents from Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Johan Manzambi came through Servette before joining SC Freiburg's youth setup in 2023 and quickly breaking into the Bundesliga. A fast, energetic box-to-box midfielder, he announced himself with crucial goals on Freiburg's 2025-26 Europa League run. One of the rising young talents of the squad, he was named the Europa League's Young Player of the Season.", "facts": ["Named UEFA Europa League Young Player of the Season for 2025-26", "Born in Geneva to Angolan and Congolese parents", "Came through Servette before joining SC Freiburg"], "data_rating": 72, "fun": ["🐣 Youngest in the squad (20)", "🌟 Wonderkid", "🌍 Plays abroad · Germany"]}, {"player_id": 192, "team_id": 8, "fifa_code": "SUI", "team_name": "Switzerland", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 10, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CDM", "player_name": "Granit Xhaka", "date_of_birth": "1992-09-27", "age": 33, "caps": 145, "international_goals": 17, "is_captain": true, "club": "Sunderland", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": 10000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 36, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 6, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, FA Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 477, "career_club_goals": 31, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Captain and most-capped player; midfield leader", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Granit_Xhaka ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/granit-xhaka/profil/spieler/111455", "backstory": "Born in Basel to Kosovo-Albanian parents, captain Granit Xhaka rose through FC Basel before joining Borussia Monchengladbach and then Arsenal, where he spent seven seasons in the Premier League. A move to Bayer Leverkusen brought a famous unbeaten Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal double in 2024 before he became a leader at Sunderland. Switzerland's most-capped player and long-time skipper, the left-footed deep-lying playmaker is the heartbeat and on-field general of the team.", "facts": ["Switzerland's most-capped player with 145 caps", "Won an unbeaten Bundesliga title with Bayer Leverkusen in 2024", "His brother Taulant Xhaka played internationally for Albania"], "data_rating": 77, "fun": ["🎖️ Most-capped in the squad (145)", "🌍 Plays abroad · England", "©️ Captain"]}, {"player_id": 193, "team_id": 8, "fifa_code": "SUI", "team_name": "Switzerland", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 11, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "RW", "player_name": "Dan Ndoye", "date_of_birth": "2000-10-25", "age": 25, "caps": 30, "international_goals": 7, "is_captain": false, "club": "Nottingham Forest", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 183, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 32000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 37, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, FA Cup, UEFA Europa League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 225, "career_club_goals": 28, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dan_Ndoye ; https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/dan-ndoye/transfers/spieler/365108", "backstory": "Born in Nyon to a Swiss mother and Senegalese-French father, Dan Ndoye emerged at Lausanne-Sport before a move to Nice, then a productive spell at Basel. He flourished at Bologna in Serie A and scored the winning goal in the 2024-25 Coppa Italia final, earning a 2025 Premier League move to Nottingham Forest. A rapid, direct winger comfortable on either flank or at wing-back, he gives Switzerland pace and unpredictability in attack.", "facts": ["Scored the winning goal in Bologna's 2024-25 Coppa Italia final, their first in 51 years", "Born in Nyon to a Swiss mother and Senegalese-French father"], "data_rating": 70, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 194, "team_id": 8, "fifa_code": "SUI", "team_name": "Switzerland", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 12, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Yvon Mvogo", "date_of_birth": "1994-06-06", "age": 32, "caps": 13, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Lorient", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Ligue 1", "height_cm": 187, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 31, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue 1", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 289, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Backup goalkeeper", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yvon_Mvogo", "backstory": "Born in Yaounde, Cameroon, Yvon Mvogo made his name as a teenage goalkeeper at Young Boys before a 2017 move to RB Leipzig. A loan at PSV Eindhoven brought silverware, and since 2022 he has been a steady presence at Lorient, helping them win Ligue 2 and earning the division's Goalkeeper of the Year award in 2024-25. An experienced backup option, he provides reliable cover behind Kobel.", "facts": ["Born in Yaounde, Cameroon", "Named UNFP Ligue 2 Goalkeeper of the Year for 2024-25"], "data_rating": 67, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · France"]}, {"player_id": 195, "team_id": 8, "fifa_code": "SUI", "team_name": "Switzerland", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 13, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "LB", "player_name": "Ricardo Rodríguez", "date_of_birth": "1992-08-25", "age": 33, "caps": 137, "international_goals": 9, "is_captain": false, "club": "Real Betis", "club_country": "Spain", "club_league": "La Liga", "height_cm": 180, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 35, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "La Liga, Copa del Rey, UEFA Conference League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 425, "career_club_goals": 19, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Veteran left-back, fourth World Cup", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ricardo_Rodr%C3%ADguez_(footballer)", "backstory": "Born in Zurich, left-back Ricardo Rodriguez rose through FC Zurich before establishing himself at Wolfsburg and then AC Milan. Spells at Torino, PSV and Real Betis followed for the dead-ball specialist, renowned for his crossing and penalty-taking. One of Switzerland's most-capped players, the veteran is set to feature at his fourth World Cup as a calming, experienced presence on the left.", "facts": ["Set to appear at his fourth World Cup", "Among Switzerland's most-capped players with 137 caps", "Known as a free-kick and penalty specialist"], "data_rating": 80, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Spain"]}, {"player_id": 196, "team_id": 8, "fifa_code": "SUI", "team_name": "Switzerland", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 14, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Ardon Jashari", "date_of_birth": "2002-07-30", "age": 23, "caps": 7, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "AC Milan", "club_country": "Italy", "club_league": "Serie A", "height_cm": 184, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 17, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Serie A, Coppa Italia, Supercoppa Italiana", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 196, "career_club_goals": 19, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ardon_Jashari", "backstory": "Born in Cham, Ardon Jashari is of ethnic Albanian descent and came through FC Luzern's academy, becoming a key midfielder and Swiss Super League Player of the Month before a club-record sale to Club Brugge. A standout debut season in Belgium, capped by individual awards, earned a 2025 transfer to AC Milan after a much-discussed saga. A composed, technical central midfielder, he represents the next generation of the Swiss engine room.", "facts": ["Was FC Luzern's record sale when he joined Club Brugge", "Won individual awards in a standout debut season in Belgium", "Signed for AC Milan in 2025 after a drawn-out transfer saga"], "data_rating": 58, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Italy"]}, {"player_id": 197, "team_id": 8, "fifa_code": "SUI", "team_name": "Switzerland", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 15, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Djibril Sow", "date_of_birth": "1997-02-06", "age": 29, "caps": 51, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Sevilla", "club_country": "Spain", "club_league": "La Liga", "height_cm": 184, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 34, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 5, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "La Liga, Copa del Rey", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 293, "career_club_goals": 25, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Djibril_Sow", "backstory": "Born in Zurich to a Senegalese father and Swiss mother, Djibril Sow came through FC Zurich, had an early stint at Borussia Monchengladbach, then broke out at Young Boys. He won the Europa League with Eintracht Frankfurt in 2022 before moving to Sevilla in La Liga. A disciplined defensive midfielder, he brings positional intelligence and ball retention to the Swiss midfield.", "facts": ["Won the 2021-22 Europa League with Eintracht Frankfurt", "His cousin Coumba Sow is also a professional footballer", "Born in Zurich to a Senegalese father and Swiss mother"], "data_rating": 72, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Spain"]}, {"player_id": 198, "team_id": 8, "fifa_code": "SUI", "team_name": "Switzerland", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 16, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "RW", "player_name": "Christian Fassnacht", "date_of_birth": "1993-11-11", "age": 32, "caps": 22, "international_goals": 5, "is_captain": false, "club": "Young Boys", "club_country": "Switzerland", "club_league": "Swiss Super League", "height_cm": 181, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 42, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 19, "club_assists_2025_26": 7, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Swiss Super League, Swiss Cup, UEFA Europa League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 375, "career_club_goals": 123, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Swiss Super League top scorer 2025/26 (18 league goals)", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_Fassnacht ; https://www.topscorersfootball.com/super-league", "backstory": "A late bloomer from Zurich, Christian Fassnacht played in Switzerland's lower divisions before earning a top-flight chance with Thun at 23. He moved to Young Boys in 2017, helping end a 32-year league title drought and shining in Europe, then had a spell at Norwich City before returning to Bern. A clutch right winger and finisher, he was the Swiss Super League's top scorer in 2025-26, forcing his way into the World Cup squad.", "facts": ["Swiss Super League top scorer in 2025-26", "Played in Switzerland's lower divisions before turning professional at 23", "Helped Young Boys win their first league title in 32 years"], "data_rating": 76, "fun": ["🎯 19 club goals in 2025/26"]}, {"player_id": 199, "team_id": 8, "fifa_code": "SUI", "team_name": "Switzerland", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 17, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "LW", "player_name": "Rubén Vargas", "date_of_birth": "1998-08-05", "age": 27, "caps": 61, "international_goals": 11, "is_captain": false, "club": "Sevilla", "club_country": "Spain", "club_league": "La Liga", "height_cm": 180, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 24, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "La Liga, Copa del Rey", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 278, "career_club_goals": 55, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rub%C3%A9n_Vargas", "backstory": "Born in Adligenswil to a Dominican father and Swiss mother, Ruben Vargas came through Luzern before joining Augsburg in 2019, where he spent several seasons as a tricky Bundesliga winger. A 2024 move to Sevilla took him to La Liga. Quick and direct with an eye for goal, the left-sided forward is a regular contributor in attack for Switzerland, with a knack for scoring in big matches.", "facts": ["Of Dominican descent through his father", "Spent several Bundesliga seasons at Augsburg before joining Sevilla"], "data_rating": 67, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Spain"]}, {"player_id": 200, "team_id": 8, "fifa_code": "SUI", "team_name": "Switzerland", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 18, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Eray Cömert", "date_of_birth": "1998-02-04", "age": 28, "caps": 21, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Valencia", "club_country": "Spain", "club_league": "La Liga", "height_cm": 184, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 17, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "La Liga, Copa del Rey", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 219, "career_club_goals": 10, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eray_C%C3%B6mert", "backstory": "Born in Rheinfelden to parents of Turkish descent, centre-back Eray Comert came through FC Basel's academy and became a regular and two-time league champion there. A 2022 move to Valencia in La Liga followed, with loan spells at Nantes and Real Valladolid. A no-nonsense defender, he provides experienced depth in the Swiss back line.", "facts": ["Two-time Swiss champion with FC Basel", "Of Turkish descent"], "data_rating": 65, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Spain"]}, {"player_id": 201, "team_id": 8, "fifa_code": "SUI", "team_name": "Switzerland", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 19, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Noah Okafor", "date_of_birth": "2000-05-24", "age": 26, "caps": 24, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Leeds United", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 33, "club_starts_2025_26": 19, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 8, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 196, "career_club_goals": 45, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Leeds United second-top league scorer 2025/26 (8 PL goals)", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noah_Okafor ; https://www.premierleague.com/en/players/435997/noah-okafor/stats", "backstory": "Born in Binningen, Noah Okafor rose through FC Basel before a move to Red Bull Salzburg, where he won multiple Austrian titles and impressed in the Champions League. A 2023 transfer took him to AC Milan, followed by a loan to RB Leipzig and a move to Leeds United, where he was among the club's top scorers in 2025-26. A pacy, versatile forward who can play across the front line, he adds goal threat off the bench or from the start.", "facts": ["Won multiple league titles with Red Bull Salzburg", "Among Leeds United's top scorers in 2025-26"], "data_rating": 69, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 202, "team_id": 8, "fifa_code": "SUI", "team_name": "Switzerland", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 20, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Michel Aebischer", "date_of_birth": "1997-01-06", "age": 29, "caps": 39, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Pisa", "club_country": "Italy", "club_league": "Serie A", "height_cm": 184, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 36, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Serie A, Coppa Italia", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 262, "career_club_goals": 14, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michel_Aebischer", "backstory": "From the Fribourg region, Michel Aebischer came through Young Boys, winning three Swiss titles before joining Bologna in 2022. He won the Coppa Italia with Bologna in 2025 and later moved on loan to Pisa. A left-footed, versatile midfielder, he scored and assisted in the same game at Euro 2024 and offers balance and flexibility to the Swiss midfield.", "facts": ["Won the 2024-25 Coppa Italia with Bologna", "Scored and assisted in the same game at Euro 2024 against Hungary"], "data_rating": 68, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Italy"]}, {"player_id": 203, "team_id": 8, "fifa_code": "SUI", "team_name": "Switzerland", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 21, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Marvin Keller", "date_of_birth": "2002-07-03", "age": 23, "caps": 1, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Young Boys", "club_country": "Switzerland", "club_league": "Swiss Super League", "height_cm": 190, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 49, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Swiss Super League, Swiss Cup, UEFA Europa League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 167, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Third-choice goalkeeper", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marvin_Keller_(footballer)", "backstory": "Born in London to Swiss parents, Marvin Keller grew up in Grasshoppers' academy and reportedly became a goalkeeper after his father bought him gloves as a joke. He established himself at FC Wil and on loan at Winterthur before becoming Young Boys' keeper, making vital saves to win the 2023 Swiss Cup final after the first-choice keeper was injured. The youngest keeper in the squad, he is the third-choice option for 2026.", "facts": ["Born in London to Swiss parents", "Reportedly became a goalkeeper after his father bought him gloves as a joke", "Won the 2023 Swiss Cup final as an emergency starter"], "data_rating": 67, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 204, "team_id": 8, "fifa_code": "SUI", "team_name": "Switzerland", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 22, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CAM", "player_name": "Fabian Rieder", "date_of_birth": "2002-02-16", "age": 24, "caps": 27, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "FC Augsburg", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 181, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 33, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 6, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 160, "career_club_goals": 18, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fabian_Rieder", "backstory": "Born in Koppigen, Fabian Rieder came through Young Boys, winning Swiss titles and being named Swiss Super League Player of the Year in 2022 before a roughly 15-million-euro move to Rennes in 2023. A loan to Stuttgart brought a DFB-Pokal win, and in 2025 he joined Augsburg. A creative, left-footed attacking midfielder and set-piece threat, he made his Switzerland debut at the 2022 World Cup.", "facts": ["Named Swiss Super League Player of the Year in 2022", "Won the 2024-25 DFB-Pokal on loan at VfB Stuttgart", "Made his Switzerland debut at the 2022 World Cup"], "data_rating": 70, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Germany"]}, {"player_id": 205, "team_id": 8, "fifa_code": "SUI", "team_name": "Switzerland", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 23, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Zeki Amdouni", "date_of_birth": "2000-12-04", "age": 25, "caps": 28, "international_goals": 11, "is_captain": false, "club": "Burnley", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 4, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 274, "career_club_goals": 82, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Limited minutes at Burnley in 2025/26", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zeki_Amdouni", "backstory": "Born in Geneva to a Turkish father and Tunisian mother, Zeki Amdouni came through Geneva-area academies before a breakout season at Lausanne-Sport. A loan to Basel made him a European sensation, sharing the Conference League top-scorer award in 2022-23, which earned a move to Burnley and later a loan at Benfica. A clinical forward, he has been prolific for Switzerland despite limited club minutes recently.", "facts": ["Shared the 2022-23 UEFA Conference League top-scorer award with Basel", "Briefly represented Turkey at youth level before committing to Switzerland", "Born in Geneva to a Turkish father and Tunisian mother"], "data_rating": 60, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 206, "team_id": 8, "fifa_code": "SUI", "team_name": "Switzerland", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 24, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Aurèle Amenda", "date_of_birth": "2003-07-31", "age": 22, "caps": 6, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Eintracht Frankfurt", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 191, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 29, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga, UEFA Europa League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 98, "career_club_goals": 1, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aur%C3%A8le_Amenda", "backstory": "Born in Biel/Bienne to a Cameroonian family, Aurele Amenda started at Etoile Biel before joining Young Boys' academy, winning the league and cup before he turned 20. In 2024 he moved to Eintracht Frankfurt, becoming a Bundesliga regular. One of the tallest defenders in the squad, the young centre-back combines height, pace and aerial dominance and represents Switzerland's defensive future.", "facts": ["Won the Swiss league and cup with Young Boys as a teenager", "One of the tallest players in the squad", "Born in Biel/Bienne to a Cameroonian family"], "data_rating": 64, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Germany"]}, {"player_id": 207, "team_id": 8, "fifa_code": "SUI", "team_name": "Switzerland", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 25, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Luca Jaquez", "date_of_birth": "2003-06-02", "age": 23, "caps": 3, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "VfB Stuttgart", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 187, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 26, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, UEFA Europa League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 94, "career_club_goals": 4, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luca_Jaquez", "backstory": "Born in Lucerne to a Dominican father and Swiss mother, Luca Jaquez came through FC Luzern's academy and became a regular centre-back before a 2025 move to VfB Stuttgart, where he won the DFB-Pokal. A left-footed defender, he is one of the youngest members of the squad and part of a new generation of Swiss defenders.", "facts": ["Won the DFB-Pokal with VfB Stuttgart", "Of Dominican descent through his father"], "data_rating": 62, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Germany"]}, {"player_id": 208, "team_id": 8, "fifa_code": "SUI", "team_name": "Switzerland", "group_letter": "B", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 26, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Cedric Itten", "date_of_birth": "1996-12-27", "age": 29, "caps": 14, "international_goals": 5, "is_captain": false, "club": "Fortuna Düsseldorf", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "2. Bundesliga", "height_cm": 189, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 19, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 8, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "2. Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 337, "career_club_goals": 103, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Stats as of 24 January 2026 (partial season)", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cedric_Itten", "backstory": "Born in Basel, striker Cedric Itten came through FC Basel before a prolific loan and move to St. Gallen established him as a goalscorer. He spent two seasons at Rangers, winning the Scottish title and cup, then returned home to Young Boys for further league titles before joining Fortuna Dusseldorf. A tall, physical centre-forward, he offers an aerial focal point as a squad option up front.", "facts": ["Won the Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup with Rangers", "Multiple-time Swiss champion with Young Boys"], "data_rating": 66, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Germany"]}, {"player_id": 209, "team_id": 9, "fifa_code": "BRA", "team_name": "Brazil", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 1, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Alisson", "date_of_birth": "1992-10-02", "age": 33, "caps": 77, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Liverpool", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 193, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 35, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 13, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, FA Community Shield", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 498, "career_club_goals": 1, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alisson ; https://www.premierleague.com/en/players/116535/alisson-becker/stats", "backstory": "Raised in Novo Hamburgo, Rio Grande do Sul, Alisson followed his older brother Muriel into goalkeeping and broke through at hometown club Internacional. A move to Roma made him a star before Liverpool paid a then-world-record fee for a keeper in 2018, where he became the calm, ball-playing cornerstone of a Champions League and Premier League winning side. Now Brazil's undisputed number one, he heads to the 2026 World Cup as one of the most complete goalkeepers in the game.", "facts": ["His 2018 transfer to Liverpool was a then-world-record fee for a goalkeeper", "Won the inaugural Yashin Trophy for best goalkeeper in 2019", "Scored a 95th-minute winning header for Liverpool against West Brom in 2021"], "data_rating": 89, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England", "🧤 13 clean sheets in 2025/26"]}, {"player_id": 210, "team_id": 9, "fifa_code": "BRA", "team_name": "Brazil", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 2, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "RB", "player_name": "Wesley", "date_of_birth": "2003-09-06", "age": 22, "caps": 7, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Roma", "club_country": "Italy", "club_league": "Serie A", "height_cm": 174, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 39, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 5, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Serie A, Coppa Italia, UEFA Europa League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 180, "career_club_goals": 9, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wesley_Fran%C3%A7a", "backstory": "Born in São Luís and raised in Florianópolis, Wesley was rejected at several trials before impressing at a Real Madrid summer camp and joining Figueirense, then Flamengo. He forced his way past Guillermo Varela to become a regular at Flamengo before a 2025 move to Roma, where his attacking energy down the flank quickly made him a fan favourite. A versatile full-back who can play either side, he is one of the bright young faces of Brazil's defence for 2026.", "facts": ["Made his Brazil senior debut in March 2025 in a win over Colombia", "Joined Roma from Flamengo for a reported 25 million euros plus bonuses", "Can play at both right-back and left-back"], "data_rating": 71, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Italy"]}, {"player_id": 211, "team_id": 9, "fifa_code": "BRA", "team_name": "Brazil", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 3, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Gabriel Magalhães", "date_of_birth": "1997-12-19", "age": 28, "caps": 17, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Arsenal", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 190, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 51, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 4, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 357, "career_club_goals": 28, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gabriel_Magalh%C3%A3es", "backstory": "A São Paulo native, Gabriel Magalhães came through Avaí before moving to Europe with Lille, where he developed into a commanding centre-back. Arsenal signed him in 2020 and he became the heart of their defence, forming a celebrated partnership with William Saliba and adding a regular goal threat from set pieces. A late bloomer at international level, he is now a key figure in Brazil's backline heading into the World Cup.", "facts": ["Came through Lille before joining Arsenal in 2020", "Renowned as a set-piece goal threat from centre-back", "Scored on his competitive Brazil debut"], "data_rating": 77, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 212, "team_id": 9, "fifa_code": "BRA", "team_name": "Brazil", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 4, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Marquinhos", "date_of_birth": "1994-05-14", "age": 32, "caps": 104, "international_goals": 7, "is_captain": true, "club": "Paris Saint-Germain", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Ligue 1", "height_cm": 183, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 32, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue 1, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Intercontinental Cup, Trophée des Champions", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 567, "career_club_goals": 43, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marquinhos", "backstory": "From São Paulo, Marquinhos rose at Corinthians before a move to Roma at 18 caught the eye of Paris Saint-Germain, who signed him in 2013. Over a decade later he is a PSG legend and captain, having won numerous Ligue 1 titles and finally lifting the Champions League. Brazil's captain and one of the most experienced players in the squad, the elegant centre-back leads the team into 2026 with more than 100 caps.", "facts": ["Captains both PSG and the Brazil national team", "One of PSG's most decorated players in club history", "Surpassed 100 caps for Brazil"], "data_rating": 78, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · France", "©️ Captain"]}, {"player_id": 213, "team_id": 9, "fifa_code": "BRA", "team_name": "Brazil", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 5, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CDM", "player_name": "Casemiro", "date_of_birth": "1992-02-23", "age": 34, "caps": 85, "international_goals": 9, "is_captain": false, "club": "Manchester United", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 35, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 9, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, FA Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 663, "career_club_goals": 73, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casemiro ; https://www.premierleague.com/ , https://www.livescore.com/ (2025/26 assists)", "backstory": "Born in São José dos Campos, Casemiro came through São Paulo's academy before Real Madrid signed him, where he became the destroyer in midfield behind their dynasty of Champions League triumphs. A 2022 move to Manchester United made him one of the Premier League's premier holding midfielders. A long-serving Seleção anchor, the combative Casemiro brings vital big-match experience to Brazil's engine room in 2026.", "facts": ["Won five Champions League titles with Real Madrid", "One of the most decorated defensive midfielders of his generation", "Captained Brazil at the 2022 World Cup"], "data_rating": 79, "fun": ["🧓 Veteran presence", "🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 214, "team_id": 9, "fifa_code": "BRA", "team_name": "Brazil", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 6, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "LB", "player_name": "Alex Sandro", "date_of_birth": "1991-01-26", "age": 35, "caps": 44, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Flamengo", "club_country": "Brazil", "club_league": "Campeonato Brasileiro Série A", "height_cm": 181, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 23, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, Campeonato Carioca, Copa do Brasil, Copa Libertadores, other (2026 season)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 620, "career_club_goals": 24, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Sandro", "backstory": "A product of Atlético Paranaense, Alex Sandro made his name at Porto in Portugal before a big-money move to Juventus, where he spent eight years as one of Serie A's most reliable attacking left-backs and won multiple Scudetti. After a spell in England he returned home to Flamengo, adding veteran composure. The experienced full-back offers depth and leadership to Ancelotti's squad.", "facts": ["Won numerous Serie A titles during eight years at Juventus", "Developed in Europe at Porto before his Juventus move", "Returned to Brazilian football late in his career with Flamengo"], "data_rating": 69, "fun": ["🧓 Veteran presence"]}, {"player_id": 215, "team_id": 9, "fifa_code": "BRA", "team_name": "Brazil", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 7, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "LW", "player_name": "Vinícius Júnior", "date_of_birth": "2000-07-12", "age": 25, "caps": 48, "international_goals": 9, "is_captain": false, "club": "Real Madrid", "club_country": "Spain", "club_league": "La Liga", "height_cm": 176, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 150000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 53, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 22, "club_assists_2025_26": 13, "club_yellow_2025_26": 8, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "La Liga, Copa del Rey, UEFA Champions League, other", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 450, "career_club_goals": 146, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vin%C3%ADcius_J%C3%BAnior ; https://tribuna.com/en/persons/vinicius-junior/stat/2025-2026/ ; https://www.transfermarkt.com/vinicius-junior/marktwertverlauf/spieler/371998 ; https://tribuna.com/ (2025-26 season stats, all competitions)", "backstory": "Raised in São Gonçalo, Rio de Janeiro, Vinícius Júnior was a Flamengo prodigy who joined Real Madrid as a teenager amid huge hype. After a raw start he became one of the world's most devastating wingers, scoring the winning goal in the 2022 Champions League final and tormenting defences with his pace and dribbling. A genuine superstar and one of the faces of the tournament, he carries Brazil's attacking hopes in 2026.", "facts": ["Scored the winning goal in the 2022 Champions League final", "Came through the Flamengo academy before joining Real Madrid as a teenager", "Multiple-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid"], "data_rating": 90, "fun": ["💎 Most valuable in the squad", "🌍 Plays abroad · Spain", "🎯 22 club goals in 2025/26"]}, {"player_id": 216, "team_id": 9, "fifa_code": "BRA", "team_name": "Brazil", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 8, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Bruno Guimarães", "date_of_birth": "1997-11-16", "age": 28, "caps": 42, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Newcastle United", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 182, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 41, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 9, "club_assists_2025_26": 5, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 270, "career_club_goals": 36, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bruno_Guimar%C3%A3es ; https://www.premierleague.com/ , https://www.livescore.com/ (2025/26 assists)", "backstory": "From Rio de Janeiro, Bruno Guimarães honed his game at Audax and Athletico Paranaense before moving to Lyon, then Newcastle United in 2022, where he became the metronome and emotional leader of the club's resurgence. A box-to-box midfielder blessed with vision, tackling and a fierce competitive streak, he is central to Brazil's midfield balance heading into the World Cup.", "facts": ["Developed at Athletico Paranaense and Lyon before joining Newcastle", "Became Newcastle's midfield talisman and a fan favourite", "Won an Olympic gold medal with Brazil at Tokyo 2020"], "data_rating": 78, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 217, "team_id": 9, "fifa_code": "BRA", "team_name": "Brazil", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 9, "position": "FW", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Matheus Cunha", "date_of_birth": "1999-05-27", "age": 27, "caps": 22, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Manchester United", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 184, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 35, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 10, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": 4, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 258, "career_club_goals": 69, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matheus_Cunha ; https://footystats.org/players/brazil/matheus-cunha", "backstory": "Born in João Pessoa, Matheus Cunha left Brazil early, developing in Switzerland with Sion before moves to RB Leipzig, Hertha Berlin and Atlético Madrid. He revived his career at Wolverhampton Wanderers as a creative forward before a 2025 transfer to Manchester United. A skilful, hard-working attacker who can play across the front line, he adds flexibility to Brazil's forward options.", "facts": ["Began his European career in Switzerland with Sion", "Won an Olympic gold medal with Brazil at Tokyo 2020", "Joined Manchester United in 2025"], "data_rating": 69, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 218, "team_id": 9, "fifa_code": "BRA", "team_name": "Brazil", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 10, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "LW", "player_name": "Neymar", "date_of_birth": "1992-02-05", "age": 34, "caps": 128, "international_goals": 79, "is_captain": false, "club": "Santos", "club_country": "Brazil", "club_league": "Campeonato Brasileiro Série A", "height_cm": 175, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 37, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 15, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, Campeonato Paulista, Copa do Brasil (Santos 2025-present spell, all competitions)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 454, "career_club_goals": 272, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neymar", "backstory": "The most gifted Brazilian of his generation, Neymar emerged at Santos as a teenage phenomenon before a move to Barcelona, where he formed the legendary MSN trident, and then a world-record transfer to PSG in 2017. Injuries and setbacks have marked his later years, but a return to Santos rekindled his fitness and form. Brazil's all-time leading scorer, he arrives at 2026 chasing one last shot at the World Cup glory that has eluded him.", "facts": ["Brazil's all-time leading goalscorer, surpassing Pelé", "His 2017 move to PSG remains the most expensive transfer in football history", "Part of Barcelona's famed MSN attack with Messi and Suárez"], "data_rating": 81, "fun": ["⚡ 0.62 goals per cap", "🔥 Top 1% scorer at the Cup", "🎖️ Most-capped in the squad (128)", "🧓 Veteran presence", "🎯 15 club goals in 2025/26"]}, {"player_id": 219, "team_id": 9, "fifa_code": "BRA", "team_name": "Brazil", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 11, "position": "FW", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Raphinha", "date_of_birth": "1996-12-14", "age": 29, "caps": 38, "international_goals": 11, "is_captain": false, "club": "Barcelona", "club_country": "Spain", "club_league": "La Liga", "height_cm": 176, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 33, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 21, "club_assists_2025_26": 5, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "La Liga, Copa del Rey, UEFA Champions League, Supercopa de España", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 324, "career_club_goals": 97, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raphinha ; https://tribuna.com/ (2025-26 season stats, all competitions)", "backstory": "Born in Porto Alegre, Raphinha took a winding route to the top, leaving Brazil young for Portugal before stints with Sporting, Rennes and Leeds United announced him in the Premier League. A 2022 move to Barcelona transformed him into one of Europe's elite wingers, and he enjoyed a stunning, goal-laden 2024-25 campaign. Direct, two-footed and relentless, he is one of Brazil's most dangerous attackers for the World Cup.", "facts": ["Made his name in England with Leeds United before joining Barcelona", "Spent his early European years in Portugal with Vitória de Guimarães and Sporting", "Enjoyed a record-breaking goalscoring season for Barcelona in 2024-25"], "data_rating": 78, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Spain", "🎯 21 club goals in 2025/26"]}, {"player_id": 220, "team_id": 9, "fifa_code": "BRA", "team_name": "Brazil", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 12, "position": "GK", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Weverton", "date_of_birth": "1987-12-13", "age": 38, "caps": 10, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Grêmio", "club_country": "Brazil", "club_league": "Campeonato Brasileiro Série A", "height_cm": 187, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 32, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, Campeonato Gaúcho, Copa do Brasil, Copa Sudamericana (Grêmio, 2026 season)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 945, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weverton_(footballer,_born_1987)", "backstory": "A vastly experienced goalkeeper from Curitiba, Weverton made his name at Atlético Paranaense and was Brazil's number one at the Rio 2016 Olympics, saving the decisive penalty in the gold-medal shootout. He spent years as Palmeiras' captain and trophy-winning keeper before moving to Grêmio. A dependable veteran presence, he provides goalkeeping depth in the 2026 squad.", "facts": ["Saved the decisive penalty to win Olympic gold for Brazil at Rio 2016", "Long-serving captain and goalkeeper at Palmeiras", "One of the most experienced players in Brazilian club football"], "data_rating": 67, "fun": ["🧓 Veteran presence"]}, {"player_id": 221, "team_id": 9, "fifa_code": "BRA", "team_name": "Brazil", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 13, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Danilo", "date_of_birth": "1991-07-15", "age": 34, "caps": 69, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Flamengo", "club_country": "Brazil", "club_league": "Campeonato Brasileiro Série A", "height_cm": 184, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 14, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, Copa do Brasil, Copa Libertadores, other (Flamengo, 2026 season)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 410, "career_club_goals": 32, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danilo_(footballer,_born_July_1991)", "backstory": "Born in Bicas, Minas Gerais, Danilo came through Santos and made his European breakthrough at Porto before joining Real Madrid and winning multiple Champions Leagues. He later captained Juventus and won a Serie A title before returning home to Flamengo. A versatile defender comfortable at right-back or centre-back, the experienced Danilo brings leadership and tactical intelligence to Brazil's defence.", "facts": ["Won multiple Champions League titles with Real Madrid", "Captained both Juventus and the Brazil national team", "Can play right-back, left-back or centre-back"], "data_rating": 68, "fun": ["🧓 Veteran presence"]}, {"player_id": 222, "team_id": 9, "fifa_code": "BRA", "team_name": "Brazil", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 14, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Bremer", "date_of_birth": "1997-03-18", "age": 29, "caps": 7, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Juventus", "club_country": "Italy", "club_league": "Serie A", "height_cm": 188, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 31, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 4, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Serie A, Coppa Italia, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 265, "career_club_goals": 26, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gleison_Bremer", "backstory": "From Itapitanga, Bahia, Gleison Bremer rose through São Paulo's academy before moving to Torino in Italy, where his dominant defending earned him Serie A's best defender award. A 2022 transfer to Juventus confirmed his status as one of Europe's best centre-backs, strong in the air and aggressive in the tackle. He adds power and aerial command to Brazil's backline.", "facts": ["Named Serie A's best defender during his time at Torino", "Came through the São Paulo academy", "Joined Juventus from Torino in 2022"], "data_rating": 69, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Italy"]}, {"player_id": 223, "team_id": 9, "fifa_code": "BRA", "team_name": "Brazil", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 15, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Léo Pereira", "date_of_birth": "1996-01-31", "age": 30, "caps": 3, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Flamengo", "club_country": "Brazil", "club_league": "Campeonato Brasileiro Série A", "height_cm": 186, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 24, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, Campeonato Carioca, Copa do Brasil, Copa Libertadores, other (Flamengo, 2026 season)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 304, "career_club_goals": 18, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/L%C3%A9o_Pereira_(footballer,_born_1996)", "backstory": "Born in Curitiba, Léo Pereira finished his formation at Athletico Paranaense, making his Série A debut as an 18-year-old before loan spells including a stint at Orlando City B in the United States. A 2020 move to Flamengo turned him into a trophy-winning first-choice centre-back, and a standout 2025 season earned a long-awaited senior call-up. The left-footed defender is a newer addition to Brazil's squad for 2026.", "facts": ["Had a loan spell in the United States with Orlando City B", "Earned his first Brazil call-up only in 2026 after a strong season at Flamengo", "Left-footed centre-back"], "data_rating": 61, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 224, "team_id": 9, "fifa_code": "BRA", "team_name": "Brazil", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 16, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "LB", "player_name": "Douglas Santos", "date_of_birth": "1994-03-22", "age": 32, "caps": 6, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Zenit Saint Petersburg", "club_country": "Russia", "club_league": "Russian Premier League", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 25, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Russian Premier League, Russian Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 471, "career_club_goals": 18, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Douglas_Santos_(footballer,_born_1994)", "backstory": "A Rio de Janeiro native, Douglas Santos broke through at Atlético Mineiro before a move to Hamburg in Germany, then established himself at Zenit Saint Petersburg, where he has been a long-serving, multiple-title-winning attacking left-back. Known for his energy and crossing down the flank, the experienced Douglas Santos offers another option at left-back for Brazil.", "facts": ["Long-serving title winner with Zenit Saint Petersburg", "Won an Olympic gold medal with Brazil at Rio 2016", "Played in Germany with Hamburg before moving to Russia"], "data_rating": 64, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Russia"]}, {"player_id": 225, "team_id": 9, "fifa_code": "BRA", "team_name": "Brazil", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 17, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Fabinho", "date_of_birth": "1993-10-23", "age": 32, "caps": 32, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al-Ittihad", "club_country": "Saudi Arabia", "club_league": "Saudi Pro League", "height_cm": 188, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 44, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Saudi Pro League, King's Cup, AFC Champions League, Saudi Super Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 623, "career_club_goals": 51, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fabinho_(footballer,_born_1993)", "backstory": "Born in Campinas, Fabinho began as a right-back before reinventing himself as a holding midfielder, rising at Monaco where his career took off. He became a Champions League and Premier League winner as the defensive anchor of Liverpool's celebrated side before moving to Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia. A disciplined, intelligent screen in front of the defence, he provides midfield depth and experience.", "facts": ["Won the Champions League and Premier League with Liverpool", "Started his career as a right-back before becoming a defensive midfielder", "Made his name at Monaco before his Liverpool move"], "data_rating": 71, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Saudi Arabia"]}, {"player_id": 226, "team_id": 9, "fifa_code": "BRA", "team_name": "Brazil", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 18, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "RB", "player_name": "Danilo", "date_of_birth": "2001-04-29", "age": 25, "caps": 3, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Botafogo", "club_country": "Brazil", "club_league": "Campeonato Brasileiro Série A", "height_cm": 182, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 24, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 10, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, Campeonato Carioca, Copa do Brasil, Copa Libertadores/Sudamericana (Botafogo, 2026 season)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 245, "career_club_goals": 29, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danilo_(footballer,_born_2001)", "backstory": "Born in Salvador, Danilo came through Palmeiras and won the Copa Libertadores and Brazilian titles as a teenage midfielder before a 2023 move to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League. A serious leg injury disrupted his time in England, but a 2025 return to Brazil with Botafogo revived his career. A strong, dynamic central midfielder, he is one of the younger options in Brazil's engine room.", "facts": ["Won the Copa Libertadores with Palmeiras as a teenager", "Returned to Brazil with Botafogo after a leg injury in England", "Scored two goals in his first three caps for Brazil"], "data_rating": 68, "fun": ["⚡ 0.67 goals per cap"]}, {"player_id": 227, "team_id": 9, "fifa_code": "BRA", "team_name": "Brazil", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 19, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Endrick", "date_of_birth": "2006-07-21", "age": 19, "caps": 16, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "Lyon", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Ligue 1", "height_cm": 173, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 21, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 8, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue 1, Coupe de France, UEFA Europa League (Lyon loan, 2025-26)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 143, "career_club_goals": 34, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "On loan at Lyon from Real Madrid since December 2025", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endrick_(footballer,_born_2006)", "backstory": "A Palmeiras academy sensation from Brasília, Endrick broke into the first team at 16 and won back-to-back Brazilian titles before his pre-arranged move to Real Madrid. Struggling for minutes in Madrid, he joined Lyon on loan in December 2025 and immediately impressed, including a record-setting hat-trick. The teenage striker is one of the most exciting young talents at the 2026 World Cup.", "facts": ["Became the youngest Lyon player to score a Ligue 1 hat-trick", "Won back-to-back Brazilian league titles with Palmeiras as a teenager", "Joined Real Madrid in a reported 60 million euro deal as a teenager"], "data_rating": 66, "fun": ["🐣 Youngest in the squad (19)", "🌟 Wonderkid", "🌍 Plays abroad · France"]}, {"player_id": 228, "team_id": 9, "fifa_code": "BRA", "team_name": "Brazil", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 20, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CAM", "player_name": "Lucas Paquetá", "date_of_birth": "1997-08-27", "age": 28, "caps": 62, "international_goals": 13, "is_captain": false, "club": "Flamengo", "club_country": "Brazil", "club_league": "Campeonato Brasileiro Série A", "height_cm": 180, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 24, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 8, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, Copa Libertadores, other (Flamengo, 2026 season)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 382, "career_club_goals": 71, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Transferred from West Ham to Flamengo in January 2026", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucas_Paquet%C3%A1", "backstory": "Born in Rio de Janeiro, Lucas Paquetá rose at Flamengo before an early move to AC Milan, then rebuilt his reputation at Lyon and West Ham United, where he won the Europa Conference League. A creative, elegant attacking midfielder, he returned to Flamengo in January 2026. Equally comfortable creating and scoring, he adds craft and flair to Brazil's midfield.", "facts": ["Won the Europa Conference League with West Ham United", "Came through the Flamengo academy before joining AC Milan", "Returned to Flamengo in January 2026"], "data_rating": 75, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 229, "team_id": 9, "fifa_code": "BRA", "team_name": "Brazil", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 21, "position": "FW", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Luiz Henrique", "date_of_birth": "2001-01-02", "age": 25, "caps": 14, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Zenit Saint Petersburg", "club_country": "Russia", "club_league": "Russian Premier League", "height_cm": 177, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 34, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 6, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Russian Premier League, Russian Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 194, "career_club_goals": 26, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luiz_Henrique_(footballer,_born_2001)", "backstory": "Born in Petrópolis, Luiz Henrique joined Fluminense's youth setup at nine and broke into the first team before a 2022 move to Real Betis in Spain. A return to Brazil with Botafogo proved transformative, as he was named best player of the 2024 Copa Libertadores after scoring in the final. He moved to Zenit Saint Petersburg in 2025 and brings pace and dribbling to Brazil's flanks.", "facts": ["Named best player of the 2024 Copa Libertadores", "Scored the opening goal in Botafogo's Copa Libertadores final win", "Came through the Fluminense academy"], "data_rating": 66, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Russia"]}, {"player_id": 230, "team_id": 9, "fifa_code": "BRA", "team_name": "Brazil", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 22, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "LW", "player_name": "Gabriel Martinelli", "date_of_birth": "2001-06-18", "age": 24, "caps": 22, "international_goals": 4, "is_captain": false, "club": "Arsenal", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 53, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 11, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 313, "career_club_goals": 72, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gabriel_Martinelli", "backstory": "Born in Guarulhos, Gabriel Martinelli was playing futsal and amateur football before Arsenal signed the unknown teenager from Ituano in 2019. He quickly became a fan favourite at the Emirates with his blistering pace and direct wing play, developing into a key part of Arsenal's title-challenging side. The energetic winger offers width and goals off Brazil's bench and beyond.", "facts": ["Signed by Arsenal as a relatively unknown teenager from Ituano", "Won an Olympic gold medal with Brazil at Tokyo 2020", "Scored against Liverpool in his League Cup debut for Arsenal"], "data_rating": 72, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 231, "team_id": 9, "fifa_code": "BRA", "team_name": "Brazil", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 23, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Ederson", "date_of_birth": "1993-08-17", "age": 32, "caps": 32, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Fenerbahçe", "club_country": "Turkey", "club_league": "Süper Lig", "height_cm": 188, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 36, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Süper Lig, Turkish Cup, UEFA Europa League, Turkish Super Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 561, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Joined Fenerbahçe from Manchester City in September 2025", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ederson_(footballer,_born_1993)", "backstory": "Born in Osasco, Ederson played in Portugal with Benfica before Manchester City made him one of the world's most expensive goalkeepers in 2017. His revolutionary ball-playing and pinpoint distribution helped redefine the position as City swept up Premier League and Champions League titles. After moving to Fenerbahçe in 2025, the left-footed keeper provides elite competition for Brazil's goalkeeping spot.", "facts": ["Renowned for his ball-playing and long-range distribution", "Won the Champions League and multiple Premier Leagues with Manchester City", "Left-footed goalkeeper who developed in Portugal with Benfica"], "data_rating": 71, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Turkey"]}, {"player_id": 232, "team_id": 9, "fifa_code": "BRA", "team_name": "Brazil", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 24, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Roger Ibañez", "date_of_birth": "1998-11-23", "age": 27, "caps": 6, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al-Ahli", "club_country": "Saudi Arabia", "club_league": "Saudi Pro League", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 46, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 4, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Saudi Pro League, King's Cup, AFC Champions League Elite, other", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 336, "career_club_goals": 27, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roger_Iba%C3%B1ez", "backstory": "Born in Canela to a Uruguayan mother, Roger Ibañez started as a midfielder before converting to centre-back, rising through Fluminense and earning a move to Atalanta, then Roma in Serie A. He became a regular starter in Italy before joining Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia in 2023. A pacey, ball-playing defender, he provides additional cover in Brazil's central defence.", "facts": ["Started his career as a midfielder before converting to centre-back", "Has a Uruguayan mother and was born in Rio Grande do Sul", "Played in Serie A for Atalanta and Roma before moving to Saudi Arabia"], "data_rating": 73, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Saudi Arabia"]}, {"player_id": 233, "team_id": 9, "fifa_code": "BRA", "team_name": "Brazil", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 25, "position": "FW", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Igor Thiago", "date_of_birth": "2001-06-26", "age": 24, "caps": 3, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Brentford", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 191, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 65000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 40, "club_starts_2025_26": 37, "club_minutes_2025_26": 3284, "club_goals_2025_26": 25, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 226, "career_club_goals": 88, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "22 Premier League goals, Golden Boot runner-up 2025-26", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Igor_Thiago ; https://www.premierleague.com/en/players/502500/igor-thiago/stats ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/igor-thiago/profil/spieler/739443", "backstory": "Born in Gama in the Federal District, Igor Thiago lost his father at 13 and worked as a bricklayer to support his family before joining Cruzeiro's academy. After scoring goals at Ludogorets in Bulgaria and winning a title at Club Brugge, he joined Brentford for a club-record fee and exploded in 2025-26 as a Golden Boot contender. The towering striker is one of Brazil's most in-form forwards entering the World Cup.", "facts": ["Worked as a bricklayer as a teenager after losing his father at 13", "Became the highest-scoring Brazilian in a single Premier League season", "Finished as a Premier League Golden Boot runner-up in 2025-26"], "data_rating": 76, "fun": ["⚡ 0.67 goals per cap", "🌍 Plays abroad · England", "🎯 25 club goals in 2025/26"]}, {"player_id": 234, "team_id": 9, "fifa_code": "BRA", "team_name": "Brazil", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 26, "position": "FW", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Rayan", "date_of_birth": "2006-08-03", "age": 19, "caps": 2, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Bournemouth", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 175, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 15, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 5, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League (Bournemouth, since January 2026)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 79, "career_club_goals": 21, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Joined Bournemouth from Vasco da Gama in January 2026", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rayan_(footballer,_born_2006) ; https://www.premierleague.com/en/news/4567593/profile-of-rayan-after-bournemouth-sign-brazilian-in-january-transfer-window", "backstory": "Born in Rio de Janeiro, Rayan joined Vasco da Gama at six and was a prolific youth scorer before becoming the club's youngest professional debutant of the 21st century at 16. A January 2026 move to Bournemouth saw him make an immediate impact in the Premier League, scoring within his first starts. The teenage winger, who idolised Ronaldo, is one of the youngest and most exciting names in Brazil's 2026 squad.", "facts": ["Became Vasco da Gama's youngest 21st-century debutant at 16", "Scored and assisted within his first appearances for Bournemouth", "Made his Brazil debut in March 2026, shortly before the World Cup"], "data_rating": 60, "fun": ["⚡ 0.5 goals per cap", "🌟 Wonderkid", "🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 235, "team_id": 10, "fifa_code": "MAR", "team_name": "Morocco", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 1, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Yassine Bounou", "date_of_birth": "1991-04-05", "age": 35, "caps": 87, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al Hilal", "club_country": "Saudi Arabia", "club_league": "Saudi Pro League", "height_cm": 195, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 26, "club_starts_2025_26": 26, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2340, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 1, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 14, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": 19, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Saudi Pro League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 357, "career_club_goals": 1, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "First-choice goalkeeper", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yassine_Bounou ; https://footystats.org/players/morocco/yassine-bounou", "backstory": "Born in Montreal to Moroccan parents and raised in Casablanca, Yassine 'Bono' Bounou joined Wydad AC's academy at eight and only became a goalkeeper because of his height. After years as a backup at Atletico Madrid and a loan to Zaragoza, he reinvented himself at Girona and then Sevilla, where he won two Europa Leagues, before moving to Al Hilal in 2023. His penalty-shootout heroics against Spain at the 2022 World Cup made him a national hero, and at 35 he remains Morocco's first-choice keeper for 2026.", "facts": ["Saved two penalties in the 2022 World Cup shootout win over Spain", "Won the 2021-22 La Liga Zamora Trophy as the division's best goalkeeper", "Named best goalkeeper of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which Morocco won"], "data_rating": 80, "fun": ["🧓 Veteran presence", "🌍 Plays abroad · Saudi Arabia", "🧤 14 clean sheets in 2025/26"]}, {"player_id": 236, "team_id": 10, "fifa_code": "MAR", "team_name": "Morocco", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 2, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "RB", "player_name": "Achraf Hakimi", "date_of_birth": "1998-11-04", "age": 27, "caps": 95, "international_goals": 11, "is_captain": true, "club": "Paris Saint-Germain", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Ligue 1", "height_cm": 181, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 32, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": 3, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue 1, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 256, "career_club_goals": 36, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Captain, key attacking right-back", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Achraf_Hakimi ; https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/clubs/players/250088061--achraf-hakimi/statistics/", "backstory": "Achraf Hakimi grew up in the working-class Madrid suburb of Getafe and joined Real Madrid's academy at eight, converting from winger to right-back. A breakout loan at Borussia Dortmund led to a Serie A title with Inter and a big-money move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021. One of the world's best attacking full-backs, he captains Morocco and scored the decisive penalty against Spain that sent them to the 2022 semi-finals. He arrives at 2026 as the most decorated African footballer of his generation.", "facts": ["Has won three Champions League titles, equalling Samuel Eto'o's record for an African player", "Named 2025 African Footballer of the Year", "Scored the winning penalty against Spain at the 2022 World Cup"], "data_rating": 86, "fun": ["🎖️ Most-capped in the squad (95)", "🌍 Plays abroad · France", "©️ Captain"]}, {"player_id": 237, "team_id": 10, "fifa_code": "MAR", "team_name": "Morocco", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 3, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "RB", "player_name": "Noussair Mazraoui", "date_of_birth": "1997-11-14", "age": 28, "caps": 43, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Manchester United", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 183, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 20, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 244, "career_club_goals": 19, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Versatile full-back", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noussair_Mazraoui", "backstory": "Born in the Netherlands and raised in Alphen aan den Rijn, Noussair Mazraoui came through Ajax's famed academy, winning three Eredivisie titles and a 'Talent of the Year' award. He moved to Bayern Munich in 2022, claiming a Bundesliga title, before joining Manchester United in 2024. A versatile defender able to play either full-back slot or centre-back, he was part of Morocco's 2022 semi-final run and their 2025 AFCON triumph.", "facts": ["Came through the Ajax academy alongside future internationals", "Won the Bundesliga in his debut season at Bayern Munich", "Named in the Team of the Tournament at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations"], "data_rating": 67, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 238, "team_id": 10, "fifa_code": "MAR", "team_name": "Morocco", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 4, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CDM", "player_name": "Sofyan Amrabat", "date_of_birth": "1996-08-21", "age": 29, "caps": 75, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Real Betis", "club_country": "Spain", "club_league": "La Liga", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 23, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "La Liga, UEFA Conference League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 360, "career_club_goals": 10, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Defensive midfield anchor", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sofyan_Amrabat", "backstory": "Born in Huizen, Netherlands to a Riffian-Moroccan family, Sofyan Amrabat followed his older brother Nordin into the game, coming through Utrecht's academy. After spells at Feyenoord, Club Brugge and Hellas Verona, his combative midfield displays for Fiorentina and at the 2022 World Cup earned a loan to Manchester United, and he now anchors midfield at Real Betis. A relentless ball-winner, he is one of Morocco's most experienced midfielders heading into 2026.", "facts": ["Younger brother of former Morocco international Nordin Amrabat", "First Moroccan to win the FA Cup, with Manchester United in 2024", "Switched from the Netherlands youth setup to Morocco in 2017"], "data_rating": 68, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Spain"]}, {"player_id": 239, "team_id": 10, "fifa_code": "MAR", "team_name": "Morocco", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 5, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Marwane Saadane", "date_of_birth": "1991-06-20", "age": 34, "caps": 6, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al-Fateh", "club_country": "Saudi Arabia", "club_league": "Saudi Pro League", "height_cm": 189, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 26, "club_starts_2025_26": 25, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2250, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 7, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Saudi Pro League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 280, "career_club_goals": 12, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Veteran centre-back, late World Cup call-up", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2026/06/318091/", "backstory": "A 34-year-old centre-back with Al-Fateh in the Saudi Pro League, Marwane Saadane earned a late 2026 World Cup call-up as the injury replacement for Nayef Aguerd, bringing experience and aerial presence to Morocco's back line.", "facts": ["Called up to the 2026 World Cup as Nayef Aguerd's injury replacement", "Plays his club football for Al-Fateh in Saudi Arabia"], "data_rating": 71, "fun": ["🧓 Veteran presence", "🌍 Plays abroad · Saudi Arabia"]}, {"player_id": 240, "team_id": 10, "fifa_code": "MAR", "team_name": "Morocco", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 6, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CDM", "player_name": "Ayyoub Bouaddi", "date_of_birth": "2007-10-02", "age": 18, "caps": 1, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Lille", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Ligue 1", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 42, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue 1, Coupe de France, UEFA Europa League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 99, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Teenage midfield prospect", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayyoub_Bouaddi", "backstory": "Born in Senlis, France to Moroccan parents, Ayyoub Bouaddi began playing in Creil before joining Lille's academy in 2021. A poised defensive midfielder, he broke records as Lille's youngest-ever player and became the youngest player to feature in a European club competition. After captaining France's U21s, he switched to Morocco in May 2026 and was named in the World Cup squad as a teenager.", "facts": ["Became the youngest player ever to appear in a European club competition match", "Won a French academy eloquence competition at the Elysee Palace in 2023", "Switched allegiance from France to Morocco in 2026, just before the World Cup"], "data_rating": 61, "fun": ["🐣 Youngest in the squad (18)", "🌟 Wonderkid", "🌍 Plays abroad · France"]}, {"player_id": 241, "team_id": 10, "fifa_code": "MAR", "team_name": "Morocco", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 7, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "RW", "player_name": "Chemsdine Talbi", "date_of_birth": "2005-05-09", "age": 21, "caps": 5, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Sunderland", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 180, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 28, "club_starts_2025_26": 16, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1563, "club_goals_2025_26": 4, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 96, "career_club_goals": 14, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Young winger", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chemsdine_Talbi ; https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/chemsdine-talbi/63781/", "backstory": "Born in Sambreville, Belgium to Moroccan parents, Chemsdine Talbi joined Club Brugge's academy in 2015 and rose through their reserve side to the first team. A direct, left-footed winger, his Champions League brace against Atalanta in 2025 helped earn a roughly £19m move to Premier League side Sunderland. Having represented Belgium at youth level, he chose Morocco in 2025 and was part of the AFCON-winning squad.", "facts": ["Scored a brace against Atalanta in the Champions League before his Sunderland move", "Switched from Belgium youth teams to Morocco in 2025", "Won the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with Morocco"], "data_rating": 60, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 242, "team_id": 10, "fifa_code": "MAR", "team_name": "Morocco", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 8, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Azzedine Ounahi", "date_of_birth": "2000-04-19", "age": 26, "caps": 41, "international_goals": 8, "is_captain": false, "club": "Girona", "club_country": "Spain", "club_league": "La Liga", "height_cm": 184, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 24, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 5, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "La Liga", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 188, "career_club_goals": 22, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Creative central midfielder", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Azzedine_Ounahi", "backstory": "Born in Casablanca, Azzedine Ounahi passed through Raja CA and the Mohammed VI Academy before moving to France, grinding through the lower divisions with Strasbourg B and Avranches. His elegant displays at the 2022 World Cup stunned watching coaches and earned a move to Marseille, with later stops at Panathinaikos and Girona. A technical, all-action central midfielder who models his game on Iniesta, he is a creative hub for Morocco.", "facts": ["Luis Enrique asked 'where does this guy come from?' after watching him at the 2022 World Cup", "Rose from French lower-league football to Ligue 1 within a couple of years", "Cites Andres Iniesta as his role model"], "data_rating": 70, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Spain"]}, {"player_id": 243, "team_id": 10, "fifa_code": "MAR", "team_name": "Morocco", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 9, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Soufiane Rahimi", "date_of_birth": "1996-06-02", "age": 30, "caps": 35, "international_goals": 11, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al Ain", "club_country": "United Arab Emirates", "club_league": "UAE Pro League", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 16, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1345, "club_goals_2025_26": 9, "club_assists_2025_26": 5, "club_yellow_2025_26": 1, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "UAE Pro League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 300, "career_club_goals": 121, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Prolific scorer in UAE", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soufiane_Rahimi ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/988749/soufiane-rahimi", "backstory": "Born in Casablanca, Soufiane Rahimi came through Raja CA's academy and became a prolific scorer in Morocco, winning the Botola and two CAF Confederation Cups before moving to UAE side Al Ain in 2021. There he became a continental star, firing Al Ain to the 2023-24 AFC Champions League as the tournament's top scorer and MVP. A versatile forward and winger, he was the leading scorer at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where Morocco took bronze.", "facts": ["Top scorer and MVP of the 2023-24 AFC Champions League, which Al Ain won", "Led the scoring charts at the Paris 2024 Olympics with eight goals", "Top scorer at the 2020 African Nations Championship"], "data_rating": 71, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · United Arab Emirates"]}, {"player_id": 244, "team_id": 10, "fifa_code": "MAR", "team_name": "Morocco", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 10, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CAM", "player_name": "Brahim Diaz", "date_of_birth": "1999-08-03", "age": 26, "caps": 25, "international_goals": 13, "is_captain": false, "club": "Real Madrid", "club_country": "Spain", "club_league": "La Liga", "height_cm": 171, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 42, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1665, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": 5, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "La Liga, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 302, "career_club_goals": 42, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Key attacking midfielder", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahim_D%C3%ADaz ; https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/clubs/players/250088039--brahim-diaz/statistics/", "backstory": "Born in Malaga to a Spanish mother and a Riffian-Moroccan father, Brahim Diaz left his hometown club for Manchester City at 16, then joined Real Madrid in 2019. Three loan seasons at AC Milan brought a Serie A title before he returned to Madrid to win the Champions League and La Liga in 2023-24. An ambidextrous, dribbling attacking midfielder, he switched from Spain to Morocco in 2024 and was top scorer as they won the 2025 AFCON.", "facts": ["Switched international allegiance from Spain to Morocco in 2024", "Top scorer at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with five goals", "Third Moroccan to win the Champions League, after Hakimi and Ziyech"], "data_rating": 72, "fun": ["⚡ 0.52 goals per cap", "🌍 Plays abroad · Spain"]}, {"player_id": 245, "team_id": 10, "fifa_code": "MAR", "team_name": "Morocco", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 11, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CAM", "player_name": "Ismael Saibari", "date_of_birth": "2001-01-28", "age": 25, "caps": 29, "international_goals": 9, "is_captain": false, "club": "PSV Eindhoven", "club_country": "Netherlands", "club_league": "Eredivisie", "height_cm": 183, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 37, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 19, "club_assists_2025_26": 8, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Eredivisie, UEFA Champions League, KNVB Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 148, "career_club_goals": 40, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Box-to-box midfielder", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ismael_Saibari ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/ismael-saibari/leistungsdaten/spieler/702869", "backstory": "Born in Terrassa, Spain and raised in Belgium, Ismael Saibari developed through several Belgian academies including Genk before joining PSV Eindhoven in 2020. A powerful box-to-box midfielder who can also play wide, he became central to PSV's title-winning sides and was named Eredivisie Player of the Year in 2025-26. He earned his first senior Morocco caps in 2023 and was part of the 2025 AFCON-winning squad.", "facts": ["Named Eredivisie Player of the Year in 2025-26", "Scored a hat-trick against Feyenoord in October 2025", "Won the U-23 Africa Cup of Nations with Morocco in 2023"], "data_rating": 84, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Netherlands", "🎯 19 club goals in 2025/26"]}, {"player_id": 246, "team_id": 10, "fifa_code": "MAR", "team_name": "Morocco", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 12, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Munir El Kajoui", "date_of_birth": "1989-05-10", "age": 37, "caps": 50, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "RS Berkane", "club_country": "Morocco", "club_league": "Botola Pro", "height_cm": 188, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 3, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 1, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": 2, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Botola Pro", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 169, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Experienced backup goalkeeper; missed most of 2025-26 after January 2026 shoulder surgery", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Munir_Mohamedi ; https://tribuna.com/en/persons/munir-mohamedi/stat/2025-2026/", "backstory": "Born in Melilla, Spain, goalkeeper Munir Mohamedi (Munir El Kajoui) built his career in Spanish football with Numancia and Malaga before stints in Turkey and Saudi Arabia. He returned home with RS Berkane in 2024, winning the Botola and the CAF Confederation Cup and captaining the side. A vastly experienced international who debuted in 2015, he has been to three World Cups, though a January 2026 shoulder operation limited his recent club football.", "facts": ["Has appeared at three FIFA World Cups for Morocco", "Won an Olympic bronze medal with Morocco at Paris 2024", "Captains RS Berkane and won the CAF Confederation Cup with them"], "data_rating": 64, "fun": ["🧓 Veteran presence"]}, {"player_id": 247, "team_id": 10, "fifa_code": "MAR", "team_name": "Morocco", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 13, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "RB", "player_name": "Zakaria El Ouahdi", "date_of_birth": "2001-12-31", "age": 24, "caps": 2, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Genk", "club_country": "Belgium", "club_league": "Belgian Pro League", "height_cm": 180, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 45, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 12, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Belgian Pro League, Belgian Cup, UEFA Europa League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 168, "career_club_goals": 28, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Attacking full-back", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zakaria_El_Ouahdi", "backstory": "Born in Hoboken, Belgium into a large family of Moroccan heritage, Zakaria El Ouahdi rose through the Belgian lower leagues, starring in RWD Molenbeek's promotion before joining Genk in 2023. An attacking right-back or right winger, he was named best right-back at the 2023 U-23 AFCON and won Olympic bronze with Morocco at Paris 2024. He earned his senior debut in 2025 World Cup qualifying.", "facts": ["Won the 2026 Ebony Shoe award as a standout talent in Belgian football", "Named best right-back at the 2023 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations", "Won Olympic bronze with Morocco at Paris 2024"], "data_rating": 75, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Belgium"]}, {"player_id": 248, "team_id": 10, "fifa_code": "MAR", "team_name": "Morocco", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 14, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Issa Diop", "date_of_birth": "1997-01-09", "age": 29, "caps": 2, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Fulham", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 194, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 18, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, EFL Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 319, "career_club_goals": 17, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Recently switched allegiance to Morocco", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Issa_Diop_(footballer)", "backstory": "Born in Toulouse, France to a footballing family, Issa Diop came through Toulouse's academy and captained the club before a club-record £22m move to West Ham in 2018. He later joined Fulham in 2022. A towering, athletic right-sided centre-back, he was a France youth international and won the 2016 U-19 Euros before switching allegiance to Morocco, his mother's country, in March 2026.", "facts": ["Switched international allegiance from France to Morocco in 2026", "His grandfather Lybasse Diop was the first Senegalese player in Ligue 1", "Won the 2016 UEFA European Under-19 Championship with France"], "data_rating": 59, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 249, "team_id": 10, "fifa_code": "MAR", "team_name": "Morocco", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 15, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Samir El Mourabet", "date_of_birth": "2005-10-06", "age": 20, "caps": 2, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Strasbourg", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Ligue 1", "height_cm": 186, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 33, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue 1, Coupe de France, UEFA Conference League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 87, "career_club_goals": 4, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Young midfielder, recent debutant", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samir_El_Mourabet", "backstory": "Born in Strasbourg, France of Moroccan descent, Samir El Mourabet came through RC Strasbourg's youth system, making his debut in the Coupe de France in early 2024. A physical 1.86m midfielder, he established himself in Ligue 1 during 2025-26. After playing youth football for Morocco he earned his first senior caps in 2026 ahead of the World Cup.", "facts": ["Made his senior breakthrough in Strasbourg's Ligue 1 side in 2025-26", "Earned his first Morocco senior caps in 2026"], "data_rating": 60, "fun": ["🌟 Wonderkid", "🌍 Plays abroad · France"]}, {"player_id": 250, "team_id": 10, "fifa_code": "MAR", "team_name": "Morocco", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 16, "position": "FW", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Gessime Yassine", "date_of_birth": "2005-11-22", "age": 20, "caps": 2, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Strasbourg", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Ligue 1", "height_cm": 173, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 12, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue 1", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 75, "career_club_goals": 7, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "U20 world champion, recent senior debutant", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gessime_Yassine", "backstory": "Born in Salon-de-Provence, France to Moroccan parents, Gessime Yassine developed at FC Istres and Marignane before impressing at Dunkerque, where he was named a Ligue 2 young player of the month. In January 2026 he signed for Ligue 1 club Strasbourg. A technical midfielder, he was a key part of the Morocco side that won the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, earning his senior call-up.", "facts": ["Won the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup with Morocco", "Named a Ligue 2 young player of the month during his Dunkerque breakout"], "data_rating": 54, "fun": ["🌟 Wonderkid", "🌍 Plays abroad · France"]}, {"player_id": 251, "team_id": 10, "fifa_code": "MAR", "team_name": "Morocco", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 17, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "LW", "player_name": "Amine Sbaï", "date_of_birth": "2000-08-10", "age": 25, "caps": 1, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Angers SCO", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Ligue 1", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 28, "club_starts_2025_26": 24, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2050, "club_goals_2025_26": 6, "club_assists_2025_26": 4, "club_yellow_2025_26": 3, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue 1", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 95, "career_club_goals": 18, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Direct left winger, pace and end product", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amine_Sba%C3%AF", "backstory": "A 25-year-old left winger for Angers SCO in Ligue 1, Amine Sbaï won his first Morocco cap in a June 2026 warm-up and was called up to the World Cup as the injury replacement for Abde Ezzalzouli, offering pace and directness on the flank.", "facts": ["Called up to the 2026 World Cup as Abde Ezzalzouli's injury replacement", "Won his first Morocco cap in a June 2026 warm-up friendly", "Plays in Ligue 1 for Angers SCO"], "data_rating": 60, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · France"]}, {"player_id": 252, "team_id": 10, "fifa_code": "MAR", "team_name": "Morocco", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 18, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Chadi Riad", "date_of_birth": "2003-06-17", "age": 22, "caps": 3, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Crystal Palace", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 190, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 12, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, UEFA Conference League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 85, "career_club_goals": 3, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Young centre-back", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chadi_Riad", "backstory": "Born in Palma de Mallorca to Moroccan parents, Chadi Riad came through Mallorca's youth before joining Barcelona's La Masia and progressing to Barca Atletic. A loan at Real Betis earned a move to Crystal Palace in 2024. A physical centre-back, he started the 2026 Conference League final as Palace lifted their first European trophy, and he has won the U-23 AFCON with Morocco.", "facts": ["Started the 2026 UEFA Conference League final as Crystal Palace won their first European trophy", "Came through Barcelona's La Masia academy", "Won the 2023 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations with Morocco"], "data_rating": 59, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 253, "team_id": 10, "fifa_code": "MAR", "team_name": "Morocco", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 19, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Youssef Belammari", "date_of_birth": "1998-09-20", "age": 27, "caps": 15, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al Ahly", "club_country": "Egypt", "club_league": "Egyptian Premier League", "height_cm": 180, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 0, "club_starts_2025_26": 0, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Egyptian Premier League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 186, "career_club_goals": 12, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Left-back; joined Al Ahly in 2026, played first half of 2025-26 at Raja CA", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Youssef_Belammari", "backstory": "Born in Casablanca, Youssef Belammari came through FUS Rabat before joining Raja CA in 2023, where he was part of an unbeaten title-winning campaign and a cup triumph. A left-back who also plays on the left of midfield, he moved to Egyptian giants Al Ahly in 2026. He won the 2024 African Nations Championship with Morocco's home-based side and was part of the 2025 AFCON-winning squad.", "facts": ["Won the Botola title with Raja CA in an unbeaten 2023-24 season", "Won the 2024 African Nations Championship with Morocco's A' team", "Joined Egyptian club Al Ahly in 2026"], "data_rating": 56, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Egypt"]}, {"player_id": 254, "team_id": 10, "fifa_code": "MAR", "team_name": "Morocco", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 20, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Ayoub El Kaabi", "date_of_birth": "1993-06-25", "age": 32, "caps": 69, "international_goals": 34, "is_captain": false, "club": "Olympiacos", "club_country": "Greece", "club_league": "Super League Greece", "height_cm": 183, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 38, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 21, "club_assists_2025_26": 3, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Super League Greece, UEFA Champions League, Greek Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 360, "career_club_goals": 206, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Leading striker, prolific scorer", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayoub_El_Kaabi ; https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/clubs/players/250118298--ayoub-el-kaabi/", "backstory": "One of football's great late bloomers, Ayoub El Kaabi was born in Casablanca's Derb Milla and worked as a carpenter's apprentice before being scouted in his early twenties. He exploded with a record nine goals at the 2018 African Nations Championship, then scored across China, Morocco, Turkey and Qatar before becoming a phenomenon at Olympiacos. A powerful, instinctive striker often compared to Drogba, he is Morocco's main number nine for 2026.", "facts": ["Worked as a carpenter's apprentice before turning professional", "Scored a record nine goals at the 2018 African Nations Championship", "Scored the winning goal in the 2024 Europa Conference League final for Olympiacos"], "data_rating": 81, "fun": ["🔥 Top 2% scorer at the Cup", "🌍 Plays abroad · Greece", "🎯 21 club goals in 2025/26"]}, {"player_id": 255, "team_id": 10, "fifa_code": "MAR", "team_name": "Morocco", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 21, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Ayoube Amaimouni", "date_of_birth": "2004-11-30", "age": 21, "caps": 0, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Eintracht Frankfurt", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 17, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": 3, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 93, "career_club_goals": 36, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Uncapped young winger/midfielder; signed by Frankfurt in January 2026", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayoube_Amaimouni ; https://www.sportbusy.com/players/soccer/416636/", "backstory": "Born in Vic, Spain to Moroccan parents, Ayoube Amaimouni developed in Spanish and German youth football before banging in goals in Germany's lower leagues with Erkenschwick and Hoffenheim II. His form earned a long-term contract with Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt in January 2026. A goal-getting winger, he was uncapped at senior level for much of the cycle but earned a place in Morocco's World Cup squad.", "facts": ["Scored prolifically in Germany's lower leagues before reaching the Bundesliga", "Signed a five-and-a-half-year deal with Eintracht Frankfurt in January 2026"], "data_rating": 57, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Germany"]}, {"player_id": 256, "team_id": 10, "fifa_code": "MAR", "team_name": "Morocco", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 22, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti", "date_of_birth": "1996-04-05", "age": 30, "caps": 3, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "AS FAR", "club_country": "Morocco", "club_league": "Botola Pro", "height_cm": 190, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 14, "club_starts_2025_26": 14, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1254, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 10, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": 5, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Botola Pro", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 167, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Third-choice goalkeeper", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahmed_Reda_Tagnaouti ; https://footystats.org/players/morocco/ahmed-reda-tagnaouti", "backstory": "Born in Fes, Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti is a commanding 1.92m goalkeeper who built his career in Morocco's Botola, starring for Wydad AC with whom he won the 2021-22 CAF Champions League. After spells at several domestic clubs he now plays for AS FAR. He won the 2018 African Nations Championship and has been to two World Cups as part of Morocco's goalkeeping pool.", "facts": ["Won the 2021-22 CAF Champions League with Wydad AC", "Named best goalkeeper of the 2021-22 CAF Champions League", "Won the 2018 African Nations Championship with Morocco"], "data_rating": 67, "fun": ["🧤 10 clean sheets in 2025/26"]}, {"player_id": 257, "team_id": 10, "fifa_code": "MAR", "team_name": "Morocco", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 23, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CAM", "player_name": "Bilal El Khannouss", "date_of_birth": "2004-05-10", "age": 22, "caps": 35, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "VfB Stuttgart", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 25, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 4, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga, UEFA Europa League, DFB-Pokal", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 135, "career_club_goals": 9, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Creative attacking midfielder", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bilal_El_Khannouss", "backstory": "Born in Molenbeek, Belgium of Moroccan descent, Bilal El Khannouss came through Anderlecht and then Genk, where he became one of the Belgian league's brightest young talents and Young Pro of the Year. He moved to Leicester City in 2024 and then to VfB Stuttgart. A creative attacking midfielder praised for his vision, he played at the 2022 World Cup as a teenager and won the 2025 AFCON.", "facts": ["Played at the 2022 World Cup as an 18-year-old", "Named Belgian Pro League Young Professional Footballer of the Year in 2023-24", "Switched from Belgium youth teams to Morocco"], "data_rating": 68, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Germany"]}, {"player_id": 258, "team_id": 10, "fifa_code": "MAR", "team_name": "Morocco", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 24, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Neil El Aynaoui", "date_of_birth": "2001-07-02", "age": 24, "caps": 15, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Roma", "club_country": "Italy", "club_league": "Serie A", "height_cm": 189, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 34, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Serie A, UEFA Europa League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 156, "career_club_goals": 16, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Central midfielder", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neil_El_Aynaoui", "backstory": "Born in Nancy, France, Neil El Aynaoui is the son of former Moroccan tennis star Younes El Aynaoui. He joined Nancy's academy at eight and rose through the club before moving to RC Lens and then AS Roma in 2025. A tall, all-round central midfielder, he made his Morocco debut in 2025 and played through an eye injury in the AFCON final as Morocco lifted the trophy.", "facts": ["Son of retired Moroccan tennis player Younes El Aynaoui", "Played bandaged through an eye injury in the 2025 AFCON final", "Scored twice in his first 15 Morocco appearances"], "data_rating": 66, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Italy"]}, {"player_id": 259, "team_id": 10, "fifa_code": "MAR", "team_name": "Morocco", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 25, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Redouane Halhal", "date_of_birth": "2003-03-05", "age": 23, "caps": 2, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "KV Mechelen", "club_country": "Belgium", "club_league": "Belgian Pro League", "height_cm": 188, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 23, "club_starts_2025_26": 22, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2849, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": 10, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Belgian Pro League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 98, "career_club_goals": 2, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Young defender", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Redouane_Halhal ; https://www.sofascore.com/football/player/redouane-halhal/1143667", "backstory": "Born in Montpellier, France, Redouane Halhal trained at Montpellier's academy before a spell at Atletico Madrid B and then a move to Belgium's KV Mechelen in 2024, with a loan to Helmond Sport. A physically strong 1.88m defender, he has represented Morocco at youth level, including the 2023 U-23 AFCON, and earned his place in the 2026 World Cup squad.", "facts": ["Spent time in Atletico Madrid's reserve setup before moving to Belgium", "Featured at the 2023 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations with Morocco"], "data_rating": 67, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Belgium"]}, {"player_id": 260, "team_id": 10, "fifa_code": "MAR", "team_name": "Morocco", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 26, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "LB", "player_name": "Anass Salah-Eddine", "date_of_birth": "2002-01-18", "age": 24, "caps": 8, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "PSV Eindhoven", "club_country": "Netherlands", "club_league": "Eredivisie", "height_cm": 180, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 25, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Eredivisie, UEFA Champions League, KNVB Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 123, "career_club_goals": 4, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Left-back, on loan from Roma", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anass_Salah-Eddine", "backstory": "Born in Amsterdam to Moroccan parents, Anass Salah-Eddine came through Ajax's academy before establishing himself at FC Twente. He joined Roma in 2025 and spent 2025-26 on loan at PSV. An attacking left-back or wing-back, he won the U-17 Euros with the Netherlands but obtained FIFA approval to switch to Morocco in late 2025, going on to win the 2025 AFCON.", "facts": ["Switched international allegiance from the Netherlands to Morocco in 2025", "Won the 2019 UEFA European Under-17 Championship with the Netherlands", "Came through the Ajax academy"], "data_rating": 64, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Netherlands"]}, {"player_id": 261, "team_id": 11, "fifa_code": "HAI", "team_name": "Haiti", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 1, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Johny Placide", "date_of_birth": "1988-01-29", "age": 38, "caps": 81, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": true, "club": "SC Bastia", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Ligue 2", "height_cm": 188, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 34, "club_starts_2025_26": 34, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2070, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 12, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": 37, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue 2", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Veteran captain and most-capped Haitian; underwent knee surgery in late March 2026", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/johny-placide/ ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/johny-placide/leistungsdaten/spieler/51035/saison/2025 ; https://www.kicker.de/johny-placide/spieler", "backstory": "Born in Montfermeil, France, Johny Placide came through Le Havre's academy and built a long journeyman career across Stade de Reims, Guingamp, Oldham Athletic, Bulgaria and now Ligue 2 Bastia. Capped by France's U21s, he committed to Haiti at senior level in 2011 and has become the most-capped player in the nation's history and its captain. He was a pillar of the historic 2019 Gold Cup semi-final run, though knee surgery in March 2026 clouds his fitness heading into the World Cup.", "facts": ["Haiti's most-capped player ever and the squad captain", "Earned man-of-the-match on his Oldham Athletic debut in 2017", "Won Caribbean Cup bronze with Haiti in 2012 and 2014"], "data_rating": 78, "fun": ["🎖️ Most-capped in the squad (81)", "🧓 Veteran presence", "🌍 Plays abroad · France", "🧤 12 clean sheets in 2025/26", "©️ Captain"]}, {"player_id": 262, "team_id": 11, "fifa_code": "HAI", "team_name": "Haiti", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 2, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "RB", "player_name": "Carlens Arcus", "date_of_birth": "1996-06-28", "age": 29, "caps": 53, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Angers SCO", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Ligue 1", "height_cm": 180, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 28, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2040, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 3, "club_yellow_2025_26": 4, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue 1, Coupe de France", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 313, "career_club_goals": 5, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Team's top assist provider this season (3 assists)", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carlens_Arcus ; https://ligue1.com/en/player-sheet/l1_championship_player_2025_37_66080", "backstory": "Born in Port-au-Prince, Carlens Arcus moved to São Paulo, Brazil as a teenager to chase football before joining the French system, where he developed and made his name at AJ Auxerre with over 120 league appearances. The defensive right-back later played in the Eredivisie with Vitesse before returning to Ligue 1 with Angers. A reliable Haiti regular for years, he is the squad's most experienced attacking outlet from full-back and was their top assist provider this season.", "facts": ["Relocated to São Paulo, Brazil as a teenager to pursue football", "Named to the Eredivisie Team of the Month in January 2023 with Vitesse"], "data_rating": 72, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · France"]}, {"player_id": 263, "team_id": 11, "fifa_code": "HAI", "team_name": "Haiti", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 3, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Keeto Thermoncy", "date_of_birth": "2006-03-29", "age": 20, "caps": 1, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "BSC Young Boys", "club_country": "Switzerland", "club_league": "Swiss Super League", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 0, "club_starts_2025_26": 0, "club_minutes_2025_26": 0, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 0, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": null, "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Teenage prospect; registered for senior Europa League squad but plays mainly for Young Boys U21 in the Promotion League, no senior Super League minutes in 2025/26", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keeto_Thermoncy ; https://www.soccerzz.com/player/keeto-thermoncy/1253152", "backstory": "Born in Fribourg, Switzerland to a Haitian father and Swiss mother, Keeto Thermoncy came up through FC Fribourg before joining Young Boys' academy. The teenage centre-back plays mainly for the club's U21 side in the Promotion League and was registered for their senior Europa League squad. He chose Haiti over Switzerland's youth setup and earned his first senior cap in October 2025.", "facts": ["Made his Haiti debut in a 3-0 win over Nicaragua in October 2025", "His younger brother Wasson is also a footballer in Haiti's youth ranks"], "data_rating": 50, "fun": ["🐣 Youngest in the squad (20)", "🌟 Wonderkid", "🌍 Plays abroad · Switzerland"]}, {"player_id": 264, "team_id": 11, "fifa_code": "HAI", "team_name": "Haiti", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 4, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Ricardo Adé", "date_of_birth": "1990-05-21", "age": 36, "caps": 59, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "LDU Quito", "club_country": "Ecuador", "club_league": "LigaPro Serie A", "height_cm": 190, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 29, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "LigaPro Serie A, Copa Libertadores, Supercopa Ecuador", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 311, "career_club_goals": 6, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Key centre-back; ~19 LigaPro + 9 Copa Libertadores + 1 Supercopa apps in 2025", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ricardo_Ad%C3%A9 ; https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/ricardo-ade/36071/ ; https://www.sofascore.com/player/ricardo-ade/839638", "backstory": "Born in Saint-Marc, Haiti, Ricardo Adé had an extraordinary path to the top: an early move to Thailand collapsed when an agent defrauded and abandoned him, after which he rebuilt his career in the United States, Chile and finally Ecuador. The commanding 1.90m centre-back became a star at LDU Quito, winning back-to-back Ecuadorian titles, and has captained Haiti since 2021. He is the experienced anchor of the World Cup defence.", "facts": ["An early move to Thailand fell apart when his agent defrauded and abandoned him", "Won back-to-back Ecuadorian Serie A titles with LDU Quito (2023, 2024)", "Named in the 2023 Copa Sudamericana Team of the Tournament"], "data_rating": 73, "fun": ["🧓 Veteran presence", "🌍 Plays abroad · Ecuador"]}, {"player_id": 265, "team_id": 11, "fifa_code": "HAI", "team_name": "Haiti", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 5, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Hannes Delcroix", "date_of_birth": "1999-02-28", "age": 27, "caps": 7, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "FC Lugano", "club_country": "Switzerland", "club_league": "Swiss Super League", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 6, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 449, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Swiss Super League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Joined Lugano in January 2026; scored first goal vs Lucerne on 7 March 2026", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hannes_Delcroix ; https://www.sofascore.com/football/player/hannes-delcroix/826169 ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/822716/hannes-delcroix", "backstory": "Born in Petite Rivière de l'Artibonite, Haiti, Hannes Delcroix moved to Belgium as a child and joined Anderlecht's academy in 2013, eventually breaking into their first team. After a Premier League spell with Burnley, the left-footed centre-back joined Swiss side Lugano in January 2026. Capped once by Belgium at senior level, he switched to represent Haiti in 2025 and scored for Lugano shortly after his move.", "facts": ["Earned one senior cap for Belgium before switching to Haiti in 2025", "Came through the Anderlecht youth academy", "Scored on his Eredivisie debut for RKC Waalwijk after just 11 minutes"], "data_rating": 58, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Switzerland"]}, {"player_id": 266, "team_id": 11, "fifa_code": "HAI", "team_name": "Haiti", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 6, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Carl Sainté", "date_of_birth": "2002-08-09", "age": 23, "caps": 26, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "El Paso Locomotive FC", "club_country": "United States", "club_league": "USL Championship", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 0, "club_starts_2025_26": 0, "club_minutes_2025_26": 0, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 0, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": null, "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Signed by El Paso for the 2026 USL season (Dec 2025/Jan 2026); in 2025 he made 28 appearances on loan at Phoenix Rising FC. No El Paso apps yet as the 2026 USL season had not begun", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.eplocomotivefc.com/news/2025/12/31/el-paso-locomotive-fc-sign-midfielder-carl-sainte/ ; https://www.uslchampionship.com/news_article/show/1352563", "backstory": "Carl Sainté is a Haitian-developed midfielder who came up through local clubs before signing for Violette AC in 2019 and helping them win the Ligue Haïtienne. He starred at the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Brazil, scoring one of the tournament's standout goals against South Korea, then moved to the USL with North Texas SC and on to FC Dallas in MLS. He signed with El Paso Locomotive for the 2026 USL season and is a key engine for Haiti's midfield.", "facts": ["Scored a celebrated goal at the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup against South Korea", "Won the Ligue Haïtienne with Violette AC as a teenager"], "data_rating": 55, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · United States"]}, {"player_id": 267, "team_id": 11, "fifa_code": "HAI", "team_name": "Haiti", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 7, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "RW", "player_name": "Derrick Etienne Jr.", "date_of_birth": "1996-11-25", "age": 29, "caps": 50, "international_goals": 8, "is_captain": false, "club": "Toronto FC", "club_country": "Canada", "club_league": "Major League Soccer", "height_cm": 179, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 25, "club_starts_2025_26": 10, "club_minutes_2025_26": 983, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": 2, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Major League Soccer", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 325, "career_club_goals": 40, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Caps corrected to 50 per Wikipedia; 2025 MLS season largely a rotation/bench role", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derrick_Etienne_Jr. ; https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/stats/_/id/231098/derrick-etienne-jr", "backstory": "Born in Richmond, Virginia and raised in Paterson, New Jersey, Derrick Etienne Jr. joined the New York Red Bulls academy at age 12 and later attended the University of Virginia. The pacy winger has built a long MLS career across the Red Bulls, Columbus Crew, Atlanta United and Toronto FC, winning the 2020 MLS Cup with Columbus. He helped Haiti reach their first-ever Gold Cup semi-final in 2019 and brings creativity and experience to the attack.", "facts": ["Won the 2020 MLS Cup with Columbus Crew", "Three generations of his family have represented Haiti, including his father Derrick Etienne Sr.", "Joined the New York Red Bulls academy at age 12"], "data_rating": 65, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Canada"]}, {"player_id": 268, "team_id": 11, "fifa_code": "HAI", "team_name": "Haiti", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 8, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Martin Expérience", "date_of_birth": "1999-03-09", "age": 27, "caps": 21, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "AS Nancy Lorraine", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Ligue 2", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 20, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue 2", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": "Nancy promoted to Ligue 2 for 2025/26 (club_league updated from Championnat National); appearance/goal figures vary by source", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.flashscore.com/player/experience-martin/rRI50CVE/ ; https://www.leballonrond.fr/joueur/martin-experience/821178", "backstory": "Born in Châteaubriant, France, Martin Expérience is a left-back who worked his way up through the French lower divisions with Changé, Avranches and Cholet before joining Nancy, with whom he reached Ligue 2 for 2025/26. Born in France, he chose Haiti and debuted in 2021. He is a squad option providing depth and balance down the left.", "facts": ["Made his Haiti debut in a 6-1 Gold Cup qualifier in July 2021", "Climbed from the French lower divisions to Ligue 2 with Nancy"], "data_rating": 65, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · France"]}, {"player_id": 269, "team_id": 11, "fifa_code": "HAI", "team_name": "Haiti", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 9, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Duckens Nazon", "date_of_birth": "1994-04-07", "age": 32, "caps": 78, "international_goals": 44, "is_captain": false, "club": "Esteghlal F.C.", "club_country": "Iran", "club_league": "Persian Gulf Pro League", "height_cm": 181, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 10, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 476, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": 0, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Persian Gulf Pro League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 288, "career_club_goals": 95, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Haiti's all-time leading scorer (44 goals); height corrected to 181 cm per Wikipedia", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duckens_Nazon ; https://footystats.org/players/haiti/duckens-nazon ; https://www.sofascore.com/football/player/duckens-nazon/796023", "backstory": "Born in Châtenay-Malabry near Paris to Haitian parents, Duckens Nazon trained at Vannes and Lorient before embarking on one of football's most nomadic careers, scoring across France, England, India, Belgium, Bulgaria and now Iran with Esteghlal. The clinical striker is Haiti's all-time leading goalscorer with 44 goals, including a national-record five in a single match against Sint Maarten in 2018. He remains a talismanic finisher for the World Cup campaign.", "facts": ["Haiti's all-time leading scorer with 44 international goals", "Scored five goals in one match against Sint Maarten in 2018, a Haiti record", "Has played professionally across six countries on multiple continents"], "data_rating": 66, "fun": ["⚡ 0.56 goals per cap", "🔥 Top 2% scorer at the Cup", "🌍 Plays abroad · Iran"]}, {"player_id": 270, "team_id": 11, "fifa_code": "HAI", "team_name": "Haiti", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 10, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Jean-Ricner Bellegarde", "date_of_birth": "1998-06-27", "age": 27, "caps": 10, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Wolverhampton Wanderers", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 170, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 31, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": 4, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 347, "career_club_goals": 20, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Premier League midfielder; height corrected to 170 cm per Wikipedia/Premier League", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean-Ricner_Bellegarde ; https://www.sportbusy.com/players/soccer/240369/ ; https://www.premierleague.com/en/players/231057/jean-ricner-bellegarde/overview", "backstory": "Born in Colombes, France, Jean-Ricner Bellegarde came through the academies of Le Mans and RC Lens, broke through at Lens, then spent four seasons in Ligue 1 with Strasbourg before a £12.8m move to Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2023. A France youth international, the technical midfielder switched to Haiti in August 2025, becoming the most prominent Premier League player ever to represent the nation. He is the star talent at the heart of Haiti's midfield.", "facts": ["Switched from France's youth teams to Haiti in 2025", "Joined Wolves for £12.8m in 2023", "Was sent off in only his second Wolves appearance"], "data_rating": 64, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 271, "team_id": 11, "fifa_code": "HAI", "team_name": "Haiti", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 11, "position": "FW", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Louicius Deedson", "date_of_birth": "2001-02-11", "age": 25, "caps": 32, "international_goals": 10, "is_captain": false, "club": "FC Dallas", "club_country": "United States", "club_league": "Major League Soccer", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 2, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 23, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 0, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Major League Soccer", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Joined FC Dallas July 2025; limited minutes after late-season arrival. Prior: 37 goals/18 assists in 139 apps for Hobro IK and Odense BK", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.mlssoccer.com/players/louicius-don-deedson/ ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/louicius-don-deedson/leistungsdaten/spieler/646108", "backstory": "Born in Tabarre, Haiti, Don Deedson Louicius began his pro career at 18 with Danish club Hobro IK before two productive seasons at Odense, helping them win promotion to the Danish Superliga in 2025. The explosive right winger then joined MLS side FC Dallas in mid-2025 on a long-term deal. A regular Haiti scorer, he is one of the squad's most dangerous wide attackers despite limited minutes since his late-season move.", "facts": ["Tallied 37 goals across his spells with Hobro IK and Odense", "Helped Odense win promotion to the Danish Superliga in 2025", "Debuted for Haiti at age 20 in a 2021 World Cup qualifier"], "data_rating": 59, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · United States"]}, {"player_id": 272, "team_id": 11, "fifa_code": "HAI", "team_name": "Haiti", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 12, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Alexandre Pierre", "date_of_birth": "2001-02-25", "age": 25, "caps": 15, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "FC Sochaux-Montbéliard", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Championnat National", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 26, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 9, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": 20, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Championnat National, Coupe de France", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": "Sochaux first-choice keeper; figures vary by source (clean sheets/goals conceded approximate)", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.flashscoreusa.com/player/pierre-alexandre/0OG09j8j/ ; https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/310715/alexandre-pierre", "backstory": "Born in France, Alexandre Pierre is a goalkeeper who developed at AS Jeunesse Aubervilliers, Stade Lavallois and Strasbourg's reserves, with loan spells before establishing himself at Ligue 2 club Sochaux. He debuted for Haiti in a goalless Nations League tie with Bermuda in 2022 and serves as a goalkeeping option, especially important with captain Placide's fitness in doubt.", "facts": ["Made his Haiti debut in a 0-0 draw with Bermuda in June 2022", "Came through the Strasbourg goalkeeping setup"], "data_rating": 72, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · France"]}, {"player_id": 273, "team_id": 11, "fifa_code": "HAI", "team_name": "Haiti", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 13, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Duke Lacroix", "date_of_birth": "1993-10-14", "age": 32, "caps": 16, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC", "club_country": "United States", "club_league": "USL Championship", "height_cm": 175, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "USL Championship", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 74, "career_club_goals": 2, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": "Regular at Colorado Springs in 2025 (provided several assists); career club totals at the Switchbacks are 74 apps / 2 goals (as of Mar 2026). Height filled to 175 cm", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duke_Lacroix ; https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/235401/duke-lacroix", "backstory": "Born in New Egypt, New Jersey to Haitian parents, Markhus 'Duke' Lacroix starred at the University of Pennsylvania, becoming the only Quakers player named both Ivy League Rookie of the Year and Player of the Year. The full-back has spent his career across USL clubs including Indy Eleven, Reno 1868, Sacramento Republic and now Colorado Springs Switchbacks. He began representing Haiti in 2023 and provides experienced cover in defence.", "facts": ["Scored the 2016 NASL Goal of the Year with Indy Eleven", "Only Penn player ever named both Ivy League Rookie and Player of the Year", "Won a 4x400m relay at the Penn Relays in high school"], "data_rating": 58, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · United States"]}, {"player_id": 274, "team_id": 11, "fifa_code": "HAI", "team_name": "Haiti", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 14, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Leverton Pierre", "date_of_birth": "1998-03-09", "age": 28, "caps": 33, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "F.C. Vizela", "club_country": "Portugal", "club_league": "Liga Portugal 2", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 11, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Liga Portugal 2", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": "Joined Vizela July 2025; appearance count varies by source (8-11)", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.transfermarkt.us/leverton-pierre/leistungsdaten/spieler/552467 ; https://www.soccerzz.com/player/leverton-pierre/612906", "backstory": "Leverton Pierre joined Bastia in 2017 from Haitian club CS Saint-Louis and made his professional debut on loan at Ajaccio. The midfielder was part of the Haiti side that won 2017 CONCACAF U-20 qualifying and has since become a senior regular. After moves around Europe he signed for Liga Portugal 2 club Vizela in 2025, where he provides midfield depth for the World Cup squad.", "facts": ["Joined French club Bastia from Haiti's CS Saint-Louis in 2017", "Won 2017 CONCACAF U-20 qualifying with Haiti"], "data_rating": 61, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Portugal"]}, {"player_id": 275, "team_id": 11, "fifa_code": "HAI", "team_name": "Haiti", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 15, "position": "FW", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Ruben Providence", "date_of_birth": "2001-07-07", "age": 24, "caps": 15, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "Almere City FC", "club_country": "Netherlands", "club_league": "Eerste Divisie", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 29, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1028, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": 1, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Eerste Divisie", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.sofascore.com/football/player/ruben-providence/954066 ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruben_Providence", "backstory": "Born in Lagny-sur-Marne, France to parents of Haitian and Lao descent, Ruben Providence came through US Torcy, Paris Saint-Germain's academy and then AS Roma. The winger-forward developed through loan spells at Club Brugge, Estoril and most fruitfully Hartberg in Austria before settling at Dutch club Almere City. A former France U19 international, he switched to Haiti in 2025 and has chipped in with goals in World Cup qualifying.", "facts": ["Came through the academies of Paris Saint-Germain and AS Roma", "Switched from France's U19s to Haiti in 2025", "Scored against Aruba in 2026 World Cup qualifying"], "data_rating": 61, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Netherlands"]}, {"player_id": 276, "team_id": 11, "fifa_code": "HAI", "team_name": "Haiti", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 16, "position": "FW", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Lenny Joseph", "date_of_birth": "2000-10-12", "age": 25, "caps": 2, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Ferencvárosi TC", "club_country": "Hungary", "club_league": "Nemzeti Bajnokság I", "height_cm": 183, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 37, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 5, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": 3, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Nemzeti Bajnokság I, UEFA Champions League/Europa League qualifiers, UEFA Europa League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 48, "career_club_goals": 9, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Productive 2025/26: 37 apps, 5 goals across league and European competition; height 183 cm", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lenny_Joseph ; https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/clubs/players/250210425--lenny-joseph/", "backstory": "Born in Paris to a Haitian father and a DR Congolese mother, Lenny Joseph came up through Le Puy and Boulogne's reserves, then signed for Metz and made his Ligue 1 debut in 2021. The forward later played for Grenoble before joining Hungarian giants Ferencváros in January 2025, where he has thrived in league and European competition. Eligible for France, he chose Haiti and fulfilled a lifelong World Cup dream.", "facts": ["Scored his first international goal on his way into Haiti's World Cup squad, against New Zealand in June 2026", "Won the 2025-26 Magyar Kupa with Ferencváros", "Eligible for France but chose to represent Haiti"], "data_rating": 63, "fun": ["⚡ 0.5 goals per cap", "🌍 Plays abroad · Hungary"]}, {"player_id": 277, "team_id": 11, "fifa_code": "HAI", "team_name": "Haiti", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 17, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Danley Jean Jacques", "date_of_birth": "2000-05-20", "age": 26, "caps": 30, "international_goals": 6, "is_captain": false, "club": "Philadelphia Union", "club_country": "United States", "club_league": "Major League Soccer", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 351, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Major League Soccer", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": "Started six of Philadelphia's first seven matches in 2025; full-season totals not confirmed from a single stats table", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.mlssoccer.com/players/danley-jean-jacques/ ; https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/stats/_/id/333939/danley-jean-jacques", "backstory": "Born in Petit-Goâve, Haiti, Danley Jean Jacques began at Don Bosco FC before a successful trial earned him a move to Metz, where he progressed from the reserves to the first team. He joined Philadelphia Union in 2024 and broke out in 2025, becoming a key part of their Supporters' Shield-winning side. A box-to-box midfielder, he is one of Haiti's most important all-action engines.", "facts": ["Key part of Philadelphia Union's 2025 Supporters' Shield-winning team", "Scored on his Haiti debut campaign with 6 goals in his first 26 caps", "Began his career at Haitian club Don Bosco FC"], "data_rating": 60, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · United States"]}, {"player_id": 278, "team_id": 11, "fifa_code": "HAI", "team_name": "Haiti", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 18, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Wilson Isidor", "date_of_birth": "2000-08-27", "age": 25, "caps": 4, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Sunderland A.F.C.", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 186, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 35, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1158, "club_goals_2025_26": 6, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 233, "career_club_goals": 65, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Premier League striker; 6 goals in debut PL campaign for Sunderland", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilson_Isidor ; https://www.premierleague.com/en/players/437505/wilson-isidor/stats", "backstory": "Born in Rennes, France of Haitian and Malagasy descent, Wilson Isidor came through Rennes and Monaco's academies, earning the Championnat National revelation award on loan at Bastia-Borgo. He then made his name at Lokomotiv Moscow and Zenit Saint Petersburg before joining Sunderland, helping them win promotion and scoring on their Premier League return. A former France youth international, he committed to Haiti in March 2026 and adds top-flight firepower up front.", "facts": ["Scored in six consecutive Russian Premier League matches", "Scored on Sunderland's Premier League return in a 3-0 win over West Ham in August 2025", "Switched from France's youth teams to Haiti in March 2026"], "data_rating": 62, "fun": ["⚡ 0.5 goals per cap", "🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 279, "team_id": 11, "fifa_code": "HAI", "team_name": "Haiti", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 19, "position": "FW", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Yassin Fortuné", "date_of_birth": "1999-01-30", "age": 27, "caps": 4, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "F.C. Vizela", "club_country": "Portugal", "club_league": "Liga Portugal 2", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": null, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Liga Portugal 2", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": "Joined Vizela August 2025; scored multiple Liga Portugal 2 goals (e.g. vs Felgueiras and Lusitânia) but a full-season apps/goals total could not be verified", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.transfermarkt.us/yassin-fortune/leistungsdaten/spieler/342878 ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yassin_Fortun%C3%A9", "backstory": "Born in Aubervilliers, France, Yassin Fortuné joined Arsenal at 16 in 2015 in a high-profile move before leaving to chase first-team football with FC Sion in Switzerland. The forward had loan spells at Angers, Cholet and Polissya Zhytomyr, then signed with Portuguese club Vizela in 2025. A former France youth international, he switched to Haiti in 2025 and adds attacking depth.", "facts": ["Joined Arsenal at age 16 in a reported £3m move", "Represented France at youth level before switching to Haiti"], "data_rating": 50, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Portugal"]}, {"player_id": 280, "team_id": 11, "fifa_code": "HAI", "team_name": "Haiti", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 20, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Frantzdy Pierrot", "date_of_birth": "1995-03-29", "age": 31, "caps": 51, "international_goals": 34, "is_captain": false, "club": "Çaykur Rizespor", "club_country": "Turkey", "club_league": "Süper Lig", "height_cm": 188, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 10, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Süper Lig", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 213, "career_club_goals": 67, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "On loan at Çaykur Rizespor from AEK Athens for 2025/26 (10 apps, 0 goals at Rizespor); had 9 apps/2 goals at AEK earlier in the season", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frantzdy_Pierrot ; https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/frantzdy-pierrot/2453/", "backstory": "Born in Cap-Haïtien, Haiti and raised in Massachusetts, Frantzdy Pierrot played U.S. college soccer at Northeastern and Coastal Carolina before launching a European career at Mouscron, Guingamp, Maccabi Haifa and AEK Athens, with a 2025/26 loan at Çaykur Rizespor. The towering 1.93m striker is a prolific Haiti scorer with 34 international goals and offers a powerful target-man presence alongside Nazon.", "facts": ["Stands 1.88-1.93m and is one of Haiti's all-time top scorers with 34 goals", "Played U.S. college soccer at Northeastern and Coastal Carolina", "His younger brother Frantz Pierrot is also a professional footballer"], "data_rating": 64, "fun": ["⚡ 0.67 goals per cap", "🔥 Top 2% scorer at the Cup", "🌍 Plays abroad · Turkey"]}, {"player_id": 281, "team_id": 11, "fifa_code": "HAI", "team_name": "Haiti", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 21, "position": "FW", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Josué Casimir", "date_of_birth": "2001-09-24", "age": 24, "caps": 7, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "AJ Auxerre", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Ligue 1", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 31, "club_starts_2025_26": 16, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1519, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": 3, "club_red_2025_26": 1, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue 1", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Regular for Auxerre in 2025/26: 31 apps (16 starts), 1 goal, sent off once", "enrichment_sources": "https://theanalyst.com/players/3330/josue-casimir ; https://www.sofascore.com/football/player/josue-casimir/1035986", "backstory": "Born in Guadeloupe, Josué Casimir made his professional debut with Le Havre in Ligue 2 in 2020 and signed a multi-year deal with Ligue 1 side Auxerre in 2025, where he became a regular as a versatile right-back, wing-back or forward. He played youth football for Guadeloupe before being called up by Haiti for 2026 World Cup qualifying in October 2025.", "facts": ["Versatile enough to play right-back, wing-back or striker", "Played for Guadeloupe's U20s before representing Haiti"], "data_rating": 58, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · France"]}, {"player_id": 282, "team_id": 11, "fifa_code": "HAI", "team_name": "Haiti", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 22, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Jean-Kévin Duverne", "date_of_birth": "1997-07-12", "age": 28, "caps": 17, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "KAA Gent", "club_country": "Belgium", "club_league": "Belgian Pro League", "height_cm": 184, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 14, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 734, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": 4, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 4, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Belgian Pro League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.sofascore.com/football/player/jean-kevin-duverne/845930 ; https://footystats.org/players/france/jean-kevin-duverne", "backstory": "Born in France, Jean-Kévin Duverne came through RC Lens and made his first-team debut in 2016, then built a solid French top-flight career with Brest and Nantes. The defender, who can play centre-back or right-back, moved to Belgian side Gent and represents Haiti after earlier appearing for France's U20s. He offers experienced, versatile defensive cover.", "facts": ["Made over 140 appearances in Europe's top-five leagues with Brest and Nantes", "Represented France U20 before choosing Haiti"], "data_rating": 64, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Belgium"]}, {"player_id": 283, "team_id": 11, "fifa_code": "HAI", "team_name": "Haiti", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 23, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Josué Duverger", "date_of_birth": "2000-04-27", "age": 26, "caps": 6, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "FC Cosmos Koblenz", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Regionalliga", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Regionalliga Südwest", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": "Fifth-tier (Regionalliga) goalkeeper; detailed 2025/26 appearance data not publicly available", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josu%C3%A9_Duverger ; https://www.playmakerstats.com/player/josue-duverger/524702", "backstory": "Born in Montreal, Quebec of Haitian descent, Josué Duverger developed through Portuguese academies at Belenenses, Sporting CP and Vitória Setúbal before dropping into lower-league football, currently with Cosmos Koblenz in Germany's regional divisions. The goalkeeper has six Haiti caps dating back to 2017 and serves as a reserve option.", "facts": ["Played for Haiti's U-20s at just 16 years old in 2017", "Came through Sporting CP's youth academy"], "data_rating": 56, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Germany"]}, {"player_id": 284, "team_id": 11, "fifa_code": "HAI", "team_name": "Haiti", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 24, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Wilguens Paugain", "date_of_birth": "2001-08-24", "age": 24, "caps": 8, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "SV Zulte Waregem", "club_country": "Belgium", "club_league": "Belgian Pro League", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 24, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1281, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 1, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Belgian Pro League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Regular right-back for Zulte Waregem; scored once in 2025/26", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/1394254/wilguens-paugain ; https://fbref.com/en/players/4385ee98/Wilguens-Paugain", "backstory": "Born in Haiti and raised in France as a dual citizen, Wilguens Paugain came through Nancy's academy after early youth football in the Vosges region. The right-back then took an unusual route through Cyprus (Akritas Chlorakas) and Latvia (FK Auda) before joining Belgian club Zulte Waregem, where he became a regular. A former France youth international, he represents Haiti and provides energy at full-back.", "facts": ["Built his career via stints in Cyprus, Latvia and Belgium", "A former France youth international who chose Haiti"], "data_rating": 62, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Belgium"]}, {"player_id": 285, "team_id": 11, "fifa_code": "HAI", "team_name": "Haiti", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 25, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Dominique Simon", "date_of_birth": "2000-07-29", "age": 25, "caps": 2, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "1. FC Tatran Prešov", "club_country": "Slovakia", "club_league": "Slovak First Football League", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 979, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": 1, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Slovak First Football League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "On a season-long loan at Tatran Prešov from 22 August 2025; 979 minutes, 1 goal, 1 assist", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/1356595/dominique-simon ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dominique_Simon", "backstory": "Born in Pontoise, France, Dominique Simon developed through Paris Saint-Germain's academy before a well-travelled career across Spain, Estonia, Georgia, the Czech Republic and Slovakia, where he is on loan at Tatran Prešov. The defensive midfielder won the Estonian Cup with Paide and earned his first Haiti caps in 2026 ahead of the World Cup.", "facts": ["Came through the Paris Saint-Germain academy", "Won the Estonian Cup with Paide in 2021-22"], "data_rating": 57, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Slovakia"]}, {"player_id": 286, "team_id": 11, "fifa_code": "HAI", "team_name": "Haiti", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 26, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Woodensky Pierre", "date_of_birth": "2004-12-30", "age": 21, "caps": 1, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Violette AC", "club_country": "Haiti", "club_league": "Ligue Haïtienne", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": null, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue Haïtienne (Série d'Ouverture & Série de Clôture)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": "Only home-based player in the squad; reigning Haitian league MVP, won both 2025/26 Ligue Haïtienne titles with Violette AC. Detailed apps/goals not published", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woodensky_Pierre ; https://www.playmakerstats.com/player/woodensky-pierre/994874", "backstory": "Born in Cité Soleil, Haiti, Olivier Woodensky Pierre is the only home-based player in the squad, developing through Violette AC's youth system. The defensive midfielder helped Violette to a historic 2025/26 Ligue Haïtienne double and was named the league's best player, earning his first senior call-up and debut in 2026. His selection is a landmark for Haiti's domestic game.", "facts": ["The only home-based (Haitian league) player in Haiti's World Cup squad", "Won both 2025/26 Ligue Haïtienne titles with Violette AC and was named the league's best player", "Came off the bench on his international debut to replace teammate Leverton Pierre"], "data_rating": 49, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 287, "team_id": 12, "fifa_code": "SCO", "team_name": "Scotland", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 1, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Angus Gunn", "date_of_birth": "1996-01-22", "age": 30, "caps": 21, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Nottingham Forest", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 196, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 1, "club_starts_2025_26": 0, "club_minutes_2025_26": 44, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 0, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 0, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 198, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "First-choice keeper at Nottingham Forest; handed No 1 shirt", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angus_Gunn ; https://www.premierleague.com/en/players/107265/angus-gunn/stats", "backstory": "Born in Norwich, Angus Gunn followed his father Bryan Gunn into goalkeeping, coming through Norwich City's academy before a long spell at Manchester City and a £13.5m move to Southampton. After loans and a Championship stint at Stoke, he rebuilt his career and earned a move to Nottingham Forest, where he is now first-choice. Capped for England at under-21 level, he switched allegiance to Scotland in 2023 and was at Euro 2024; he arrives at the World Cup wearing the Scotland No 1 shirt.", "facts": ["Son of former Norwich and Scotland goalkeeper Bryan Gunn", "Capped by England at under-21 level before switching to Scotland in 2023"], "data_rating": 61, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 288, "team_id": 12, "fifa_code": "SCO", "team_name": "Scotland", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 2, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "RB", "player_name": "Aaron Hickey", "date_of_birth": "2002-06-10", "age": 24, "caps": 21, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Brentford", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 175, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": 16000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 21, "club_starts_2025_26": 8, "club_minutes_2025_26": 684, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 1, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Returned from long injury layoff, competing for starting spot", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.transfermarkt.us/aaron-hickey/leistungsdaten/spieler/591949/saison/2025 ; https://theanalyst.com/players/3851/aaron-hickey", "backstory": "A Glaswegian who passed through Celtic's academy before returning to Hearts, Aaron Hickey turned professional at 16 and started the 2019 Scottish Cup final days before his 17th birthday. A £1.5m move to Bologna in 2020 was followed by a switch to Brentford in 2022, where he became a regular full-back before a long injury lay-off. Fit again and competing for a starting berth, the versatile defender brings Premier League pedigree to Scotland's back line.", "facts": ["Started the 2019 Scottish Cup final days before turning 17", "Moved to Serie A side Bologna as a teenager in 2020"], "data_rating": 64, "fun": ["💎 Most valuable in the squad", "🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 289, "team_id": 12, "fifa_code": "SCO", "team_name": "Scotland", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 3, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "LB", "player_name": "Andrew Robertson", "date_of_birth": "1994-03-11", "age": 32, "caps": 92, "international_goals": 6, "is_captain": true, "club": "Liverpool", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 36, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup, UEFA Champions League, FA Community Shield", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 444, "career_club_goals": 19, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Captain; rotated at Liverpool, announced departure at season's end", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andy_Robertson ; https://www.sportbusy.com/players/soccer/104943/", "backstory": "One of football's great rags-to-riches stories, Andy Robertson was released by Celtic as a boy and was playing amateur football for Queen's Park as recently as 2012. He climbed via Dundee United and Hull City before an £8m move to Liverpool in 2017 turned him into one of the world's best left-backs, winning the Champions League and Premier League. Scotland's captain and leader, he heads to the World Cup having confirmed his Liverpool departure.", "facts": ["Was playing amateur football for Queen's Park in 2012, five years before joining Liverpool", "Won the 2018-19 Champions League and 2019-20 Premier League with Liverpool", "Scotland captain"], "data_rating": 80, "fun": ["🎖️ Most-capped in the squad (92)", "🌍 Plays abroad · England", "©️ Captain"]}, {"player_id": 290, "team_id": 12, "fifa_code": "SCO", "team_name": "Scotland", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 4, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Scott McTominay", "date_of_birth": "1996-12-08", "age": 29, "caps": 69, "international_goals": 6, "is_captain": false, "club": "Napoli", "club_country": "Italy", "club_league": "Serie A", "height_cm": 193, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 44, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 14, "club_assists_2025_26": 3, "club_yellow_2025_26": 1, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Serie A, Coppa Italia, UEFA Champions League, Supercoppa Italiana", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 335, "career_club_goals": 56, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Key Napoli midfielder, 10 Serie A goals; reigning Serie A Player of the Year", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scott_McTominay ; https://www.sportbusy.com/players/soccer/255850/", "backstory": "A Manchester United academy graduate from Lancashire, Scott McTominay made over 250 appearances for the club before a £25m move to Napoli in 2024 transformed his career. In his debut Italian season he was a focal point of Napoli's Serie A title win, named the league's Player of the Year and earning a Ballon d'Or nomination. A goalscoring, box-to-box force, he is Scotland's midfield talisman and scored a memorable overhead kick against Denmark in qualifying.", "facts": ["Won the Serie A title and was named Serie A Player of the Year in his first Napoli season", "First Scottish player to win Serie A Player of the Month", "Scored a spectacular overhead kick against Denmark in World Cup qualifying"], "data_rating": 83, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Italy"]}, {"player_id": 291, "team_id": 12, "fifa_code": "SCO", "team_name": "Scotland", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 5, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Grant Hanley", "date_of_birth": "1991-11-20", "age": 34, "caps": 67, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Hibernian", "club_country": "Scotland", "club_league": "Scottish Premiership", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 26, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Scottish Premiership, Scottish League Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 415, "career_club_goals": 14, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Experienced centre-back, recently back from injury", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grant_Hanley ; https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/grant-hanley/leistungsdaten/spieler/121385", "backstory": "An experienced centre-back who came through Blackburn Rovers, Grant Hanley captained the club and earned a move to Norwich City, where he won promotions and made over 200 appearances. Now at Hibernian in his homeland, the veteran defender offers leadership and aerial presence. Recently back from injury, he provides seasoned cover at the heart of Scotland's defence.", "facts": ["Former Blackburn Rovers captain who came through their academy", "Spent several years and won promotions with Norwich City"], "data_rating": 71, "fun": ["🧓 Veteran presence"]}, {"player_id": 292, "team_id": 12, "fifa_code": "SCO", "team_name": "Scotland", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 6, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "LB", "player_name": "Kieran Tierney", "date_of_birth": "1997-06-05", "age": 29, "caps": 55, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Celtic", "club_country": "Scotland", "club_league": "Scottish Premiership", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 53, "club_starts_2025_26": 29, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 6, "club_assists_2025_26": 8, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Scottish Premiership, Scottish Cup, Scottish League Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Regular starter back at Celtic; most productive league season with 6 goals", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kieran_Tierney ; https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/kieran-tierney/31017/", "backstory": "A Celtic academy product and lifelong Hoops fan, Kieran Tierney broke through as a teenager to become one of Scotland's finest left-backs, winning multiple titles before a £25m move to Arsenal in 2019. After injuries and a loan at Real Sociedad, he returned to boyhood club Celtic, where he has enjoyed his most productive attacking season. Versatile across the back line, he is a key figure for Scotland.", "facts": ["Came through the Celtic academy and is a boyhood Celtic fan", "Joined Arsenal for around £25m in 2019", "Had a loan spell at Real Sociedad in Spain"], "data_rating": 88, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 293, "team_id": 12, "fifa_code": "SCO", "team_name": "Scotland", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 7, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "John McGinn", "date_of_birth": "1994-10-18", "age": 31, "caps": 85, "international_goals": 20, "is_captain": false, "club": "Aston Villa", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 44, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 10, "club_assists_2025_26": 4, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup, UEFA Europa League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 563, "career_club_goals": 62, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Aston Villa club captain and Scotland's leading scorer among midfielders; led Villa to 2025-26 Europa League win", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_McGinn ; https://theanalyst.com/players/3816/john-mcginn ; https://www.premierleague.com/ , https://www.livescore.com/ (2025/26 assists)", "backstory": "A St Mirren academy graduate who starred at Hibernian before joining Aston Villa in 2018, John McGinn has become Villa's club captain and a Premier League mainstay. Nicknamed the 'Energiser' by Aston Villa's owners, he is Scotland's leading scorer among midfielders with 20 international goals. He led Villa to the 2025-26 Europa League title and carries Scotland's attacking midfield with relentless drive.", "facts": ["Aston Villa club captain, nicknamed the 'Energiser'", "Scotland's top-scoring midfielder with 20 international goals", "Came through the St Mirren academy"], "data_rating": 84, "fun": ["🔥 Top 5% scorer at the Cup", "🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 294, "team_id": 12, "fifa_code": "SCO", "team_name": "Scotland", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 8, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Tyler Fletcher", "date_of_birth": "2007-03-19", "age": 19, "caps": 1, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Manchester United", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 183, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 2, "club_starts_2025_26": 0, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 2, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Teenage prospect; late call-up replacing injured Billy Gilmour; son of Darren Fletcher; made PL debut Feb 2026", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyler_Fletcher ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/tyler-fletcher/profil/spieler/1049911", "backstory": "A late bolter into the squad, teenager Tyler Fletcher is the son of former Scotland and Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher and twin brother of Jack Fletcher. He made his Premier League debut off the bench against Tottenham in February 2026 and his Scotland debut against Curacao in May 2026. He was called up as a replacement for the injured Billy Gilmour, making him one of the squad's youngest members.", "facts": ["Son of former Scotland captain Darren Fletcher and twin brother of Jack Fletcher", "The twins and their father all played in the English top flight in the same season", "Called up as a late replacement for the injured Billy Gilmour"], "data_rating": 51, "fun": ["🐣 Youngest in the squad (19)", "🌟 Wonderkid", "🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 295, "team_id": 12, "fifa_code": "SCO", "team_name": "Scotland", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 9, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Lyndon Dykes", "date_of_birth": "1995-10-06", "age": 30, "caps": 51, "international_goals": 10, "is_captain": false, "club": "Charlton Athletic", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "EFL Championship", "height_cm": 189, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 20, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "EFL Championship", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 350, "career_club_goals": 63, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Target-man forward; joined Charlton from Birmingham City in Jan 2026 (20 apps, 3 goals for Charlton; 21 apps, 2 goals earlier for Birmingham this season)", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lyndon_Dykes ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/lyndon-dykes/leistungsdaten/spieler/347138", "backstory": "Australian-born to Scottish parents, Lyndon Dykes built his reputation in Scotland with Livingston before earning a move to QPR and later Birmingham City. A powerful target man, he qualified through his heritage and became a reliable scorer for the national team. Now at Charlton Athletic following a January 2026 move, he offers an aerial focal point in attack.", "facts": ["Born in Australia, qualifies for Scotland through his parents", "Made his name in Scottish football with Livingston before moving to QPR"], "data_rating": 66, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 296, "team_id": 12, "fifa_code": "SCO", "team_name": "Scotland", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 10, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Che Adams", "date_of_birth": "1996-07-13", "age": 29, "caps": 46, "international_goals": 11, "is_captain": false, "club": "Torino", "club_country": "Italy", "club_league": "Serie A", "height_cm": 177, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 36, "club_starts_2025_26": 19, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1894, "club_goals_2025_26": 8, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Serie A, Coppa Italia", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 533, "career_club_goals": 138, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Regular starter and key scorer for Torino in Serie A", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ch%C3%A9_Adams ; https://theanalyst.com/players/4876/che-adams", "backstory": "Birmingham-born Che Adams came through non-league and Sheffield United before scaling the leagues with Birmingham City and Southampton, where he became a Premier League regular. He qualified for Scotland through a grandparent and has been a dependable international scorer. Now leading the line for Torino in Serie A, he is a key forward for Steve Clarke's side.", "facts": ["Qualifies for Scotland through his grandparents despite being born in England", "Worked his way up from non-league football with Ilkeston"], "data_rating": 71, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Italy"]}, {"player_id": 297, "team_id": 12, "fifa_code": "SCO", "team_name": "Scotland", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 11, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Ryan Christie", "date_of_birth": "1995-02-22", "age": 31, "caps": 67, "international_goals": 10, "is_captain": false, "club": "AFC Bournemouth", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 27, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 986, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, EFL Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 365, "career_club_goals": 55, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Versatile midfielder, regular for Scotland since 2017", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ryan_Christie ; https://fbref.com/en/players/26ce2263/Ryan-Christie", "backstory": "Son of a footballer and grandson of Scotland international Charlie Christie, Inverness-born Ryan Christie came through Inverness Caledonian Thistle before a move to Celtic brought titles and trophies. He later joined Bournemouth, helping them establish themselves in the Premier League. A versatile, hard-running midfielder, he has been a Scotland regular since 2017.", "facts": ["Came through Inverness Caledonian Thistle, the club managed by his father", "Won multiple trophies during his spell at Celtic"], "data_rating": 68, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 298, "team_id": 12, "fifa_code": "SCO", "team_name": "Scotland", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 12, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Liam Kelly", "date_of_birth": "1996-01-23", "age": 30, "caps": 3, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Rangers", "club_country": "Scotland", "club_league": "Scottish Premiership", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 800000, "club_apps_2025_26": 3, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Scottish Cup, Scottish League Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 243, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Third-choice goalkeeper; backup at Rangers", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liam_Kelly_(footballer,_born_1996) ; https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/liam-kelly/profil/spieler/208772", "backstory": "A Rangers academy product, goalkeeper Liam Kelly built his career with clubs including Livingston, QPR and Motherwell before returning to boyhood club Rangers. A dependable shot-stopper, he serves as a backup keeper at club and international level. He provides experienced cover as Scotland's third-choice goalkeeper.", "facts": ["Came through the Rangers academy before returning to the club later in his career"], "data_rating": 57, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 299, "team_id": 12, "fifa_code": "SCO", "team_name": "Scotland", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 13, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Jack Hendry", "date_of_birth": "1995-05-07", "age": 31, "caps": 37, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al-Ettifaq", "club_country": "Saudi Arabia", "club_league": "Saudi Pro League", "height_cm": 189, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 31, "club_starts_2025_26": 26, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Saudi Pro League, King's Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 208, "career_club_goals": 5, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Centre-back regular for Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Hendry_(footballer,_born_1995) ; https://www.espn.co.uk/football/player/stats/_/id/207454/jack-hendry", "backstory": "Jack Hendry began at Partick Thistle and MK Dons before a move to Celtic, then took an unusual path through Belgium with Oostende and Club Brugge and Italy with Cremonese. A ball-playing centre-back, he later moved to the Saudi Pro League with Al-Ettifaq, where he is a defensive regular. He adds height and composure to Scotland's defensive options.", "facts": ["Has played club football in Scotland, Belgium, Italy and Saudi Arabia", "Scored a memorable long-range goal for Scotland against the Netherlands at Euro 2020"], "data_rating": 72, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Saudi Arabia"]}, {"player_id": 300, "team_id": 12, "fifa_code": "SCO", "team_name": "Scotland", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 14, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Ross Stewart", "date_of_birth": "1996-07-11", "age": 29, "caps": 2, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Southampton", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "EFL Championship", "height_cm": 188, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 33, "club_starts_2025_26": 11, "club_minutes_2025_26": 980, "club_goals_2025_26": 11, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": 2, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "EFL Championship, FA Cup, EFL Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 220, "career_club_goals": 76, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Recalled after four-year absence following strong scoring form at Southampton", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ross_Stewart_(footballer,_born_1996) ; https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/ross-stewart/leistungsdaten/spieler/447995", "backstory": "A late developer who came through Scottish football, Ross Stewart made his name as a prolific striker at Sunderland, earning the nickname 'The Loch Ness Drogba'. Injuries disrupted his momentum after a move to Southampton, but a strong scoring run earned him a Scotland recall after a four-year absence. The big striker offers a goal threat in reserve.", "facts": ["Nicknamed 'The Loch Ness Drogba' during his prolific spell at Sunderland", "Recalled by Scotland after a four-year international absence"], "data_rating": 63, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 301, "team_id": 12, "fifa_code": "SCO", "team_name": "Scotland", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 15, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "John Souttar", "date_of_birth": "1996-09-25", "age": 29, "caps": 23, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Rangers", "club_country": "Scotland", "club_league": "Scottish Premiership", "height_cm": 187, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 38, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": 7, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Scottish Premiership, Scottish Cup, Scottish League Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 366, "career_club_goals": 12, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Rangers centre-back", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Souttar ; https://footystats.org/players/scotland/john-souttar", "backstory": "A Dundee United academy graduate, John Souttar emerged young as a centre-back before injuries hampered his early career. He rebuilt at Hearts and earned a move to Rangers, where he has become a defensive mainstay. Composed on the ball, he is a regular option at the back for Scotland.", "facts": ["Came through the Dundee United academy as a teenager", "Older brother Harry Souttar is also a professional centre-back"], "data_rating": 72, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 302, "team_id": 12, "fifa_code": "SCO", "team_name": "Scotland", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 16, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Dominic Hyam", "date_of_birth": "1995-12-20", "age": 30, "caps": 3, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Wrexham", "club_country": "Wales", "club_league": "EFL Championship", "height_cm": 188, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 43, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 3950, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 4, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "EFL Championship, FA Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 391, "career_club_goals": 15, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Reliable centre-back at Wrexham; caps corrected from 37 to 3 (Scotland senior caps)", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dominic_Hyam ; https://www.sofascore.com/football/player/dominic-hyam/802719", "backstory": "England-born Dominic Hyam came through Reading's academy and established himself as a dependable centre-back with Coventry City, helping them to promotion, before joining Blackburn Rovers and later Wrexham. He qualifies for Scotland through family heritage and has earned senior caps in recent years. A reliable, durable defender, he adds depth to the back line.", "facts": ["An ever-present at Wrexham, logging nearly 4,000 minutes in 2025-26", "Came through the Reading academy"], "data_rating": 72, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Wales"]}, {"player_id": 303, "team_id": 12, "fifa_code": "SCO", "team_name": "Scotland", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 17, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "RW", "player_name": "Ben Gannon-Doak", "date_of_birth": "2005-11-11", "age": 20, "caps": 13, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "AFC Bournemouth", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 175, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 9, "club_starts_2025_26": 0, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, EFL Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 45, "career_club_goals": 3, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Young winger, former Liverpool prospect; caps corrected from 3 to 13", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ben_Gannon-Doak ; https://www.premierleague.com/en/players/496208/ben-gannon-doak/stats", "backstory": "A precocious winger from Ayrshire, Ben Gannon-Doak began with Dalry Rovers and Ayr United before joining Celtic, becoming the club's second-youngest debutant at 16. He moved to Liverpool, where he became the youngest Scot to play in the Premier League, then earned moves via a Middlesbrough loan to Bournemouth for around £20m in 2025. A direct, pacy attacker, he is one of Scotland's brightest young talents.", "facts": ["Became the youngest Scottish player to appear in the Premier League", "Was Celtic's second-youngest ever debutant at 16", "Joined Bournemouth for an initial £20m in 2025"], "data_rating": 58, "fun": ["🌟 Wonderkid", "🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 304, "team_id": 12, "fifa_code": "SCO", "team_name": "Scotland", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 18, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "George Hirst", "date_of_birth": "1999-02-15", "age": 27, "caps": 9, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Ipswich Town", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "EFL Championship", "height_cm": 191, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 44, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2106, "club_goals_2025_26": 11, "club_assists_2025_26": 3, "club_yellow_2025_26": 6, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "EFL Championship, FA Cup, EFL Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 248, "career_club_goals": 52, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Striker at Ipswich Town; switched from England youth; caps corrected from 8 to 9", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Hirst_(footballer) ; https://fbref.com/en/players/78e87179/George-Hirst", "backstory": "Son of former Sheffield Wednesday striker David Hirst, George Hirst came through Wednesday's academy before spells abroad at Leuven and across the EFL with Leicester, Rotherham, Portsmouth and Blackburn. He found his goalscoring touch at Ipswich Town and switched international allegiance from England to Scotland in 2025 via his grandfather. A tall, physical striker, he adds a different dimension up front.", "facts": ["Son of former Sheffield Wednesday striker David Hirst", "Capped by England at youth level before switching to Scotland in 2025"], "data_rating": 68, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 305, "team_id": 12, "fifa_code": "SCO", "team_name": "Scotland", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 19, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Lewis Ferguson", "date_of_birth": "1999-08-24", "age": 26, "caps": 23, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Bologna", "club_country": "Italy", "club_league": "Serie A", "height_cm": 179, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 45, "club_starts_2025_26": 17, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1596, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Serie A, Coppa Italia, UEFA Europa League, Supercoppa Italiana", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 251, "career_club_goals": 42, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Bologna club captain; played a full season after returning from injury; scored first Scotland goal vs Greece", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lewis_Ferguson ; https://fbref.com/en/players/ee64a822/Lewis-Ferguson", "backstory": "From a footballing family, Lewis Ferguson came through Hamilton Academical and Aberdeen before a move to Bologna in Italy. He has become the club's captain, helping Bologna qualify for and compete in Europe. A combative, goal-scoring midfielder, he scored his first Scotland goal against Greece and returned from a serious injury to anchor his country's midfield.", "facts": ["Bologna club captain", "Comes from a footballing family with relatives who played the professional game", "Scored his first Scotland goal against Greece"], "data_rating": 63, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Italy"]}, {"player_id": 306, "team_id": 12, "fifa_code": "SCO", "team_name": "Scotland", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 20, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Lawrence Shankland", "date_of_birth": "1995-08-10", "age": 30, "caps": 19, "international_goals": 6, "is_captain": false, "club": "Heart of Midlothian", "club_country": "Scotland", "club_league": "Scottish Premiership", "height_cm": 183, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 34, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 20, "club_assists_2025_26": 3, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Scottish Premiership, Scottish Cup, Scottish League Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": 191, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Hearts captain and prolific scorer, 20 goals this season; signed for Rangers at season's end", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lawrence_Shankland ; https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/lawrence-shankland/leistungsdaten/spieler/225744", "backstory": "A journeyman striker who scored prolifically across the Scottish and English lower leagues, Lawrence Shankland made his name at Ayr United and Dundee United before joining Hearts, where he became captain and one of the country's most reliable goalscorers. He plundered 20 goals in 2025-26 and agreed a move to Rangers for the season's end. A natural finisher, he leads Scotland's striking options.", "facts": ["Hearts captain and one of Scottish football's most prolific recent scorers", "Signed for Rangers at the end of the 2025-26 season"], "data_rating": 75, "fun": ["🎯 20 club goals in 2025/26"]}, {"player_id": 307, "team_id": 12, "fifa_code": "SCO", "team_name": "Scotland", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 21, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Craig Gordon", "date_of_birth": "1982-12-31", "age": 43, "caps": 84, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Heart of Midlothian", "club_country": "Scotland", "club_league": "Scottish Premiership", "height_cm": 193, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 3, "club_starts_2025_26": 2, "club_minutes_2025_26": 225, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 2, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": 2, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Scottish Premiership", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 502, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Veteran tipped to start despite injury-hit season; set to be among oldest WC players ever; caps updated to 84", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Craig_Gordon ; https://footystats.org/players/scotland/craig-gordon", "backstory": "A genuine Scottish goalkeeping great, Craig Gordon broke through at Hearts and became the most expensive British goalkeeper when Sunderland paid £9m in 2007. After serious injury threatened to end his career, he reinvented himself at Celtic, winning numerous trophies, before returning to Hearts. At 43 he has become the oldest player ever to represent Scotland and is set to be among the oldest players at a World Cup.", "facts": ["Was a British record £9m signing as a goalkeeper when Sunderland bought him in 2007", "The oldest footballer ever to play for Scotland", "His 2010 stop against Bolton was voted the best save in Premier League history"], "data_rating": 68, "fun": ["🧓 Veteran presence"]}, {"player_id": 308, "team_id": 12, "fifa_code": "SCO", "team_name": "Scotland", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 22, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "RB", "player_name": "Nathan Patterson", "date_of_birth": "2001-10-16", "age": 24, "caps": 26, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Everton", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 184, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 8, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, FA Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 100, "career_club_goals": 2, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Right-back, limited Premier League minutes at Everton; intl goals corrected from 0 to 1", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nathan_Patterson_(footballer) ; https://www.premierleague.com/en/players/243571/nathan-patterson/stats", "backstory": "A Rangers academy graduate, Nathan Patterson emerged as an attacking right-back and earned a club-record fee for a Scottish teenager when Everton signed him in 2022. Injuries and competition have limited his Premier League minutes, but his pace and energy make him a valuable option. He provides attacking thrust from full-back for Scotland.", "facts": ["Joined Everton from Rangers in a deal worth a record fee for a Scottish teenager", "Came through the Rangers academy"], "data_rating": 62, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 309, "team_id": 12, "fifa_code": "SCO", "team_name": "Scotland", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 23, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Kenny McLean", "date_of_birth": "1992-01-08", "age": 34, "caps": 57, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "Norwich City", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "EFL Championship", "height_cm": 183, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 45, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "EFL Championship, FA Cup, EFL Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 643, "career_club_goals": 65, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Norwich captain; scored qualification-clinching halfway-line goal vs Denmark; caps updated to 57", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenny_McLean ; https://fbref.com/en/players/471f16b3/Kenny-McLean", "backstory": "A St Mirren academy product, Kenny McLean built his career with St Mirren and Aberdeen before joining Norwich City, where he became club captain and a promotion winner. The midfielder etched his name into Scottish football folklore by scoring an audacious goal from inside his own half against Denmark with the final kick to seal World Cup qualification. A composed, experienced operator, he is a key squad figure.", "facts": ["Scored from the halfway line against Denmark to clinch Scotland's World Cup place", "Norwich City captain"], "data_rating": 73, "fun": ["🧓 Veteran presence", "🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 310, "team_id": 12, "fifa_code": "SCO", "team_name": "Scotland", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 24, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "RB", "player_name": "Anthony Ralston", "date_of_birth": "1998-11-29", "age": 27, "caps": 25, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Celtic", "club_country": "Scotland", "club_league": "Scottish Premiership", "height_cm": 182, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 35, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Scottish Premiership, Scottish Cup, Scottish League Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 154, "career_club_goals": 9, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Utility full-back at Celtic", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Ralston ; https://fbref.com/en/players/56208b05/Anthony-Ralston", "backstory": "A Celtic academy graduate, Anthony Ralston came through the youth ranks and, after loan spells, established himself as a dependable full-back at his boyhood club, winning multiple trophies. Versatile and reliable, he can cover both flanks. He offers experienced defensive depth in the Scotland squad.", "facts": ["Came through the Celtic academy and is a boyhood Celtic fan"], "data_rating": 71, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 311, "team_id": 12, "fifa_code": "SCO", "team_name": "Scotland", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 25, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Findlay Curtis", "date_of_birth": "2006-06-09", "age": 20, "caps": 2, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Kilmarnock", "club_country": "Scotland", "club_league": "Scottish Premiership", "height_cm": 180, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 14, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 5, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Scottish Premiership (loan from Rangers; also 21 apps/3 goals for Rangers earlier this season)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Teenager on loan at Kilmarnock from Rangers; scored 5 in 14 league games; caps corrected to 2, DOB/height filled", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Findlay_Curtis ; https://kilmarnockfc.co.uk/news/findlay-curtis-joins-on-loan-until-end-of-season/", "backstory": "A Rangers academy product from the Stirling area, teenage attacker Findlay Curtis joined the club at age six and made his first-team debut in the 2025 Scottish Cup. A loan to Kilmarnock in early 2026 brought regular football and five goals in 14 league games, helping Killie avoid relegation. His form earned a senior Scotland debut and a place in the World Cup squad as one of the team's youngest players.", "facts": ["Joined the Rangers academy at age six", "Scored five goals in 14 games during a Kilmarnock loan as a teenager"], "data_rating": 60, "fun": ["⚡ 0.5 goals per cap", "🌟 Wonderkid"]}, {"player_id": 312, "team_id": 12, "fifa_code": "SCO", "team_name": "Scotland", "group_letter": "C", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 26, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Scott McKenna", "date_of_birth": "1996-11-12", "age": 29, "caps": 50, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Dinamo Zagreb", "club_country": "Croatia", "club_league": "HNL", "height_cm": 188, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 42, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2627, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": 3, "club_yellow_2025_26": 3, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "HNL, Croatian Cup, UEFA Europa League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 343, "career_club_goals": 11, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Centre-back; won Croatian league and cup double with Dinamo Zagreb this season; caps updated to 50, intl goals to 1", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scott_McKenna ; https://www.sofascore.com/football/player/scott-mckenna/358108", "backstory": "A Highlander who came through Aberdeen's academy, Scott McKenna established himself as a commanding centre-back before a move to Nottingham Forest, with a later spell at Copenhagen. Now at Dinamo Zagreb, he won the Croatian league and cup double in 2025-26. Strong in the air and on the ball, the left-footed defender is an experienced presence in Scotland's defence.", "facts": ["Came through the Aberdeen academy", "Won the Croatian league and cup double with Dinamo Zagreb in 2025-26"], "data_rating": 76, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Croatia"]}, {"player_id": 313, "team_id": 13, "fifa_code": "USA", "team_name": "USA", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 1, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Matt Turner", "date_of_birth": "1994-06-24", "age": 31, "caps": 54, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "New England Revolution", "club_country": "USA", "club_league": "Major League Soccer", "height_cm": 191, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 14, "club_starts_2025_26": 14, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 3, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Major League Soccer", "team_wins_2025_26": 8, "team_draws_2025_26": 1, "team_losses_2025_26": 5, "career_club_apps": 193, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "First-choice goalkeeper", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matt_Turner_(soccer) ; https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/players/matt-turner/", "backstory": "A genuine late bloomer, Matt Turner grew up in Park Ridge, New Jersey and didn't take up soccer until he was 14, drifting into goalkeeping almost by accident. He went undrafted out of Fairfield University before earning a New England Revolution contract on trial, then exploded into the 2021 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year and a move to Arsenal, with later spells at Nottingham Forest and a loan to Crystal Palace. Back in MLS with New England, the experienced shot-stopper arrives at a home World Cup as a veteran presence in the USMNT goalkeeping picture.", "facts": ["Did not start playing soccer until age 14, using it to stay fit for basketball and baseball", "Went undrafted in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft before earning a contract on trial", "Won the 2021 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year award, a first for the Revolution"], "data_rating": 69, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 314, "team_id": 13, "fifa_code": "USA", "team_name": "USA", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 2, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "RB", "player_name": "Sergiño Dest", "date_of_birth": "2000-11-03", "age": 25, "caps": 39, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "PSV Eindhoven", "club_country": "Netherlands", "club_league": "Eredivisie", "height_cm": 173, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 38, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Eredivisie, KNVB Cup, UEFA Champions League, Johan Cruyff Shield", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 159, "career_club_goals": 6, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Attacking right-back", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sergi%C3%B1o_Dest", "backstory": "Born in Almere, Netherlands to a Surinamese-American father and Dutch mother, Sergiño Dest came up through the famed Ajax academy before committing his international future to the United States in 2019. A €21 million move to Barcelona made him the first American to feature for the Catalans in La Liga, the Champions League and El Clásico, followed by loans to AC Milan and PSV, where he signed permanently. An adventurous, technical attacking right-back, he returns from a serious ACL injury to bring overlapping threat down the flank for the USMNT.", "facts": ["Came through the Ajax academy and was named Ajax Talent of the Year in 2020", "First American to play for Barcelona in La Liga, the Champions League and El Clásico", "Chose the United States over the Netherlands at senior level"], "data_rating": 75, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Netherlands"]}, {"player_id": 315, "team_id": 13, "fifa_code": "USA", "team_name": "USA", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 3, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Chris Richards", "date_of_birth": "2000-03-28", "age": 26, "caps": 36, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "Crystal Palace", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 50, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup, UEFA Conference League, FA Community Shield", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 165, "career_club_goals": 8, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Regular starting centre-back", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Richards_(soccer)", "backstory": "Chris Richards grew up in Hoover, Alabama and was initially cut from an FC Dallas trial before earning his place and catching Bayern Munich's eye. He moved to Bayern in 2019, gained experience on loan at Hoffenheim, then joined Crystal Palace in 2022, where he became a key centre-back in the club's historic 2024-25 FA Cup triumph. Named 2025 U.S. Soccer Player of the Year, the commanding, ball-playing defender anchors the USMNT backline at the home World Cup.", "facts": ["Helped Crystal Palace win the 2024-25 FA Cup, the club's first major trophy", "Named 2025 U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year", "Was initially cut from an FC Dallas academy trial before making it"], "data_rating": 79, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 316, "team_id": 13, "fifa_code": "USA", "team_name": "USA", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 4, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CDM", "player_name": "Tyler Adams", "date_of_birth": "1999-02-14", "age": 27, "caps": 54, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "AFC Bournemouth", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 175, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 26, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, EFL Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 310, "career_club_goals": 7, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Defensive midfield anchor", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyler_Adams", "backstory": "Tyler Adams grew up in Wappingers Falls, New York and rose through the New York Red Bulls academy before joining RB Leipzig, where he won the DFB-Pokal, then moving to the Premier League with Leeds United and now Bournemouth. As captain at the 2022 World Cup he became the youngest American to wear the armband at the tournament since 1950, marshalling the midfield against England and others. A relentless, all-action defensive midfielder, he is the engine and heartbeat of Pochettino's side.", "facts": ["Was the youngest captain at the 2022 World Cup", "Won the DFB-Pokal with RB Leipzig", "2022 U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year"], "data_rating": 68, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 317, "team_id": 13, "fifa_code": "USA", "team_name": "USA", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 5, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "LB", "player_name": "Antonee Robinson", "date_of_birth": "1997-08-08", "age": 28, "caps": 54, "international_goals": 5, "is_captain": false, "club": "Fulham", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 183, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 26, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 317, "career_club_goals": 5, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "First-choice left-back", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antonee_Robinson", "backstory": "Born in Milton Keynes, England and raised near Liverpool, Antonee 'Jedi' Robinson came through Everton's academy and qualified for the USMNT through his American father. After loans at Bolton and Wigan, he joined Fulham in 2020 and developed into one of the Premier League's most explosive attacking full-backs, racking up a defender-leading assist tally in 2024-25. Blessed with blistering pace, he is the USMNT's first-choice left-back.", "facts": ["Born in England and represents the USA through his American father", "Nicknamed 'Jedi' after his childhood love of Star Wars", "Led all Premier League defenders in assists during the 2024-25 season"], "data_rating": 72, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 318, "team_id": 13, "fifa_code": "USA", "team_name": "USA", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 6, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Auston Trusty", "date_of_birth": "1998-08-12", "age": 27, "caps": 7, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Celtic", "club_country": "Scotland", "club_league": "Scottish Premiership", "height_cm": 188, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 32, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Scottish Premiership, Scottish Cup, Scottish League Cup, UEFA Europa League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 275, "career_club_goals": 8, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Left-sided centre-back", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auston_Trusty", "backstory": "Auston Trusty grew up in Media, Pennsylvania, the youngest of six soccer-playing siblings, and rose through the Philadelphia Union academy as a homegrown player. After a spell with the Colorado Rapids he moved to Arsenal in 2022, impressed on loan at Birmingham City, then played for Sheffield United before joining Celtic, where he has won Scottish silverware. A left-footed, physical centre-back, he gives the USMNT a composed option on the left side of defence.", "facts": ["One of six soccer-playing siblings", "Came through the Philadelphia Union academy", "Has won the Scottish Premiership and League Cup with Celtic"], "data_rating": 67, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Scotland"]}, {"player_id": 319, "team_id": 13, "fifa_code": "USA", "team_name": "USA", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 7, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CAM", "player_name": "Gio Reyna", "date_of_birth": "2002-11-13", "age": 23, "caps": 37, "international_goals": 9, "is_captain": false, "club": "Borussia Mönchengladbach", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 19, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 133, "career_club_goals": 16, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Attacking midfielder", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gio_Reyna", "backstory": "Giovanni Reyna was born in Sunderland, England while his father, USMNT great Claudio Reyna, played there; his mother Danielle also represented the U.S. women's team. After the family settled in New York and he passed through the NYCFC academy, he joined Borussia Dortmund and became the youngest American ever to appear in the Bundesliga. Injuries have interrupted his rise, with a loan at Nottingham Forest and a move to Mönchengladbach, but the silky, creative attacking midfielder brings rare flair and vision when fit.", "facts": ["Son of USMNT legend Claudio Reyna; his mother Danielle played for the USWNT", "Was the youngest American ever to play in the Bundesliga", "Named after his father's former teammate Giovanni van Bronckhorst"], "data_rating": 66, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Germany"]}, {"player_id": 320, "team_id": 13, "fifa_code": "USA", "team_name": "USA", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 8, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Weston McKennie", "date_of_birth": "1998-08-28", "age": 27, "caps": 66, "international_goals": 12, "is_captain": false, "club": "Juventus", "club_country": "Italy", "club_league": "Serie A", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 48, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 9, "club_assists_2025_26": 8, "club_yellow_2025_26": 6, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Serie A, Coppa Italia, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 266, "career_club_goals": 20, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Box-to-box midfielder", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weston_McKennie ; https://www.sportbusy.com/players/soccer/256715/", "backstory": "Weston McKennie hails from Little Elm, Texas but spent part of his childhood in Kaiserslautern, Germany as part of a military family, where he first fell in love with the game. He came through the FC Dallas academy, broke through at Schalke, and has built a trophy-laden career at Juventus as a versatile box-to-box midfielder. Energetic and physical with a knack for goals, the self-described Swiss Army knife is a central figure in the USMNT engine room.", "facts": ["Lived in Germany as a child due to his father's Air Force service", "A devoted Harry Potter fan with a lightning-bolt tattoo and a wand-waving celebration", "Scored the fastest hat-trick in USMNT history, three goals in 13 minutes against Cuba in 2019"], "data_rating": 84, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Italy"]}, {"player_id": 321, "team_id": 13, "fifa_code": "USA", "team_name": "USA", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 9, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Ricardo Pepi", "date_of_birth": "2003-01-09", "age": 23, "caps": 36, "international_goals": 13, "is_captain": false, "club": "PSV Eindhoven", "club_country": "Netherlands", "club_league": "Eredivisie", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 34, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 19, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Eredivisie, KNVB Cup, UEFA Champions League, Johan Cruyff Shield", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 185, "career_club_goals": 71, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Centre-forward", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ricardo_Pepi", "backstory": "Ricardo Pepi grew up in El Paso, Texas to Mexican-American parents and chose the United States over Mexico, breaking through at FC Dallas as the 2021 MLS Young Player of the Year. After a big move to Augsburg and a confidence-rebuilding loan at Groningen, he joined PSV Eindhoven, where he has won multiple Eredivisie titles and rediscovered his prolific scoring touch. A sharp, instinctive centre-forward, he is a key goalscoring option for the USMNT at the home World Cup.", "facts": ["Chose to represent the USA over Mexico", "Was the youngest player to score a hat-trick in MLS history", "Has won multiple Eredivisie titles with PSV Eindhoven"], "data_rating": 77, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Netherlands", "🎯 19 club goals in 2025/26"]}, {"player_id": 322, "team_id": 13, "fifa_code": "USA", "team_name": "USA", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 10, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "LW", "player_name": "Christian Pulisic", "date_of_birth": "1998-09-18", "age": 27, "caps": 85, "international_goals": 33, "is_captain": false, "club": "AC Milan", "club_country": "Italy", "club_league": "Serie A", "height_cm": 177, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 40000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 34, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 10, "club_assists_2025_26": 4, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Serie A, Coppa Italia, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 406, "career_club_goals": 87, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Star winger, leading scorer", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_Pulisic ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/christian-pulisic/leistungsdaten/spieler/315779", "backstory": "Christian Pulisic grew up in Hershey, Pennsylvania and, armed with a Croatian passport through his grandfather, joined Borussia Dortmund as a teenager to become a Bundesliga sensation. A then-record £57.6 million move took him to Chelsea, where in 2021 he became the first American to play in a Champions League final and lift the trophy, before moving to AC Milan. The all-time leading scorer for the USMNT and the face of American soccer, 'Captain America' is the team's talisman on home soil.", "facts": ["Nicknamed 'Captain America' and was the youngest-ever USMNT captain at 20", "First American to play in and win a UEFA Champions League final", "The USMNT's all-time leading goalscorer"], "data_rating": 77, "fun": ["🔥 Top 3% scorer at the Cup", "🎖️ Most-capped in the squad (85)", "💎 Most valuable in the squad", "🌍 Plays abroad · Italy"]}, {"player_id": 323, "team_id": 13, "fifa_code": "USA", "team_name": "USA", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 11, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CAM", "player_name": "Brenden Aaronson", "date_of_birth": "2000-10-22", "age": 25, "caps": 57, "international_goals": 9, "is_captain": false, "club": "Leeds United", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 42, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 4, "club_assists_2025_26": 5, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 267, "career_club_goals": 33, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Attacking midfielder/winger", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brenden_Aaronson ; https://www.premierleague.com/ , https://www.livescore.com/ (2025/26 assists)", "backstory": "Brenden Aaronson grew up in Medford, New Jersey and came through the Philadelphia Union academy, where his flair earned him the nickname 'Medford Messi.' A record homegrown transfer took him to RB Salzburg, then Leeds United, with a loan at Union Berlin in between; he helped Leeds win promotion back to the Premier League in 2025. A high-energy, pressing attacking midfielder, he offers tireless running and goal threat from midfield.", "facts": ["Nicknamed 'Medford Messi' after his New Jersey hometown", "His younger brother Paxten is also a professional footballer", "His move to Salzburg was a record fee for an American homegrown player at the time"], "data_rating": 78, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 324, "team_id": 13, "fifa_code": "USA", "team_name": "USA", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 12, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Miles Robinson", "date_of_birth": "1997-03-14", "age": 29, "caps": 40, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "FC Cincinnati", "club_country": "USA", "club_league": "Major League Soccer", "height_cm": 188, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 36, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Major League Soccer, MLS Cup Playoffs, CONCACAF Champions Cup, Leagues Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 209, "career_club_goals": 7, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Regular starting centre-back", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miles_Robinson_(soccer)", "backstory": "Miles Robinson grew up in Arlington, Massachusetts and played college soccer at Syracuse, where he was named ACC Defensive Player of the Year before going second overall to Atlanta United in 2017. He won the 2018 MLS Cup and scored the extra-time winner in the 2021 Gold Cup final against Mexico, but a ruptured Achilles cost him the 2022 World Cup. Now a rock at FC Cincinnati, the athletic centre-back brings aerial dominance and big-game pedigree to the squad.", "facts": ["Scored the extra-time winner in the 2021 Gold Cup final against Mexico", "Won the 2018 MLS Cup with Atlanta United", "Tore his Achilles in 2022, which kept him out of that year's World Cup"], "data_rating": 74, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 325, "team_id": 13, "fifa_code": "USA", "team_name": "USA", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 13, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Tim Ream", "date_of_birth": "1987-10-05", "age": 38, "caps": 82, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": true, "club": "Charlotte FC", "club_country": "USA", "club_league": "Major League Soccer", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 34, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Major League Soccer, U.S. Open Cup, MLS Cup Playoffs", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 559, "career_club_goals": 7, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Veteran captain, experienced centre-back", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_Ream", "backstory": "A St. Louis native who starred at Saint Louis University, Tim Ream was drafted by the New York Red Bulls in 2010 and won Defender of the Year as a rookie before crossing to England with Bolton and then Fulham. He became a fixture at Fulham across nearly a decade, making 300 consecutive appearances, before returning home to Charlotte FC. At 38 the veteran left-footer wears the captain's armband, providing leadership and calm at his country's home World Cup.", "facts": ["Captain of the USMNT at the 2026 World Cup at age 38", "Made 300 consecutive appearances for Fulham", "Postponed his honeymoon to complete his 2012 transfer to Bolton"], "data_rating": 75, "fun": ["🧓 Veteran presence", "©️ Captain"]}, {"player_id": 326, "team_id": 13, "fifa_code": "USA", "team_name": "USA", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 14, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Sebastian Berhalter", "date_of_birth": "2001-06-30", "age": 24, "caps": 12, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Vancouver Whitecaps", "club_country": "Canada", "club_league": "Major League Soccer", "height_cm": 180, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 47, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 8, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Major League Soccer, MLS Cup Playoffs, Canadian Championship, CONCACAF Champions Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 195, "career_club_goals": 20, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Central midfielder", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sebastian_Berhalter", "backstory": "Sebastian Berhalter is the son of former USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter and grew up immersed in the game, even playing youth football for Hammarby in Sweden while his father coached there. After the Columbus Crew academy, a college year at North Carolina and a loan at Austin FC, he found his form with the Vancouver Whitecaps, blossoming into an MLS All-Star and Best XI playmaker. A dependable, creative central midfielder, he provides depth and set-piece quality to the squad.", "facts": ["Son of former USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter", "Played youth football for Sweden's Hammarby IF as a child", "Named to the 2025 MLS All-Star Game and Best XI"], "data_rating": 72, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Canada"]}, {"player_id": 327, "team_id": 13, "fifa_code": "USA", "team_name": "USA", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 15, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Cristian Roldan", "date_of_birth": "1995-06-03", "age": 31, "caps": 46, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Seattle Sounders", "club_country": "USA", "club_league": "Major League Soccer", "height_cm": 173, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 46, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Major League Soccer, MLS Cup Playoffs, CONCACAF Champions Cup, FIFA Club World Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 320, "career_club_goals": 41, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Experienced midfielder", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cristian_Roldan", "backstory": "Cristian Roldan grew up in Pico Rivera, California with Salvadoran and Guatemalan heritage, winning the 2013 Gatorade National Player of the Year before starring at the University of Washington. Drafted by Seattle Sounders in 2015, he has been a one-club loyalist, becoming captain and helping the Sounders to MLS Cup glory. A tireless, two-way midfielder, the two-time Gold Cup winner offers experience and work rate off the bench.", "facts": ["Has spent his entire MLS career with the Seattle Sounders", "His brother Alex also plays for the Sounders and represents El Salvador", "Was picked from 110 kids for an Adidas commercial as a nine-year-old for his juggling skills"], "data_rating": 71, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 328, "team_id": 13, "fifa_code": "USA", "team_name": "USA", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 16, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "RB", "player_name": "Alex Freeman", "date_of_birth": "2004-08-20", "age": 21, "caps": 15, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Villarreal", "club_country": "Spain", "club_league": "La Liga", "height_cm": 183, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 13, "club_starts_2025_26": 3, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "La Liga", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Emerging right-back", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Freeman ; https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/248276/alex-freeman", "backstory": "Alex Freeman is the son of former NFL wide receiver and Super Bowl champion Antonio Freeman, but chose soccer over football, rising through the Orlando City academy in Florida. He broke into Orlando's first team and earned his USMNT debut in 2025, featuring at that summer's Gold Cup, before a January 2026 move to La Liga side Villarreal for a reported club-record homegrown fee. An energetic, attacking right-back, he is one of the team's brightest young talents at the home World Cup.", "facts": ["Son of Super Bowl XXXI champion NFL receiver Antonio Freeman", "Became the youngest player selected to the MLS All-Star Game in 2025", "Joined Villarreal in 2026 for a reported club-record homegrown transfer fee"], "data_rating": 62, "fun": ["🐣 Youngest in the squad (21)", "🌍 Plays abroad · Spain"]}, {"player_id": 329, "team_id": 13, "fifa_code": "USA", "team_name": "USA", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 17, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CAM", "player_name": "Malik Tillman", "date_of_birth": "2002-05-28", "age": 24, "caps": 29, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "Bayer Leverkusen", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 187, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 41, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 8, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 141, "career_club_goals": 46, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Attacking midfielder", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malik_Tillman", "backstory": "Born in Nuremberg, Germany, Malik Tillman came through the Bayern Munich academy and switched his international allegiance to the United States in 2022 through his American father. A standout loan at Rangers earned him PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year, after which he won back-to-back Eredivisie titles at PSV before a big-money move to Bayer Leverkusen. A tall, technically gifted attacking midfielder, he adds goals and guile to the USMNT's creative ranks.", "facts": ["Came through the Bayern Munich academy before choosing the USA", "Won PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year during his Rangers loan", "His older brother Timothy is also a professional footballer"], "data_rating": 74, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Germany"]}, {"player_id": 330, "team_id": 13, "fifa_code": "USA", "team_name": "USA", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 18, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "LB", "player_name": "Max Arfsten", "date_of_birth": "2000-09-25", "age": 25, "caps": 19, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Columbus Crew", "club_country": "USA", "club_league": "Major League Soccer", "height_cm": 180, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 29, "club_starts_2025_26": 29, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 4, "club_assists_2025_26": 6, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Major League Soccer (regular season; also 3 playoff apps, Leagues Cup)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 84, "career_club_goals": 13, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Left wing-back option", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Max_Arfsten ; https://www.columbuscrew.com/players/maximilian-arfsten/", "backstory": "Max Arfsten grew up in Fresno, California and starred at UC Davis, where he was Big West Offensive Player of the Year, before Columbus Crew took him in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft. He scored on his MLS debut, won the 2023 MLS Cup and the 2024 Leagues Cup, and converted to a dynamic left wing-back. Called up in 2025, he scored his first international goal at that summer's Gold Cup, earning a place as an attacking option down the left.", "facts": ["Two-footed and cites Neymar as his inspiration", "Won the 2023 MLS Cup and 2024 Leagues Cup with Columbus Crew", "Scored his first USMNT goal at the 2025 Gold Cup"], "data_rating": 74, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 331, "team_id": 13, "fifa_code": "USA", "team_name": "USA", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 19, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Haji Wright", "date_of_birth": "1998-03-27", "age": 28, "caps": 20, "international_goals": 7, "is_captain": false, "club": "Coventry City", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Championship", "height_cm": 191, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 43, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 18, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "EFL Championship, FA Cup, EFL Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 296, "career_club_goals": 110, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Target forward", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haji_Wright", "backstory": "Haji Wright grew up in Los Angeles and took an unusual, well-traveled path through Europe, with the Schalke academy followed by spells in Germany, Denmark and a breakout in Turkey at Antalyaspor. He joined Coventry City in 2023 and has been a prolific target forward in England, and he memorably scored at the 2022 World Cup against the Netherlands. A big, mobile striker, he offers a different physical profile up front for the USMNT.", "facts": ["Scored at the 2022 World Cup against the Netherlands", "His cousin Joseph Addai won Super Bowl XLI with the Indianapolis Colts", "Scored dramatic late goals in Coventry's run to the 2023-24 FA Cup semifinal"], "data_rating": 75, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England", "🎯 18 club goals in 2025/26"]}, {"player_id": 332, "team_id": 13, "fifa_code": "USA", "team_name": "USA", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 20, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Folarin Balogun", "date_of_birth": "2001-07-03", "age": 24, "caps": 26, "international_goals": 9, "is_captain": false, "club": "Monaco", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Ligue 1", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 43, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 19, "club_assists_2025_26": 4, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue 1, Coupe de France, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 166, "career_club_goals": 61, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Centre-forward", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Folarin_Balogun", "backstory": "Born in New York to Nigerian parents and raised in London, Folarin Balogun joined Arsenal's academy at age eight before a spectacular loan at Reims, where his 22 goals were a record for an American in a top-five European league. He committed to the United States over England and Nigeria in 2023 and immediately won the Nations League, then sealed a €40 million move to Monaco. A sharp, mobile centre-forward, he gives the USMNT a clinical focal point in attack.", "facts": ["Chose the USA over England and Nigeria in 2023", "His 22 Ligue 1 goals on loan at Reims were a record for an American in a top-five league", "Matched a Kylian Mbappé record with eight consecutive league goals in 2025-26"], "data_rating": 77, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · France", "🎯 19 club goals in 2025/26"]}, {"player_id": 333, "team_id": 13, "fifa_code": "USA", "team_name": "USA", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 21, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "RW", "player_name": "Timothy Weah", "date_of_birth": "2000-02-22", "age": 26, "caps": 50, "international_goals": 7, "is_captain": false, "club": "Olympique Marseille", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Ligue 1", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 41, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue 1, Coupe de France, UEFA Champions League, Trophée des Champions", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 212, "career_club_goals": 21, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Winger", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timothy_Weah", "backstory": "Timothy Weah is the son of George Weah, the 1995 Ballon d'Or winner and later President of Liberia, and came up through the PSG academy in France. A loan at Celtic brought a Scottish double before he helped Lille win the 2021 Ligue 1 title, then moved to Juventus and on loan to Marseille. A quick, direct winger and wing-back, he brings pace and versatility to the USMNT's wide areas.", "facts": ["Son of Ballon d'Or winner and Liberian President George Weah", "Came through the PSG academy", "Won the 2021 Ligue 1 title with Lille"], "data_rating": 69, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · France"]}, {"player_id": 334, "team_id": 13, "fifa_code": "USA", "team_name": "USA", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 22, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Mark McKenzie", "date_of_birth": "1999-02-25", "age": 27, "caps": 27, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Toulouse", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Ligue 1", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 24, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1997, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": 6, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue 1", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Regular starting centre-back", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/stats/_/id/77072/mark-mckenzie ; https://footystats.org/players/usa/mark-mckenzie", "backstory": "Mark McKenzie was born in the Bronx and raised in Bear, Delaware, joining the Philadelphia Union academy and converting from midfield to centre-back as a youngster. He helped the Union win the 2020 Supporters' Shield before a move to Belgian side Genk, then stepped up to Ligue 1 with Toulouse in 2024. A composed, ball-playing defender of Jamaican descent, he provides depth and distribution in the USMNT's central defence.", "facts": ["Came through the Philadelphia Union academy and helped win the 2020 Supporters' Shield", "Of Jamaican descent through his father", "Started his career as a midfielder before converting to centre-back"], "data_rating": 68, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · France"]}, {"player_id": 335, "team_id": 13, "fifa_code": "USA", "team_name": "USA", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 23, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "RB", "player_name": "Joe Scally", "date_of_birth": "2002-12-31", "age": 23, "caps": 25, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Borussia Mönchengladbach", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 184, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 34, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 172, "career_club_goals": 5, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Versatile full-back", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Scally", "backstory": "Joe Scally grew up in Lake Grove, New York and came through the NYCFC academy, signing a professional deal at 15 to become one of the youngest pros in U.S. history. At 17 he made the bold move to Borussia Mönchengladbach, where he has become a regular Bundesliga full-back capable of playing both flanks. Versatile and reliable, he offers the USMNT cover and quality across the back line.", "facts": ["Signed professionally at age 15, among the youngest pros in U.S. history", "Moved to Borussia Mönchengladbach as a 17-year-old", "Can play both right and left full-back"], "data_rating": 71, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Germany"]}, {"player_id": 336, "team_id": 13, "fifa_code": "USA", "team_name": "USA", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 24, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Matt Freese", "date_of_birth": "1998-09-09", "age": 27, "caps": 15, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "New York City FC", "club_country": "USA", "club_league": "Major League Soccer", "height_cm": 191, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 39, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 8, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": 44, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Major League Soccer, MLS Cup Playoffs, Leagues Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 134, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Regular starter for NYCFC", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matt_Freese ; https://www.hudsonriverblue.com/2025-final-grade-matt-freese/", "backstory": "Matt Freese came through the Philadelphia Union academy in his native Pennsylvania and signed as a homegrown player after a short college stint at Harvard. Traded to New York City FC in 2023, he developed into the club's starting goalkeeper and an MVP, and pushed his way firmly into the national-team conversation around the 2025 Gold Cup. A composed, modern keeper, he competes for minutes in the USMNT goalkeeping group at this home World Cup.", "facts": ["Attended Harvard and finished his degree online during the pandemic while playing professionally", "Came through the Philadelphia Union academy as a homegrown player", "Named NYCFC's club MVP after a strong 2024 campaign"], "data_rating": 74, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 337, "team_id": 13, "fifa_code": "USA", "team_name": "USA", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 25, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Chris Brady", "date_of_birth": "2004-01-27", "age": 22, "caps": 1, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Chicago Fire", "club_country": "USA", "club_league": "Major League Soccer", "height_cm": 191, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 33, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Major League Soccer, U.S. Open Cup, MLS Cup Playoffs", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 136, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Young backup keeper", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Brady_(soccer)", "backstory": "Chris Brady is a product of the Chicago Fire academy, joining at 13 and signing a homegrown deal before sharpening his game on loan in the lower divisions. He starred for the U.S. Under-20s, winning the 2022 CONCACAF U-20 Championship's Golden Glove, and earned his first senior cap on the eve of the World Cup. The towering young keeper is one of the squad's least-capped members, selected as a developmental goalkeeping option at a home tournament.", "facts": ["Won the Golden Glove at the 2022 CONCACAF U-20 Championship", "Came through the Chicago Fire academy, joining at age 13", "Of Scottish descent and was eligible to represent Scotland"], "data_rating": 63, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 338, "team_id": 13, "fifa_code": "USA", "team_name": "USA", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 26, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "RW", "player_name": "Alejandro Zendejas", "date_of_birth": "1998-02-07", "age": 28, "caps": 14, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Club América", "club_country": "Mexico", "club_league": "Liga MX", "height_cm": 173, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 28, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 12, "club_assists_2025_26": 7, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Liga MX (Apertura 2025 + Clausura 2026)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 224, "career_club_goals": 49, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Winger", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alejandro_Zendejas ; https://statz.ai/player/alex-zendejas/255002", "backstory": "Alejandro Zendejas grew up on the El Paso-Ciudad Juárez border with Mexican-American roots and developed through FC Dallas before building his career in Liga MX with Chivas, Necaxa and Club América, winning a hat-trick of league titles. After playing two unofficial friendlies for Mexico, he switched his international allegiance to the United States in 2023 and won the Nations League. A diminutive, two-footed winger and dribbler, he adds creativity and flair off the bench.", "facts": ["Won three consecutive Liga MX titles with Club América", "Played two friendlies for Mexico before switching to the USA", "Trained alongside Christian Pulisic and Tyler Adams in the U.S. youth setup"], "data_rating": 71, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Mexico"]}, {"player_id": 339, "team_id": 14, "fifa_code": "PAR", "team_name": "Paraguay", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 1, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Gatito Fernández", "date_of_birth": "1988-03-29", "age": 38, "caps": 31, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Cerro Porteño", "club_country": "Paraguay", "club_league": "Primera División", "height_cm": 191, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 20, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Primera División (Apertura/Clausura), Copa Paraguay, Copa Libertadores", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 497, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gatito_Fern%C3%A1ndez", "backstory": "Born in Asunción but raised partly in Brazil while his father played there, Gatito Fernández came through Cerro Porteño's academy before a long wandering career took him through Argentina, the Netherlands and Brazil. He became a club icon at Botafogo, where he is the foreign player with the most appearances and won the 2024 Copa Libertadores, before returning home to Cerro Porteño. At 38 he is the elder statesman of Paraguay's goalkeeping department at the 2026 World Cup.", "facts": ["Nicknamed 'Gatito' (kitten) because his father Roberto, a 1986 World Cup goalkeeper, was nicknamed 'Gato' (cat)", "Foreign player with the most appearances in Botafogo history", "Won the 2024 Copa Libertadores with Botafogo"], "data_rating": 67, "fun": ["🧓 Veteran presence"]}, {"player_id": 340, "team_id": 14, "fifa_code": "PAR", "team_name": "Paraguay", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 2, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Gustavo Velázquez", "date_of_birth": "1991-04-17", "age": 35, "caps": 13, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Cerro Porteño", "club_country": "Paraguay", "club_league": "Primera División", "height_cm": 179, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 36, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 9, "club_red_2025_26": 1, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Primera División (Copa de Primera 2025)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Regular right centre-back; 9 yellow cards in the 2025 Paraguayan league season", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/gustavo%20velazquez/24722/ ; https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/119413/gustavo-velazquez", "backstory": "Víctor Gustavo Velázquez Ramos is a ball-playing centre-back who took a long, winding road to the national team, with spells in Paraguay and Mexico (Juárez, Lobos BUAP) before establishing himself back at Cerro Porteño. A late bloomer internationally, he only made his Paraguay debut in June 2024 at the age of 33. He is a no-nonsense, card-collecting defender used as squad depth at the back for the 2026 World Cup.", "facts": ["Did not make his senior Paraguay debut until June 2024, aged 33", "Won the 2017 Clausura title with Cerro Porteño", "Picked up nine yellow cards in the 2025 Paraguayan league season"], "data_rating": 70, "fun": ["🧓 Veteran presence"]}, {"player_id": 341, "team_id": 14, "fifa_code": "PAR", "team_name": "Paraguay", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 3, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Omar Alderete", "date_of_birth": "1996-12-26", "age": 29, "caps": 36, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "Sunderland", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 188, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": 16500000, "club_apps_2025_26": 34, "club_starts_2025_26": 33, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2798, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, EFL Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 296, "career_club_goals": 11, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Regular starter at centre-back in the Premier League; scored first Sunderland goal vs Nottingham Forest", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omar_Alderete ; https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/omar-alderete/18726/", "backstory": "An Asunción native and Cerro Porteño academy graduate, Omar Alderete built his reputation in Europe with FC Basel, where he made the Swiss Super League Team of the Year, then moved through Hertha Berlin, Valencia and Getafe. In 2025 he joined newly promoted Sunderland in the Premier League, quickly becoming a regular and scoring his first goal away at Nottingham Forest. A physical left-footed centre-back who can also play left-back, he is a defensive cornerstone of Paraguay's 2026 side.", "facts": ["Named in the Swiss Super League Team of the Year for 2019-20", "Scored his first Sunderland goal in a 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest"], "data_rating": 73, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 342, "team_id": 14, "fifa_code": "PAR", "team_name": "Paraguay", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 4, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Juan José Cáceres", "date_of_birth": "2000-06-01", "age": 26, "caps": 17, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Dynamo Moscow", "club_country": "Russia", "club_league": "Russian Premier League", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 24, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2062, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 6, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Russian Premier League, Russian Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Right-back/centre-back with strong assist output (6) in 2025-26", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.transfermarkt.us/juan-jose-caceres/profil/spieler/756494 ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juan_Jos%C3%A9_C%C3%A1ceres", "backstory": "Born in Argentina to a Paraguayan family, Juan José Cáceres spent eight years in Boca Juniors' youth system before moving to Racing Club, where he debuted in 2020 and won the 2022 Trofeo de Campeones. After a permanent move to Lanús he headed to Russia with Dynamo Moscow in 2025. A compact, attack-minded right-back, his strong assist output in 2025-26 helped earn him a place in Paraguay's World Cup squad.", "facts": ["Born in Argentina; represents Paraguay through his heritage", "Won the 2022 Trofeo de Campeones with Racing Club", "Reunited with compatriots Fabián Balbuena and Roberto Fernández at Dynamo Moscow"], "data_rating": 70, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Russia"]}, {"player_id": 343, "team_id": 14, "fifa_code": "PAR", "team_name": "Paraguay", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 5, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Fabián Balbuena", "date_of_birth": "1991-08-23", "age": 34, "caps": 48, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Grêmio", "club_country": "Brazil", "club_league": "Série A", "height_cm": 188, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 3, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 226, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Série A", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 502, "career_club_goals": 36, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Joined Grêmio in July 2025; limited minutes early in the campaign", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fabi%C3%A1n_Balbuena ; https://footystats.org/players/paraguay/fabian-balbuena", "backstory": "A product of Cerro Porteño PF in Ciudad del Este, Fabián Balbuena climbed through several Paraguayan clubs before a trophy-laden spell at Corinthians, where he won the 2017 Brasileirão. He then spent three years in the Premier League with West Ham and several seasons at Dynamo Moscow, where he captained the side and was named Russian centre-back of the season. Now a veteran leader, he joined Grêmio in 2025 and provides experienced cover at the heart of Paraguay's defence.", "facts": ["First Paraguayan to score in the Premier League since Antolín Alcaraz in 2012", "Won the 2017 Campeonato Brasileiro with Corinthians", "Named Russian Premier League centre-back of the season for 2021-22"], "data_rating": 64, "fun": ["🧓 Veteran presence", "🌍 Plays abroad · Brazil"]}, {"player_id": 344, "team_id": 14, "fifa_code": "PAR", "team_name": "Paraguay", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 6, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Júnior Alonso", "date_of_birth": "1993-02-09", "age": 33, "caps": 71, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "Atlético Mineiro", "club_country": "Brazil", "club_league": "Série A", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": 1500000, "club_apps_2025_26": 23, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1973, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Série A, Copa Sudamericana", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 550, "career_club_goals": 20, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Centre-back/left-back; 16 Série A and 7 Copa Sudamericana apps in 2025", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J%C3%BAnior_Alonso ; https://www.sofascore.com/player/junior-alonso/333275 ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/junior-alonso/leistungsdaten/spieler/273000", "backstory": "Júnior Alonso came through Cerro Porteño's academy and won two Paraguayan titles before moving to French side Lille in 2017, with loan spells at Celta Vigo and Boca Juniors along the way. He found his home at Atlético Mineiro, becoming a defensive cornerstone of the side that swept the 2021 Brasileirão and Copa do Brasil double. A composed left-footed centre-back who can also fill in at left-back, he is one of Paraguay's most-capped defenders heading into 2026.", "facts": ["Won the 2021 Brasileirão and Copa do Brasil double with Atlético Mineiro", "Won the 2018 Supercopa Argentina on loan at Boca Juniors"], "data_rating": 68, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Brazil"]}, {"player_id": 345, "team_id": 14, "fifa_code": "PAR", "team_name": "Paraguay", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 7, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "LW", "player_name": "Ramón Sosa", "date_of_birth": "1999-08-31", "age": 26, "caps": 29, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Palmeiras", "club_country": "Brazil", "club_league": "Série A", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 31, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 4, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Série A, Copa Libertadores, Copa do Brasil", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 228, "career_club_goals": 39, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Left winger; 31 apps / 4 goals in 2025, signed from Nottingham Forest", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ram%C3%B3n_Sosa ; https://www.transfermarkt.co.in/ramon-sosa/leistungsdaten/spieler/745191", "backstory": "Raised in Maracaná, Paraguay, Ramón Sosa rose through River Plate Asunción and Olimpia before moving to Argentina, where he became one of the most exciting dribblers in the league at Talleres. A 2024 transfer to Nottingham Forest didn't fully click, and he switched to Palmeiras in 2025, winning the Campeonato Paulista. A lightning-quick left winger with fierce acceleration, he gives Paraguay a direct attacking threat down the flank.", "facts": ["Ranked the best dribbler in the Argentine league by SofaScore in March 2024", "Won the Campeonato Paulista with Palmeiras"], "data_rating": 68, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Brazil"]}, {"player_id": 346, "team_id": 14, "fifa_code": "PAR", "team_name": "Paraguay", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 8, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Diego Gómez", "date_of_birth": "2003-03-27", "age": 23, "caps": 24, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "Brighton & Hove Albion", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 183, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": 25000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 32, "club_starts_2025_26": 26, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2137, "club_goals_2025_26": 5, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": 9, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, EFL Cup, FA Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Five Premier League goals in 2025-26; second-top league scorer and key midfielder", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.sportbusy.com/players/soccer/192278/ ; https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/diego-gomez/45865/", "backstory": "From San Juan Bautista, Diego Gómez was named Paraguay's best under-19 player at Club Libertad before joining Inter Miami in 2023, where he played alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez and won the Supporters' Shield. A £14m move to Brighton followed in 2025, where he announced himself with four goals in a single League Cup tie. A versatile, energetic midfielder, he is one of the rising stars of Paraguay's 2026 squad.", "facts": ["Scored four goals in a 6-0 EFL Cup win over Barnsley and finished the competition's top scorer", "Won the 2024 MLS Supporters' Shield alongside Messi and Suárez at Inter Miami", "Captained Paraguay's U-23s to the 2024 CONMEBOL Pre-Olympic title"], "data_rating": 70, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 347, "team_id": 14, "fifa_code": "PAR", "team_name": "Paraguay", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 9, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Antonio Sanabria", "date_of_birth": "1996-03-04", "age": 30, "caps": 48, "international_goals": 7, "is_captain": false, "club": "Cremonese", "club_country": "Italy", "club_league": "Serie A", "height_cm": 188, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 24, "club_starts_2025_26": 10, "club_minutes_2025_26": 941, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": 2, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Serie A, Coppa Italia", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Joined from Torino in August 2025; modest output (1 goal vs Lecce in December)", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/antonio-sanabria/15982/ ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antonio_Sanabria", "backstory": "Antonio Sanabria started in futsal and at Cerro Porteño before joining Barcelona's La Masia at 13, then took an unusual route through Sassuolo and Roma. He found stability in Italy, scoring regularly on loan at Sporting Gijón and Genoa before a four-year run at Torino, his longest spell. Now leading the line at Cremonese, the tall, hold-up forward is Paraguay's experienced centre-forward option in 2026.", "facts": ["Joined Barcelona's La Masia academy aged 13", "Made over 130 appearances for Torino across four seasons"], "data_rating": 63, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Italy"]}, {"player_id": 348, "team_id": 14, "fifa_code": "PAR", "team_name": "Paraguay", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 10, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "RW", "player_name": "Miguel Almirón", "date_of_birth": "1994-02-10", "age": 32, "caps": 76, "international_goals": 10, "is_captain": false, "club": "Atlanta United", "club_country": "United States", "club_league": "Major League Soccer", "height_cm": 174, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 10000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 31, "club_starts_2025_26": 31, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 6, "club_assists_2025_26": 7, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Major League Soccer", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Team leader with 13 goal contributions in 2025 MLS season; started all 31 league games", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miguel_Almir%C3%B3n ; https://www.atlutd.com/players/miguel-almiron/", "backstory": "Miguel Almirón grew up in poverty in Asunción and was once dismissed as too frail, but he forced his way through Cerro Porteño's academy and won a title at Lanús. A move to Atlanta United made him an MLS star, and a then-club-record £21m transfer took him to Newcastle United, where he won Premier League Player of the Month and scored the club's first Champions League goal in two decades. Back at Atlanta and Paraguay's most-capped attacker, he is the creative heartbeat of the 2026 team.", "facts": ["Scored Newcastle's first Champions League goal in over 20 years, against PSG", "Was Newcastle's record signing at around £21m when he joined in 2019", "Named MLS Newcomer of the Year in 2017"], "data_rating": 76, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · United States"]}, {"player_id": 349, "team_id": 14, "fifa_code": "PAR", "team_name": "Paraguay", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 11, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Maurício", "date_of_birth": "2001-06-22", "age": 24, "caps": 3, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Palmeiras", "club_country": "Brazil", "club_league": "Série A", "height_cm": 175, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 15000000, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": null, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Série A, Copa Libertadores, Campeonato Paulista", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": "Attacking midfielder; 84 apps / 14 goals total for Palmeiras since July 2024; switched allegiance to Paraguay Feb 2026", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maur%C3%ADcio_(footballer,_born_2001) ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/mauricio/leistungsdaten/spieler/678439", "backstory": "Maurício Magalhães Prado is a São Paulo-born attacking midfielder who developed in Brazil, breaking through at Internacional before a 2024 move to Palmeiras. Technically gifted and a regular contributor of goals from midfield, he had represented Brazil at youth level before opting to switch international allegiance. FIFA approved his change to Paraguay, via a Paraguayan grandmother, in February 2026, making him a fresh face for the World Cup.", "facts": ["Born in Brazil; switched allegiance to Paraguay (through his paternal grandmother) in February 2026", "Represented Brazil at U-20 and U-23 youth level before the switch"], "data_rating": 56, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Brazil"]}, {"player_id": 350, "team_id": 14, "fifa_code": "PAR", "team_name": "Paraguay", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 12, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Orlando Gill", "date_of_birth": "2000-06-11", "age": 26, "caps": 6, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "San Lorenzo", "club_country": "Argentina", "club_league": "Primera División", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 11, "club_starts_2025_26": 11, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1380, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 6, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": 11, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Primera División (Liga Profesional Apertura)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Starting goalkeeper; 38 saves and 6 clean sheets in the 2026 Apertura", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/orlando-gill/81208/ ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/orlando-gill/leistungsdaten/spieler/643259", "backstory": "Orlando Daniel Gill Noldin is a youth product of small Paraguayan clubs who earned a move to Argentina's San Lorenzo, joining on loan in 2023 before a permanent transfer made him their first-choice goalkeeper. He impressed in the 2026 Apertura with multiple clean sheets and made his Paraguay debut in a World Cup qualifying win over Peru. He travels to the 2026 finals as a goalkeeping option still early in his career.", "facts": ["Made his Paraguay senior debut in a 2026 World Cup qualifying win over Peru", "Kept six clean sheets in the 2026 Argentine Apertura with San Lorenzo"], "data_rating": 67, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Argentina"]}, {"player_id": 351, "team_id": 14, "fifa_code": "PAR", "team_name": "Paraguay", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 13, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "José Canale", "date_of_birth": "1996-07-20", "age": 29, "caps": 2, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Lanús", "club_country": "Argentina", "club_league": "Primera División", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": 1200000, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Primera División, Copa Sudamericana", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": "Centre-back, squad rotation option; limited minutes in 2025-26", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/jose-canale/37946/ ; https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/stats/_/id/227682/jose-canale", "backstory": "José María Canale Domínguez is a centre-back who came through Club Libertad, debuting in 2015 and winning league and cup honours there. He moved to Argentina with Lanús, with loan spells at Newell's Old Boys and Liga MX side Querétaro, and lifted the 2025 Copa Sudamericana. A rotation defender for the national side, he provides squad depth in Paraguay's 2026 backline.", "facts": ["Won the 2025 Copa Sudamericana with Lanús", "Won the Copa Paraguay (2019) and a league title with Libertad"], "data_rating": 53, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Argentina"]}, {"player_id": 352, "team_id": 14, "fifa_code": "PAR", "team_name": "Paraguay", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 14, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CDM", "player_name": "Andrés Cubas", "date_of_birth": "1996-05-11", "age": 30, "caps": 33, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Vancouver Whitecaps", "club_country": "Canada", "club_league": "Major League Soccer", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 41, "club_starts_2025_26": 37, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Major League Soccer, MLS Cup Playoffs, CONCACAF Champions Cup, Leagues Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Defensive midfielder; started 37 of 41 apps in 2025, led team in tackles and interceptions", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.mlssoccer.com/players/andres-cubas/ ; https://www.whitecapsfc.com/players/andres-cubas/stats/", "backstory": "Born in Argentina to a Paraguayan father, Andrés Cubas came through Boca Juniors' youth system and won a league and cup double there before stints with Talleres and French club Nîmes. Since joining Vancouver Whitecaps in 2022 he has become one of MLS's best ball-winning midfielders, leading his team in tackles and interceptions and collecting multiple Canadian Championships. A combative, low-scoring defensive midfielder, he is Paraguay's shield in front of the back four.", "facts": ["Born in Argentina; represents Paraguay through his father", "Won three straight Canadian Championships with Vancouver (2022-2024)"], "data_rating": 70, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Canada"]}, {"player_id": 353, "team_id": 14, "fifa_code": "PAR", "team_name": "Paraguay", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 15, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Gustavo Gómez", "date_of_birth": "1993-05-06", "age": 33, "caps": 89, "international_goals": 4, "is_captain": true, "club": "Palmeiras", "club_country": "Brazil", "club_league": "Série A", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 5000000, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": null, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Série A, Copa Libertadores, Campeonato Paulista", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": "Captain and centre-back leader; most-capped player in the squad", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gustavo_G%C3%B3mez", "backstory": "Gustavo Gómez came through Club Libertad and won a title at Lanús before becoming the first Paraguayan to play for AC Milan in 2016. He found his greatest success at Palmeiras, captaining the club to multiple Brasileirão titles and two Copa Libertadores trophies and becoming their highest-scoring defender of all time. A fierce, commanding leader, he is captain of both Palmeiras and Paraguay, and the most-capped player in the 2026 squad.", "facts": ["First ever Paraguayan to play for AC Milan", "Surpassed Luís Pereira as Palmeiras' highest-scoring defender", "Captain and most-capped player in Paraguay's 2026 squad"], "data_rating": 63, "fun": ["🎖️ Most-capped in the squad (89)", "🌍 Plays abroad · Brazil", "©️ Captain"]}, {"player_id": 354, "team_id": 14, "fifa_code": "PAR", "team_name": "Paraguay", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 16, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Damián Bobadilla", "date_of_birth": "2001-07-11", "age": 24, "caps": 19, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "São Paulo", "club_country": "Brazil", "club_league": "Série A", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Série A, Copa Libertadores, Copa Sudamericana, Campeonato Paulista", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": "Box-to-box midfielder; 2 goals and 2 assists across competitions in 2025 (knee injury since May 2026)", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.sofascore.com/football/player/damian-bobadilla/1015261 ; https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/damian-bobadilla/37875/", "backstory": "Damián Bobadilla developed at Cerro Porteño, making his debut in the Copa Libertadores at 19 and winning a league title before a move to São Paulo in 2024, where he lifted the Supercopa do Brasil. A box-to-box midfielder, he was voted the fans' player of the 2023 Paraguayan championship. He featured at the 2024 Copa América and is named in the 2026 squad despite a knee injury suffered earlier in the year.", "facts": ["Named 'Futbolista de la Gente' (People's Footballer) for the 2023 Paraguayan championship", "Won the 2024 Supercopa do Brasil with São Paulo"], "data_rating": 60, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Brazil"]}, {"player_id": 355, "team_id": 14, "fifa_code": "PAR", "team_name": "Paraguay", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 17, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "CAM", "player_name": "Kaku", "date_of_birth": "1995-01-11", "age": 31, "caps": 35, "international_goals": 6, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al Ain", "club_country": "United Arab Emirates", "club_league": "UAE Pro League", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": null, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "UAE Pro League, AFC Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": "Attacking midfielder/winger; cornerstone of Al Ain (37 apps, 10 goals, 13 assists in 2024-25)", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaku_(footballer) ; https://grokipedia.com/page/Kaku_(footballer)", "backstory": "Born in Buenos Aires to Paraguayan parents, Kaku (Alejandro Romero Gamarra) came through Huracán, helping them to their first official title in 41 years, before stints with the New York Red Bulls and Saudi side Al-Taawoun. Having played for Argentina's U-20s, he switched to Paraguay in 2018 with FIFA approval. A creative attacking midfielder and prolific assist-maker, he is now a key man at Al Ain, where he won the AFC Champions League.", "facts": ["Born in Argentina; switched from Argentina's youth setup to Paraguay in 2018", "Won the AFC Champions League with Al Ain", "Named New York Red Bulls Newcomer of the Year in 2018"], "data_rating": 56, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · United Arab Emirates"]}, {"player_id": 356, "team_id": 14, "fifa_code": "PAR", "team_name": "Paraguay", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 18, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Álex Arce", "date_of_birth": "1995-06-16", "age": 30, "caps": 15, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Independiente Rivadavia", "club_country": "Argentina", "club_league": "Primera División", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": null, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Primera División, Copa Libertadores, Copa Argentina", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 65, "career_club_goals": 43, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": "Prolific striker; Copa Libertadores top scorer (8 goals) and Copa Argentina winner in 2025; 43 goals in 65 apps for the club", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/alex%20adrian%20arce%20barrios/38422/ ; https://eleditormendoza.com.ar/deportes/sueno-mundial-la-tremenda-marca-alex-arce-independiente-rivadavia-n5390910", "backstory": "Álex 'El Toro' Arce came through Cerro Porteño but only became prolific later in his career. His goals fired Independiente Rivadavia to promotion, after which he moved to LDU Quito to replace Paolo Guerrero and became the top scorer in Ecuador's top flight in 2024. Back at Independiente Rivadavia in 2025, the tall, powerful striker was the Copa Libertadores top scorer and a Copa Argentina winner, earning a late-career World Cup call-up.", "facts": ["Top scorer of the Ecuadorian league in 2024 with 28 goals", "Copa Libertadores top scorer in 2025", "Scored 42 goals in 65 matches for LDU Quito"], "data_rating": 53, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Argentina"]}, {"player_id": 357, "team_id": 14, "fifa_code": "PAR", "team_name": "Paraguay", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 19, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "CAM", "player_name": "Julio Enciso", "date_of_birth": "2004-01-23", "age": 22, "caps": 32, "international_goals": 4, "is_captain": false, "club": "Strasbourg", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Ligue 1", "height_cm": 173, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 25500000, "club_apps_2025_26": 27, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1893, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": 6, "club_yellow_2025_26": 2, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue 1, UEFA Conference League, Coupe de France", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Creative attacker, 3 goals and 6 assists in Ligue 1 2025-26", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/1073742/julio-enciso ; https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/julio-enciso/33595/", "backstory": "Julio Enciso became Club Libertad's youngest debutant at 15 and won two league titles before a £9.5m move to Brighton in 2022. He announced himself in the Premier League with a stunning 25-yard strike against Manchester City that won Goal of the Season, but a knee injury and loans slowed his rise. Now permanently at Strasbourg, the agile, right-footed attacker is one of Paraguay's most gifted creative players for 2026.", "facts": ["His goal against Manchester City won the 2022-23 Premier League and BBC Goal of the Season", "Became Club Libertad's youngest ever debutant at age 15"], "data_rating": 69, "fun": ["💎 Most valuable in the squad", "🌍 Plays abroad · France"]}, {"player_id": 358, "team_id": 14, "fifa_code": "PAR", "team_name": "Paraguay", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 20, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Braian Ojeda", "date_of_birth": "2000-06-27", "age": 25, "caps": 17, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Orlando City", "club_country": "United States", "club_league": "Major League Soccer", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 14, "club_starts_2025_26": 14, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1251, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Major League Soccer, U.S. Open Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Joined Orlando City Jan 2026 from Real Salt Lake; started all matches since arrival", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Braian_Ojeda ; https://www.mlssoccer.com/players/braian-ojeda/stats/", "backstory": "Braian Ojeda came through Olimpia's academy and won a Clausura title before a 2021 move to Nottingham Forest, where chances were scarce. He rebuilt his career in MLS, moving on loan and then permanently to Real Salt Lake before joining Orlando City in 2026. A central midfielder, he provides energy and depth in Paraguay's engine room.", "facts": ["Won a Clausura title with Olimpia", "Made two assists in a 4-1 U.S. Open Cup win over Atlanta United in May 2026"], "data_rating": 61, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · United States"]}, {"player_id": 359, "team_id": 14, "fifa_code": "PAR", "team_name": "Paraguay", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 21, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Gabriel Ávalos", "date_of_birth": "1990-10-12", "age": 35, "caps": 23, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Independiente", "club_country": "Argentina", "club_league": "Primera División", "height_cm": 188, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": 750000, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 12, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Primera División, Copa Sudamericana, Copa Argentina", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 96, "career_club_goals": 26, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Top scorer of Argentine football since 2025; 12 league goals in 2025, 4 in 8 games early 2026", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.locoxelrojo.com/independiente/2026/03/01/avalos-el-maximo-goleador-del-futbol-argentino-desde-2025/ ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/gabriel-avalos/leistungsdaten/spieler/358418", "backstory": "Born in Hohenau, Gabriel Ávalos Stumpfs began at Tembetary and spent his early years in Argentina's lower and reserve sides before establishing himself as a goalscorer with Argentinos Juniors, finishing as their league top scorer. He joined Independiente in 2023 and became one of the most reliable strikers in Argentine football. A tall, physical centre-forward, the veteran earns a World Cup place on the back of consistent goal output.", "facts": ["Was Argentinos Juniors' league top scorer with 12 goals before joining Independiente", "Among the leading scorers in Argentine football since 2025"], "data_rating": 63, "fun": ["🧓 Veteran presence", "🌍 Plays abroad · Argentina"]}, {"player_id": 360, "team_id": 14, "fifa_code": "PAR", "team_name": "Paraguay", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 22, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Gastón Olveira", "date_of_birth": "1993-04-21", "age": 33, "caps": 1, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Olimpia", "club_country": "Paraguay", "club_league": "Primera División", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 8, "club_starts_2025_26": 8, "club_minutes_2025_26": 720, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 2, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Primera División (División Profesional)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": "Goalkeeper; 720 minutes and 2 yellow cards in the 2026 Paraguayan league season", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/gaston-olveira/37967/ ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/495193/gaston-olveira", "backstory": "Gastón Olveira is a Uruguayan-born goalkeeper who began his career at River Plate Montevideo before settling in Paraguay, where he became first choice at Olimpia. Standing 1.91m, he represents the Paraguay national team and earned his first cap as the squad's third-choice goalkeeper. He travels to the 2026 World Cup as cover behind the more experienced options.", "facts": ["Born in Uruguay; plays internationally for Paraguay", "Started his career at River Plate Montevideo"], "data_rating": 58, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 361, "team_id": 14, "fifa_code": "PAR", "team_name": "Paraguay", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 23, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Matías Galarza", "date_of_birth": "2002-02-11", "age": 24, "caps": 15, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "Atlanta United", "club_country": "United States", "club_league": "Major League Soccer", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 10, "club_starts_2025_26": 8, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": null, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Major League Soccer, U.S. Open Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": "On loan at Atlanta United from River Plate; 10 apps and 8 starts since arriving early 2026", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fivestripefinal.com/p/midfielder-matias-galarza-departs ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mat%C3%ADas_Galarza_(Paraguayan_footballer)", "backstory": "Matías Galarza Fonda came through Olimpia before moving to Brazil with Vasco da Gama, where he became the youngest foreigner to play for the club in the 21st century. After loans at Coritiba and Talleres he joined River Plate, then headed to MLS on loan at Atlanta United. A goal-getting midfielder, he provides attacking depth for Paraguay in 2026.", "facts": ["Was the youngest foreigner to play for Vasco da Gama in the 21st century, debuting at 19", "Has scored three goals in his first 15 caps for Paraguay"], "data_rating": 59, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · United States"]}, {"player_id": 362, "team_id": 14, "fifa_code": "PAR", "team_name": "Paraguay", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 24, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Gustavo Caballero", "date_of_birth": "2001-09-21", "age": 24, "caps": 2, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Portsmouth", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "EFL Championship", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 11, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 761, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 1, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "EFL Championship", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "On loan at Portsmouth from Feb 2026; scored first goal vs Millwall", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/1347933/gustavo-caballero ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gustavo_Caballero", "backstory": "Gustavo Caballero rose through Paraguayan clubs, breaking through at Nacional Asunción and finishing joint top scorer of the 2025 Apertura, which earned a move to Brazilian giants Santos. Loaned to Portsmouth in the Championship in 2026, he scored on an early outing against Millwall. A versatile attacker, the young forward made his senior Paraguay debut shortly before the World Cup and travels as an emerging option.", "facts": ["Joint top scorer of the 2025 Paraguayan Apertura with nine goals", "Scored for Portsmouth in a 3-1 win over Millwall", "Represented Paraguay at the 2024 Olympics"], "data_rating": 56, "fun": ["⚡ 0.5 goals per cap", "🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 363, "team_id": 14, "fifa_code": "PAR", "team_name": "Paraguay", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 25, "position": "FW", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Isidro Pitta", "date_of_birth": "1999-08-14", "age": 26, "caps": 5, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Red Bull Bragantino", "club_country": "Brazil", "club_league": "Série A", "height_cm": 183, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 7500000, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": 13, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 5, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Série A, Copa Sudamericana", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Centre-forward; 5 goals and 2 assists with 13 starts in the 2025 Série A season", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/isidro-pitta/5910/ ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/isidro-pitta/leistungsdaten/spieler/675178 ; https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/287035/isidro-pitta", "backstory": "Isidro Pitta started at Cerro Porteño and bounced through Paraguayan clubs and a spell in Spain with Huesca before finding form in Brazil, scoring freely at Cuiabá. A €4.4m move to Red Bull Bragantino in 2025 confirmed his rise, and he debuted for Paraguay in World Cup qualifying that year. A mobile centre-forward, he offers a fresh attacking option in the 2026 squad.", "facts": ["Joined Red Bull Bragantino for a reported €4.4m in 2025", "Made his Paraguay debut in a 2024 World Cup qualifier against Uruguay"], "data_rating": 61, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Brazil"]}, {"player_id": 364, "team_id": 14, "fifa_code": "PAR", "team_name": "Paraguay", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 26, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Alexandro Maidana", "date_of_birth": "2005-07-26", "age": 20, "caps": 2, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Talleres", "club_country": "Argentina", "club_league": "Primera División", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 90, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 1, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Primera División (Liga Profesional Apertura)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": "Young left-back; joined Talleres Feb 2026 after debut season at Guaraní", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandro_Maidana ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/1736527/alexandro-maidana", "backstory": "At just 20, Alexandro Maidana is the baby of the squad, a product of Club Guaraní's academy who gained experience on loan in Paraguay's lower divisions before earning a long-term deal with Argentina's Talleres in 2026. A left-back who chips in with goals, he played at the 2025 U-20 World Cup and made his senior debut shortly before the finals. He is one for the future given a surprise World Cup call-up.", "facts": ["Youngest player in Paraguay's 2026 squad", "Scored on his second international appearance, against Nicaragua, in June 2026", "Played at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup"], "data_rating": 56, "fun": ["⚡ 0.5 goals per cap", "🐣 Youngest in the squad (20)", "🌟 Wonderkid", "🌍 Plays abroad · Argentina"]}, {"player_id": 365, "team_id": 15, "fifa_code": "AUS", "team_name": "Australia", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 1, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Mathew Ryan", "date_of_birth": "1992-04-08", "age": 34, "caps": 104, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": true, "club": "Levante", "club_country": "Spain", "club_league": "La Liga", "height_cm": 184, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 1800000, "club_apps_2025_26": 36, "club_starts_2025_26": 36, "club_minutes_2025_26": 3240, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 4, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 9, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": 50, "club_competitions_2025_26": "La Liga", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "First-choice keeper and captain", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/mathew-ryan/18633/ ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/mathew-ryan/profil/spieler/128969", "backstory": "Australia's captain and undisputed first-choice goalkeeper, Mathew Ryan succeeded his boyhood idol Mark Schwarzer as the Socceroos' No. 1. After breaking through with Central Coast Mariners he built a European career at Club Brugge, Valencia and Brighton, where he made 121 Premier League appearances. Now at Levante in La Liga, the agile, vocal shot-stopper leads Australia into a record-extending World Cup campaign.", "facts": ["Won the Golden Glove as Australia lifted the 2015 AFC Asian Cup on home soil", "Kept two clean sheets at the 2022 World Cup, a Socceroos record", "Made a crucial penalty save on his 100th cap to help seal 2026 qualification"], "data_rating": 74, "fun": ["🎖️ Most-capped in the squad (104)", "🧓 Veteran presence", "🌍 Plays abroad · Spain", "©️ Captain"]}, {"player_id": 366, "team_id": 15, "fifa_code": "AUS", "team_name": "Australia", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 2, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Milos Degenek", "date_of_birth": "1994-04-28", "age": 32, "caps": 56, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "APOEL", "club_country": "Cyprus", "club_league": "Cypriot First Division", "height_cm": 186, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 452, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 2, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Cypriot First Division", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Joined APOEL January 2026", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.sofascore.com/football/player/milos-degenek/155961 ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/milos-degenek/profil/spieler/187353", "backstory": "Born in Knin during the Croatian War of Independence, Milos Degenek's ethnic-Serb family fled to Belgrade as refugees before resettling in Sydney in 2000. A no-nonsense centre-back, he came through Australian football and the AIS before stints at VfB Stuttgart, Red Star Belgrade, Yokohama F. Marinos, Al-Hilal and Columbus Crew. He joined Cypriot side APOEL in January 2026 and brings hard-earned experience to the squad.", "facts": ["Born in Knin, his family lived as refugees in Belgrade after Operation Storm", "Once eligible for Serbia, he chose to represent Australia"], "data_rating": 65, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Cyprus"]}, {"player_id": 367, "team_id": 15, "fifa_code": "AUS", "team_name": "Australia", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 3, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Alessandro Circati", "date_of_birth": "2003-10-10", "age": 22, "caps": 12, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Parma", "club_country": "Italy", "club_league": "Serie A", "height_cm": 191, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 12000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 31, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2664, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 6, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Serie A", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/1318686/alessandro-circati ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/alessandro-circati/leistungsdaten/spieler/867137", "backstory": "Born in Fidenza, Italy, Alessandro Circati moved to Perth as an infant and learned the game from his father Gianfranco, a former pro who played for Perth Glory. He rose through Perth SC and the Perth Glory academy before joining Parma in 2021, becoming a Serie A regular. Tall, composed and ball-playing, he turned down Italy's youth setup to commit to the Socceroos and is a cornerstone of Australia's defence.", "facts": ["Born in Italy, raised in Perth, with dual citizenship", "Rejected an Italy youth call-up to commit to Australia in 2023", "Kept a clean sheet on his Parma debut against SPAL"], "data_rating": 69, "fun": ["💎 Most valuable in the squad", "🌍 Plays abroad · Italy"]}, {"player_id": 368, "team_id": 15, "fifa_code": "AUS", "team_name": "Australia", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 4, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Jacob Italiano", "date_of_birth": "2001-07-30", "age": 24, "caps": 4, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Grazer AK", "club_country": "Austria", "club_league": "Austrian Bundesliga", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 24, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2057, "club_goals_2025_26": 4, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Austrian Bundesliga", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Standout performer for Grazer AK", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/teams/10012/overview/grazer-ak ; https://fbref.com/en/players/2eb0ee9a/Jacob-Italiano", "backstory": "A Perth-raised left-sided defender, Jacob Italiano came through Perth Glory before moving to Germany with Borussia Monchengladbach, where he featured for the reserves. In 2024 he joined newly promoted Austrian club Grazer AK and established himself as a standout performer, earning a late international breakthrough. Versatile and attack-minded, he is one of the squad's emerging names.", "facts": ["Came through the Borussia Monchengladbach setup", "A standout for Grazer AK in the Austrian Bundesliga"], "data_rating": 65, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Austria"]}, {"player_id": 369, "team_id": 15, "fifa_code": "AUS", "team_name": "Australia", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 5, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "LB", "player_name": "Jordan Bos", "date_of_birth": "2002-10-29", "age": 23, "caps": 26, "international_goals": 4, "is_captain": false, "club": "Feyenoord", "club_country": "Netherlands", "club_league": "Eredivisie", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": 12000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 28, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2058, "club_goals_2025_26": 4, "club_assists_2025_26": 7, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Eredivisie (league only; also featured in KNVB Beker and UEFA competition)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Starting left-back", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/jordan-bos/31097/ ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/jordan-bos/profil/spieler/855731", "backstory": "Raised in the Melbourne suburb of Point Cook, Jordan Bos joined Melbourne City's academy at 14 and won back-to-back A-League premierships before moving to Belgium's Westerlo. An attacking left-back with an eye for goal, he earned a four-year move to Feyenoord in 2025 and announced himself with a 91st-minute assist on his competitive debut against Galatasaray. He is Australia's starting left-back.", "facts": ["Won two A-League Men premierships with Melbourne City", "Set up a 91st-minute winner on his competitive Feyenoord debut", "Scores and assists from full-back at a notable rate"], "data_rating": 73, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Netherlands"]}, {"player_id": 370, "team_id": 15, "fifa_code": "AUS", "team_name": "Australia", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 6, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "RB", "player_name": "Jason Geria", "date_of_birth": "1993-05-10", "age": 33, "caps": 13, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Albirex Niigata", "club_country": "Japan", "club_league": "J1 League", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 22, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1428, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "J1 League (2025 season)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.jleague.co/players/4471/JASON-GERIA/ ; https://fbref.com/en/players/cd494a8d/Jason-Geria", "backstory": "A Canberra-born right-back, Jason Geria broke through at Melbourne Victory, the club he is most associated with after racking up close to 200 appearances across two stints. He won the A-League championship-premiership double in 2014/15 and lifted multiple Australia Cups. In 2025 he moved to Japan with Albirex Niigata, bringing experience and reliability to the squad.", "facts": ["Won the A-League double with Melbourne Victory in 2014/15", "Multiple-time Australia Cup winner"], "data_rating": 63, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Japan"]}, {"player_id": 371, "team_id": 15, "fifa_code": "AUS", "team_name": "Australia", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 7, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "RW", "player_name": "Mathew Leckie", "date_of_birth": "1991-02-04", "age": 35, "caps": 79, "international_goals": 14, "is_captain": false, "club": "Melbourne City", "club_country": "Australia", "club_league": "A-League Men", "height_cm": 181, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 6, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 238, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "A-League Men", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Veteran attacker, fourth World Cup; limited minutes in 2025/26", "enrichment_sources": "https://footystats.org/players/australia/mathew-leckie ; https://www.sofascore.com/football/player/mathew-leckie/122570", "backstory": "A pacy, direct winger, Mathew Leckie made his name in Germany with spells at FSV Frankfurt, Ingolstadt and Hertha Berlin before returning home to Melbourne City. His defining moment came at the 2022 World Cup, when his superb solo goal against Denmark sent Australia into the knockout stages. Now a veteran in his mid-thirties, he is set for a record-equalling fourth World Cup.", "facts": ["Scored the iconic solo winner vs Denmark at the 2022 World Cup", "Set for a record-equalling fourth World Cup"], "data_rating": 63, "fun": ["🧓 Veteran presence"]}, {"player_id": 372, "team_id": 15, "fifa_code": "AUS", "team_name": "Australia", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 8, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Connor Metcalfe", "date_of_birth": "1999-11-05", "age": 26, "caps": 35, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "FC St. Pauli", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 184, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 25, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": 2, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.bundesliga.com/en/player/connor-metcalfe ; https://www.sofascore.com/player/connor-metcalfe/888854", "backstory": "A box-to-box midfielder, Connor Metcalfe rose from the Melbourne City academy to the first team, winning the A-League before moving to FC St. Pauli in 2022. He helped the Hamburg club win promotion to the Bundesliga and has become a dependable presence in their engine room. Energetic and versatile, he is a key option in Australia's midfield.", "facts": ["Came through the Melbourne City academy", "Won promotion to the Bundesliga with FC St. Pauli"], "data_rating": 66, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Germany"]}, {"player_id": 373, "team_id": 15, "fifa_code": "AUS", "team_name": "Australia", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 9, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Mohamed Toure", "date_of_birth": "2004-03-26", "age": 22, "caps": 9, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Norwich City", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "EFL Championship", "height_cm": 186, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 12, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 595, "club_goals_2025_26": 10, "club_assists_2025_26": 3, "club_yellow_2025_26": 2, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "EFL Championship, FA Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 132, "career_club_goals": 38, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Explosive debut half-season; 9 league goals in 11 Championship apps", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohamed_Tour%C3%A9_(soccer,_born_2004) ; https://www.pinkun.com/sport/norwich-city/26139863.mohamed-toures-norwich-city-report-card-2025-26/", "backstory": "Born in a refugee camp in Conakry, Guinea, to Liberian parents, Mohamed Toure moved to Adelaide as a child and became the youngest goalscorer in A-League history at 15. After a move to French side Reims he exploded onto the scene at Norwich City in early 2026, scoring a hat-trick on his full debut. A powerful, clinical striker, he is one of Australia's most exciting attacking talents.", "facts": ["Youngest goalscorer in A-League history (15 years, 325 days)", "Scored a hat-trick on his full Norwich City debut in 2026", "Cousin of fellow footballer Yaya Dukuly"], "data_rating": 66, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 374, "team_id": 15, "fifa_code": "AUS", "team_name": "Australia", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 10, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CAM", "player_name": "Ajdin Hrustic", "date_of_birth": "1996-07-05", "age": 29, "caps": 37, "international_goals": 4, "is_captain": false, "club": "Heracles Almelo", "club_country": "Netherlands", "club_league": "Eredivisie", "height_cm": 183, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 26, "club_starts_2025_26": 24, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 6, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Eredivisie", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Heracles Almelo relegated in 2025/26", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.kicker.de/ajdin-hrustic/spieler ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/ajdin-hrustic/leistungsdaten/spieler/265625", "backstory": "Born in the Melbourne suburb of Dandenong to a Bosnian father and Romanian mother, Ajdin Hrustic learned his trade with South Melbourne and Schalke before debuting at FC Groningen. A left-footed playmaker and free-kick specialist, he won the 2022 Europa League with Eintracht Frankfurt before spells at Hellas Verona and Heracles Almelo. His vision and set-piece ability make him a creative outlet.", "facts": ["First Australian to win the UEFA Europa League (2022, Eintracht Frankfurt)", "Converted his penalty in the Europa League final shootout vs Rangers", "Renowned as a free-kick specialist"], "data_rating": 72, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Netherlands"]}, {"player_id": 375, "team_id": 15, "fifa_code": "AUS", "team_name": "Australia", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 11, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "RW", "player_name": "Awer Mabil", "date_of_birth": "1995-09-15", "age": 30, "caps": 38, "international_goals": 10, "is_captain": false, "club": "CD Castellon", "club_country": "Spain", "club_league": "Segunda Division", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": null, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Segunda Division", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": "Reported ~30 official matches, 1 goal, 9 assists since Jan 2025 (spans two seasons; 2025/26-only split unverified)", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.cdcastellon.com/awer-mabil-nuevo-jugador-del-cd-castellon/ ; https://es.besoccer.com/jugador/A-Mabil-196468", "backstory": "Awer Mabil was born in Kenya's Kakuma refugee camp to South Sudanese parents and lived there until age 10, when his family resettled in Australia. He developed at Adelaide United before a long, successful spell at Denmark's FC Midtjylland. A direct winger, he later joined Spain's Castellon, but is best remembered for the cool sudden-death penalty against Peru that sent Australia to the 2022 World Cup.", "facts": ["Born in the Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya", "Scored the decisive shootout penalty vs Peru to reach the 2022 World Cup", "Scored on his international debut"], "data_rating": 57, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Spain"]}, {"player_id": 376, "team_id": 15, "fifa_code": "AUS", "team_name": "Australia", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 12, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Paul Izzo", "date_of_birth": "1995-01-06", "age": 31, "caps": 4, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Randers", "club_country": "Denmark", "club_league": "Danish Superliga", "height_cm": 188, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 19, "club_starts_2025_26": 19, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1710, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 7, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Danish Superliga", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Backup goalkeeper", "enrichment_sources": "https://footystats.org/players/australia/paul-izzo ; https://www.flashscore.com/player/izzo-paul/v5z7HY7j/", "backstory": "A reliable shot-stopper, Paul Izzo made his name with Adelaide United, where he won three Australia Cups, before later moving to Denmark's Randers in 2024. A regular starter in the Danish Superliga, he provides experienced backup behind captain Mathew Ryan in the World Cup squad.", "facts": ["Won three Australia Cups with Adelaide United"], "data_rating": 67, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Denmark"]}, {"player_id": 377, "team_id": 15, "fifa_code": "AUS", "team_name": "Australia", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 13, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CDM", "player_name": "Aiden O'Neill", "date_of_birth": "1998-07-04", "age": 27, "caps": 30, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "New York City FC", "club_country": "United States", "club_league": "Major League Soccer", "height_cm": 182, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 27, "club_starts_2025_26": 24, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2112, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Major League Soccer (2025 season)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "NYCFC reached Eastern Conference Final in 2025", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.hudsonriverblue.com/2025-final-grade-aiden-oneill/ ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/aiden-oneill/leistungsdaten/spieler/385918", "backstory": "A combative defensive midfielder, Aiden O'Neill came through Brisbane Roar and joined Burnley as a teenager, with loans back to Australia before a return to the A-League with Melbourne City. After a spell at Standard Liege in Belgium he moved to New York City FC in 2025, helping them reach the MLS Eastern Conference Final. He anchors the Socceroos' midfield.", "facts": ["Joined Burnley as a teenager", "Helped NYCFC reach the MLS Eastern Conference Final in 2025"], "data_rating": 64, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · United States"]}, {"player_id": 378, "team_id": 15, "fifa_code": "AUS", "team_name": "Australia", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 14, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Cameron Devlin", "date_of_birth": "1998-06-07", "age": 28, "caps": 4, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Heart of Midlothian", "club_country": "Scotland", "club_league": "Scottish Premiership", "height_cm": 173, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 25, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2232, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 5, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Scottish Premiership", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/970544/cameron-devlin ; https://www.whoscored.com/players/425105/show/cameron-devlin", "backstory": "A tenacious, diminutive defensive midfielder, Cameron Devlin developed in the Western Sydney Wanderers system and played for Sydney FC and Wellington Phoenix before a move to Scotland's Heart of Midlothian. A combative ball-winner, he has become a regular for Hearts and brings energy and bite to Australia's midfield rotation.", "facts": ["Said he was in tears when his UK visa came through to join Hearts"], "data_rating": 60, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Scotland"]}, {"player_id": 379, "team_id": 15, "fifa_code": "AUS", "team_name": "Australia", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 15, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Kai Trewin", "date_of_birth": "2001-05-18", "age": 25, "caps": 5, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "New York City FC", "club_country": "United States", "club_league": "Major League Soccer", "height_cm": 183, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 18, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1256, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Major League Soccer, US Open Cup (2026 season)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Joined NYCFC from Melbourne City in Jan 2026; near ever-present starter", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.sofascore.com/football/player/kai-trewin/991364 ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/kai-trewin/profil/spieler/691326", "backstory": "A composed central defender, Kai Trewin came through Brisbane Roar, making more than 100 appearances, before a permanent move to Melbourne City where he won the club's Players' Player Award in his first season. In January 2026 he joined City Football Group sister club New York City FC and quickly became a near ever-present, earning his way into the World Cup squad.", "facts": ["Won Melbourne City's Players' Player Award in his debut season", "Moved within the City Football Group from Melbourne City to NYCFC"], "data_rating": 61, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · United States"]}, {"player_id": 380, "team_id": 15, "fifa_code": "AUS", "team_name": "Australia", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 16, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "LB", "player_name": "Aziz Behich", "date_of_birth": "1990-12-16", "age": 35, "caps": 83, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "Melbourne City", "club_country": "Australia", "club_league": "A-League Men", "height_cm": 169, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1710, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": 4, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "A-League Men", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Experienced left-back, third World Cup; 2025 PFA Men's Footballer of the Year", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/192735/aziz-behich ; https://melbournecityfc.com.au/player/aziz-behich/", "backstory": "A Turkish Cypriot Australian raised in Melbourne, Aziz Behich is a marauding left-back who spent years abroad at Bursaspor, PSV Eindhoven and Dundee United before returning home to Melbourne City. A veteran of multiple World Cups, he is remembered for the mazing run against Argentina in 2022 that almost forced extra time. He remains one of the A-League's best, named 2025 PFA Men's Footballer of the Year.", "facts": ["Named 2025 PFA Men's Footballer of the Year", "Produced a famous solo run vs Argentina at the 2022 World Cup", "Heading to a third World Cup"], "data_rating": 73, "fun": ["🧓 Veteran presence"]}, {"player_id": 381, "team_id": 15, "fifa_code": "AUS", "team_name": "Australia", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 17, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "RW", "player_name": "Nestory Irankunda", "date_of_birth": "2006-02-09", "age": 20, "caps": 14, "international_goals": 5, "is_captain": false, "club": "Watford", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "EFL Championship", "height_cm": 175, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 40, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2031, "club_goals_2025_26": 4, "club_assists_2025_26": 4, "club_yellow_2025_26": 12, "club_red_2025_26": 1, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "EFL Championship", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Permanent signing from Bayern Munich, July 2025", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.transfermarkt.us/nestory-irankunda/leistungsdaten/spieler/956920 ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nestory_Irankunda", "backstory": "Born in Australia to Burundian parents who fled civil war, Nestory Irankunda grew up in Adelaide and dazzled at Adelaide United, where he became a record sale to Bayern Munich. After a loan to Grasshopper in Switzerland, he joined Watford permanently in 2025. A fearless, left-footed winger with electric dribbling and a powerful shot, he is one of Australia's most thrilling young attackers.", "facts": ["Sold by Adelaide United to Bayern Munich for a club-record fee", "His parents fled civil war in Burundi", "Wears the number 66 as a tribute to where he started"], "data_rating": 66, "fun": ["🌟 Wonderkid", "🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 382, "team_id": 15, "fifa_code": "AUS", "team_name": "Australia", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 18, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Patrick Beach", "date_of_birth": "2003-08-06", "age": 22, "caps": 1, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Melbourne City", "club_country": "Australia", "club_league": "A-League Men", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": null, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "A-League Men", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": "Third-choice goalkeeper", "enrichment_sources": "https://melbournecityfc.com.au/", "backstory": "A young goalkeeper developed at Melbourne City, Patrick Beach earned his first senior Australia cap and travels as the squad's third-choice keeper. The World Cup is a valuable learning experience for the homegrown shot-stopper.", "facts": [], "data_rating": 53, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 383, "team_id": 15, "fifa_code": "AUS", "team_name": "Australia", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 19, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Harry Souttar", "date_of_birth": "1998-10-22", "age": 27, "caps": 37, "international_goals": 11, "is_captain": false, "club": "Leicester City", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "EFL Championship", "height_cm": 198, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 3800000, "club_apps_2025_26": 2, "club_starts_2025_26": 2, "club_minutes_2025_26": 178, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "EFL Championship", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Towering centre-back; returned from long Achilles injury, started final 2 league games and scored; Leicester relegated", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/671518/harry-souttar ; https://aleagues.com.au/news/socceroos-harry-souttar-leicester-city-championship-news/", "backstory": "Standing 1.98m, Harry Souttar grew up in the tiny village of Luthermuir in Scotland and started his career at Dundee United before moving to Stoke City and later Leicester. Eligible for Australia through his Port Hedland-born mother, he switched from Scotland's youth setup in 2019 and became a goal-scoring, dominant centre-back. After a long Achilles injury, he returned to start and score in Leicester's final games of a relegation season.", "facts": ["Towering 1.98m centre-back who also scores headers", "Brother John Souttar plays for Rangers and Scotland", "Switched from Scotland to Australia via his Port Hedland-born mother"], "data_rating": 64, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 384, "team_id": 15, "fifa_code": "AUS", "team_name": "Australia", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 20, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "CAM", "player_name": "Cristian Volpato", "date_of_birth": "2003-11-15", "age": 22, "caps": 0, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Sassuolo", "club_country": "Italy", "club_league": "Serie A", "height_cm": 183, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 24, "club_starts_2025_26": 11, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1062, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": 4, "club_yellow_2025_26": 4, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Serie A", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Uncapped, switched allegiance from Italy", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/cristian-volpato/16220/ ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/1308909/cristian-volpato", "backstory": "Born in Sydney to Italian-descent parents, Cristian Volpato came through the Western Sydney Wanderers academy before earning a move to AS Roma's youth setup, then joining Sassuolo in a multi-million-euro deal. A creative attacking midfielder, he represented Italy at youth and U21 level before switching allegiance to Australia in 2026, earning a World Cup call-up while still uncapped at senior level.", "facts": ["Came through the AS Roma youth sector", "Switched international allegiance from Italy to Australia in 2026", "Uncapped at senior level when named in the World Cup squad"], "data_rating": 54, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Italy"]}, {"player_id": 385, "team_id": 15, "fifa_code": "AUS", "team_name": "Australia", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 21, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Cameron Burgess", "date_of_birth": "1995-10-21", "age": 30, "caps": 26, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Swansea City", "club_country": "Wales", "club_league": "EFL Championship", "height_cm": 193, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 32, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 7, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 9, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "EFL Championship", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://footystats.org/players/australia/cameron-burgess ; https://fbref.com/en/players/da61ca98/Cameron-Burgess", "backstory": "Born in Scotland, Cameron Burgess emigrated to Perth aged 11 and worked his way up through English football, including spells at Fulham's setup, Scunthorpe, Salford and Accrington before establishing himself at Ipswich Town, where he helped earn promotion. The left-footed centre-back moved to Swansea City in 2025 and offers height and aerial strength to Australia's defence.", "facts": ["Born in Scotland, moved to Perth at age 11", "Helped Ipswich Town climb the English divisions"], "data_rating": 75, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Wales"]}, {"player_id": 386, "team_id": 15, "fifa_code": "AUS", "team_name": "Australia", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 22, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Jackson Irvine", "date_of_birth": "1993-03-07", "age": 33, "caps": 81, "international_goals": 14, "is_captain": false, "club": "FC St. Pauli", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 188, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 1500000, "club_apps_2025_26": 24, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Midfield leader, third World Cup; missed early season after foot surgery", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.bundesliga.com/en/player/jackson-irvine ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/jackson-irvine/leistungsdaten/spieler/192557", "backstory": "Born in Melbourne, Jackson Irvine had a trial-to-contract move to Celtic as a teenager and built his career across Scotland and England with Ross County, Hull City and Hibernian before becoming captain and cult hero at FC St. Pauli, whom he led to Bundesliga promotion. A tall, driving midfielder and Australia's captain figure, he is heading to his third World Cup.", "facts": ["Captain of FC St. Pauli, whom he led to the Bundesliga", "A noted music lover who hosts his own radio show in Hamburg", "Famous for his eclectic tattoo collection"], "data_rating": 67, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Germany"]}, {"player_id": 387, "team_id": 15, "fifa_code": "AUS", "team_name": "Australia", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 23, "position": "FW", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Nishan Velupillay", "date_of_birth": "2001-05-07", "age": 25, "caps": 7, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "Melbourne Victory", "club_country": "Australia", "club_league": "A-League Men", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1383, "club_goals_2025_26": 4, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": 1, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "A-League Men", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Strong 2025/26 form earned World Cup call-up", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/1250885/nishan-velupillay ; https://www.flashscore.com/player/velupillay-nishan/fahbBTEI/", "backstory": "Born in Melbourne to an Anglo-Indian mother and a Sri Lankan Tamil father, Nishan Velupillay is a product of the Melbourne Victory academy. An electric winger, he became Victory's top scorer in 2024/25 and scored on his international debut against China. His strong form earned a World Cup call-up, making him the first footballer of Tamil heritage to play at the tournament.", "facts": ["First footballer of Tamil heritage to play at a World Cup", "Scored on his international debut against China"], "data_rating": 62, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 388, "team_id": 15, "fifa_code": "AUS", "team_name": "Australia", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 24, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Paul Okon-Engstler", "date_of_birth": "2005-01-24", "age": 21, "caps": 5, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Sydney FC", "club_country": "Australia", "club_league": "A-League Men", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 23, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1933, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": 6, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "A-League Men", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "First full professional season; son of Socceroos legend Paul Okon", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/1527363/paul-okon-engstler ; https://sydneyfc.com/player/paul-okon-engstler/", "backstory": "Born in Belgium while his father, former Socceroos captain Paul Okon, was playing there, Paul Okon-Engstler moved to Australia as an infant. A defensive midfielder, he progressed through Club Brugge and Benfica's academies before joining Sydney FC in 2025 for his first full professional season. His father is also part of Australia's coaching setup, making it a family World Cup story.", "facts": ["Son of former Socceroos captain Paul Okon", "Born in Belgium during his father's playing days there", "Came through the Benfica academy"], "data_rating": 61, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 389, "team_id": 15, "fifa_code": "AUS", "team_name": "Australia", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 25, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Lucas Herrington", "date_of_birth": "2007-09-05", "age": 18, "caps": 3, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Colorado Rapids", "club_country": "United States", "club_league": "Major League Soccer", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 6, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 540, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Major League Soccer (2026 season)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Teenage prospect; scored on first MLS start, Feb 2026", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucas_Herrington ; https://burgundywave.com/2026/02/28/lucas-herrington-mls-debut-colorado-rapids/", "backstory": "A teenage central defender, Lucas Herrington came through Brisbane-area youth clubs and the Brisbane Roar academy before joining MLS side Colorado Rapids ahead of the 2026 season. He scored on his first MLS start and, having won the 2025 AFC U-20 Asian Cup with Australia's youth side, earned a surprise senior World Cup call-up as one of the squad's youngest members.", "facts": ["Born in 2007, one of the squad's youngest players", "Scored on his first MLS start for Colorado Rapids", "Won the 2025 AFC U-20 Asian Cup with Australia"], "data_rating": 56, "fun": ["🐣 Youngest in the squad (18)", "🌟 Wonderkid", "🌍 Plays abroad · United States"]}, {"player_id": 390, "team_id": 15, "fifa_code": "AUS", "team_name": "Australia", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 26, "position": "FW", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Tete Yengi", "date_of_birth": "2000-11-28", "age": 25, "caps": 0, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "FC Machida Zelvia", "club_country": "Japan", "club_league": "J1 League", "height_cm": 197, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 166, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "J1 League (2026 season; minimal minutes)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": "Uncapped at selection; limited game time at Machida Zelvia", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.jleague.co/players/9619/YENGI/ ; https://www.sofascore.com/football/player/tete-yengi/1096517", "backstory": "A towering 1.97m striker, Tete Yengi has had a journeyman career taking in Newcastle Jets, Ipswich Town, Finnish clubs VPS and KuPS, Northampton Town and Livingston before a 2026 loan to Japan's Machida Zelvia. A surprise pick, he was named in the World Cup squad despite never having been capped, with his physical aerial presence offering Australia a different attacking option.", "facts": ["Named in the World Cup squad while uncapped", "Journeyman career across Australia, Finland, England, Scotland and Japan"], "data_rating": 48, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Japan"]}, {"player_id": 391, "team_id": 16, "fifa_code": "TUR", "team_name": "Türkiye", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 1, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Mert Günok", "date_of_birth": "1989-03-01", "age": 37, "caps": 37, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Fenerbahçe", "club_country": "Türkiye", "club_league": "Süper Lig", "height_cm": 197, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 1500000, "club_apps_2025_26": 10, "club_starts_2025_26": 10, "club_minutes_2025_26": 835, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 1, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": 15, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Süper Lig", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Re-joined Fenerbahçe in January 2026; experienced veteran keeper", "enrichment_sources": "https://footystats.org/players/turkey/fehmi-mert-gunok ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/mert-gunok/profil/spieler/51894", "backstory": "Born in Karabük to a footballing father, Mert Günok came through Fenerbahçe's youth system and won league titles there before stints at Bursaspor, Başakşehir (another Süper Lig crown) and Beşiktaş. The towering 1.97m keeper became a national hero at Euro 2024 with a stoppage-time save against Austria. Now a veteran, he re-joined Fenerbahçe in January 2026 and travels to the World Cup as an experienced safe pair of hands.", "facts": ["Made a 95th-minute reflex save against Austria at Euro 2024 hailed as one of the saves of the tournament", "Won Süper Lig titles with both Fenerbahçe and Başakşehir", "His father Mahir was a professional footballer at Karabükspor"], "data_rating": 63, "fun": ["🧓 Veteran presence"]}, {"player_id": 392, "team_id": 16, "fifa_code": "TUR", "team_name": "Türkiye", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 2, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "RB", "player_name": "Zeki Çelik", "date_of_birth": "1997-02-17", "age": 29, "caps": 59, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "AS Roma", "club_country": "Italy", "club_league": "Serie A", "height_cm": 180, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 9000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 34, "club_starts_2025_26": 32, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2732, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": 2, "club_red_2025_26": 1, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Serie A, UEFA Europa League, Coppa Italia", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Regular right-back option at Roma", "enrichment_sources": "https://theanalyst.com/players/4458/zeki-celik ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/zeki-celik/leistungsdaten/spieler/251075", "backstory": "Mehmet Zeki Çelik emerged from Bursaspor's youth ranks and built his name at İstanbulspor in the Turkish second tier before a 2018 move to Lille, where he won the 2020-21 Ligue 1 title. The dependable right-back joined AS Roma in 2022 and has made well over 100 appearances for the Giallorossi. A long-serving Türkiye international, he is a reliable option on the right side of defence.", "facts": ["Won the 2020-21 Ligue 1 title with Lille, beating PSG to the crown", "Came up through the Turkish second division with İstanbulspor", "Can also fill in at centre-back for Roma"], "data_rating": 73, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Italy"]}, {"player_id": 393, "team_id": 16, "fifa_code": "TUR", "team_name": "Türkiye", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 3, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Merih Demiral", "date_of_birth": "1998-03-05", "age": 28, "caps": 61, "international_goals": 6, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al-Ahli", "club_country": "Saudi Arabia", "club_league": "Saudi Pro League", "height_cm": 190, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 18000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 20, "club_starts_2025_26": 20, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1646, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 5, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Saudi Pro League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Starting centre-back in Saudi Pro League", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/823078/merih-demiral ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/merih-demiral/leistungsdaten/spieler/340879/saison/2025", "backstory": "A Fenerbahçe academy product, Merih Demiral launched his career in Portugal with Sporting's setup before moves to Alanyaspor, Juventus and Atalanta established him as a powerful, aggressive centre-back. He joined Saudi side Al-Ahli in 2023. He became a national hero at Euro 2024 by scoring twice against Austria, including a goal after just 57 seconds.", "facts": ["Scored the fastest-ever goal in the knockout stages of a European Championship (57 seconds) against Austria at Euro 2024", "Bagged a brace in that same round-of-16 win over Austria", "Began his senior career in Portugal before returning via Alanyaspor"], "data_rating": 71, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Saudi Arabia"]}, {"player_id": 394, "team_id": 16, "fifa_code": "TUR", "team_name": "Türkiye", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 4, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Çağlar Söyüncü", "date_of_birth": "1996-05-23", "age": 30, "caps": 59, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Fenerbahçe", "club_country": "Türkiye", "club_league": "Süper Lig", "height_cm": 187, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 9000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 14, "club_starts_2025_26": 13, "club_minutes_2025_26": 983, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Süper Lig, UEFA Europa League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Centre-back at Fenerbahçe", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/caglar-soyuncu/22669/ ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/caglar-soyuncu/leistungsdaten/spieler/320141", "backstory": "Born in İzmir, Çağlar Söyüncü started as a striker before becoming a centre-back at Altınordu. He was the first Turkish player to move straight from the Turkish second tier to the Bundesliga, joining Freiburg in 2016, then signed for Leicester City where he won the FA Cup and Community Shield in 2021. After a spell at Atlético Madrid he settled at Fenerbahçe, where he anchors the defence.", "facts": ["First Turkish player to transfer directly from the Turkish second division to the Bundesliga", "Won the FA Cup and Community Shield with Leicester City in 2021", "Started his youth career as a striker before converting to centre-back"], "data_rating": 67, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 395, "team_id": 16, "fifa_code": "TUR", "team_name": "Türkiye", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 5, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CDM", "player_name": "Salih Özcan", "date_of_birth": "1998-01-11", "age": 28, "caps": 28, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Borussia Dortmund", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 182, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 8000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 9, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 73, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Defensive midfielder at Dortmund", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/salih-ozcan/15355/ ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salih_%C3%96zcan", "backstory": "Born in Cologne to Turkish parents, Salih Özcan came through 1. FC Köln's academy after early youth football at SC West Köln, captaining several youth sides and even playing for Germany's youth teams before committing to Türkiye. The defensive midfielder joined Borussia Dortmund in 2022 and had a loan spell at Wolfsburg. He left Dortmund at the end of 2025-26 after a peripheral final season.", "facts": ["Represented Germany at youth level before choosing Türkiye", "Won the U21 European Championship with Germany in 2021", "Came through the academy of and made over 100 appearances for 1. FC Köln"], "data_rating": 60, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Germany"]}, {"player_id": 396, "team_id": 16, "fifa_code": "TUR", "team_name": "Türkiye", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 6, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Orkun Kökçü", "date_of_birth": "2000-12-29", "age": 25, "caps": 48, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "Beşiktaş", "club_country": "Türkiye", "club_league": "Süper Lig", "height_cm": 177, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 25000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 41, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 3264, "club_goals_2025_26": 10, "club_assists_2025_26": 8, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Süper Lig, UEFA Europa Conference League, Turkish Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Central midfielder and key creator at Beşiktaş", "enrichment_sources": "https://footystats.org/players/turkey/orkun-kokcu ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/935409/orkun-kokcu", "backstory": "Born in Haarlem to Turkish parents, Orkun Kökçü developed at Groningen and Feyenoord, scoring on his Feyenoord debut at 17 and later captaining the Rotterdam club. In 2023 he became Benfica's record signing at around €30m, and in 2025 he returned to Türkiye on loan with Beşiktaş, where he was made captain. A creative, set-piece-savvy central midfielder, he had a productive 2025-26 with double-digit goals and assists.", "facts": ["Was Benfica's record signing at around €30m in 2023", "Scored on his Feyenoord debut aged 17", "Appointed Beşiktaş captain within months of joining in 2025"], "data_rating": 78, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 397, "team_id": 16, "fifa_code": "TUR", "team_name": "Türkiye", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 7, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "LW", "player_name": "Kerem Aktürkoğlu", "date_of_birth": "1998-10-21", "age": 27, "caps": 51, "international_goals": 15, "is_captain": false, "club": "Fenerbahçe", "club_country": "Türkiye", "club_league": "Süper Lig", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 20000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 22, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1415, "club_goals_2025_26": 4, "club_assists_2025_26": 4, "club_yellow_2025_26": 3, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Süper Lig", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Türkiye's top scorer in recent years; winger at Fenerbahçe", "enrichment_sources": "https://statz.ai/player/kerem-akturkoglu/534383 ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/kerem-akturkoglu/leistungsdaten/spieler/382528", "backstory": "Kerem Aktürkoğlu took an unusual path, playing amateur and Turkish third-tier football before a free transfer to Galatasaray in 2020, where he won back-to-back league titles. A 2024 move to Benfica preceded a big-money return home with Fenerbahçe in 2025. A direct, skilful left winger, he has become one of Türkiye's most prolific attackers in recent years.", "facts": ["Rose from the amateur and Turkish third division to Galatasaray and Benfica", "Won back-to-back Süper Lig titles with Galatasaray", "Among Türkiye's most prolific scorers in recent qualifying campaigns"], "data_rating": 70, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 398, "team_id": 16, "fifa_code": "TUR", "team_name": "Türkiye", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 8, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "CAM", "player_name": "Arda Güler", "date_of_birth": "2005-02-25", "age": 21, "caps": 28, "international_goals": 6, "is_captain": false, "club": "Real Madrid", "club_country": "Spain", "club_league": "La Liga", "height_cm": 176, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": 60000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 33, "club_starts_2025_26": 25, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2026, "club_goals_2025_26": 4, "club_assists_2025_26": 9, "club_yellow_2025_26": 1, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "La Liga", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Star attacking midfielder breaking through at Real Madrid", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/1253890/arda-guler ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/arda-guler/leistungsdaten/spieler/861410", "backstory": "A generational talent born in 2005, Arda Güler started at Gençlerbirliği before joining Fenerbahçe, where he became the club's youngest Süper Lig goalscorer at 17. Real Madrid signed him in 2023 by triggering his release clause, and he has since won La Liga and the Champions League. The left-footed playmaker announced himself by scoring on his Euro 2024 debut against Georgia and is a creative jewel of this squad.", "facts": ["First teenager to score on his European Championship debut since Cristiano Ronaldo (Euro 2024 vs Georgia)", "Became Fenerbahçe's youngest-ever Süper Lig goalscorer at 17", "Won La Liga and the Champions League in his first season at Real Madrid"], "data_rating": 73, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Spain"]}, {"player_id": 399, "team_id": 16, "fifa_code": "TUR", "team_name": "Türkiye", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 9, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Deniz Gül", "date_of_birth": "2004-07-02", "age": 21, "caps": 6, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "FC Porto", "club_country": "Portugal", "club_league": "Primeira Liga", "height_cm": 191, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 8000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 39, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1569, "club_goals_2025_26": 6, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Primeira Liga, UEFA Europa League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Young striker at Porto; scored in pre-tournament friendly", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.transfermarkt.us/deniz-gul/leistungsdaten/spieler/1063292 ; https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/deniz-gul/97687/", "backstory": "Born and raised in Stockholm to a Turkish father and Swedish mother, Deniz Gül came through Swedish youth football and exploded with goals at Hammarby's lower-league side before joining FC Porto in 2024, scoring on his Primeira Liga debut. The tall striker had represented Sweden at youth level but switched allegiance to Türkiye in late 2024.", "facts": ["Switched from Sweden to Türkiye in 2024 after a dozen youth caps for Sweden", "Scored on his Primeira Liga debut for FC Porto", "At 1.91m, a target-man striker raised in Stockholm"], "data_rating": 63, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Portugal"]}, {"player_id": 400, "team_id": 16, "fifa_code": "TUR", "team_name": "Türkiye", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 10, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CDM", "player_name": "Hakan Çalhanoğlu", "date_of_birth": "1994-02-08", "age": 32, "caps": 105, "international_goals": 22, "is_captain": true, "club": "Inter Milan", "club_country": "Italy", "club_league": "Serie A", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": "Both", "market_value_eur": 16000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 28, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1984, "club_goals_2025_26": 10, "club_assists_2025_26": 6, "club_yellow_2025_26": 7, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Serie A, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Captain and deep-lying playmaker; squad's top scorer", "enrichment_sources": "https://footystats.org/players/turkey/hakan-calhanoglu ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/hakan-calhanoglu/leistungsdaten/spieler/126414", "backstory": "Born in Mannheim, Germany, Hakan Çalhanoğlu rose through Karlsruher SC, broke out at Hamburg, then dazzled at Bayer Leverkusen before moving to AC Milan in 2017 and, controversially, to city rivals Inter on a free in 2021. Reinvented as an elite deep-lying playmaker and penalty/free-kick specialist at Inter, he is Türkiye's captain and record-laden talisman, and the squad's leading international scorer heading into the World Cup.", "facts": ["Crossed the Milan divide, leaving AC Milan for Inter on a free transfer in 2021", "Türkiye's captain with more than 100 caps and over 20 international goals", "Renowned as one of football's deadliest free-kick and set-piece takers"], "data_rating": 79, "fun": ["🔥 Top 4% scorer at the Cup", "🎖️ Most-capped in the squad (105)", "🌍 Plays abroad · Italy", "©️ Captain"]}, {"player_id": 401, "team_id": 16, "fifa_code": "TUR", "team_name": "Türkiye", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 11, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "LW", "player_name": "Kenan Yıldız", "date_of_birth": "2005-05-04", "age": 21, "caps": 28, "international_goals": 5, "is_captain": false, "club": "Juventus", "club_country": "Italy", "club_league": "Serie A", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": "Both", "market_value_eur": 75000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 43, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 11, "club_assists_2025_26": 9, "club_yellow_2025_26": 4, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Serie A, UEFA Champions League, Coppa Italia", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Regular starter at Juventus; named Serie A Best Under-23 player 2025-26", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/kenan-yildiz/59525/ ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/kenan-yildiz/leistungsdaten/spieler/845654/saison/2025/wettbewerb/IT1", "backstory": "Born in Regensburg to a Turkish father and German mother, Kenan Yıldız came through Bayern Munich's academy but left as a free agent for Juventus in 2022 amid interest from Barcelona. He broke into Juve's first team in late 2023 and became the club's youngest-ever Champions League scorer, surpassing Del Piero. A two-footed, elegant forward, he was named Serie A's Best Under-23 player for 2025-26 and is one of Türkiye's brightest stars.", "facts": ["Juventus' youngest-ever Champions League goalscorer, surpassing Alessandro Del Piero", "Named Serie A's Best Under-23 Player for 2025-26", "Left Bayern Munich's academy as a free agent for Juventus, beating Barcelona to his signature"], "data_rating": 77, "fun": ["💎 Most valuable in the squad", "🌍 Plays abroad · Italy"]}, {"player_id": 402, "team_id": 16, "fifa_code": "TUR", "team_name": "Türkiye", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 12, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Altay Bayındır", "date_of_birth": "1998-04-14", "age": 28, "caps": 11, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Manchester United", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 198, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 8000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 6, "club_starts_2025_26": 6, "club_minutes_2025_26": 540, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 0, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": 11, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Backup/rotation keeper at club level", "enrichment_sources": "https://footystats.org/players/turkey/altay-bayindir ; https://www.premierleague.com/en/players/451302/altay-bayindir/stats", "backstory": "Altay Bayındır started out at Ankaragücü before a 2019 move to Fenerbahçe, where he made 145 appearances and became a key figure in their Turkish Cup win. In September 2023 he became the first Turkish player ever to sign for Manchester United. The 1.98m keeper has largely been a backup at Old Trafford but produced a Man-of-the-Match double penalty save against Arsenal in the FA Cup.", "facts": ["First Turkish player to sign for Manchester United", "Stands 1.98m (6ft 6in) tall", "Saved penalties from Ødegaard and Havertz in a 2025 FA Cup tie against Arsenal"], "data_rating": 63, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 403, "team_id": 16, "fifa_code": "TUR", "team_name": "Türkiye", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 13, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "LB", "player_name": "Eren Elmalı", "date_of_birth": "2000-07-07", "age": 25, "caps": 4, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Galatasaray", "club_country": "Türkiye", "club_league": "Süper Lig", "height_cm": 180, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": 8000000, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Süper Lig, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": "Left-back at Galatasaray", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.transfermarkt.us/eren-elmali/leistungsdaten/spieler/616894 ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/1041660/evren-eren-elmali", "backstory": "Istanbul-born Eren Elmalı came through the academies of Kartalspor and Kasımpaşa, making his Süper Lig debut for the latter in 2021. He earned a move to Trabzonspor in 2022 and impressed over more than 100 games before joining Galatasaray in early 2025, where he won the league and Turkish Cup. The attack-minded left-back brings energy down the flank.", "facts": ["Won the Süper Lig and Turkish Cup with Galatasaray in 2024-25", "Made over 100 appearances for Trabzonspor", "Scored on the way to becoming a regular Türkiye international"], "data_rating": 59, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 404, "team_id": 16, "fifa_code": "TUR", "team_name": "Türkiye", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 14, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Abdülkerim Bardakcı", "date_of_birth": "1994-09-07", "age": 31, "caps": 7, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Galatasaray", "club_country": "Türkiye", "club_league": "Süper Lig", "height_cm": 187, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": 6000000, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Süper Lig, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": "Regular centre-back at Galatasaray", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/abdulkerim-bardakci/22564/ ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/291399/abdulkerim-bardakci", "backstory": "A Konya native and something of a late bloomer, Abdülkerim Bardakcı built his career at Konyaspor, even scoring against Fenerbahçe in 2021. A €2.8m move to Galatasaray in 2022 transformed him into a serial winner, with three consecutive Süper Lig titles and a Turkish Cup. The left-footed centre-back is prized for his composed distribution.", "facts": ["Won three straight Süper Lig titles after joining Galatasaray in 2022", "Scored against Fenerbahçe while at Konyaspor", "Started all six Champions League group games for Galatasaray in 2023-24"], "data_rating": 59, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 405, "team_id": 16, "fifa_code": "TUR", "team_name": "Türkiye", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 15, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Ozan Kabak", "date_of_birth": "2000-03-25", "age": 26, "caps": 28, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "TSG Hoffenheim", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 186, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 22000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 24, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 4, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Centre-back at Hoffenheim", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.bundesliga.com/en/bundesliga/player/ozan-kabak ; https://www.whoscored.com/players/356743/show/ozan-kabak", "backstory": "Ozan Kabak rose through Galatasaray's academy and became the first footballer born in the 2000s to play in the Süper Lig. A move to Stuttgart at 18 made him one of the Bundesliga's youngest regulars and Rookie of the Season, before a big-money switch to Schalke and a loan to Liverpool. After spells at Norwich, he settled at Hoffenheim and remains a ball-playing centre-back for Türkiye.", "facts": ["First footballer born in the 2000s to play in the Süper Lig", "Named a Bundesliga Rookie of the Season at Stuttgart aged 18", "First Turkish player to feature for an English club (Liverpool) in the Champions League"], "data_rating": 70, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Germany"]}, {"player_id": 406, "team_id": 16, "fifa_code": "TUR", "team_name": "Türkiye", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 16, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CDM", "player_name": "İsmail Yüksek", "date_of_birth": "1999-01-26", "age": 27, "caps": 31, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Fenerbahçe", "club_country": "Türkiye", "club_league": "Süper Lig", "height_cm": 187, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 12000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 30, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1764, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": 5, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Süper Lig, UEFA Europa League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Holding midfielder at Fenerbahçe", "enrichment_sources": "https://footystats.org/players/turkey/ismail-yuksek ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/ismail-yuksek/profil/spieler/613725", "backstory": "İsmail Yüksek came up through Bursaspor's youth setup and began his senior career at Gölcükspor before joining Fenerbahçe in 2020. After several loan spells he broke into the first team under Jorge Jesus and became a regular. A physical, all-action box-to-box and holding midfielder, he scored on his Türkiye debut against Luxembourg.", "facts": ["Scored on his international debut against Luxembourg in 2022", "Stands 1.87m and is a powerful box-to-box presence", "Spent loan spells at four clubs before establishing himself at Fenerbahçe"], "data_rating": 66, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 407, "team_id": 16, "fifa_code": "TUR", "team_name": "Türkiye", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 17, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "CAM", "player_name": "İrfan Can Kahveci", "date_of_birth": "1995-07-15", "age": 30, "caps": 39, "international_goals": 5, "is_captain": false, "club": "Kasımpaşa", "club_country": "Türkiye", "club_league": "Süper Lig", "height_cm": 174, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 4000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 24, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1653, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": 3, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Süper Lig", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "On loan at Kasımpaşa from Fenerbahçe; attacking midfielder/winger", "enrichment_sources": "https://footystats.org/players/turkey/irfan-kahveci ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/irfan-can-kahveci/leistungsdaten/spieler/216603", "backstory": "İrfan Can Kahveci started at Gençlerbirliği's football school aged seven, initially playing as a left-back before being reinvented as a playmaker at İstanbul Başakşehir under Abdullah Avcı. He joined Fenerbahçe in 2021 and was on loan at Kasımpaşa in 2025-26. A technically gifted attacking midfielder and free-kick specialist, he produced one of the great Champions League nights with a hat-trick against RB Leipzig.", "facts": ["Scored a Champions League hat-trick against RB Leipzig in 2020, joining Ronaldo and Gareth Bale as players to do so in a losing cause", "Began as a left-back before being converted into a playmaker", "Started at Gençlerbirliği's football school aged seven"], "data_rating": 64, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 408, "team_id": 16, "fifa_code": "TUR", "team_name": "Türkiye", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 18, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "RB", "player_name": "Mert Müldür", "date_of_birth": "1999-04-03", "age": 27, "caps": 28, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Fenerbahçe", "club_country": "Türkiye", "club_league": "Süper Lig", "height_cm": 183, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 9000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 25, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1522, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": 4, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Süper Lig, UEFA Europa League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Full-back at Fenerbahçe", "enrichment_sources": "https://footystats.org/players/turkey/mert-muldur ; https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/mert-muldur/18093/", "backstory": "Born in Vienna to a Turkish-Austrian family, Mert Müldür began at Rapid Wien before moving to Italy with Sassuolo in 2019, racking up 90 Serie A appearances. A lifelong Fenerbahçe fan, he joined his boyhood club in 2023. The versatile defender is primarily a right-back but can play across the back line, and his pace and stamina make him a useful option.", "facts": ["Born in Vienna and grew up speaking Turkish and German", "A lifelong Fenerbahçe fan who eventually signed for the club", "Made 90 Serie A appearances for Sassuolo"], "data_rating": 67, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 409, "team_id": 16, "fifa_code": "TUR", "team_name": "Türkiye", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 19, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "RW", "player_name": "Yunus Akgün", "date_of_birth": "2000-07-07", "age": 25, "caps": 17, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "Galatasaray", "club_country": "Türkiye", "club_league": "Süper Lig", "height_cm": 172, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": 15000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 28, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1824, "club_goals_2025_26": 7, "club_assists_2025_26": 9, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Süper Lig", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Winger at Galatasaray", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/yunus-akgun/22709/ ; https://footystats.org/players/turkey/yunus-akgun", "backstory": "An Istanbul-born product of Galatasaray's academy, Yunus Akgün worked his way up via a loan to Adana Demirspor and a spell at Leicester City. A skilful right winger or attacking midfielder, he has become a productive contributor for Galatasaray, chipping in with goals and assists, and is part of Türkiye's attacking depth at the World Cup.", "facts": ["Came through the Galatasaray youth academy, which he joined in 2011", "Spent the 2023-24 season on loan at Leicester City", "Scored 8 goals with 11 assists during a loan at Adana Demirspor"], "data_rating": 69, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 410, "team_id": 16, "fifa_code": "TUR", "team_name": "Türkiye", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 20, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "LB", "player_name": "Ferdi Kadıoğlu", "date_of_birth": "1999-10-07", "age": 26, "caps": 30, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Brighton & Hove Albion", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 30000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 37, "club_starts_2025_26": 34, "club_minutes_2025_26": 3134, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": 6, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Versatile full-back at Brighton; Brighton Player of the Year 2025-26", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.premierleague.com/en/players/231416/ferdi-kadioglu/stats ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferdi_Kad%C4%B1o%C4%9Flu", "backstory": "Born in the Netherlands to a Turkish father and Dutch-Canadian mother, Ferdi Kadıoğlu became the youngest player to debut for NEC Nijmegen in the Eredivisie before moving to Fenerbahçe in 2018, where he spent six years and won the Turkish Cup. He chose to represent Türkiye in 2022 and joined Brighton in 2024. The versatile full-back was named Brighton's Player of the Year for 2025-26.", "facts": ["Named Brighton & Hove Albion Player of the Year for 2025-26", "Was once the youngest player to debut for NEC Nijmegen in the Eredivisie", "Committed to Türkiye over the Netherlands in January 2022"], "data_rating": 74, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 411, "team_id": 16, "fifa_code": "TUR", "team_name": "Türkiye", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 21, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "RW", "player_name": "Barış Alper Yılmaz", "date_of_birth": "2000-05-23", "age": 26, "caps": 33, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Galatasaray", "club_country": "Türkiye", "club_league": "Süper Lig", "height_cm": 186, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 22000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 30, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2318, "club_goals_2025_26": 8, "club_assists_2025_26": 11, "club_yellow_2025_26": 7, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Süper Lig", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Pacey forward/winger at Galatasaray", "enrichment_sources": "https://footystats.org/players/turkey/baris-alper-yilmaz ; https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/baris-alper-yilmaz/leistungsdaten/spieler/541537/saison/2025/wettbewerb/TR1", "backstory": "Born in Rize, Barış Alper Yılmaz developed in regional youth football and broke through at Ankara Keçiörengücü in the second tier before Galatasaray signed him in 2021. Strong, fast and versatile across the front line, he won multiple Süper Lig titles and became a regular for Türkiye, scoring his first international goal in a Euro 2024 qualifier against Croatia.", "facts": ["Scored his first Türkiye goal in a Euro 2024 qualifying win over Croatia", "Stepped up from the Turkish second division to title-winning Galatasaray", "A versatile forward who can play across the entire front line"], "data_rating": 72, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 412, "team_id": 16, "fifa_code": "TUR", "team_name": "Türkiye", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 22, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CDM", "player_name": "Kaan Ayhan", "date_of_birth": "1994-11-10", "age": 31, "caps": 72, "international_goals": 5, "is_captain": false, "club": "Galatasaray", "club_country": "Türkiye", "club_league": "Süper Lig", "height_cm": 186, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 4000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 11, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 249, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Süper Lig, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Versatile midfielder/defender at Galatasaray; limited minutes 2025-26", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/matches/_/id/159146/kaan-ayhan ; https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/clubs/players/250023940--kaan-ayhan/", "backstory": "Born in Germany, Kaan Ayhan joined Schalke 04's academy aged four and made his Bundesliga debut there before establishing himself at Fortuna Düsseldorf, where he won the 2. Bundesliga title. After three seasons at Sassuolo in Serie A he joined Galatasaray in 2023 and won the Süper Lig. A versatile defender turned defensive midfielder, he is a useful experienced squad option.", "facts": ["Joined Schalke 04's academy at the age of four", "Won the 2. Bundesliga title with Fortuna Düsseldorf", "Has been deployed both as a centre-back and a defensive midfielder for Galatasaray"], "data_rating": 63, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 413, "team_id": 16, "fifa_code": "TUR", "team_name": "Türkiye", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 23, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Uğurcan Çakır", "date_of_birth": "1996-04-05", "age": 30, "caps": 38, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Galatasaray", "club_country": "Türkiye", "club_league": "Süper Lig", "height_cm": 191, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 25000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 31, "club_starts_2025_26": 31, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2798, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 5, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 12, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Süper Lig, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "First-choice keeper at Galatasaray", "enrichment_sources": "https://footystats.org/players/turkey/ugurcan-cakir ; https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/clubs/players/250078452--ugurcan-cakir/statistics/ ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U%C4%9Furcan_%C3%87ak%C4%B1r", "backstory": "An Antalya native, Uğurcan Çakır became Trabzonspor's number one in 2019, captained the club and helped end their 38-year title drought by winning the 2021-22 Süper Lig. Renowned for his reflexes and command of the box, he starred at Euro 2024 as Türkiye reached the quarter-finals. In September 2025 he joined Galatasaray in a landmark deal worth around €27.5m and is the clear first-choice keeper heading into the World Cup.", "facts": ["Helped Trabzonspor win their first league title in 38 years (2021-22)", "Joined Galatasaray in 2025 in a deal worth around €27.5m", "Captained Trabzonspor"], "data_rating": 76, "fun": ["🧤 12 clean sheets in 2025/26"]}, {"player_id": 414, "team_id": 16, "fifa_code": "TUR", "team_name": "Türkiye", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 24, "position": "FW", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Oğuz Aydın", "date_of_birth": "2000-10-27", "age": 25, "caps": 10, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Fenerbahçe", "club_country": "Türkiye", "club_league": "Süper Lig", "height_cm": 180, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": 6000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 28, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": 1, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Süper Lig, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Champions League qualifying, Turkish Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Winger at Fenerbahçe; provided assist in pre-tournament friendly", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.transfermarkt.us/oguz-aydin/leistungsdaten/spieler/563749 ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/1092015/oguz-aydin", "backstory": "Born in the Netherlands and originally named Redur Kaya, Oğuz Aydın began in AZ Alkmaar's youth setup before moving to Turkey. He broke through at Bucaspor and then Alanyaspor, where strong form earned a €6m move to Fenerbahçe in 2024. A two-footed winger comfortable on either flank, he offers pace and creativity off the bench for Türkiye.", "facts": ["Born in the Netherlands and began in AZ Alkmaar's academy", "Two-footed, able to play on either wing or as a second striker", "Earned a €6m move to Fenerbahçe after impressing at Alanyaspor"], "data_rating": 61, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 415, "team_id": 16, "fifa_code": "TUR", "team_name": "Türkiye", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 25, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Samet Akaydın", "date_of_birth": "1994-03-13", "age": 32, "caps": 4, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Çaykur Rizespor", "club_country": "Türkiye", "club_league": "Süper Lig", "height_cm": 190, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 2500000, "club_apps_2025_26": 24, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2145, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": 7, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Süper Lig", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Centre-back at Rizespor", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.transfermarkt.us/samet-akaydin/leistungsdaten/spieler/295024 ; https://www.sofascore.com/player/samet-akaydin/863600", "backstory": "A genuine late developer, Samet Akaydın climbed through Black Sea regional and lower-league clubs before earning a move to Adana Demirspor, whom he helped win promotion to the Süper Lig in 2021. He joined Fenerbahçe in 2023, won the Turkish Cup, and after a loan to Panathinaikos moved to Çaykur Rizespor. The commanding centre-back scored against the Netherlands in Türkiye's Euro 2024 quarter-final.", "facts": ["Scored against the Netherlands in Türkiye's Euro 2024 quarter-final", "Climbed from amateur and lower-league football to the top flight", "Helped Adana Demirspor win promotion to the Süper Lig in 2021"], "data_rating": 64, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 416, "team_id": 16, "fifa_code": "TUR", "team_name": "Türkiye", "group_letter": "D", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 26, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CAM", "player_name": "Can Uzun", "date_of_birth": "2005-11-11", "age": 20, "caps": 5, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Eintracht Frankfurt", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 30000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 21, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 8, "club_assists_2025_26": 4, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Young attacking midfielder; scored on first start vs North Macedonia", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.bundesliga.com/en/player/can-uzun ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Can_Uzun", "backstory": "Born in Regensburg, Germany, to a Turkish father, Can Uzun played youth football at Jahn Regensburg and Ingolstadt before his breakout at 1. FC Nürnberg, where he became the club's top scorer. He joined Eintracht Frankfurt in 2024 and quickly impressed in the Bundesliga. The young attacking midfielder, eligible for Germany, chose Türkiye and scored on his first start for the senior team.", "facts": ["Scored on his first start for Türkiye, against North Macedonia", "Was Nürnberg's top scorer in his breakout 2023-24 season", "Eligible for Germany but chose to represent Türkiye"], "data_rating": 70, "fun": ["🐣 Youngest in the squad (20)", "🌟 Wonderkid", "🌍 Plays abroad · Germany"]}, {"player_id": 417, "team_id": 17, "fifa_code": "GER", "team_name": "Germany", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 1, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Manuel Neuer", "date_of_birth": "1986-03-27", "age": 40, "caps": 124, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Bayern Munich", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 193, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 3000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 33, "club_starts_2025_26": 33, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 8, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": 36, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Came out of retirement; Bayern and Germany first-choice keeper", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manuel_Neuer ; https://www.bundesliga.com/en/bundesliga/news/world-cup-stars-bayern-munich-s-manuel-neuer-germany-37533 ; https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/clubs/players/97923--manuel-neuer/statistics/", "backstory": "A hometown product of Schalke 04, where he came through every youth level before breaking into the first team in 2006, Manuel Neuer redefined the goalkeeper position with his 'sweeper-keeper' style after joining Bayern Munich in 2011. He was the bedrock of Germany's 2014 World Cup triumph, winning the Golden Glove, and went on to collect a record haul of Bundesliga titles and two Champions Leagues with Bayern. Having retired from international duty in 2024, the veteran was coaxed back by Julian Nagelsmann to be Germany's first-choice keeper at his fifth World Cup.", "facts": ["Won the Golden Glove as best goalkeeper at the 2014 World Cup he won with Germany", "Pioneered the modern 'sweeper-keeper' role, changing how the position is played", "Came out of international retirement for the 2026 World Cup"], "data_rating": 86, "fun": ["🎖️ Most-capped in the squad (124)", "🧓 Veteran presence"]}, {"player_id": 418, "team_id": 17, "fifa_code": "GER", "team_name": "Germany", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 2, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Antonio Rüdiger", "date_of_birth": "1993-03-03", "age": 33, "caps": 82, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "Real Madrid", "club_country": "Spain", "club_league": "La Liga", "height_cm": 190, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 26, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2191, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 0, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "La Liga, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Germany vice-captain; Real Madrid first-choice centre-back", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.sportbusy.com/players/soccer/169438/ ; https://tribuna.com/en/persons/antonio-rudiger/stat/2025-2026/la-liga/", "backstory": "Born in Berlin to Sierra Leonean heritage, Antonio Rüdiger rose through the Stuttgart and Borussia Dortmund systems before making his name in Serie A with Roma and then in the Premier League with Chelsea, where he won the 2021 Champions League. A free transfer to Real Madrid in 2022 cemented his status as one of the world's most aggressive, athletic centre-backs. A Germany regular and vice-captain, the combative defender anchors the back line at the 2026 World Cup.", "facts": ["Won the Champions League with Chelsea in 2021 before joining Real Madrid on a free transfer", "Of Sierra Leonean descent and grew up in Berlin", "Germany's vice-captain"], "data_rating": 74, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Spain"]}, {"player_id": 419, "team_id": 17, "fifa_code": "GER", "team_name": "Germany", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 3, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Waldemar Anton", "date_of_birth": "1996-07-20", "age": 29, "caps": 13, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Borussia Dortmund", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 189, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 32, "club_starts_2025_26": 32, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2880, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 3, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Squad centre-back; first World Cup", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.bundesliga.com/en/player/waldemar-anton ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/664970/waldemar-anton", "backstory": "Born in Almaty, Kazakhstan, before his family moved to Germany, Waldemar Anton came through the Hannover 96 academy and captained the club before a 2020 move to Stuttgart, where his consistency earned a transfer to Borussia Dortmund in 2024. A composed, right-footed centre-back, he earned his first Germany caps relatively late in his career. The 2026 tournament is his first World Cup.", "facts": ["Born in Kazakhstan before moving to Germany as a child", "Captained Hannover 96 before moving to Stuttgart and then Dortmund"], "data_rating": 70, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 420, "team_id": 17, "fifa_code": "GER", "team_name": "Germany", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 4, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Jonathan Tah", "date_of_birth": "1996-02-11", "age": 30, "caps": 47, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Bayern Munich", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 195, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 26, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2019, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": 7, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Regular starter at Bayern after summer move", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.sportbusy.com/players/soccer/188052/ ; https://fbref.com/en/players/bd142efb/Jonathan-Tah", "backstory": "A Hamburg native, Jonathan Tah broke through at his boyhood club HSV before a move to Bayer Leverkusen in 2015, where he spent nearly a decade and was a key part of the unbeaten 2023-24 double-winning side. The towering, ball-playing centre-back joined Bayern Munich on a free transfer in 2025. A long-time Germany international, he is a key figure in central defence at the 2026 World Cup.", "facts": ["Part of Bayer Leverkusen's unbeaten Bundesliga double-winning side of 2023-24", "Joined Bayern Munich on a free transfer in 2025"], "data_rating": 72, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 421, "team_id": 17, "fifa_code": "GER", "team_name": "Germany", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 5, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CDM", "player_name": "Aleksandar Pavlović", "date_of_birth": "2004-05-03", "age": 22, "caps": 8, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Bayern Munich", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 188, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 24, "club_starts_2025_26": 16, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1462, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Young Bayern defensive midfielder; missed time with knee injury", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.bundesliga.com/en/bundesliga/player/aleksandar-pavlovic ; https://fbref.com/en/players/2658c82f/Aleksandar-Pavlovic", "backstory": "A product of the Bayern Munich academy born in 2004, Aleksandar Pavlović forced his way into the first team as a teenager and quickly became a composed defensive-midfield option. He earned his first Germany caps before the age of 20, marking himself as a long-term successor in the deep-lying role. Knee trouble disrupted his 2025-26 season, but the young midfielder still made Germany's World Cup squad.", "facts": ["Came through the Bayern Munich academy and debuted for the senior side as a teenager", "Of Serbian and Polish family background"], "data_rating": 63, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 422, "team_id": 17, "fifa_code": "GER", "team_name": "Germany", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 6, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CDM", "player_name": "Joshua Kimmich", "date_of_birth": "1995-02-08", "age": 31, "caps": 110, "international_goals": 10, "is_captain": true, "club": "Bayern Munich", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 177, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 29, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2280, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": 8, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Germany captain; Bayern leader, 2 goals 8 assists in Bundesliga", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.bundesliga.com/en/player/joshua-kimmich ; https://fbref.com/en/players/49296448/Joshua-Kimmich", "backstory": "A relentless, tactically intelligent product of the Stuttgart and RB Leipzig systems, Joshua Kimmich joined Bayern Munich in 2015 and was converted from midfielder to elite right-back before moving back into a deep midfield role. A serial Bundesliga and Champions League winner, he is renowned for his leadership, passing range and set-piece delivery. Now Germany's captain, he marshals the side at the 2026 World Cup.", "facts": ["Began as a right-back before becoming one of the world's best defensive midfielders", "Germany's captain", "Won the Champions League with Bayern in 2020"], "data_rating": 80, "fun": ["©️ Captain"]}, {"player_id": 423, "team_id": 17, "fifa_code": "GER", "team_name": "Germany", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 7, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Kai Havertz", "date_of_birth": "1999-06-11", "age": 27, "caps": 58, "international_goals": 22, "is_captain": false, "club": "Arsenal", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 193, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 17, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 6, "club_assists_2025_26": 4, "club_yellow_2025_26": 1, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, UEFA Champions League, EFL Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Arsenal forward; missed several months with knee injury; key Germany goalscorer", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kai_Havertz ; https://www.premierleague.com/en/players/219847/kai-havertz/stats ; https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/clubs/players/250087938--kai-havertz/statistics/", "backstory": "A graceful, versatile forward from Aachen, Kai Havertz emerged as a teenage prodigy at Bayer Leverkusen, becoming one of the youngest players to reach major Bundesliga milestones. He joined Chelsea in 2020 and scored the winning goal in the 2021 Champions League final before moving to Arsenal in 2023, where he reinvented himself as a leading striker. A knee injury disrupted his 2025-26 season, but he remains a key Germany goalscorer at the World Cup.", "facts": ["Scored the winning goal in the 2021 Champions League final for Chelsea", "Was one of the youngest players to reach 50 Bundesliga appearances and goals milestones at Leverkusen"], "data_rating": 71, "fun": ["🔥 Top 4% scorer at the Cup", "🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 424, "team_id": 17, "fifa_code": "GER", "team_name": "Germany", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 8, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Leon Goretzka", "date_of_birth": "1995-02-06", "age": 31, "caps": 70, "international_goals": 15, "is_captain": false, "club": "Bayern Munich", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 189, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 31, "club_starts_2025_26": 25, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 5, "club_assists_2025_26": 3, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Experienced Bayern midfielder; leaving club at end of season", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.bundesliga.com/en/player/leon-goretzka ; https://www.sportbusy.com/players/soccer/174550/", "backstory": "A Bochum-born midfielder, Leon Goretzka broke through at his hometown club before establishing himself at Schalke 04 and then joining Bayern Munich on a free transfer in 2018. A powerful, goal-scoring box-to-box midfielder, he won multiple Bundesliga titles and the 2020 Champions League. A long-serving Germany international set to leave Bayern, he brings experience to the 2026 World Cup squad.", "facts": ["Joined Bayern Munich on a free transfer from Schalke in 2018", "Won the Champions League with Bayern in 2020"], "data_rating": 77, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 425, "team_id": 17, "fifa_code": "GER", "team_name": "Germany", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 9, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "RW", "player_name": "Jamie Leweling", "date_of_birth": "2001-02-26", "age": 25, "caps": 5, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "VfB Stuttgart", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 184, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 32, "club_starts_2025_26": 26, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2377, "club_goals_2025_26": 7, "club_assists_2025_26": 9, "club_yellow_2025_26": 4, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Strong Stuttgart campaign; 7 goals 9 assists in Bundesliga", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.bundesliga.com/en/player/jamie-leweling ; https://www.sportbusy.com/players/soccer/290811/", "backstory": "Born in Nuremberg, Jamie Leweling came through Greuther Fürth and made his name there before a move to Union Berlin in 2022 and then to Stuttgart, where he became a permanent signing. A direct, two-footed winger comfortable on either flank, he enjoyed his best campaign in 2025-26 with strong goal and assist numbers. He earned his Germany breakthrough and a place at the 2026 World Cup.", "facts": ["Came through the Greuther Fürth academy in his native Nuremberg", "Has Filipino heritage on his mother's side"], "data_rating": 67, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 426, "team_id": 17, "fifa_code": "GER", "team_name": "Germany", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 10, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CAM", "player_name": "Jamal Musiala", "date_of_birth": "2003-02-26", "age": 23, "caps": 42, "international_goals": 9, "is_captain": false, "club": "Bayern Munich", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 186, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 10, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 5, "club_assists_2025_26": 5, "club_yellow_2025_26": 2, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Returned from serious injury; Bayern creative talisman; limited apps after injury", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.sportbusy.com/players/soccer/303821/ ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/1156141/jamal-musiala", "backstory": "Born in Stuttgart and raised partly in England, Jamal Musiala developed in the Chelsea academy before returning to join Bayern Munich, where he blossomed into one of the world's most exciting attacking talents with his dribbling and close control. He chose Germany over England at international level and quickly became a creative talisman. Returning from a serious injury, he is Germany's chief creative threat at the 2026 World Cup.", "facts": ["Developed in the Chelsea academy and chose Germany over England at senior level", "Returned to the squad after recovering from a serious leg injury"], "data_rating": 88, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 427, "team_id": 17, "fifa_code": "GER", "team_name": "Germany", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 11, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Nick Woltemade", "date_of_birth": "2002-02-14", "age": 24, "caps": 11, "international_goals": 4, "is_captain": false, "club": "Newcastle United", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 198, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 31, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 9, "club_assists_2025_26": 3, "club_yellow_2025_26": 0, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Record Newcastle signing; 9 goals all competitions (8 in Premier League)", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.sportbusy.com/players/soccer/298349/ ; https://www.premierleague.com/en/players/470313/nick-woltemade/overview", "backstory": "A towering 6-foot-6 forward from Bremen, Nick Woltemade came through the Werder Bremen academy, becoming their youngest-ever Bundesliga player, before a move to Stuttgart in 2024 transformed his career and won him the Bundesliga Newcomer of the Season award. His form earned a club-record transfer to Newcastle United in 2025. Surprisingly mobile and skillful for his size, he is a focal point of Germany's attack at the 2026 World Cup.", "facts": ["At 6-foot-6, became Werder Bremen's youngest-ever Bundesliga player", "Won the Bundesliga Newcomer of the Season award in 2024-25", "Joined Newcastle United for a club-record fee in 2025"], "data_rating": 69, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 428, "team_id": 17, "fifa_code": "GER", "team_name": "Germany", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 12, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Oliver Baumann", "date_of_birth": "1990-06-02", "age": 36, "caps": 13, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "TSG Hoffenheim", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 187, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 34, "club_starts_2025_26": 34, "club_minutes_2025_26": 3060, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 3, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 7, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": 49, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Regular starter for Hoffenheim; experienced backup keeper", "enrichment_sources": "https://footystats.org/players/germany/oliver-baumann ; https://www.bundesliga.com/en/bundesliga/news/world-cup-stars-hoffenheim-oliver-baumann-germany-37162", "backstory": "Oliver Baumann spent his early career at Freiburg before becoming Hoffenheim's long-serving, ever-reliable number one after joining in 2014, racking up well over 400 Bundesliga appearances for the club. A dependable shot-stopper rather than a flashy one, he earned a late-career first international call-up and made his Germany debut at the age of 34. He travels to the 2026 World Cup as an experienced backup behind Manuel Neuer.", "facts": ["One of Hoffenheim's longest-serving players, their first-choice keeper for over a decade", "Made his senior Germany debut in his mid-30s"], "data_rating": 73, "fun": ["🧓 Veteran presence"]}, {"player_id": 429, "team_id": 17, "fifa_code": "GER", "team_name": "Germany", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 13, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Pascal Groß", "date_of_birth": "1991-06-15", "age": 34, "caps": 18, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Brighton & Hove Albion", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 181, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 18, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 3, "club_yellow_2025_26": 2, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Rejoined Brighton in January 2026; experienced midfielder; figures since January", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.sportbusy.com/players/soccer/132659/ ; https://www.premierleague.com/en/players/60307/pascal-gro/overview", "backstory": "A late bloomer from Mannheim, Pascal Groß spent years in the German lower divisions and at Ingolstadt before a 2017 move to Brighton, where he became a cult hero and one of the Premier League's most underrated midfielders over seven seasons. He joined Borussia Dortmund in 2024 before returning to Brighton in January 2026. A smart, technical playmaker who earned his first Germany caps in his thirties, he adds experience to the 2026 squad.", "facts": ["Spent seven seasons at Brighton, becoming a club cult hero", "Made his Germany debut in his early thirties", "Rejoined Brighton in January 2026"], "data_rating": 64, "fun": ["🧓 Veteran presence", "🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 430, "team_id": 17, "fifa_code": "GER", "team_name": "Germany", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 14, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Maximilian Beier", "date_of_birth": "2002-10-17", "age": 23, "caps": 9, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Borussia Dortmund", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 183, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 37, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 10, "club_assists_2025_26": 6, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Dortmund forward; 9 goals 5 assists in Bundesliga plus 1 goal in Champions League", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.sportbusy.com/players/soccer/290639/ ; https://www.bundesliga.com/en/player/maximilian-beier", "backstory": "Maximilian Beier came through the Hoffenheim youth system, breaking out with a prolific 2023-24 season that earned a move to Borussia Dortmund in 2024. A quick, sharp forward who can play centrally or off the flank, he continued to score regularly at Dortmund. The 2026 tournament marks his first World Cup with Germany.", "facts": ["Broke out at Hoffenheim before a 2024 transfer to Borussia Dortmund", "Son of former Bundesliga player Heiko Beier"], "data_rating": 68, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 431, "team_id": 17, "fifa_code": "GER", "team_name": "Germany", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 15, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Nico Schlotterbeck", "date_of_birth": "1999-12-01", "age": 26, "caps": 27, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Borussia Dortmund", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 191, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 35, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 5, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": 8, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Expected starting centre-back for Germany; best defensive record in Bundesliga", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.bundesliga.com/en/bundesliga/player/nico-schlotterbeck ; https://fbref.com/en/players/34e12499/Nico-Schlotterbeck", "backstory": "Nico Schlotterbeck came through the Freiburg academy and broke out during a standout 2021-22 season before Borussia Dortmund signed him in 2022. A left-footed, ball-playing centre-back known for his aggressive defending and raking diagonal passes, he has become one of Germany's most important defenders. He is expected to be a starting centre-back at the 2026 World Cup.", "facts": ["Left-footed centre-back known for long-range passing out of defence", "His brother Keven Schlotterbeck is also a professional footballer"], "data_rating": 74, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 432, "team_id": 17, "fifa_code": "GER", "team_name": "Germany", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 16, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CDM", "player_name": "Angelo Stiller", "date_of_birth": "2001-04-04", "age": 25, "caps": 8, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "VfB Stuttgart", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 183, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 34, "club_starts_2025_26": 30, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2746, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": 5, "club_yellow_2025_26": 1, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Stuttgart deep-lying playmaker; played all 34 Bundesliga games", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.bundesliga.com/en/player/angelo-stiller ; https://fbref.com/en/players/3b1ed320/Angelo-Stiller", "backstory": "A Munich-born product of the Bayern academy, Angelo Stiller struggled for first-team minutes there and moved on via Hoffenheim before finding his home at Stuttgart in 2023. A metronomic deep-lying playmaker, he became one of the Bundesliga's premier passers and an ever-present for his club. His outstanding form earned a Germany call-up and a place in the 2026 World Cup squad.", "facts": ["Came through the Bayern Munich academy before establishing himself at Stuttgart", "Ranks among the Bundesliga's top midfielders for passing volume and accuracy"], "data_rating": 68, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 433, "team_id": 17, "fifa_code": "GER", "team_name": "Germany", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 17, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CAM", "player_name": "Florian Wirtz", "date_of_birth": "2003-05-03", "age": 23, "caps": 41, "international_goals": 11, "is_captain": false, "club": "Liverpool", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 176, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 100000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 33, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2389, "club_goals_2025_26": 5, "club_assists_2025_26": 3, "club_yellow_2025_26": 1, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "World Cup debut after summer move to Liverpool; record German signing", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.premierleague.com/en/players/494595/florian-wirtz/stats ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/florian-wirtz/leistungsdaten/spieler/598577", "backstory": "A product of Cologne and then the Bayer Leverkusen academy, Florian Wirtz became the youngest goalscorer in Bundesliga history as a teenager and recovered from a serious knee injury to star in Leverkusen's unbeaten double in 2023-24. In 2025 he joined Liverpool in a club-record, Bundesliga-record transfer of around 100 million pounds. A dazzling playmaker, the World Cup 2026 is his first, and he is central to Germany's attacking play.", "facts": ["Became the youngest goalscorer in Bundesliga history", "Joined Liverpool for around 100 million pounds, a Bundesliga sale record", "Came back from a torn ACL to win Bundesliga Player of the Season"], "data_rating": 88, "fun": ["💎 Most valuable in the squad", "🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 434, "team_id": 17, "fifa_code": "GER", "team_name": "Germany", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 18, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "LB", "player_name": "Nathaniel Brown", "date_of_birth": "2003-06-16", "age": 22, "caps": 5, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Eintracht Frankfurt", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 176, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 42, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 4, "club_assists_2025_26": 6, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga, UEFA Champions League, DFB-Pokal", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Young left-back option; Eintracht Frankfurt Player of the Season; debuted October 2025", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.bundesliga.com/en/player/nathaniel-brown ; https://en.eintracht.de/news/nathaniel-brown-ist-spieler-der-saison-177832/", "backstory": "Born in Amberg to an American father and German mother, Nathaniel Brown came through Jahn Regensburg and Nürnberg before signing for Eintracht Frankfurt in 2024. An energetic, attacking left-back who can also play inverted or in midfield, he was named Frankfurt's Player of the Season in 2025-26. He chose Germany over the United States, debuting in October 2025, and earned a surprise World Cup call-up.", "facts": ["Holds dual German-American citizenship and chose to represent Germany over the USA", "Named Eintracht Frankfurt's Player of the Season in 2025-26", "Made his Germany debut only weeks before the World Cup squad was named"], "data_rating": 75, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 435, "team_id": 17, "fifa_code": "GER", "team_name": "Germany", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 19, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "RW", "player_name": "Leroy Sané", "date_of_birth": "1996-01-11", "age": 30, "caps": 76, "international_goals": 17, "is_captain": false, "club": "Galatasaray", "club_country": "Turkey", "club_league": "Süper Lig", "height_cm": 183, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 37, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 7, "club_assists_2025_26": 7, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Süper Lig, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Galatasaray winger after leaving Bayern; 7 goals 5 assists in Süper Lig", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.sportbusy.com/players/soccer/202641/ ; https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/clubs/players/250063984--leroy-sane/statistics/", "backstory": "Born in Essen to a Senegalese former footballer father, Leroy Sané came through the Schalke 04 academy before a 2016 move to Manchester City, where he won two Premier League titles and was named the PFA Young Player of the Year. He returned to Germany with Bayern Munich in 2020 before joining Galatasaray in 2025. A blistering, left-footed winger, he is a wide attacking option for Germany at the 2026 World Cup.", "facts": ["Named PFA Young Player of the Year at Manchester City", "Son of former professional footballer Souleymane Sané", "Joined Galatasaray in 2025 after leaving Bayern Munich"], "data_rating": 75, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Turkey"]}, {"player_id": 436, "team_id": 17, "fifa_code": "GER", "team_name": "Germany", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 20, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Nadiem Amiri", "date_of_birth": "1996-10-27", "age": 29, "caps": 11, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "1. FSV Mainz 05", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 180, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 31, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 14, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": 6, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga, UEFA Conference League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "In-form Mainz midfielder; 12 Bundesliga goals plus 2 in Conference League", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.bundesliga.com/en/player/nadiem-amiri ; https://fbref.com/en/players/555d5edd/Nadiem-Amiri", "backstory": "Born in Ludwigshafen to Afghan parents who fled Afghanistan in the 1980s, Nadiem Amiri rose through Hoffenheim, where he made over a hundred Bundesliga appearances before joining Bayer Leverkusen in 2019. After a loan to Genoa, he reinvented himself as a deeper midfielder at Mainz 05 from 2024, enjoying a prolific 2025-26 campaign. His resurgence earned a surprise Germany recall nearly five years after his previous cap.", "facts": ["Born to Afghan refugee parents and speaks fluent Dari", "Won the 2017 UEFA European Under-21 Championship with Germany", "Recalled to Germany after nearly five years away from the national team"], "data_rating": 73, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 437, "team_id": 17, "fifa_code": "GER", "team_name": "Germany", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 21, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Alexander Nübel", "date_of_birth": "1996-09-30", "age": 29, "caps": 3, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "VfB Stuttgart", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 193, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 34, "club_starts_2025_26": 34, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 10, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": 38, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Stuttgart starting keeper (on loan from Bayern)", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.bundesliga.com/en/player/alexander-nubel ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/554534/alexander-nubel", "backstory": "Alexander Nübel emerged at Schalke 04, where he became captain before a high-profile free transfer to Bayern Munich in 2020 left him stuck behind Manuel Neuer. To get game time he went on loan to Monaco and then to Stuttgart, where he rebuilt his reputation as a commanding, agile keeper and helped the club to a DFB-Pokal triumph. He provides goalkeeping depth for Germany at the 2026 World Cup.", "facts": ["Joined Bayern Munich on a free transfer from Schalke but spent years on loan behind Neuer", "Revived his career on loan at Stuttgart"], "data_rating": 70, "fun": ["🧤 10 clean sheets in 2025/26"]}, {"player_id": 438, "team_id": 17, "fifa_code": "GER", "team_name": "Germany", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 22, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "LB", "player_name": "David Raum", "date_of_birth": "1998-04-22", "age": 28, "caps": 36, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "RB Leipzig", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 181, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 30, "club_starts_2025_26": 29, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2556, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": 7, "club_yellow_2025_26": 6, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "First-choice left-back for Germany; RB Leipzig captain, 3 goals 7 assists", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.bundesliga.com/en/bundesliga/player/david-raum ; https://fbref.com/en/players/7d450ed3/David-Raum", "backstory": "A native of Nuremberg, David Raum rose through Greuther Fürth before earning a move to Hoffenheim and then to RB Leipzig in 2022, with a brief spell that confirmed him as Germany's premier attacking left-back. Famed for his pinpoint crossing and set-piece deliveries, he became RB Leipzig's captain. He is Germany's first-choice left-back heading into the 2026 World Cup.", "facts": ["Renowned as one of the best crossers in the Bundesliga", "Captain of RB Leipzig"], "data_rating": 77, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 439, "team_id": 17, "fifa_code": "GER", "team_name": "Germany", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 23, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Felix Nmecha", "date_of_birth": "2000-10-10", "age": 25, "caps": 8, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Borussia Dortmund", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 190, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 36, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 5, "club_assists_2025_26": 3, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Box-to-box midfielder; 2 goals 3 assists Bundesliga plus 3 goals in Champions League", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.bundesliga.com/en/player/felix-nmecha ; https://www.bundesliga.com/en/bundesliga/news/world-cup-stars-of-the-bundesliga-borussia-dortmund-s-felix-nmecha-37639", "backstory": "Born in Hamburg to Nigerian heritage, Felix Nmecha was raised partly in England and developed in the Manchester City academy before launching his senior career at Wolfsburg. A tall, technically gifted box-to-box midfielder, he joined Borussia Dortmund in 2023. His goal contributions in the Bundesliga and Champions League earned him a place in Germany's 2026 World Cup squad.", "facts": ["Developed in the Manchester City academy and grew up in England", "His younger brother Lukas Nmecha is also a Germany international"], "data_rating": 70, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 440, "team_id": 17, "fifa_code": "GER", "team_name": "Germany", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 24, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Malick Thiaw", "date_of_birth": "2001-08-08", "age": 24, "caps": 5, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Newcastle United", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 194, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 35, "club_starts_2025_26": 33, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2965, "club_goals_2025_26": 4, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Newcastle starter after summer move from AC Milan; 4 Premier League goals", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.premierleague.com/en/players/465642/malick-thiaw/stats ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malick_Thiaw", "backstory": "Born in Düsseldorf to a Finnish mother and Senegalese father, Malick Thiaw came through the Schalke 04 academy before moving to AC Milan in 2022, where he won a Serie A title. The tall, quick centre-back transferred to Newcastle United in 2025 and quickly became a Premier League regular, even chipping in with goals. The 2026 tournament is his first major international finals with Germany.", "facts": ["Won a Serie A title with AC Milan", "Of Finnish and Senegalese descent", "Joined Newcastle United in 2025 and became a quick first-team fixture"], "data_rating": 70, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 441, "team_id": 17, "fifa_code": "GER", "team_name": "Germany", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 25, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Assan Ouédraogo", "date_of_birth": "2006-05-09", "age": 20, "caps": 1, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "RB Leipzig", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 191, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 19, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 954, "club_goals_2025_26": 4, "club_assists_2025_26": 3, "club_yellow_2025_26": 3, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Late call-up replacing injured Lennart Karl; scored on senior debut; missed time with knee injury", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.bundesliga.com/en/player/assan-ouedraogo ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/1486541/forzan-assan-ouedraogo", "backstory": "Born in 2006, Assan Ouédraogo spent nine years in the Schalke 04 academy, breaking into their first team at 17 before a 2024 move to RB Leipzig. A tall, technically advanced central midfielder, he was part of Germany's title-winning youth teams, including their U17 World Cup triumph. A late call-up replacing the injured Lennart Karl, he scored on his senior Germany debut and is one of the squad's youngest members at the 2026 World Cup.", "facts": ["Won the U17 World Cup with Germany", "Scored on his senior Germany debut", "A late injury replacement and one of the youngest players in the squad"], "data_rating": 62, "fun": ["⚡ 1.0 goals per cap", "🐣 Youngest in the squad (20)", "🌟 Wonderkid"]}, {"player_id": 442, "team_id": 17, "fifa_code": "GER", "team_name": "Germany", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 26, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Deniz Undav", "date_of_birth": "1996-07-19", "age": 29, "caps": 9, "international_goals": 6, "is_captain": false, "club": "VfB Stuttgart", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 179, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 28, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2247, "club_goals_2025_26": 19, "club_assists_2025_26": 6, "club_yellow_2025_26": 5, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Prolific Stuttgart striker; 19 Bundesliga goals", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.sportbusy.com/players/soccer/273300/ ; https://www.bundesliga.com/en/player/deniz-undav", "backstory": "Deniz Undav took one of football's most unlikely routes to the top: released by Werder Bremen as a youth for being too small, he worked his way up through SV Meppen and the German lower leagues before exploding at Belgium's Union Saint-Gilloise, where he won a league top-scorer prize. After a tough spell at Brighton, he returned to Germany with Stuttgart and became a prolific Bundesliga striker, finishing 2025-26 with 19 league goals. He is a key goalscoring option for Germany at the 2026 World Cup.", "facts": ["Was released by Werder Bremen as a youth for being too small", "Rose from the German lower leagues via SV Meppen and Belgium's Union Saint-Gilloise", "Of Turkish descent"], "data_rating": 74, "fun": ["⚡ 0.67 goals per cap", "🎯 19 club goals in 2025/26"]}, {"player_id": 443, "team_id": 18, "fifa_code": "CUR", "team_name": "Curaçao", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 1, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Eloy Room", "date_of_birth": "1989-02-06", "age": 37, "caps": 71, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Miami FC", "club_country": "United States", "club_league": "USL Championship", "height_cm": 190, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 9, "club_starts_2025_26": 9, "club_minutes_2025_26": 810, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 3, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 4, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": 13, "club_competitions_2025_26": "USL Championship", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 344, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eloy_Room ; https://footystats.org/players/curacao/eloy-room", "backstory": "Born in Nijmegen, Eloy Room came through Vitesse's youth academy and broke through as their number one, keeping goal when Vitesse lifted the 2017 KNVB Cup — the club's first major trophy in 125 years. He moved to PSV and then to MLS with Columbus Crew, winning the 2020 MLS Cup, before joining Miami FC. Eligible through his father, he has long been Curaçao's most-capped player and provides veteran leadership in goal for their debut World Cup.", "facts": ["Kept goal as Vitesse won their first major trophy in 125 years (2017 KNVB Cup)", "Won the 2020 MLS Cup with Columbus Crew and earned MLS Save of the Year", "Among Curacao's most-capped players ever"], "data_rating": 69, "fun": ["🎖️ Most-capped in the squad (71)", "🧓 Veteran presence", "🌍 Plays abroad · United States"]}, {"player_id": 444, "team_id": 18, "fifa_code": "CUR", "team_name": "Curaçao", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 2, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "RB", "player_name": "Shurandy Sambo", "date_of_birth": "2001-08-19", "age": 24, "caps": 7, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Sparta Rotterdam", "club_country": "Netherlands", "club_league": "Eredivisie", "height_cm": 174, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 27, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Eredivisie, KNVB Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 126, "career_club_goals": 8, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "On loan at Sparta Rotterdam from Burnley.", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shurandy_Sambo", "backstory": "A product of PSV's academy, Shurandy Sambo made his first-team debut in 2021 before a torn ACL cost him the 2021-22 season. He rebuilt his career, earning a move to Burnley in 2024 and spending 2025-26 on loan at Sparta Rotterdam, where the attacking right-back has been a regular. After winning the U17 Euros with the Netherlands, he switched to Curaçao in 2025 and is part of their historic World Cup squad.", "facts": ["Came through PSV's youth academy", "Won the 2018 UEFA U17 European Championship with the Netherlands", "Recovered from a torn ACL that cost him the 2021-22 season"], "data_rating": 64, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Netherlands"]}, {"player_id": 445, "team_id": 18, "fifa_code": "CUR", "team_name": "Curaçao", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 3, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Juriën Gaari", "date_of_birth": "1993-12-23", "age": 32, "caps": 59, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Abha Club", "club_country": "Saudi Arabia", "club_league": "Saudi First Division League", "height_cm": 180, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 6, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Saudi First Division League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 245, "career_club_goals": 8, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jurien_Gaari", "backstory": "Rotterdam-born Juriën Gaari took a grassroots route, rising through amateur sides Kozakken Boys before establishing himself at RKC Waalwijk, where he made over 150 appearances as a dependable defender. He later moved to Saudi Arabian football. A Curaçao mainstay since 2017, he memorably scored a late equalizer against Jamaica at the 2019 Gold Cup and is one of the squad's most experienced defenders.", "facts": ["Scored a late equalizer against Jamaica at the 2019 Gold Cup", "Won the 2017 Caribbean Cup with Curacao", "Reached the senior pros via the Dutch amateur leagues"], "data_rating": 65, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Saudi Arabia"]}, {"player_id": 446, "team_id": 18, "fifa_code": "CUR", "team_name": "Curaçao", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 4, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Roshon van Eijma", "date_of_birth": "1998-06-09", "age": 28, "caps": 27, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "RKC Waalwijk", "club_country": "Netherlands", "club_league": "Eerste Divisie", "height_cm": 186, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 23, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Eerste Divisie", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 181, "career_club_goals": 8, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "RKC Waalwijk competed in Eerste Divisie in 2025-26 following relegation.", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roshon_van_Eijma", "backstory": "Tilburg-born Roshon van Eijma developed at Willem II and Roda JC before stops at Preußen Münster and TOP Oss, then joining RKC Waalwijk in 2024. A 6-foot-1 centre-back, he debuted for Curaçao in a 5-0 World Cup qualifier in 2021 and scored against Bermuda in November 2025 during the run to the finals.", "facts": ["Scored against Bermuda during 2026 World Cup qualifying", "Cousin of fellow professional Irvingly van Eijma"], "data_rating": 67, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Netherlands"]}, {"player_id": 447, "team_id": 18, "fifa_code": "CUR", "team_name": "Curaçao", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 5, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Sherel Floranus", "date_of_birth": "1998-08-23", "age": 27, "caps": 27, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "PEC Zwolle", "club_country": "Netherlands", "club_league": "Eredivisie", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": 800000, "club_apps_2025_26": 28, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2711, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 3, "club_yellow_2025_26": 5, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Eredivisie", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 247, "career_club_goals": 4, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sherel_Floranus ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/sherel-floranus/profil/spieler/315211 ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/671327/sherel-floranus", "backstory": "Rotterdam-born Sherel Floranus came through Sparta Rotterdam's academy and won the Eerste Divisie title with them in 2015-16, debuting in a match where he was subbed off for future Netherlands star Denzel Dumfries. After spells at Heerenveen and Antalyaspor, the attacking right-back settled at PEC Zwolle. A Netherlands youth international, he represents Curaçao at senior level.", "facts": ["Was substituted for Denzel Dumfries on his Sparta debut", "Won the 2015-16 Eerste Divisie title with Sparta Rotterdam"], "data_rating": 67, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Netherlands"]}, {"player_id": 448, "team_id": 18, "fifa_code": "CUR", "team_name": "Curaçao", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 6, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Godfried Roemeratoe", "date_of_birth": "1999-08-19", "age": 26, "caps": 27, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "RKC Waalwijk", "club_country": "Netherlands", "club_league": "Eerste Divisie", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 28, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Eerste Divisie", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 206, "career_club_goals": 2, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "RKC Waalwijk competed in Eerste Divisie in 2025-26 following relegation.", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Godfried_Roemeratoe", "backstory": "Godfried Roemeratoe came through FC Twente's academy and played five seasons there before spells at Willem II, Hapoel Tel Aviv and RKC Waalwijk. A versatile defensive midfielder and right-back, he earned his first Curaçao call-up in 2023 and scored against Trinidad and Tobago that October.", "facts": ["Came through FC Twente's youth academy", "His surname traces to Seram in Indonesia's Maluku Islands, reflecting his Indonesian heritage"], "data_rating": 64, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Netherlands"]}, {"player_id": 449, "team_id": 18, "fifa_code": "CUR", "team_name": "Curaçao", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 7, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Juninho Bacuna", "date_of_birth": "1997-08-07", "age": 28, "caps": 48, "international_goals": 14, "is_captain": false, "club": "FC Volendam", "club_country": "Netherlands", "club_league": "Eredivisie", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 13, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 709, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Eredivisie", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 360, "career_club_goals": 32, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "On loan at FC Volendam from Gaziantep FK (joined 3 February 2026).", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juninho_Bacuna ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/juninho-bacuna/profil/spieler/348863", "backstory": "Juninho Bacuna came through FC Groningen's academy alongside his brothers, coming off the bench to help win the 2014-15 KNVB Cup. A technical central midfielder, he went on to play for Huddersfield Town, Rangers and Birmingham City before moves to Saudi Arabia and a 2026 loan back home at Volendam. He switched from the Netherlands to Curaçao in 2019 and has become a key creative force and goal threat.", "facts": ["Younger brother of Curacao captain Leandro Bacuna", "All three Bacuna brothers once appeared in a cup final together", "Came through FC Groningen's academy"], "data_rating": 67, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Netherlands"]}, {"player_id": 450, "team_id": 18, "fifa_code": "CUR", "team_name": "Curaçao", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 8, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Livano Comenencia", "date_of_birth": "2004-02-03", "age": 22, "caps": 19, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "FC Zürich", "club_country": "Switzerland", "club_league": "Swiss Super League", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 24, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Swiss Super League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 143, "career_club_goals": 2, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Livano_Comenencia", "backstory": "Livano Comenencia spent nearly a decade in PSV's academy before joining Juventus Next Gen in Italy and then FC Zürich in Switzerland. A tall, technically refined right-back, he was named in The Guardian's Next Generation 2021 list. After playing for the Netherlands youth sides he switched to Curaçao in 2024 and scored against Jamaica during 2026 World Cup qualifying.", "facts": ["Named in The Guardian's 'Next Generation 2021' list of top young talents", "Came through PSV's academy before Juventus Next Gen", "Scored against Jamaica in 2026 World Cup qualifying"], "data_rating": 63, "fun": ["🐣 Youngest in the squad (22)", "🌍 Plays abroad · Switzerland"]}, {"player_id": 451, "team_id": 18, "fifa_code": "CUR", "team_name": "Curaçao", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 9, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Jürgen Locadia", "date_of_birth": "1993-11-07", "age": 32, "caps": 13, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Miami FC", "club_country": "United States", "club_league": "USL Championship", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 10, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 4, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "USL Championship", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 271, "career_club_goals": 79, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Signed Miami FC 19 December 2025 for the 2026 USL Championship season.", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J%C3%BCrgen_Locadia", "backstory": "Born in the Netherlands to Curaçaoan parents, Jürgen Locadia scored a hat-trick on his PSV Eredivisie debut in 2012 and won two league titles before a £15m move to Brighton in 2018. After loans at Hoffenheim and FC Cincinnati and stops in Iran, China and beyond, the powerful striker joined Miami FC. He switched to Curaçao in 2023 and brings proven goalscoring pedigree up front.", "facts": ["Scored a hat-trick on his PSV league debut — the first to do so since 1969", "Joined Brighton for around £15m in 2018", "Works as a DJ on the side"], "data_rating": 61, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · United States"]}, {"player_id": 452, "team_id": 18, "fifa_code": "CUR", "team_name": "Curaçao", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 10, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Leandro Bacuna", "date_of_birth": "1991-08-21", "age": 34, "caps": 71, "international_goals": 16, "is_captain": true, "club": "Iğdır F.K.", "club_country": "Turkey", "club_league": "TFF First League", "height_cm": 187, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 16, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "TFF First League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 507, "career_club_goals": 43, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leandro_Bacuna", "backstory": "Captain Leandro Bacuna came through FC Groningen's youth system and built a long Premier League and EFL career with Aston Villa, Reading, Cardiff City and Watford, often deployed as a versatile midfielder or right-back. He returned to Groningen before a move to Turkey. The oldest Bacuna brother, he switched to Curaçao in 2016 and leads the team out at their first World Cup as one of its most-capped players.", "facts": ["Captain of Curacao at their first-ever World Cup", "Older brother of Juninho Bacuna", "Made over 100 appearances each for Aston Villa and Cardiff City"], "data_rating": 70, "fun": ["🧓 Veteran presence", "🌍 Plays abroad · Turkey", "©️ Captain"]}, {"player_id": 453, "team_id": 18, "fifa_code": "CUR", "team_name": "Curaçao", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 11, "position": "FW", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Jeremy Antonisse", "date_of_birth": "2002-03-29", "age": 24, "caps": 26, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "A.E. Kifisia", "club_country": "Greece", "club_league": "Super League Greece", "height_cm": 184, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 28, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Super League Greece", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 92, "career_club_goals": 6, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeremy_Antonisse", "backstory": "Rosmalen-born Jeremy Antonisse came through PSV's academy and Jong PSV before loans and a move to Portugal's Moreirense, then joining Greek side A.E. Kifisia in 2025. A left winger, he switched from the Netherlands to Curaçao in 2021 and scored against Canada at the 2025 Gold Cup.", "facts": ["Came through PSV's academy", "Scored against Canada at the 2025 Gold Cup"], "data_rating": 63, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Greece"]}, {"player_id": 454, "team_id": 18, "fifa_code": "CUR", "team_name": "Curaçao", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 12, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "RW", "player_name": "Sontje Hansen", "date_of_birth": "2002-05-18", "age": 24, "caps": 5, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Middlesbrough", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "EFL Championship", "height_cm": 173, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": 4000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 20, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "EFL Championship, FA Cup, EFL Championship play-offs", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 178, "career_club_goals": 27, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Joined Middlesbrough 15 August 2025 for £3.4m.", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sontje_Hansen ; https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/sontje-hansen/profil/spieler/485582", "backstory": "Hoorn-born Sontje Hansen was a teenage sensation, winning the Golden Boot at the 2019 U17 World Cup and the U17 Euros with the Netherlands while at Ajax. After developing at Jong Ajax he moved to NEC Nijmegen and then to Middlesbrough for £3.4m in 2025. The winger switched to Curaçao in 2025 and is part of their inaugural World Cup squad.", "facts": ["Won the Golden Boot at the 2019 FIFA U17 World Cup with six goals", "Won the 2019 U17 European Championship with the Netherlands", "Came through the Ajax academy"], "data_rating": 59, "fun": ["💎 Most valuable in the squad", "🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 455, "team_id": 18, "fifa_code": "CUR", "team_name": "Curaçao", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 13, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Tyrese Noslin", "date_of_birth": "2002-09-11", "age": 23, "caps": 6, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "SC Telstar", "club_country": "Netherlands", "club_league": "Eredivisie", "height_cm": 182, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 39, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Eredivisie, KNVB Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 89, "career_club_goals": 8, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrese_Noslin", "backstory": "Amsterdam-born Tyrese Noslin grew up in Almere and passed through Feyenoord and Ajax youth before spending a decade at Almere City's academy. He turned professional at SC Telstar in 2024 and helped them reach the Eredivisie after a 47-year absence. The attacking right wing-back debuted for Curaçao in 2025.", "facts": ["Helped Telstar reach the Eredivisie for the first time in 47 years", "Spent a decade in Almere City's academy"], "data_rating": 66, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Netherlands"]}, {"player_id": 456, "team_id": 18, "fifa_code": "CUR", "team_name": "Curaçao", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 14, "position": "FW", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Kenji Gorré", "date_of_birth": "1994-09-29", "age": 31, "caps": 37, "international_goals": 6, "is_captain": false, "club": "Maccabi Haifa", "club_country": "Israel", "club_league": "Israeli Premier League", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 20, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 5, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Israeli Premier League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 294, "career_club_goals": 43, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Signed Maccabi Haifa 17 July 2025 on a three-year deal.", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenji_Gorr%C3%A9", "backstory": "Kenji Gorré grew up in England, joining Manchester United's academy as a boy after his father Dean — a former professional — moved to the country, before switching to Swansea City. A winger with a nomadic career across Portugal, Qatar and Israel, he now plays for Maccabi Haifa. Son of a Surinamese father and Curaçaoan mother, he has represented Curaçao since 2016.", "facts": ["Son of former footballer Dean Gorre", "Spent over a decade in Manchester United's academy", "His mother appeared on 'The Real Housewives of Cheshire'"], "data_rating": 67, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Israel"]}, {"player_id": 457, "team_id": 18, "fifa_code": "CUR", "team_name": "Curaçao", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 15, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Ar'jany Martha", "date_of_birth": "2003-09-04", "age": 22, "caps": 8, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Rotherham United", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "EFL League One", "height_cm": 180, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 41, "club_starts_2025_26": 24, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2574, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": 7, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "EFL League One", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 140, "career_club_goals": 9, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ar'jany_Martha ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/arjany-martha/profil/spieler/572519 ; https://theanalyst.com/players/6590/arjany-martha", "backstory": "Rotterdam-born Ar'jany Martha came through Sparta Rotterdam and then Ajax's academy, making his European debut in a Europa League match against Marseille. He moved to Beerschot in Belgium and then to English League One side Rotherham United in 2025. After Netherlands youth football he switched to Curaçao in 2024 and scored against Australia in March 2026.", "facts": ["Made his European debut in a Europa League tie against Marseille", "Scored against Australia in March 2026", "Came through the Ajax academy"], "data_rating": 66, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 458, "team_id": 18, "fifa_code": "CUR", "team_name": "Curaçao", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 16, "position": "FW", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Jearl Margaritha", "date_of_birth": "2000-04-10", "age": 26, "caps": 21, "international_goals": 5, "is_captain": false, "club": "S.K. Beveren", "club_country": "Belgium", "club_league": "Challenger Pro League", "height_cm": 181, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 32, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 7, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Challenger Pro League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 175, "career_club_goals": 43, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Signed S.K. Beveren 4 August 2025; club won 2025-26 Challenger Pro League.", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jearl_Margaritha", "backstory": "Groningen-born Jearl Margaritha developed at FC Groningen and FC Emmen before a globe-trotting career through the Dutch lower leagues, Azerbaijan's Sabah, USL side Phoenix Rising and then Belgian club S.K. Beveren, with whom he won the 2025-26 Challenger Pro League. The forward debuted for Curaçao in 2023 and once scored four goals in a single qualifier.", "facts": ["Scored four goals in one match against Saint Martin in November 2024", "Won the 2025-26 Challenger Pro League title with Beveren"], "data_rating": 68, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Belgium"]}, {"player_id": 459, "team_id": 18, "fifa_code": "CUR", "team_name": "Curaçao", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 17, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "RW", "player_name": "Brandley Kuwas", "date_of_birth": "1992-09-19", "age": 33, "caps": 34, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "FC Volendam", "club_country": "Netherlands", "club_league": "Eredivisie", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 26, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2024, "club_goals_2025_26": 5, "club_assists_2025_26": 3, "club_yellow_2025_26": 4, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Eredivisie", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 305, "career_club_goals": 51, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brandley_Kuwas ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/352358/brandley-kuwas", "backstory": "Brandley Kuwas honed his game in the Eerste Divisie with FC Volendam before flourishing as a winger at Heracles Almelo, where he played in the Europa League. After spells in the UAE, Israel and Turkey he returned to Volendam. Born in the Netherlands to Curaçaoan parents, he debuted for Curaçao in 2017 and remains a key wide attacker.", "facts": ["Played in the 2017-18 UEFA Europa League with Heracles", "Played an unofficial match for Curacao a year before his official debut"], "data_rating": 67, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Netherlands"]}, {"player_id": 460, "team_id": 18, "fifa_code": "CUR", "team_name": "Curaçao", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 18, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Armando Obispo", "date_of_birth": "1999-03-05", "age": 27, "caps": 5, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "PSV Eindhoven", "club_country": "Netherlands", "club_league": "Eredivisie", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 17, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Eredivisie", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 132, "career_club_goals": 8, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armando_Obispo", "backstory": "Boxtel-born Armando Obispo spent his entire club career at PSV, where he came through the academy from 2006 and became a rotation centre-back, collecting multiple Eredivisie titles. After representing the Netherlands from U15 to U21, his switch to Curaçao was approved by FIFA in October 2025, and he was quickly called up for the nation's first World Cup.", "facts": ["One-club man with PSV, where he won multiple Eredivisie titles", "FIFA approved his switch from the Netherlands to Curacao in October 2025"], "data_rating": 61, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Netherlands"]}, {"player_id": 461, "team_id": 18, "fifa_code": "CUR", "team_name": "Curaçao", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 19, "position": "FW", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Gervane Kastaneer", "date_of_birth": "1996-06-09", "age": 30, "caps": 28, "international_goals": 9, "is_captain": false, "club": "Terengganu FC", "club_country": "Malaysia", "club_league": "Malaysia Super League", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 7, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Malaysia Super League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 191, "career_club_goals": 23, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Joined Terengganu FC 27 January 2026.", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gervane_Kastaneer", "backstory": "Rotterdam-born Gervane Kastaneer came through SC Feyenoord and has had a truly nomadic career, with a League One title at Coventry City and stops in Germany, Scotland, Spain, Indonesia and now Malaysia with Terengganu FC. A physical forward, he switched to Curaçao in 2018 and is among their most prolific scorers, including a hat-trick against Saint Lucia.", "facts": ["Won the 2019-20 EFL League One title with Coventry City", "Scored a hat-trick in a 5-0 win over Saint Lucia for Curacao", "Has played club football across multiple continents"], "data_rating": 62, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Malaysia"]}, {"player_id": 462, "team_id": 18, "fifa_code": "CUR", "team_name": "Curaçao", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 20, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "RB", "player_name": "Joshua Brenet", "date_of_birth": "1994-03-20", "age": 32, "caps": 17, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Kayserispor", "club_country": "Turkey", "club_league": "Süper Lig", "height_cm": 181, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 10, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 797, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": 1, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Süper Lig", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 224, "career_club_goals": 19, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Joined Kayserispor on 6 February 2026.", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joshua_Brenet ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/389845/joshua-brenet", "backstory": "Kerkrade-born Joshua Brenet rose through PSV's academy, debuting in a Europa League tie against Napoli in 2012 and winning three Eredivisie titles as a full-back. After a tough spell at Hoffenheim he revived his career at FC Twente, scoring an unusually high tally for a defender, before stops in Qatar and Turkey. He earned two Netherlands caps before committing to Curaçao in 2024.", "facts": ["Won three Eredivisie titles with PSV", "Made his debut in a Europa League match against Napoli at age 18", "Switched from the Netherlands to Curacao in 2024"], "data_rating": 62, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Turkey"]}, {"player_id": 463, "team_id": 18, "fifa_code": "CUR", "team_name": "Curaçao", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 21, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "RW", "player_name": "Tahith Chong", "date_of_birth": "1999-12-04", "age": 26, "caps": 5, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "Sheffield United", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "EFL Championship", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 21, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "EFL Championship", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 200, "career_club_goals": 16, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tahith_Chong", "backstory": "Born in Willemstad, Curaçao, Tahith Chong was scouted while playing local football and joined Manchester United's academy at 16, winning two of the club's top youth awards. After loans at Werder Bremen and a title-winning Club Brugge, he settled in England with Birmingham City, Luton Town — where he scored his first Premier League goal against Liverpool — and Sheffield United. He switched from the Netherlands to his birth nation Curaçao in 2025.", "facts": ["Born in Willemstad, Curacao — one of the few squad members born on the island", "Came through the Manchester United academy", "Scored his first Premier League goal against Liverpool for Luton"], "data_rating": 59, "fun": ["⚡ 0.6 goals per cap", "🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 464, "team_id": 18, "fifa_code": "CUR", "team_name": "Curaçao", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 22, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Kevin Felida", "date_of_birth": "1999-11-11", "age": 26, "caps": 19, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "FC Den Bosch", "club_country": "Netherlands", "club_league": "Eerste Divisie", "height_cm": 174, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 34, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 4, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Eerste Divisie", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 198, "career_club_goals": 11, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_Felida", "backstory": "Spijkenisse-born Kevin Felida came through FC Den Bosch's academy, where he scored a memorable 30-metre strike early in his career, then spent three seasons at RKC Waalwijk before returning to Den Bosch. A compact, combative defensive midfielder, he debuted for Curaçao in a 2022 World Cup qualifier in 2021.", "facts": ["Childhood friend of striker Joshua Zirkzee", "Nephew of footballer Charlison Benschop", "Scored a 30-metre goal early in his career"], "data_rating": 68, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Netherlands"]}, {"player_id": 465, "team_id": 18, "fifa_code": "CUR", "team_name": "Curaçao", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 23, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CDM", "player_name": "Riechedly Bazoer", "date_of_birth": "1996-10-12", "age": 29, "caps": 4, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Konyaspor", "club_country": "Turkey", "club_league": "Süper Lig", "height_cm": 184, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 14, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Süper Lig", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 287, "career_club_goals": 21, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Riechedly_Bazoer", "backstory": "Riechedly Bazoer was a prodigy in Ajax's midfield, winning the 2012 U17 Euros and earning a roughly €12m move to Wolfsburg as a teenager. After difficult years and loans, he reinvented himself as a commanding centre-back at Vitesse, where he was named Voetbal International's Player of the Season. After six Netherlands caps, he switched to Curaçao in 2025, debuting in a World Cup qualifier.", "facts": ["Won the 2012 UEFA U17 European Championship with the Netherlands", "Moved from Ajax to Wolfsburg for around €12m as a teenager", "Reinvented himself from midfielder into a Player-of-the-Season centre-back"], "data_rating": 59, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Turkey"]}, {"player_id": 466, "team_id": 18, "fifa_code": "CUR", "team_name": "Curaçao", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 24, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Deveron Fonville", "date_of_birth": "2003-05-16", "age": 23, "caps": 1, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "NEC Nijmegen", "club_country": "Netherlands", "club_league": "Eredivisie", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 29, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Eredivisie", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 105, "career_club_goals": 3, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deveron_Fonville", "backstory": "Nieuwegein-born Deveron Fonville took a winding path, training at PSV and Utrecht before injuries pushed him into amateur football with IJsselmeervogels. He earned a return to the pros with FC Dordrecht in 2025 and quickly impressed enough to join Eredivisie side NEC Nijmegen. The left-back earned his first Curaçao caps during 2026 World Cup qualifying in November 2025.", "facts": ["Fought back from amateur football to the Eredivisie within a single year", "Earned his first Curacao caps during 2026 World Cup qualifying"], "data_rating": 61, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Netherlands"]}, {"player_id": 467, "team_id": 18, "fifa_code": "CUR", "team_name": "Curaçao", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 25, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Tyrick Bodak", "date_of_birth": "2002-05-15", "age": 24, "caps": 4, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "SC Telstar", "club_country": "Netherlands", "club_league": "Eredivisie", "height_cm": 190, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 0, "club_starts_2025_26": 0, "club_minutes_2025_26": 0, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 0, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 0, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": 0, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Eredivisie", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 0, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Third-choice goalkeeper at Telstar; no competitive appearances in 2025-26.", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrick_Bodak", "backstory": "Almere-born Tyrick Bodak came up through De Graafschap and PSV's youth setup before settling at SC Telstar as a goalkeeper. He was part of the Telstar squad that won promotion to the Eredivisie in 2024-25 — the club's first top-flight return in 47 years — though as a backup he did not feature. A youth and senior Curaçao international, he travels to the 2026 World Cup as a reserve keeper.", "facts": ["Was in the Telstar squad that reached the Eredivisie for the first time in 47 years", "Came through PSV's youth academy"], "data_rating": 56, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Netherlands"]}, {"player_id": 468, "team_id": 18, "fifa_code": "CUR", "team_name": "Curaçao", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 26, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Trevor Doornbusch", "date_of_birth": "1999-07-06", "age": 26, "caps": 7, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "VVV-Venlo", "club_country": "Netherlands", "club_league": "Eerste Divisie", "height_cm": 188, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 2, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 64, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 0, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 0, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": 3, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Eerste Divisie", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 24, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trevor_Doornbusch ; https://www.footballdatabase.eu/en/player/details/336999-trevor-doornbusch", "backstory": "Haarlem-born Trevor Doornbusch trained at Ajax and SC Heerenveen before a journeyman goalkeeping career through Telstar, FC Dordrecht and VVV-Venlo, often competing for the starting role. He represented the Netherlands at youth level before switching to Curaçao, debuting in 2023. He provides goalkeeping depth at the nation's first World Cup.", "facts": ["Trained in Ajax's youth academy", "Switched from the Netherlands to Curacao at senior level in 2023"], "data_rating": 59, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Netherlands"]}, {"player_id": 469, "team_id": 19, "fifa_code": "CIV", "team_name": "Côte d'Ivoire", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 1, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Yahia Fofana", "date_of_birth": "2000-08-21", "age": 25, "caps": 35, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Çaykur Rizespor", "club_country": "Turkey", "club_league": "Süper Lig", "height_cm": 194, "preferred_foot": "right", "market_value_eur": 5000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 27, "club_starts_2025_26": 27, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2430, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 2, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 6, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": 40, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Süper Lig", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 150, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yahia_Fofana ; https://footystats.org/players/france/yahia-fofana ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/yahia-fofana/profil/spieler/418651", "backstory": "Born in Paris to Ivorian parents, Yahia Fofana came up through Espérance Paris 19ème and Red Star before joining Le Havre's academy at age ten, where he eventually claimed the No. 1 shirt. After moving to Angers in 2022 and later to Turkey's Çaykur Rizespor, the towering keeper switched from France's youth ranks to Côte d'Ivoire and was part of the 2023 AFCON triumph on home soil. He arrives at the 2026 World Cup as a first-choice goalkeeper option for the Elephants.", "facts": ["At 1.94m, exceptionally tall for a goalkeeper", "Won the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations with Ivory Coast", "Represented France at youth level before switching to Côte d'Ivoire"], "data_rating": 70, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Turkey"]}, {"player_id": 470, "team_id": 19, "fifa_code": "CIV", "team_name": "Côte d'Ivoire", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 2, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Ousmane Diomande", "date_of_birth": "2003-12-04", "age": 22, "caps": 15, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Sporting CP", "club_country": "Portugal", "club_league": "Primeira Liga", "height_cm": 191, "preferred_foot": "right", "market_value_eur": 47500000, "club_apps_2025_26": 17, "club_starts_2025_26": 15, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1297, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": 5, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Liga Portugal, Taça de Portugal, Champions League, League Cup, Super Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 132, "career_club_goals": 7, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/1425182/ousmane-diomande ; https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/ousmane-diomande/51397/", "backstory": "Ousmane Diomande started at OS Abobo in his native Abidjan before joining FC Midtjylland's academy in Denmark at sixteen. A loan to Portugal's Mafra earned him a January 2023 move to Sporting CP, where the ball-playing centre-back quickly became a cornerstone of the defence and a two-time Primeira Liga Team of the Year pick. Composed, quick and strong on the ball, he was part of Ivory Coast's 2023 AFCON-winning squad and anchors the back line at the 2026 World Cup.", "facts": ["Won the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations with Ivory Coast", "Named to the Primeira Liga Team of the Year in 2023-24 and 2024-25", "Carries a release clause reported around 80 million euros at Sporting"], "data_rating": 68, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Portugal"]}, {"player_id": 471, "team_id": 19, "fifa_code": "CIV", "team_name": "Côte d'Ivoire", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 3, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "LB", "player_name": "Ghislain Konan", "date_of_birth": "1995-12-27", "age": 30, "caps": 54, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Gil Vicente F.C.", "club_country": "Portugal", "club_league": "Primeira Liga", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": "left", "market_value_eur": 1700000, "club_apps_2025_26": 31, "club_starts_2025_26": 30, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2661, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 5, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Liga Portugal, Taça de Portugal", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 283, "career_club_goals": 3, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/740997/ghislain-konan ; https://www.playmakerstats.com/player/ghislain-konan/499726", "backstory": "Born in Abidjan and an ASEC Mimosas academy graduate, Ghislain Konan made his name in Portugal with Vitória SC before a 2017 move to Stade de Reims, where he spent four seasons as a dependable Ligue 1 left-back. He later won silverware in Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr and made the league's Team of the Year before returning to Portugal with Gil Vicente. A veteran of 50-plus caps, he was part of the 2023 AFCON triumph and brings experience to the World Cup squad.", "facts": ["Won the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and made its Team of the Tournament", "Named to the Saudi Pro League Team of the Year for 2022-23", "Came through the famed ASEC Mimosas academy"], "data_rating": 69, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Portugal"]}, {"player_id": 472, "team_id": 19, "fifa_code": "CIV", "team_name": "Côte d'Ivoire", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 4, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Jean Michaël Seri", "date_of_birth": "1991-07-19", "age": 34, "caps": 65, "international_goals": 4, "is_captain": false, "club": "NK Maribor", "club_country": "Slovenia", "club_league": "Slovenian PrvaLiga", "height_cm": 168, "preferred_foot": "right", "market_value_eur": 150000, "club_apps_2025_26": 14, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 761, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 3, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Slovenian PrvaLiga", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 407, "career_club_goals": 24, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/470539/jean-michael-seri ; https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/jean-michael-seri/31186/", "backstory": "Born in Grand-Béréby and nicknamed 'Galla' after Marcelo Gallardo, Jean Michaël Seri rose through ASEC Mimosas and Portuguese football before a transformative spell at Nice, where his passing range made him a Ligue 1 standout and a Marc-Vivien Foé Award winner. He later moved to Fulham, winning a Championship title, and at 34 plays in Slovenia with NK Maribor. A 65-cap veteran and 2023 AFCON champion, he offers deep experience to the squad.", "facts": ["Won the Marc-Vivien Foé Award (2017) as Africa's best player in Ligue 1", "Won Premier League Goal of the Month for a long-range strike at Fulham", "Won the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and made its Team of the Tournament"], "data_rating": 58, "fun": ["🧓 Veteran presence", "🌍 Plays abroad · Slovenia"]}, {"player_id": 473, "team_id": 19, "fifa_code": "CIV", "team_name": "Côte d'Ivoire", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 5, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "RB", "player_name": "Wilfried Singo", "date_of_birth": "2000-12-25", "age": 25, "caps": 34, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Galatasaray S.K.", "club_country": "Turkey", "club_league": "Süper Lig", "height_cm": 190, "preferred_foot": "right", "market_value_eur": 23000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 19, "club_starts_2025_26": 11, "club_minutes_2025_26": 948, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": 3, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Süper Lig, UEFA Champions League, Turkish Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 169, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/1027472/wilfried-singo ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/wilfried-singo/leistungsdaten/spieler/648779/saison/2025 ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilfried_Singo", "backstory": "Raised in Ouragahio, Wilfried Singo came through AS Denguélé before joining Torino in 2019, breaking into Serie A as a powerful, pacey defender who can play centre-back or wing-back. A 2023 move to Monaco brought a Ligue 1 Team of the Season nod from The Athletic, and in 2025 he joined Galatasaray for around 31 million euros and helped them to the Süper Lig title. A 2023 AFCON champion, he is a key athletic presence in Côte d'Ivoire's defence at the World Cup.", "facts": ["Won the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations with Ivory Coast", "Helped Galatasaray win the 2025-26 Süper Lig title", "Born on Christmas Day 2000"], "data_rating": 68, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Turkey"]}, {"player_id": 474, "team_id": 19, "fifa_code": "CIV", "team_name": "Côte d'Ivoire", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 6, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Seko Fofana", "date_of_birth": "1995-05-07", "age": 31, "caps": 32, "international_goals": 7, "is_captain": false, "club": "FC Porto", "club_country": "Portugal", "club_league": "Primeira Liga", "height_cm": 182, "preferred_foot": "right", "market_value_eur": 6000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 16, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 1, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Liga Portugal, Europa League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 394, "career_club_goals": 49, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "On loan at Porto from Rennes from Feb 2026; stats reflect Porto spell (Liga + Europa League)", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/602211/seko-fofana ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/seko-fofana/leistungsdaten/spieler/182893", "backstory": "Born in Paris, Seko Fofana came through Paris FC and Manchester City's academy before forging his career in Serie A with Udinese and then starring at RC Lens, where he won the 2021-22 Marc-Vivien Foé Award. A big-money move to Al-Nassr followed before he returned to Europe with Rennes and a loan to Porto. A box-to-box midfielder who scored at AFCON 2023, he brings power and goals to the Ivory Coast engine room.", "facts": ["Won the Marc-Vivien Foé Award (2022) as Africa's best player in Ligue 1", "Came through Manchester City's academy", "Scored in Ivory Coast's opening match of the 2023 AFCON"], "data_rating": 65, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Portugal"]}, {"player_id": 475, "team_id": 19, "fifa_code": "CIV", "team_name": "Côte d'Ivoire", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 7, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Odilon Kossounou", "date_of_birth": "2001-01-04", "age": 25, "caps": 35, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Atalanta BC", "club_country": "Italy", "club_league": "Serie A", "height_cm": 188, "preferred_foot": "right", "market_value_eur": 20800000, "club_apps_2025_26": 19, "club_starts_2025_26": 10, "club_minutes_2025_26": 985, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 1, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Serie A, Coppa Italia, Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 225, "career_club_goals": 2, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/1014496/odilon-kossounou ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Odilon_Kossounou", "backstory": "Odilon Kossounou began at the ASEC Mimosas academy in Abidjan and was spotted at the 2016 Gothia Cup in Sweden, leading to a move to Hammarby. A record sale took him to Club Brugge, where he won back-to-back Belgian titles, before a 23 million euro transfer to Bayer Leverkusen, with whom he won the 2023-24 Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal double. Now at Atalanta, the tall, sharp-tackling centre-back started Ivory Coast's victorious 2023 AFCON final and is a defensive mainstay at the World Cup.", "facts": ["Started the 2023 AFCON final as Ivory Coast beat Nigeria", "Won the 2023-24 Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal with Bayer Leverkusen", "Discovered at the Gothia Cup youth tournament in Sweden"], "data_rating": 67, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Italy"]}, {"player_id": 476, "team_id": 19, "fifa_code": "CIV", "team_name": "Côte d'Ivoire", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 8, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Franck Kessié", "date_of_birth": "1996-12-19", "age": 29, "caps": 102, "international_goals": 15, "is_captain": true, "club": "Al-Ahli Saudi FC", "club_country": "Saudi Arabia", "club_league": "Saudi Pro League", "height_cm": 183, "preferred_foot": "right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 39, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 12, "club_assists_2025_26": 3, "club_yellow_2025_26": 5, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Saudi Pro League, AFC Champions League Elite, King's Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 453, "career_club_goals": 77, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "2025-26 AFC Champions League Elite MVP; reached 100 caps on 6 Jan 2026", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franck_Kessi%C3%A9 ; https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/franck-kessie/15876/", "backstory": "Born in Ouragahio, Franck Kessié started at Stella Club d'Adjamé before joining Atalanta, where he broke into Serie A and earned a move to AC Milan, becoming integral to their 2021-22 Scudetto. He then won La Liga with Barcelona and consecutive AFC Champions League Elite titles with Al-Ahli, claiming MVP in 2025-26. Captain of the Elephants and a key figure in their 2023 AFCON win, he leads the side at the 2026 World Cup.", "facts": ["Captain of Ivory Coast and reached 100-plus caps in January 2026", "2025-26 AFC Champions League Elite MVP", "Lost his father at age 11 and celebrates with a military salute in tribute"], "data_rating": 83, "fun": ["🎖️ Most-capped in the squad (102)", "🌍 Plays abroad · Saudi Arabia", "©️ Captain"]}, {"player_id": 477, "team_id": 19, "fifa_code": "CIV", "team_name": "Côte d'Ivoire", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 9, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Ange-Yoan Bonny", "date_of_birth": "2003-10-25", "age": 22, "caps": 1, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Inter Milan", "club_country": "Italy", "club_league": "Serie A", "height_cm": 190, "preferred_foot": "right", "market_value_eur": 29600000, "club_apps_2025_26": 33, "club_starts_2025_26": 10, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1129, "club_goals_2025_26": 5, "club_assists_2025_26": 4, "club_yellow_2025_26": 1, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Serie A, Coppa Italia, Champions League, Super Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 48, "career_club_goals": 7, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/1199383/ange-yoan-bonny ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ange-Yoan_Bonny", "backstory": "Born in Aubervilliers, France, to Ivorian parents, Ange-Yoan Bonny climbed through several French academies before signing with Parma, where he won the Serie B title and became their top scorer on return to Serie A. In 2025 he joined Inter Milan, reuniting with former coach Cristian Chivu. A tall, creative forward, he switched from France's youth teams to Côte d'Ivoire in 2026 and is a newer attacking option at the World Cup.", "facts": ["Won Serie B with Parma in 2023-24", "Named Serie A Rising Star of the Month for October 2025", "Switched from France youth teams to Côte d'Ivoire in 2026"], "data_rating": 63, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Italy"]}, {"player_id": 478, "team_id": 19, "fifa_code": "CIV", "team_name": "Côte d'Ivoire", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 10, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "RW", "player_name": "Simon Adingra", "date_of_birth": "2002-01-01", "age": 24, "caps": 29, "international_goals": 5, "is_captain": false, "club": "AS Monaco FC", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Ligue 1", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": "left", "market_value_eur": 25200000, "club_apps_2025_26": 17, "club_starts_2025_26": 10, "club_minutes_2025_26": 861, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": 0, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue 1", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 196, "career_club_goals": 42, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "On loan at Monaco from Sunderland since Feb 2026; stats reflect Monaco spell", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/1227012/simon-adingra ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/simon-adingra/leistungsdaten/spieler/658536", "backstory": "Raised in Abobo, a suburb of Abidjan, Simon Adingra came through the Right to Dream Academy and FC Nordsjælland before joining Brighton, where a loan to Union SG sharpened him into a Premier League winger. He later moved to Sunderland and is on loan at Monaco. A breakout star of the 2023 AFCON, where he was named Best Young Player, the pacey wide man is a key creative outlet for the Elephants.", "facts": ["Named Best Young Player of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations", "Provided two assists in the 2023 AFCON final win over Nigeria", "Came through the Right to Dream Academy"], "data_rating": 67, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · France"]}, {"player_id": 479, "team_id": 19, "fifa_code": "CIV", "team_name": "Côte d'Ivoire", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 11, "position": "FW", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Yan Diomande", "date_of_birth": "2006-11-14", "age": 19, "caps": 10, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "RB Leipzig", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 180, "preferred_foot": "right", "market_value_eur": 33400000, "club_apps_2025_26": 33, "club_starts_2025_26": 28, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2476, "club_goals_2025_26": 12, "club_assists_2025_26": 8, "club_yellow_2025_26": 2, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 49, "career_club_goals": 15, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Bundesliga Rookie of the Season 2025-26", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/1735453/yan-diomande ; https://www.bundesliga.com/en/player/yan-diomande", "backstory": "Born in Abidjan, Yan Diomande took an unusual path, moving to the United States at fifteen and developing at Florida's DME Academy before signing with Spain's Leganés, where he debuted in La Liga against Real Madrid. RB Leipzig paid his release clause in 2025 and he exploded in the Bundesliga, earning Rookie of the Season honours. The lightning-quick winger is one of Ivory Coast's most exciting World Cup attackers.", "facts": ["Bundesliga Rookie of the Season 2025-26", "Scored a hat-trick vs Eintracht Frankfurt, second-youngest to do so in Bundesliga history", "Developed at a prep academy in Florida, USA"], "data_rating": 73, "fun": ["🐣 Youngest in the squad (19)", "🌟 Wonderkid", "🌍 Plays abroad · Germany"]}, {"player_id": 480, "team_id": 19, "fifa_code": "CIV", "team_name": "Côte d'Ivoire", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 12, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Elye Wahi", "date_of_birth": "2003-01-02", "age": 23, "caps": 2, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "OGC Nice", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Ligue 1", "height_cm": 180, "preferred_foot": "right", "market_value_eur": 17700000, "club_apps_2025_26": 14, "club_starts_2025_26": 11, "club_minutes_2025_26": 926, "club_goals_2025_26": 5, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": 5, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue 1", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 197, "career_club_goals": 60, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "On loan at Nice from Eintracht Frankfurt since Jan 2026; stats reflect Nice spell", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/1213430/elye-wahi ; https://www.sportbusy.com/players/soccer/311118/", "backstory": "Born in Courcouronnes, France, of Ivorian descent, Elye Wahi was a prolific youth scorer who broke through at Montpellier, becoming one of the few teenagers since Kylian Mbappé to reach 20 Ligue 1 goals. Big-money moves to Lens, Marseille and Eintracht Frankfurt followed, with a current loan at Nice. A sharp, mobile striker, he switched from France's youth teams to Côte d'Ivoire in 2026 and adds firepower to the World Cup squad.", "facts": ["Won the 2022-23 Ligue 1 Goal of the Year award", "Once scored four goals in 15 minutes against Lyon", "Switched from France youth teams to Côte d'Ivoire in 2026"], "data_rating": 62, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · France"]}, {"player_id": 481, "team_id": 19, "fifa_code": "CIV", "team_name": "Côte d'Ivoire", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 13, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Christopher Opéri", "date_of_birth": "1997-04-29", "age": 29, "caps": 12, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "İstanbul Başakşehir F.K.", "club_country": "Turkey", "club_league": "Süper Lig", "height_cm": 182, "preferred_foot": "left", "market_value_eur": 2300000, "club_apps_2025_26": 22, "club_starts_2025_26": 22, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1824, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 4, "club_yellow_2025_26": 3, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Süper Lig, Turkish Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 217, "career_club_goals": 11, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/802462/christopher-operi ; https://www.flashscore.com/player/operi-christopher/lIu2iTW5/", "backstory": "Born in Abidjan to an Ivorian father and French mother, Christopher Opéri came through Caen's academy and made his professional debut at Châteauroux in Ligue 2. After a spell at Gent in Belgium, he enjoyed his most prominent run at Le Havre before joining Turkey's İstanbul Başakşehir in 2025. An attacking left-back, he made his Ivory Coast debut in 2024 and featured at the 2025 AFCON ahead of the World Cup.", "facts": ["Nephew of former Ivory Coast international Cyril Domoraud", "Born in Abidjan to an Ivorian father and French mother"], "data_rating": 64, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Turkey"]}, {"player_id": 482, "team_id": 19, "fifa_code": "CIV", "team_name": "Côte d'Ivoire", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 14, "position": "FW", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Oumar Diakité", "date_of_birth": "2003-12-20", "age": 22, "caps": 29, "international_goals": 6, "is_captain": false, "club": "Cercle Brugge KSV", "club_country": "Belgium", "club_league": "Belgian Pro League", "height_cm": 183, "preferred_foot": "right", "market_value_eur": 7100000, "club_apps_2025_26": 26, "club_starts_2025_26": 15, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1427, "club_goals_2025_26": 7, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 4, "club_red_2025_26": 1, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Belgian Pro League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 63, "career_club_goals": 9, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "On loan at Cercle Brugge from Stade de Reims", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/1328540/oumar-diakite ; https://www.flashscore.com/player/diakite-oumar/jeOb1FYh/", "backstory": "Born in Bingerville, Oumar Diakité came through ASEC Mimosas before joining Red Bull Salzburg and scoring freely on loan at Liefering, earning a move to Stade de Reims. Now on loan at Cercle Brugge, the forward is fondly remembered for one of AFCON 2023's most dramatic moments. He provides depth and a knack for big goals in Côte d'Ivoire's attack.", "facts": ["Scored the extra-time winner against Mali in the 2023 AFCON quarter-final", "Was suspended for the next match after a second yellow card for his celebration", "Came through the ASEC Mimosas academy"], "data_rating": 67, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Belgium"]}, {"player_id": 483, "team_id": 19, "fifa_code": "CIV", "team_name": "Côte d'Ivoire", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 15, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "RW", "player_name": "Amad Diallo", "date_of_birth": "2002-07-11", "age": 23, "caps": 19, "international_goals": 6, "is_captain": false, "club": "Manchester United F.C.", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 180, "preferred_foot": "left", "market_value_eur": 60200000, "club_apps_2025_26": 32, "club_starts_2025_26": 27, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2344, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": 3, "club_yellow_2025_26": 2, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, EFL Cup, FA Cup, Europa League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 157, "career_club_goals": 34, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/1070052/amad-diallo ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amad_Diallo", "backstory": "Born in Abidjan, Amad Diallo emigrated to Italy at eight and joined Atalanta's academy, becoming the first player born in 2002 to score in Serie A. A January 2021 move to Manchester United, followed by loans to Rangers and Sunderland, preceded his rise to a regular role at Old Trafford. A two-footed, dynamic winger, he scored a memorable derby winner and is one of Ivory Coast's most dangerous attacking threats at the World Cup.", "facts": ["First Manchester United player since Cristiano Ronaldo to score a Premier League hat-trick", "Won the 2023-24 FA Cup with Manchester United", "First player born in 2002 to score in Serie A"], "data_rating": 70, "fun": ["💎 Most valuable in the squad", "🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 484, "team_id": 19, "fifa_code": "CIV", "team_name": "Côte d'Ivoire", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 16, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Mohamed Koné", "date_of_birth": "2002-03-07", "age": 24, "caps": 0, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Royal Charleroi S.C.", "club_country": "Belgium", "club_league": "Belgian Pro League", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": 1100000, "club_apps_2025_26": 19, "club_starts_2025_26": 19, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1710, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 2, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 6, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": 18, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Belgian Pro League, Conference League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 42, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/1280201/mohamed-kone ; https://www.flashscore.co.uk/player/kone-mohamed/KEptl4xb/", "backstory": "Born in Adjamé, Abidjan, Mohamed Koné was a youth product of Torcy in France before moving to Le Havre in 2020 and developing in their reserves. He made his senior debut for Le Havre in a 2024 cup tie, spent the rest of that season on loan at Dunkerque, then joined Belgium's Charleroi where he established himself as a regular starter. Uncapped at senior level, he travels to the 2026 World Cup as a back-up goalkeeper for Côte d'Ivoire.", "facts": ["Born in Adjamé, Abidjan", "Came through the Torcy and Le Havre setups in France"], "data_rating": 60, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Belgium"]}, {"player_id": 485, "team_id": 19, "fifa_code": "CIV", "team_name": "Côte d'Ivoire", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 17, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "RB", "player_name": "Guéla Doué", "date_of_birth": "2002-10-17", "age": 23, "caps": 20, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "RC Strasbourg Alsace", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Ligue 1", "height_cm": 184, "preferred_foot": "right", "market_value_eur": 21600000, "club_apps_2025_26": 24, "club_starts_2025_26": 23, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2063, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": 6, "club_yellow_2025_26": 3, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue 1, Coupe de France, Conference League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 117, "career_club_goals": 3, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/1395704/guela-doue ; https://fbref.com/en/players/b4ef3fb5/Guela-Doue", "backstory": "Guéla Doué joined Rennes at age eight in 2010, developing alongside the likes of Eduardo Camavinga before a serious injury delayed his rise. He broke through in 2023 and moved to RC Strasbourg in 2024, where the versatile, attacking right-back has flourished with goals and assists. Born in France to an Ivorian father, he represents Côte d'Ivoire and is a dynamic full-back option at the 2026 World Cup.", "facts": ["Older brother of PSG and France star Désiré Doué", "Came through the Rennes academy from age eight"], "data_rating": 72, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · France"]}, {"player_id": 486, "team_id": 19, "fifa_code": "CIV", "team_name": "Côte d'Ivoire", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 18, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CDM", "player_name": "Ibrahim Sangaré", "date_of_birth": "1997-12-02", "age": 28, "caps": 58, "international_goals": 12, "is_captain": false, "club": "Nottingham Forest F.C.", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 191, "preferred_foot": "right", "market_value_eur": 25200000, "club_apps_2025_26": 28, "club_starts_2025_26": 25, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2080, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": 5, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, EFL Cup, Europa League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 319, "career_club_goals": 19, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/795371/ibrahim-sangare ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ibrahim_Sangar%C3%A9_(Ivorian_footballer)", "backstory": "Ibrahim Sangaré began at Ivorian clubs Tout Puissant Koumassi and AS Denguélé before making his name at Toulouse and then PSV Eindhoven, where he won two KNVB Cups and starred as a towering defensive midfielder. Nottingham Forest signed him for 30 million pounds in 2023. A physical shield in midfield, he came off the bench in the 2023 AFCON final and is central to Ivory Coast's spine at the World Cup.", "facts": ["Recorded one of football's most powerful shots, clocked around 170 km/h", "Won two KNVB Cups with PSV Eindhoven", "2023 Africa Cup of Nations champion"], "data_rating": 73, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 487, "team_id": 19, "fifa_code": "CIV", "team_name": "Côte d'Ivoire", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 19, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "RW", "player_name": "Nicolas Pépé", "date_of_birth": "1995-05-29", "age": 31, "caps": 55, "international_goals": 12, "is_captain": false, "club": "Villarreal CF", "club_country": "Spain", "club_league": "La Liga", "height_cm": 190, "preferred_foot": "left", "market_value_eur": 5000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 36, "club_starts_2025_26": 26, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2396, "club_goals_2025_26": 8, "club_assists_2025_26": 8, "club_yellow_2025_26": 4, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "La Liga, Copa del Rey, Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 74, "career_club_goals": 11, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "La Liga Player of the Month August 2025", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/575735/nicolas-pepe ; https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/nicolas-pepe/31019/", "backstory": "Born in Mantes-la-Jolie to Ivorian parents and raised in Paris, Nicolas Pépé started as a goalkeeper before blossoming as a winger at Angers and then Lille under Marcelo Bielsa's scouting. In 2019 Arsenal signed him for a club-record fee of around 80 million euros. After spells in France and Turkey he reinvented himself at Villarreal, even winning a La Liga Player of the Month award. A 2023 AFCON champion, the explosive winger remains a star attacker for the Elephants.", "facts": ["Arsenal's record signing in 2019 at around 80 million euros", "Began his career as a goalkeeper until age 14", "Won the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations with Ivory Coast"], "data_rating": 71, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Spain"]}, {"player_id": 488, "team_id": 19, "fifa_code": "CIV", "team_name": "Côte d'Ivoire", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 20, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Emmanuel Agbadou", "date_of_birth": "1997-06-07", "age": 29, "caps": 20, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Beşiktaş J.K.", "club_country": "Turkey", "club_league": "Süper Lig", "height_cm": 188, "preferred_foot": "right", "market_value_eur": 19100000, "club_apps_2025_26": 16, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Süper Lig, Turkish Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 213, "career_club_goals": 11, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Joined Beşiktaş from Wolves in Feb 2026; stats reflect his Beşiktaş spell", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/en-GB/players/1114979/emmanuel-agbadou ; https://www.flashscore.com/player/agbadou-emmanuel/fRbu2Opo/", "backstory": "Emmanuel Agbadou started at FC San Pédro at home before moving to US Monastir in Tunisia, then broke into Europe with Belgium's Eupen. After three years establishing himself at Stade de Reims, the commanding 6'4\" centre-back joined Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2025 before a February 2026 transfer to Beşiktaş. He reached the 2024-25 Coupe de France final and arrives at the World Cup as an aerially dominant defensive option.", "facts": ["Stands 1.92m (6'4\") and is a strong aerial presence", "Reached the 2024-25 Coupe de France final with Reims", "Began his pro career via Tunisia's US Monastir"], "data_rating": 67, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Turkey"]}, {"player_id": 489, "team_id": 19, "fifa_code": "CIV", "team_name": "Côte d'Ivoire", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 21, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Evan Ndicka", "date_of_birth": "1999-08-20", "age": 26, "caps": 28, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "AS Roma", "club_country": "Italy", "club_league": "Serie A", "height_cm": 192, "preferred_foot": "left", "market_value_eur": 36000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 31, "club_starts_2025_26": 31, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2683, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 5, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Serie A, Coppa Italia, Europa League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 127, "career_club_goals": 6, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/787242/evan-ndicka ; https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/evan-ndicka/9535/", "backstory": "Born in Paris to a Cameroonian father and Ivorian mother, Evan Ndicka joined Auxerre at thirteen and debuted at seventeen before a 2018 move to Eintracht Frankfurt, where he won the 2021-22 Europa League. At Roma he became renowned for his durability, playing every minute of all 38 league matches in 2024-25. The composed left-footed centre-back switched from France to Côte d'Ivoire in 2023 and won AFCON that year, and is a defensive leader at the World Cup.", "facts": ["Won the 2021-22 UEFA Europa League with Eintracht Frankfurt", "Collapsed with chest pain mid-match at Udinese in April 2024 but recovered", "First Roma outfielder since 2004 to play every minute of a 38-game league season"], "data_rating": 74, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Italy"]}, {"player_id": 490, "team_id": 19, "fifa_code": "CIV", "team_name": "Côte d'Ivoire", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 22, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Evann Guessand", "date_of_birth": "2001-07-01", "age": 24, "caps": 21, "international_goals": 4, "is_captain": false, "club": "Crystal Palace F.C.", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 183, "preferred_foot": "right", "market_value_eur": 35300000, "club_apps_2025_26": 21, "club_starts_2025_26": 9, "club_minutes_2025_26": 916, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": 0, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, Conference League, FA Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 248, "career_club_goals": 44, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "On loan at Crystal Palace from Aston Villa since Jan 2026; stats reflect Palace spell (incl. Conference League)", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/1087966/evann-guessand ; https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/evann%20guessand/2672/", "backstory": "Born and raised in Ajaccio, France, Evann Guessand is the son of former Ivorian pro Servais Konan and came through OGC Nice's academy. Loans to Lausanne and Nantes preceded a breakout 2024-25 season at Nice with 12 goals and nine assists, earning a move to Aston Villa and then a loan to Crystal Palace. A strong, versatile forward, he pulls on the Ivory Coast shirt and brings end product to the World Cup attack.", "facts": ["Son of former Ivorian footballer Servais Guessand Konan", "Won both the Europa League and the Conference League in 2025-26 across two clubs", "Recorded 12 goals and 9 assists in his breakout 2024-25 season at Nice"], "data_rating": 66, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 491, "team_id": 19, "fifa_code": "CIV", "team_name": "Côte d'Ivoire", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 23, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Alban Lafont", "date_of_birth": "1999-01-23", "age": 27, "caps": 4, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Panathinaikos F.C.", "club_country": "Greece", "club_league": "Super League Greece", "height_cm": 193, "preferred_foot": "right", "market_value_eur": 2200000, "club_apps_2025_26": 22, "club_starts_2025_26": 22, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1935, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 2, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 7, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": 20, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Super League Greece, Greek Cup, Europa League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 380, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/698273/alban-lafont ; https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/alban-lafont/2240/", "backstory": "Born in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, to a French father and Burkinabé mother, Alban Lafont moved to France as a child and converted from attacking midfielder to goalkeeper at amateur club AS Lattoise before joining Toulouse. In 2015 he became the youngest goalkeeper ever to play in Ligue 1, then built a long career at Fiorentina and Nantes, with whom he won the Coupe de France. Having represented France at youth level, he switched to Côte d'Ivoire in 2025 through his maternal grandfather and is a senior goalkeeping option at the World Cup.", "facts": ["Youngest goalkeeper ever to play in Ligue 1 (16 years, 310 days)", "Born in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; qualifies for Côte d'Ivoire via his grandfather", "Won the 2021-22 Coupe de France with Nantes"], "data_rating": 65, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Greece"]}, {"player_id": 492, "team_id": 19, "fifa_code": "CIV", "team_name": "Côte d'Ivoire", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 24, "position": "FW", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Bazoumana Touré", "date_of_birth": "2006-03-02", "age": 20, "caps": 6, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "TSG 1899 Hoffenheim", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": "left", "market_value_eur": 26300000, "club_apps_2025_26": 30, "club_starts_2025_26": 29, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2325, "club_goals_2025_26": 5, "club_assists_2025_26": 9, "club_yellow_2025_26": 2, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 70, "career_club_goals": 13, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/1624586/bazoumana-toure ; https://www.bundesliga.com/en/player/bazoumana-toure", "backstory": "Born in 2006, Bazoumana Touré came through the famed ASEC Mimosas academy and helped them to a league title before moving to Sweden's Hammarby. A January 2025 transfer took him to TSG Hoffenheim, where the explosive, left-footed inverted winger quickly impressed with his pace and creativity. One of the youngest and most coveted talents in the squad, he is an exciting wide attacker for Côte d'Ivoire at the World Cup.", "facts": ["Won an Ivorian league title with ASEC Mimosas as a teenager", "One of the youngest players in the squad, born in 2006", "Reportedly drew transfer interest from Liverpool"], "data_rating": 69, "fun": ["🌟 Wonderkid", "🌍 Plays abroad · Germany"]}, {"player_id": 493, "team_id": 19, "fifa_code": "CIV", "team_name": "Côte d'Ivoire", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 25, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Parfait Guiagon", "date_of_birth": "2001-02-22", "age": 25, "caps": 5, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Royal Charleroi S.C.", "club_country": "Belgium", "club_league": "Belgian Pro League", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": "right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 33, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2544, "club_goals_2025_26": 9, "club_assists_2025_26": 5, "club_yellow_2025_26": 6, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Belgian Pro League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/parfait-guiagon/75158/ ; https://footystats.org/players/ivory-coast/parfait-guiagon", "backstory": "Parfait Guiagon began at Africa Sports in Côte d'Ivoire before moving to Israel to join Maccabi Tel Aviv's youth academy in 2019. He found his footing at Belgium's Charleroi, scoring regularly across his first seasons as an attacking midfielder and left winger and committing his future to the club. A relatively new face for the Elephants, he earns his World Cup place on the back of consistent goal contributions in the Belgian Pro League.", "facts": ["Developed in Maccabi Tel Aviv's youth academy in Israel", "Reached a goal-per-few-games scoring rate from midfield at Charleroi"], "data_rating": 70, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Belgium"]}, {"player_id": 494, "team_id": 19, "fifa_code": "CIV", "team_name": "Côte d'Ivoire", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 26, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Christ Inao Oulaï", "date_of_birth": "2006-04-06", "age": 20, "caps": 9, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Trabzonspor", "club_country": "Turkey", "club_league": "Süper Lig", "height_cm": 182, "preferred_foot": "right", "market_value_eur": 2600000, "club_apps_2025_26": 25, "club_starts_2025_26": 24, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2077, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": 4, "club_yellow_2025_26": 9, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Süper Lig, Turkish Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 55, "career_club_goals": 3, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/1666494/christ-ravynel-inao-oulai ; https://fbref.com/en/players/62709ee4/Christ-Inao-Oulai", "backstory": "Born in Yopougon, Abidjan, in 2006, Christ Inao Oulaï developed at the JMG Academy before joining France's SC Bastia, where he debuted as a teenager. A 2025 transfer took him to Trabzonspor on a five-year deal, and he won the Turkish Cup in his first season. One of the squad's youngest members, the energetic midfielder earned his first caps in late 2025 and is a rising talent at the World Cup.", "facts": ["One of the youngest players in the squad, born in 2006", "Won the 2025-26 Turkish Cup with Trabzonspor"], "data_rating": 64, "fun": ["🌟 Wonderkid", "🌍 Plays abroad · Turkey"]}, {"player_id": 495, "team_id": 20, "fifa_code": "ECU", "team_name": "Ecuador", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 1, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Hernán Galíndez", "date_of_birth": "1987-03-30", "age": 39, "caps": 34, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Huracán", "club_country": "Argentina", "club_league": "Primera División", "height_cm": 189, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": null, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Primera División (Argentina)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 529, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Veteran goalkeeper", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hern%C3%A1n_Gal%C3%ADndez", "backstory": "Born in Rosario, Argentina, Galíndez began at Rosario Central before moving to Ecuador in 2012, building his reputation across nine years and 300-plus appearances at Universidad Católica. He naturalized as an Ecuadorian in 2019 and became the national team's number one, starting all three group games at the 2022 World Cup. Now with Argentina's Huracán, the veteran shot-stopper provides experience and a calm presence in goal for a young Ecuador squad.", "facts": ["Born in Argentina, naturalized Ecuadorian in 2019", "Has a twin brother", "Faced a young Lionel Messi in a childhood tournament — Messi reportedly scored against him"], "data_rating": 60, "fun": ["🧓 Veteran presence", "🌍 Plays abroad · Argentina"]}, {"player_id": 496, "team_id": 20, "fifa_code": "ECU", "team_name": "Ecuador", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 2, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Félix Torres", "date_of_birth": "1997-01-11", "age": 29, "caps": 48, "international_goals": 5, "is_captain": false, "club": "Internacional", "club_country": "Brazil", "club_league": "Série A", "height_cm": 187, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 12, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Série A (Brazil) - on loan from Corinthians", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 278, "career_club_goals": 18, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "On loan at Internacional from Corinthians", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F%C3%A9lix_Torres_(footballer,_born_1997)", "backstory": "Torres came through Alianza del Pailón and LDU Portoviejo before breaking through at Barcelona SC, debuting in 2017. He moved to Mexico's Santos Laguna in 2019, spent four productive seasons there, then joined Brazil's Corinthians in 2024, currently on loan at Internacional. A commanding centre-back, he has been a defensive fixture for Ecuador since the 2021 Copa América and the 2022 World Cup.", "facts": ["Unusually productive for a defender, with 5 goals in his first 48 caps", "Played all three group matches at the 2022 World Cup"], "data_rating": 66, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Brazil"]}, {"player_id": 497, "team_id": 20, "fifa_code": "ECU", "team_name": "Ecuador", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 3, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Piero Hincapié", "date_of_birth": "2002-01-09", "age": 24, "caps": 51, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "Arsenal", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 184, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": 60000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 39, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": 2, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, EFL Cup, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 230, "career_club_goals": 8, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "On loan at Arsenal; won 2025-26 Premier League and reached UCL final", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piero_Hincapi%C3%A9 ; https://www.premierleague.com/en/players/448104/piero-hincapie/overview", "backstory": "Raised in Esmeraldas, Hincapié joined Independiente del Valle's academy at 14 and won the 2020 U-20 Copa Libertadores before a move to Argentina's Talleres. Bayer Leverkusen signed him in 2021, where he was part of the historic 2023-24 unbeaten Bundesliga title. He joined Arsenal on loan in 2025, winning the 2025-26 Premier League in his debut season and reaching the Champions League final, and is one of Ecuador's most accomplished defenders.", "facts": ["Won the Bundesliga during Leverkusen's unbeaten 2023-24 season", "Named to the 2024 Copa América Team of the Tournament", "Started playing organized football at age seven"], "data_rating": 78, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 498, "team_id": 20, "fifa_code": "ECU", "team_name": "Ecuador", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 4, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Joel Ordóñez", "date_of_birth": "2004-04-21", "age": 22, "caps": 16, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Club Brugge", "club_country": "Belgium", "club_league": "Belgian Pro League", "height_cm": 188, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 43, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 4, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Belgian Pro League, Belgian Cup, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 168, "career_club_goals": 8, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joel_Ord%C3%B3%C3%B1ez", "backstory": "Ordóñez developed at Deportivo Azogues and Independiente del Valle, debuting in 2022 before Club Brugge paid around €4 million for him months later. He grew into a cornerstone centre-back in Belgium, winning the 2023-24 Pro League title and 2024-25 Belgian Cup and featuring in the Champions League. Tall and composed, he made his Ecuador debut in 2024 and represents the next generation at the back.", "facts": ["Joined Club Brugge as a teenager for a reported multi-million euro fee", "Won the Belgian Pro League and Belgian Cup before turning 22"], "data_rating": 74, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Belgium"]}, {"player_id": 499, "team_id": 20, "fifa_code": "ECU", "team_name": "Ecuador", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 5, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Jordy Alcívar", "date_of_birth": "1999-08-05", "age": 26, "caps": 10, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Independiente del Valle", "club_country": "Ecuador", "club_league": "LigaPro", "height_cm": 172, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 31, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "LigaPro, Copa Libertadores (2025 season)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 163, "career_club_goals": 9, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jordy_Alc%C3%ADvar", "backstory": "Alcívar came through LDU Quito's youth ranks, debuting in 2018, before a 2022 move to MLS expansion side Charlotte FC. He returned home to Independiente del Valle in late 2022 and won the 2025 Ecuadorian Serie A title. A versatile midfielder who can also drop into defense, he was part of Ecuador's third-place run at the 2019 U-20 World Cup.", "facts": ["Helped Ecuador finish third at the 2019 U-20 World Cup", "Won the 2025 Ecuadorian Serie A with Independiente del Valle"], "data_rating": 64, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 500, "team_id": 20, "fifa_code": "ECU", "team_name": "Ecuador", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 6, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Willian Pacho", "date_of_birth": "2001-10-16", "age": 24, "caps": 34, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Paris Saint-Germain", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Ligue 1", "height_cm": 188, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": 70000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 44, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue 1, Coupe de France, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 238, "career_club_goals": 2, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Regular starter at PSG", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willian_Pacho", "backstory": "From Quinindé in northern Ecuador, Pacho joined Independiente del Valle in 2017 and won the 2021 league title before moving to Royal Antwerp and then Eintracht Frankfurt. Paris Saint-Germain signed him in 2024 as their first Ecuadorian player, and in 2025 he became the first Ecuadorian to win the Champions League. A ball-playing left-footed centre-back, he is now a regular starter for both PSG and the national team.", "facts": ["First Ecuadorian to win the UEFA Champions League (2025)", "PSG's first-ever Ecuadorian player", "Named to the FIFA Men's World 11 in 2025"], "data_rating": 78, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · France"]}, {"player_id": 501, "team_id": 20, "fifa_code": "ECU", "team_name": "Ecuador", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 7, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "LB", "player_name": "Pervis Estupiñán", "date_of_birth": "1998-01-21", "age": 28, "caps": 53, "international_goals": 4, "is_captain": false, "club": "AC Milan", "club_country": "Italy", "club_league": "Serie A", "height_cm": 175, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 22, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Serie A, Coppa Italia, Supercoppa Italiana", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 293, "career_club_goals": 10, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Starting left-back", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pervis_Estupi%C3%B1%C3%A1n", "backstory": "A product of LDU Quito's academy, Estupiñán moved to Watford in 2016 and spent several seasons on loan across Spain before settling at Villarreal, where he won the 2020-21 Europa League. He starred at Brighton from 2022 before joining AC Milan in 2025 as the club's first Ecuadorian player. An attacking, overlapping left-back, he is one of Ecuador's most important defenders.", "facts": ["Won the 2020-21 Europa League with Villarreal", "AC Milan's first Ecuadorian player; scored his first Milan goal in the Milan derby", "Named to the 2021 Copa América Team of the Tournament"], "data_rating": 70, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Italy"]}, {"player_id": 502, "team_id": 20, "fifa_code": "ECU", "team_name": "Ecuador", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 8, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Anthony Valencia", "date_of_birth": "2003-07-21", "age": 22, "caps": 2, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Royal Antwerp", "club_country": "Belgium", "club_league": "Belgian Pro League", "height_cm": 176, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 27, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 4, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": 1, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Belgian Pro League (all competitions)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 117, "career_club_goals": 15, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Returned from cruciate ligament injury in October 2025", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Valencia ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/1353364/anthony-valencia", "backstory": "Anthony Valencia developed at Deportivo Azogues and Independiente del Valle, earning a spot in The Guardian's 'Next Generation 2020' before moving to Royal Antwerp in 2022. He won the Belgian league and cup double in his first season and provided an assist in just his second appearance. An attacking midfielder, he returned from a cruciate ligament injury in October 2025 to fight for a place in the World Cup squad.", "facts": ["Named in The Guardian's 'Next Generation 2020'", "Won the Belgian Pro League and Cup double in his debut season at Antwerp", "Not related to Antonio or Enner Valencia"], "data_rating": 65, "fun": ["⚡ 0.5 goals per cap", "🌍 Plays abroad · Belgium"]}, {"player_id": 503, "team_id": 20, "fifa_code": "ECU", "team_name": "Ecuador", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 9, "position": "FW", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "John Yeboah", "date_of_birth": "2000-06-23", "age": 25, "caps": 22, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "Venezia", "club_country": "Italy", "club_league": "Serie B", "height_cm": 170, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 36, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 12, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Serie B, Coppa Italia", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 205, "career_club_goals": 34, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Key attacking contributor for Venezia", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Yeboah", "backstory": "Born in Hamburg to a Ghanaian father and Ecuadorian mother, Yeboah came through VfL Wolfsburg and made his Bundesliga debut in 2018. After spells in the Netherlands and Poland — winning Ekstraklasa Player of the Month with Raków — he joined Italy's Venezia in 2024. A quick, tricky winger, he switched allegiance from Germany's youth teams to Ecuador in 2024 and impressed at that summer's Copa América.", "facts": ["Born in Germany; switched from Germany's youth teams to Ecuador in 2024", "Has a Ghanaian father and Ecuadorian mother", "Won Ekstraklasa Player of the Month with Raków Częstochowa"], "data_rating": 71, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Italy"]}, {"player_id": 504, "team_id": 20, "fifa_code": "ECU", "team_name": "Ecuador", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 10, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CAM", "player_name": "Kendry Páez", "date_of_birth": "2007-05-04", "age": 19, "caps": 25, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "River Plate", "club_country": "Argentina", "club_league": "Primera División", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 9, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Primera División (Argentina) - on loan from Chelsea", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 75, "career_club_goals": 14, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Young attacking midfielder; on loan at River Plate", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kendry_P%C3%A1ez", "backstory": "A generational talent from Independiente del Valle's academy, Páez scored on his professional debut at 15 in 2023, becoming the youngest debutant and scorer in Ecuadorian top-flight history. Chelsea agreed to sign him before he had even turned 16, and he is now on loan at River Plate via Strasbourg. A creative attacking midfielder who cites Messi and Gonzalo Plata as idols, he is Ecuador's brightest young prospect.", "facts": ["Youngest debutant and goalscorer in Ecuadorian top-flight history (age 15)", "Youngest goalscorer ever in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers", "Chelsea agreed to sign him before his 16th birthday"], "data_rating": 61, "fun": ["🐣 Youngest in the squad (19)", "🌟 Wonderkid", "🌍 Plays abroad · Argentina"]}, {"player_id": 505, "team_id": 20, "fifa_code": "ECU", "team_name": "Ecuador", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 11, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Kevin Rodríguez", "date_of_birth": "2000-03-04", "age": 26, "caps": 31, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Union Saint-Gilloise", "club_country": "Belgium", "club_league": "Belgian Pro League", "height_cm": 190, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 41, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 14, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Belgian Pro League, Belgian Cup, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 226, "career_club_goals": 56, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Leading scorer for Union SG", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_Rodr%C3%ADguez_(footballer,_born_2000)", "backstory": "Rodríguez began at his hometown club Imbabura at 13, climbing through Ecuador's lower divisions as a prolific scorer before earning a 2022 World Cup call-up. He moved to Belgium's Union Saint-Gilloise in 2023, where he became a leading striker and played in the Champions League. Standing 1.90m, the powerful, direct forward scored a key World Cup qualifying winner against Bolivia.", "facts": ["Once knocked LDU Quito out of the Copa Ecuador with the winning goal while at lower-league Imbabura", "Scored a World Cup qualifying winner against Bolivia"], "data_rating": 73, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Belgium"]}, {"player_id": 506, "team_id": 20, "fifa_code": "ECU", "team_name": "Ecuador", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 12, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Moisés Ramírez", "date_of_birth": "2000-09-09", "age": 25, "caps": 7, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "AE Kifisia", "club_country": "Greece", "club_league": "Super League Greece", "height_cm": 186, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 27, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2618, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 5, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Super League Greece", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.slgr.gr/en/player/4626/ ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/moises-ramirez/leistungsdaten/spieler/450233", "backstory": "Born in Guayaquil, Ramírez joined Independiente del Valle's youth setup in 2016 and debuted in 2018, spending most of his career there and winning a host of titles including the 2022 Copa Sudamericana. He moved to Greece's AE Kifisia in 2025 for his first taste of European football. A reliable shot-stopper, he provides goalkeeping depth for Ecuador.", "facts": ["Won the 2022 Copa Sudamericana with Independiente del Valle", "Had an early loan spell at Real Sociedad B in Spain"], "data_rating": 70, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Greece"]}, {"player_id": 507, "team_id": 20, "fifa_code": "ECU", "team_name": "Ecuador", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 13, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Enner Valencia", "date_of_birth": "1989-11-04", "age": 36, "caps": 105, "international_goals": 49, "is_captain": true, "club": "Pachuca", "club_country": "Mexico", "club_league": "Liga MX", "height_cm": 177, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 22, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 8, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Liga MX", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 643, "career_club_goals": 196, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Captain and all-time top scorer", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enner_Valencia", "backstory": "From a poor Afro-Ecuadorian family in San Lorenzo, Valencia broke through at Emelec under Jorge Sampaoli before a 2014 World Cup goal spree earned a move to West Ham. A globe-trotting career took in Everton, Tigres, Fenerbahçe and Internacional, and he is now back at Pachuca. Ecuador's captain and all-time top scorer, the veteran striker is also his country's record World Cup goalscorer.", "facts": ["Ecuador's all-time top scorer and record World Cup goalscorer", "First South American to score in six consecutive World Cup appearances", "Admitted he first knew of West Ham from the hooligan film 'Green Street'"], "data_rating": 74, "fun": ["🔥 Top 1% scorer at the Cup", "🎖️ Most-capped in the squad (105)", "🧓 Veteran presence", "🌍 Plays abroad · Mexico", "©️ Captain"]}, {"player_id": 508, "team_id": 20, "fifa_code": "ECU", "team_name": "Ecuador", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 14, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Alan Minda", "date_of_birth": "2003-05-14", "age": 23, "caps": 19, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Atlético Mineiro", "club_country": "Brazil", "club_league": "Série A", "height_cm": 171, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 17, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Série A (Brazil); joined January 2026 from Cercle Brugge", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 148, "career_club_goals": 25, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Joined Atlético Mineiro in January 2026", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alan_Minda", "backstory": "Minda started at El Nacional before joining Independiente del Valle in 2016, recovering from a serious knee injury to make a record-quick Copa Libertadores debut goal. He moved to Belgium's Cercle Brugge in 2023 and then to Brazil's Atlético Mineiro in January 2026. A pacy, technical winger, he has represented Ecuador since 2024.", "facts": ["Scored the fastest Copa Libertadores goal off the bench in Independiente del Valle's history", "Moved to Atlético Mineiro in January 2026"], "data_rating": 64, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Brazil"]}, {"player_id": 509, "team_id": 20, "fifa_code": "ECU", "team_name": "Ecuador", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 15, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Pedro Vite", "date_of_birth": "2002-03-09", "age": 24, "caps": 16, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "UNAM", "club_country": "Mexico", "club_league": "Liga MX", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 36, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Liga MX", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 171, "career_club_goals": 19, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pedro_Vite", "backstory": "Vite came through Independiente del Valle and helped win the 2020 U-20 Copa Libertadores before joining MLS side Vancouver Whitecaps in 2021, where he won three Canadian Championships. He moved to Liga MX club UNAM Pumas in 2025. A creative attacking midfielder from Babahoyo, he has been part of Ecuador's setup since 2023.", "facts": ["Won three Canadian Championships with the Vancouver Whitecaps", "Won the 2020 U-20 Copa Libertadores"], "data_rating": 66, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Mexico"]}, {"player_id": 510, "team_id": 20, "fifa_code": "ECU", "team_name": "Ecuador", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 16, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Jordy Caicedo", "date_of_birth": "1997-11-18", "age": 28, "caps": 19, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "Huracán", "club_country": "Argentina", "club_league": "Primera División", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 17, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 8, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Primera División (Argentina) - on loan from Atlas", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 257, "career_club_goals": 61, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "On loan at Huracán from Atlas", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jordy_Caicedo", "backstory": "Jordy Caicedo joined a youth academy at 15 and broke through at Universidad Católica before a prolific spell at CSKA Sofia, where he scored 23 goals in a season and won the Bulgarian Cup. He has since played for Tigres, Sporting Gijón and Atlas, currently on loan at Argentina's Huracán. A tall, physical striker, he debuted for Ecuador in 2021 against Brazil.", "facts": ["Named co-best foreign player in Bulgarian football in 2021", "Scored 23 goals in a single season at CSKA Sofia", "No relation to Moisés Caicedo despite the shared surname"], "data_rating": 66, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Argentina"]}, {"player_id": 511, "team_id": 20, "fifa_code": "ECU", "team_name": "Ecuador", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 17, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "RB", "player_name": "Ángelo Preciado", "date_of_birth": "1998-02-18", "age": 28, "caps": 54, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Atlético Mineiro", "club_country": "Brazil", "club_league": "Série A", "height_cm": 174, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 14, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Série A (Brazil); joined January 2026", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 168, "career_club_goals": 7, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Starting right-back; joined Atlético Mineiro January 2026", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%81ngelo_Preciado", "backstory": "Preciado started at América de Quito before Independiente del Valle's academy, winning the Copa Sudamericana and moving to Belgium's Genk in 2021. He later won a league-and-cup double at Sparta Prague before joining Atlético Mineiro in January 2026. A versatile, attack-minded right-back, he has over 50 caps and featured at the 2022 World Cup.", "facts": ["Once went viral in a U-20 game for grabbing a corner flag to defend himself during a brawl", "Won the Czech league and cup double with Sparta Prague"], "data_rating": 66, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Brazil"]}, {"player_id": 512, "team_id": 20, "fifa_code": "ECU", "team_name": "Ecuador", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 18, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CDM", "player_name": "Denil Castillo", "date_of_birth": "2004-03-24", "age": 22, "caps": 5, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Midtjylland", "club_country": "Denmark", "club_league": "Danish Superliga", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 30, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 6, "club_assists_2025_26": 4, "club_yellow_2025_26": 3, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Danish Superliga, Danish Cup, UEFA Europa League (incl. qualifiers)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/clubs/players/250187061--denil-castillo/statistics/ ; https://footystats.org/players/ecuador/denil-castillo", "backstory": "Castillo emerged at LDU Quito before Shakhtar Donetsk signed him in 2023, after which he was loaned to Serbia's Partizan. He joined Denmark's Midtjylland in 2024 on a long-term deal that he extended into 2031. A box-to-box central midfielder, he is one of the younger options in Ecuador's engine room.", "facts": ["Signed by Shakhtar Donetsk before moving to Midtjylland", "Extended his Midtjylland contract through 2031"], "data_rating": 68, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Denmark"]}, {"player_id": 513, "team_id": 20, "fifa_code": "ECU", "team_name": "Ecuador", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 19, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "RW", "player_name": "Gonzalo Plata", "date_of_birth": "2000-11-01", "age": 25, "caps": 49, "international_goals": 8, "is_captain": false, "club": "Flamengo", "club_country": "Brazil", "club_league": "Série A", "height_cm": 173, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 28, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 4, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Série A, Copa do Brasil, Copa Libertadores (2025 season)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 181, "career_club_goals": 28, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Attacking winger; won 2025 Copa Libertadores with Flamengo", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gonzalo_Plata", "backstory": "Plata came through Independiente del Valle before joining Sporting CP in 2019, where he helped end a 19-year league title drought. After spells at Valladolid and Al Sadd, he joined Flamengo, winning the 2024 Copa do Brasil and the 2025 Copa Libertadores. A direct, skilful right winger, he is one of Ecuador's most experienced attacking threats.", "facts": ["Won the 2025 Copa Libertadores with Flamengo", "Scored the decisive goal in the 2024 Copa do Brasil final", "Won a bronze medal at the 2019 U-20 World Cup"], "data_rating": 68, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Brazil"]}, {"player_id": 514, "team_id": 20, "fifa_code": "ECU", "team_name": "Ecuador", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 20, "position": "FW", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Nilson Angulo", "date_of_birth": "2003-06-19", "age": 22, "caps": 13, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Sunderland", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 184, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 8, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League (Sunderland); 22 apps/6 goals earlier in 2025-26 on loan at Anderlecht", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 166, "career_club_goals": 25, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Joined Sunderland in 2025-26 after spell at Anderlecht", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nilson_Angulo", "backstory": "Angulo developed at Independiente del Valle and LDU Quito, winning the Supercopa Ecuador before moving to Belgium's Anderlecht in 2022. He impressed on loan stints and then signed for Premier League side Sunderland in February 2026, taking the number 10 shirt. A pacy winger, he has earned over a dozen caps for Ecuador.", "facts": ["Scored his first Anderlecht goal away at rivals Club Brugge", "Joined Premier League side Sunderland in 2026"], "data_rating": 57, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 515, "team_id": 20, "fifa_code": "ECU", "team_name": "Ecuador", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 21, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Alan Franco", "date_of_birth": "1998-08-21", "age": 27, "caps": 57, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Atlético Mineiro", "club_country": "Brazil", "club_league": "Série A", "height_cm": 181, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 30, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Série A, Copa do Brasil, Copa Sudamericana (2025 season)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 217, "career_club_goals": 7, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alan_Franco_(footballer,_born_1998)", "backstory": "Franco rose through Independiente del Valle and was a key man in their 2019 Copa Sudamericana triumph before joining Brazil's Atlético Mineiro in 2020, with loan spells at Charlotte FC and Talleres. A reliable, tactically flexible midfielder who can also play in defense, he has amassed more than 55 caps and won multiple Brazilian honors with Mineiro.", "facts": ["Started every match of Independiente del Valle's 2019 Copa Sudamericana win", "Won the Brazilian Série A and Copa do Brasil in 2021"], "data_rating": 68, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Brazil"]}, {"player_id": 516, "team_id": 20, "fifa_code": "ECU", "team_name": "Ecuador", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 22, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Gonzalo Valle", "date_of_birth": "1996-02-28", "age": 30, "caps": 3, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "LDU Quito", "club_country": "Ecuador", "club_league": "LigaPro", "height_cm": 188, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 30, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2599, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": 21, "club_competitions_2025_26": "LigaPro, Copa Libertadores (2025 season)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Starred in LDU Quito's 2025 Copa Libertadores run", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gonzalo_Valle ; https://fbref.com/en/players/7340dadf/Gonzalo-Valle", "backstory": "Born in Riobamba, Valle joined Guayaquil City in 2014 and spent seven seasons there before moving to LDU Quito in 2024. He kept a clean sheet on his Ecuador debut in a 2025 goalless draw against Brazil and starred in LDU's 2025 Copa Libertadores run. A dependable shot-stopper, he is part of Ecuador's goalkeeping cohort.", "facts": ["Kept a clean sheet on his Ecuador debut against Brazil", "Shone during LDU Quito's 2025 Copa Libertadores campaign"], "data_rating": 66, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 517, "team_id": 20, "fifa_code": "ECU", "team_name": "Ecuador", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 23, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CDM", "player_name": "Moisés Caicedo", "date_of_birth": "2001-11-02", "age": 24, "caps": 60, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "Chelsea", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 90000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 50, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 5, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": 9, "club_red_2025_26": 1, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup, UEFA Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 246, "career_club_goals": 18, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Key starting midfielder at Chelsea", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mois%C3%A9s_Caicedo ; https://www.premierleague.com/en/players/486672/moises-caicedo/overview", "backstory": "Raised in poverty in Santo Domingo, where goals were marked by piles of stones, Caicedo joined Independiente del Valle in 2016 and moved to Brighton in 2021. In 2023 he became the most expensive British transfer ever when Chelsea paid up to £115 million, and he was named Chelsea Player of the Season in 2024-25. A world-class defensive midfielder, he is the anchor of Ecuador's side.", "facts": ["Most expensive British transfer ever when he joined Chelsea (up to £115m)", "Chelsea Player of the Season 2024-25", "Nicknamed 'Niño Moi' by teammates"], "data_rating": 79, "fun": ["💎 Most valuable in the squad", "🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 518, "team_id": 20, "fifa_code": "ECU", "team_name": "Ecuador", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 24, "position": "FW", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Jeremy Arévalo", "date_of_birth": "2005-03-19", "age": 21, "caps": 3, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "VfB Stuttgart", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 182, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 7, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga (VfB Stuttgart); 18 apps/8 goals earlier in 2025-26 on loan at Racing Santander", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 100, "career_club_goals": 14, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Returned to Stuttgart after loan at Racing Santander", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeremy_Ar%C3%A9valo", "backstory": "Born in Maliaño, Spain to Ecuadorian parents, Arévalo is a Racing Santander academy graduate who became a standout in Spain's Segunda División, earning Player of the Month in October 2025. He signed for Bundesliga side VfB Stuttgart in January 2026. A forward who represented Spain at youth level, he committed his international future to Ecuador in 2025.", "facts": ["Born in Spain and played for Spain's U-18s before choosing Ecuador", "Won Segunda División Player of the Month in October 2025", "Joined Bundesliga side Stuttgart in January 2026"], "data_rating": 54, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Germany"]}, {"player_id": 519, "team_id": 20, "fifa_code": "ECU", "team_name": "Ecuador", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 25, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Jackson Porozo", "date_of_birth": "2000-08-04", "age": 25, "caps": 9, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Tijuana", "club_country": "Mexico", "club_league": "Liga MX", "height_cm": 191, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 16, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Liga MX", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 124, "career_club_goals": 6, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jackson_Porozo", "backstory": "Porozo started at LDU Quito and Manta before a 2018 move to Brazil's Santos, then gained European experience at Boavista and Troyes. A globe-trotting career has since taken in Olympiacos, Kasımpaşa, Leganés and now Mexico's Tijuana. Standing 1.92m, the towering centre-back featured at the 2022 World Cup and was named in the best eleven of the 2019 South American U-20 Championship.", "facts": ["At 1.92m, one of the tallest players in the squad", "Named to the best eleven of the title-winning 2019 South American U-20 Championship"], "data_rating": 62, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Mexico"]}, {"player_id": 520, "team_id": 20, "fifa_code": "ECU", "team_name": "Ecuador", "group_letter": "E", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 26, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Yaimar Medina", "date_of_birth": "2004-11-05", "age": 21, "caps": 5, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "KRC Genk", "club_country": "Belgium", "club_league": "Belgian Pro League", "height_cm": 177, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 23, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Belgian Pro League (all competitions)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 74, "career_club_goals": 6, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yaimar_Medina", "backstory": "Medina came through Independiente del Valle, debuting in 2022 and winning the Copa Sudamericana and Recopa Sudamericana early in his career. He moved to Belgium's Genk in early 2025 on a long-term deal. A versatile player who operates on either flank as a wing-back or wide attacker, he made his senior Ecuador debut in 2024.", "facts": ["Won the Copa Sudamericana and Recopa Sudamericana with Independiente del Valle", "Can play as a wing-back on either flank"], "data_rating": 62, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Belgium"]}, {"player_id": 521, "team_id": 21, "fifa_code": "NED", "team_name": "Netherlands", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 1, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Bart Verbruggen", "date_of_birth": "2002-08-18", "age": 23, "caps": 28, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Brighton & Hove Albion", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 193, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 40000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 38, "club_starts_2025_26": 38, "club_minutes_2025_26": 3420, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 3, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 10, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": 46, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 119, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "First-choice goalkeeper for club and country", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bart_Verbruggen ; https://www.sportbusy.com/players/soccer/291609/", "backstory": "Born in Zwolle, Bart Verbruggen came through NAC Breda's academy before joining Anderlecht in Belgium, where he announced himself by saving all three penalties in a 2023 Europa Conference League shootout against Ludogorets. Brighton signed him that summer and he quickly became their first-choice keeper, then took over the Netherlands gloves, starting every match as the Oranje reached the Euro 2024 semi-finals. At the 2026 World Cup he is Ronald Koeman's undisputed number one.", "facts": ["Saved all three penalties in a 2023 Conference League shootout for Anderlecht", "Named Anderlecht Player of the Season in 2022-23", "Stands 1.93m tall"], "data_rating": 78, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England", "🧤 10 clean sheets in 2025/26"]}, {"player_id": 522, "team_id": 21, "fifa_code": "NED", "team_name": "Netherlands", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 2, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "RB", "player_name": "Jurriën Timber", "date_of_birth": "2001-06-17", "age": 24, "caps": 24, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Arsenal", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 179, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 70000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 44, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 4, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 255, "career_club_goals": 12, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Regular starter at full-back/centre-back", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jurri%C3%ABn_Timber", "backstory": "Jurrien Timber grew up in Utrecht and joined Ajax's academy at 13, developing into one of the most versatile defenders of his generation, equally adept at right-back and centre-back. He won two Eredivisie titles at Ajax and the 2021-22 Player of the Year award before a £34m move to Arsenal in 2023, where an immediate ACL injury delayed his breakthrough; he has since become a key starter. He anchors the Dutch defence alongside captain Virgil van Dijk in 2026.", "facts": ["Twin brother of Netherlands midfielder Quinten Timber", "Won the 2021-22 Eredivisie Player of the Year award", "The Timbers use their mother's surname rather than their father's (Maduro)"], "data_rating": 77, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 523, "team_id": 21, "fifa_code": "NED", "team_name": "Netherlands", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 3, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CDM", "player_name": "Marten de Roon", "date_of_birth": "1991-03-29", "age": 35, "caps": 43, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Atalanta", "club_country": "Italy", "club_league": "Serie A", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 4000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 50, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Serie A, Coppa Italia, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 650, "career_club_goals": 36, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Experienced defensive midfielder", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marten_de_Roon", "backstory": "A combative defensive midfielder from Hendrik-Ido-Ambacht, Marten de Roon made his name at Sparta Rotterdam and Heerenveen before moving to Atalanta in 2015, with a single season at Middlesbrough in between. He became a fixture of Gian Piero Gasperini's Atalanta revolution, racking up hundreds of appearances and becoming the club's record holder. The most experienced midfield head in the squad, he offers Koeman a reliable shield in 2026.", "facts": ["Set Atalanta's all-time club appearance record in March 2026", "Was the first foreign player to reach 250 Serie A appearances for Atalanta", "Won the 2024 Europa League with Atalanta"], "data_rating": 69, "fun": ["🧓 Veteran presence", "🌍 Plays abroad · Italy"]}, {"player_id": 524, "team_id": 21, "fifa_code": "NED", "team_name": "Netherlands", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 4, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Virgil van Dijk", "date_of_birth": "1991-07-08", "age": 34, "caps": 91, "international_goals": 12, "is_captain": true, "club": "Liverpool", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 195, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 25000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 55, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 8, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": 4, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, FA Cup, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 635, "career_club_goals": 65, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Captain and defensive leader", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virgil_van_Dijk ; https://www.sportbusy.com/players/soccer/157892/", "backstory": "Released by Willem II's reserves for having 'too many limitations,' Virgil van Dijk rebuilt his career at Groningen, where advanced appendicitis nearly ended it, then rose through Celtic and Southampton. His 2018 move to Liverpool for a then-world-record £75m for a defender transformed the club, winning the Champions League and Premier League, and he was named UEFA Player of the Year in 2019. As Netherlands captain since 2018, the towering centre-back leads the Oranje at what is likely his final World Cup.", "facts": ["The only defender ever to win the UEFA Men's Player of the Year award (2019)", "Wears only his first name on his shirt", "Surpassed Frank de Boer's record for most matches as Netherlands captain"], "data_rating": 89, "fun": ["🧓 Veteran presence", "🌍 Plays abroad · England", "©️ Captain"]}, {"player_id": 525, "team_id": 21, "fifa_code": "NED", "team_name": "Netherlands", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 5, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Nathan Aké", "date_of_birth": "1995-02-18", "age": 31, "caps": 59, "international_goals": 5, "is_captain": false, "club": "Manchester City", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 180, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": 28000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 32, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 348, "career_club_goals": 22, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Versatile defender", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nathan_Ak%C3%A9", "backstory": "Born in The Hague to an Ivorian father and Dutch mother, Nathan Ake left Feyenoord for Chelsea at 15 and won a Europa League medal before loan spells, including a standout stint at Bournemouth that became a permanent move. Manchester City signed him in 2020 and he has been a versatile, trophy-winning option under Pep Guardiola, featuring in their 2023 Champions League triumph. His ability to cover centre-back and left-back makes him invaluable to the Dutch squad in 2026.", "facts": ["Won the 2013 Europa League with Chelsea as a teenager", "Two-time UEFA U-17 European champion (2011, 2012)", "Scored the winner as Bournemouth beat Liverpool 4-3 in 2016"], "data_rating": 74, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 526, "team_id": 21, "fifa_code": "NED", "team_name": "Netherlands", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 6, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Jan Paul van Hecke", "date_of_birth": "2000-06-08", "age": 26, "caps": 11, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Brighton & Hove Albion", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 187, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 35000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 40, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, FA Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 208, "career_club_goals": 10, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Regular starter at centre-back", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jan_Paul_van_Hecke", "backstory": "From the small town of Arnemuiden, Jan Paul van Hecke came through NAC Breda before Brighton signed him in 2020, sending him on loans to Heerenveen and Blackburn Rovers, where he was named Player of the Season. He broke into Brighton's first team in 2022-23 and has grown into a composed, ball-playing centre-back, winning the club's Player of the Year award in 2024-25. He gives Koeman further depth in central defence at the 2026 World Cup.", "facts": ["First-ever loanee to win Blackburn Rovers' Player of the Season", "Won Brighton's Player of the Year award for 2024-25", "Made his Netherlands debut against Germany in 2024"], "data_rating": 73, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 527, "team_id": 21, "fifa_code": "NED", "team_name": "Netherlands", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 7, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "RW", "player_name": "Justin Kluivert", "date_of_birth": "1999-05-05", "age": 27, "caps": 12, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Bournemouth", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 171, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 28000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 18, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 263, "career_club_goals": 53, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Attacking midfielder/winger; season cut short by knee surgery in January 2026", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Justin_Kluivert ; https://www.sportbusy.com/players/soccer/245916/", "backstory": "Son of Dutch legend Patrick Kluivert, Justin Kluivert came through Ajax's academy and scored his first goal almost exactly ten years after his father's last. After a 2018 move to Roma and loans across Europe at Leipzig, Nice and Valencia, he settled at Bournemouth and rediscovered his form as an attacking midfielder and winger. A knee surgery in January 2026 cut his club season short, but he travels to the World Cup as a creative attacking option.", "facts": ["Son of Netherlands great Patrick Kluivert", "First player to score a penalty hat-trick in Premier League history (2024)", "Has scored in all of Europe's big-five leagues plus the Eredivisie"], "data_rating": 65, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 528, "team_id": 21, "fifa_code": "NED", "team_name": "Netherlands", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 8, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Ryan Gravenberch", "date_of_birth": "2002-05-16", "age": 24, "caps": 26, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Liverpool", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 190, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 90000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 50, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 6, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 318, "career_club_goals": 31, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Key central midfielder", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ryan_Gravenberch", "backstory": "An Amsterdam-born midfielder, Ryan Gravenberch became the youngest Ajax player ever to feature in the Eredivisie, surpassing Clarence Seedorf's record, and won three league titles before a 2022 move to Bayern Munich. A frustrating spell in Germany was followed by a transfer to Liverpool, where Arne Slot reinvented him as a deep-lying controller and he won the 2024-25 Premier League and Young Player of the Season award. He is now a central pillar of the Dutch midfield.", "facts": ["Youngest player ever to appear for Ajax in the Eredivisie", "Won the 2024-25 Premier League Young Player of the Season", "Received the inaugural Abdelhak Nouri Trophy as Ajax's best academy talent"], "data_rating": 76, "fun": ["💎 Most valuable in the squad", "🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 529, "team_id": 21, "fifa_code": "NED", "team_name": "Netherlands", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 9, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Wout Weghorst", "date_of_birth": "1992-08-07", "age": 33, "caps": 52, "international_goals": 14, "is_captain": false, "club": "Ajax", "club_country": "Netherlands", "club_league": "Eredivisie", "height_cm": 197, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 6000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 27, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 8, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Eredivisie, KNVB Cup, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 438, "career_club_goals": 168, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Target-man striker", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wout_Weghorst", "backstory": "A late bloomer from Borne, Wout Weghorst was rejected by Willem II and started in the second tier with Emmen before goalscoring spells at Heracles and AZ earned a move to Wolfsburg, where he thrived. After stints at Burnley, Besiktas, Manchester United and Hoffenheim, the towering target man returned home to Ajax. He authored one of the World Cup's great cameos in 2022, scoring twice late to force extra time against Argentina, and remains the Netherlands' veteran focal point up front.", "facts": ["Scored twice off the bench in the 2022 World Cup quarter-final vs Argentina", "Stands 1.97m tall as a classic target man", "Won the 2023 EFL Cup with Manchester United, the first trophy of his career"], "data_rating": 69, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 530, "team_id": 21, "fifa_code": "NED", "team_name": "Netherlands", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 10, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Memphis Depay", "date_of_birth": "1994-02-13", "age": 32, "caps": 109, "international_goals": 55, "is_captain": false, "club": "Corinthians", "club_country": "Brazil", "club_league": "Campeonato Brasileiro Série A", "height_cm": 176, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 12000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 14, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, Copa do Brasil", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 516, "career_club_goals": 179, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": "All-time top scorer; quiet club spell after hamstring injury", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memphis_Depay", "backstory": "Born in Moordrecht to a Ghanaian father and Dutch mother, Memphis Depay exploded at PSV as the Eredivisie's top scorer in their 2015 title win, earning a move to Manchester United that initially flopped. He rebuilt his reputation at Lyon, then won La Liga at Barcelona before later moves to Atletico Madrid and Brazilian side Corinthians. Now the Netherlands' all-time leading scorer, the talismanic forward brings experience and a scorer's instinct to the 2026 World Cup.", "facts": ["The Netherlands' all-time top scorer", "Goes by 'Memphis' only, having dropped his father's surname", "Released a hip-hop album, Heavy Stepper, in 2020"], "data_rating": 68, "fun": ["⚡ 0.5 goals per cap", "🔥 Top 1% scorer at the Cup", "🎖️ Most-capped in the squad (109)", "🌍 Plays abroad · Brazil"]}, {"player_id": 531, "team_id": 21, "fifa_code": "NED", "team_name": "Netherlands", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 11, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "LW", "player_name": "Cody Gakpo", "date_of_birth": "1999-05-07", "age": 27, "caps": 49, "international_goals": 19, "is_captain": false, "club": "Liverpool", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 189, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 75000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 52, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 9, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 258, "career_club_goals": 84, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Key attacker, match-winner from the left", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cody_Gakpo", "backstory": "Eindhoven-born Cody Gakpo rose through PSV's academy to become Dutch Footballer of the Year in 2021-22, then announced himself globally by scoring in all three group games at the 2022 World Cup. Liverpool signed him in January 2023 for a club-record PSV fee, and he has become integral to their attack, helping win the 2024-25 Premier League under Arne Slot. A powerful left-sided forward, he is one of the Oranje's most dangerous match-winners in 2026.", "facts": ["Scored in three consecutive group games at the 2022 World Cup", "Shared the Golden Boot at Euro 2024 with three goals", "Was Liverpool's record signing from PSV"], "data_rating": 77, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 532, "team_id": 21, "fifa_code": "NED", "team_name": "Netherlands", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 12, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CDM", "player_name": "Mats Wieffer", "date_of_birth": "1999-11-16", "age": 26, "caps": 15, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Brighton & Hove Albion", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 187, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 22000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 28, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, FA Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 214, "career_club_goals": 18, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Midfielder used in defensive roles", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mats_Wieffer", "backstory": "From Borne, Mats Wieffer joined Twente's academy young but found his feet at Excelsior before a breakout at Feyenoord, where he won the Eredivisie title and became their record outgoing sale at €30m to Brighton in 2024. A disciplined number six known for interceptions, passing and energy, he can also operate at right-back. He offers Koeman a tactically flexible option through midfield and defence at the 2026 World Cup.", "facts": ["Was Feyenoord's most expensive outgoing transfer when he joined Brighton", "Scored his first Netherlands goal against Gibraltar in 2023", "Recorded an assist on his Premier League debut"], "data_rating": 69, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 533, "team_id": 21, "fifa_code": "NED", "team_name": "Netherlands", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 13, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Robin Roefs", "date_of_birth": "2003-01-17", "age": 23, "caps": 1, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Sunderland", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 191, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 20000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 37, "club_starts_2025_26": 37, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 72, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Emerging goalkeeper", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robin_Roefs", "backstory": "Born in Heeswijk, Robin Roefs came through NEC Nijmegen's academy and established himself in the Eredivisie before newly promoted Sunderland signed him in 2025, where he immediately impressed in the Premier League. A commanding 1.91m shot-stopper, he made his senior Netherlands debut against Algeria in June 2026, just before the tournament. He travels to the World Cup as a young back-up goalkeeper with a bright future.", "facts": ["Kept a clean sheet on his Sunderland debut against West Ham", "Saved all three Everton kicks in an FA Cup shootout in January 2026", "Made his senior Netherlands debut just days before the 2026 World Cup"], "data_rating": 66, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 534, "team_id": 21, "fifa_code": "NED", "team_name": "Netherlands", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 14, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Tijjani Reijnders", "date_of_birth": "1998-07-29", "age": 27, "caps": 31, "international_goals": 7, "is_captain": false, "club": "Manchester City", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 80000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 47, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 7, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 298, "career_club_goals": 45, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Box-to-box midfielder, regular starter", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tijjani_Reijnders", "backstory": "Raised in Zwolle and once released by Twente, Tijjani Reijnders worked at a supermarket while developing before AZ gave him his chance, and he grew into one of Europe's most dynamic midfielders. A 2023 move to AC Milan made him a Serie A standout before Manchester City signed him in 2025, where he scored on his Premier League debut. A mobile, box-to-box midfielder, he is a key engine in the Dutch midfield in 2026.", "facts": ["Named after Ajax legend Tijani Babangida", "Younger brother Eliano Reijnders is also a professional footballer", "Named Serie A's Best Midfielder in his final AC Milan season"], "data_rating": 78, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 535, "team_id": 21, "fifa_code": "NED", "team_name": "Netherlands", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 15, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Micky van de Ven", "date_of_birth": "2001-04-19", "age": 25, "caps": 20, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Tottenham Hotspur", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 193, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": 65000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 45, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 7, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 164, "career_club_goals": 11, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Pacey centre-back, regular starter", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Micky_van_de_Ven ; https://www.sportbusy.com/players/soccer/296512/", "backstory": "From Wormer, Micky van de Ven developed at Volendam before a move to Wolfsburg, then joined Tottenham in 2023 for a fee that equalled the club's record for a centre-back. Renowned for blistering pace, he set the Premier League's fastest-ever recorded speed and won the 2024-25 Europa League, Spurs' first trophy in 17 years. The left-footed defender's recovery speed makes him a vital part of the Dutch back line in 2026.", "facts": ["Holds the Premier League's fastest-ever recorded sprint speed (37.38 km/h)", "Won the 2024-25 Europa League with Tottenham", "Captained the Netherlands U21 at the 2023 European Championship"], "data_rating": 79, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 536, "team_id": 21, "fifa_code": "NED", "team_name": "Netherlands", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 16, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Guus Til", "date_of_birth": "1997-12-22", "age": 28, "caps": 6, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "PSV Eindhoven", "club_country": "Netherlands", "club_league": "Eredivisie", "height_cm": 187, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 12000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 40, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 17, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Eredivisie, KNVB Cup, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 369, "career_club_goals": 111, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Goalscoring midfielder", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guus_Til", "backstory": "Born in Zambia and raised in Amsterdam's Bijlmer, Guus Til came through AZ's academy and earned a big-money move to Spartak Moscow before loans at Freiburg and Feyenoord. He joined PSV in 2022 and has won multiple Eredivisie titles, becoming a prolific goalscoring midfielder with a knack for arriving late in the box. His goal threat from midfield earns him a place in the 2026 squad.", "facts": ["Scored a hat-trick on his PSV debut in the Johan Cruyff Shield against Ajax", "Born in Samfya, Zambia, before moving to the Netherlands aged three", "Zambia's FA tried to recruit him to switch allegiance in 2021"], "data_rating": 72, "fun": ["🎯 17 club goals in 2025/26"]}, {"player_id": 537, "team_id": 21, "fifa_code": "NED", "team_name": "Netherlands", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 17, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "LW", "player_name": "Noa Lang", "date_of_birth": "1999-06-17", "age": 26, "caps": 15, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "Galatasaray", "club_country": "Turkey", "club_league": "Süper Lig", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 18000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 19, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Süper Lig, Turkish Cup, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 302, "career_club_goals": 77, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Winger, on loan from Napoli", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noa_Lang", "backstory": "Noa Lang grew up in Capelle aan den IJssel and came through Ajax's academy, famously scoring a hat-trick on his first league start. His breakthrough came on loan at Club Brugge, leading to a permanent move and then transfers to PSV and Napoli, with a 2025-26 loan at Galatasaray. A pacey, confident left winger, he adds flair and unpredictability to the Dutch attack in 2026.", "facts": ["First Ajax player in 60 years to score a hat-trick on his first league start", "Won the Belgian league title with Club Brugge", "On loan at Galatasaray from Napoli during the 2025-26 season"], "data_rating": 64, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Turkey"]}, {"player_id": 538, "team_id": 21, "fifa_code": "NED", "team_name": "Netherlands", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 18, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "RW", "player_name": "Donyell Malen", "date_of_birth": "1999-01-19", "age": 27, "caps": 52, "international_goals": 13, "is_captain": false, "club": "Roma", "club_country": "Italy", "club_league": "Serie A", "height_cm": 176, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 25000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 18, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 14, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Serie A", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 250, "career_club_goals": 104, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Forward/winger; leading scorer at Roma after winter move", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donyell_Malen ; https://www.sofascore.com/football/player/donyell-malen/803039", "backstory": "From the village of Wieringen, Donyell Malen began at Ajax, spent time in Arsenal's academy drawn by Henry and Bergkamp, then returned to the Netherlands to break through at PSV, once scoring five in a single game. A four-year spell at Borussia Dortmund included a 2024 Champions League final before a move to Roma via Aston Villa, where he became the team's leading scorer after a winter switch. The versatile forward is a key attacking weapon for the Oranje.", "facts": ["Scored five goals in a single match for PSV against Vitesse in 2019", "Childhood friends with Matthijs de Ligt", "Nicknamed 'Bobby Malen' by Roma fans"], "data_rating": 74, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Italy"]}, {"player_id": 539, "team_id": 21, "fifa_code": "NED", "team_name": "Netherlands", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 19, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Brian Brobbey", "date_of_birth": "2002-02-01", "age": 24, "caps": 11, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Sunderland", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 180, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 22000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 31, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 7, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 240, "career_club_goals": 76, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Centre-forward", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_Brobbey", "backstory": "An Amsterdam-born striker of Ghanaian descent, Brian Brobbey came through Ajax's academy, had a brief move to RB Leipzig and returned to become Ajax's main centre-forward, winning Player of the Year in 2023-24. He moved to Sunderland in 2025 and continued scoring in the Premier League. A powerful, mobile striker, he provides a physical alternative up front for the Netherlands in 2026.", "facts": ["Two-time UEFA U-17 European champion (2018, 2019)", "Won Ajax Player of the Year for 2023-24", "Scored his first Netherlands goal against Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2024"], "data_rating": 67, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 540, "team_id": 21, "fifa_code": "NED", "team_name": "Netherlands", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 20, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Teun Koopmeiners", "date_of_birth": "1998-02-28", "age": 28, "caps": 28, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "Juventus", "club_country": "Italy", "club_league": "Serie A", "height_cm": 184, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 20000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 45, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Serie A, Coppa Italia, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 397, "career_club_goals": 82, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Attacking midfielder", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teun_Koopmeiners", "backstory": "From Castricum, Teun Koopmeiners came through AZ's academy and captained the club young before a 2021 move to Atalanta, where he flourished as a goalscoring midfielder over three seasons. Juventus signed him in 2024 in a deal worth over €50m. A leader with tactical intelligence who can also play centre-back, he brings set-piece quality and composure to the Dutch midfield in 2026.", "facts": ["Assisted in the dramatic 2022 World Cup quarter-final against Argentina", "Won the 2023-24 Europa League with Atalanta", "Younger brother Peer Koopmeiners also plays professionally for AZ"], "data_rating": 71, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Italy"]}, {"player_id": 541, "team_id": 21, "fifa_code": "NED", "team_name": "Netherlands", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 21, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Frenkie de Jong", "date_of_birth": "1997-05-12", "age": 29, "caps": 65, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Barcelona", "club_country": "Spain", "club_league": "La Liga", "height_cm": 181, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 50000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 38, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "La Liga, Copa del Rey, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 435, "career_club_goals": 33, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Vice-captain; key central midfielder", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frenkie_de_Jong", "backstory": "Born in Gorinchem and raised in Arkel, Frenkie de Jong came through Willem II before a symbolic €1 move to Ajax, where he became the heartbeat of the side that reached the 2019 Champions League semi-finals. Barcelona signed him for €75m and he has grown into a club captain, a graceful, press-resistant midfielder compared to Cruyff and Iniesta. Vice-captain of the Netherlands, he is the creative metronome of the 2026 squad.", "facts": ["Named after the band Frankie Goes to Hollywood", "Wears 21 in tribute to his grandfather's birthday (April 21)", "Became Barcelona's most-capped Dutch player in 2026, passing Phillip Cocu"], "data_rating": 73, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Spain"]}, {"player_id": 542, "team_id": 21, "fifa_code": "NED", "team_name": "Netherlands", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 22, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "RWB", "player_name": "Denzel Dumfries", "date_of_birth": "1996-04-18", "age": 30, "caps": 71, "international_goals": 11, "is_captain": false, "club": "Inter Milan", "club_country": "Italy", "club_league": "Serie A", "height_cm": 188, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 35000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 28, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 5, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Serie A, Coppa Italia, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 438, "career_club_goals": 49, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Attacking right wing-back", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denzel_Dumfries", "backstory": "Named after Denzel Washington and born in Rotterdam, Denzel Dumfries was rejected by several clubs for being too raw before rising through Sparta Rotterdam, Heerenveen and PSV, where he became captain. Inter Milan signed him in 2021 and he won Serie A titles and reached two Champions League finals as an explosive, marauding right wing-back. A regular scorer for the Oranje, he provides relentless energy down the right in 2026.", "facts": ["Earned two senior caps for Aruba before switching to the Netherlands", "Named after actor Denzel Washington", "Cousins Jason and Jahfarr Wilnis are professional kickboxers"], "data_rating": 77, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Italy"]}, {"player_id": 543, "team_id": 21, "fifa_code": "NED", "team_name": "Netherlands", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 23, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Mark Flekken", "date_of_birth": "1993-06-13", "age": 32, "caps": 11, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Bayer Leverkusen", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 194, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 9000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 33, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 325, "career_club_goals": 1, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Backup goalkeeper", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Flekken", "backstory": "From Bocholtz in Limburg near the German border, Mark Flekken built his career in Germany at Aachen, Greuther Furth and Duisburg before becoming a reliable starter at SC Freiburg. A 2023 move to Brentford saw him lead the Premier League in saves, before joining Bayer Leverkusen in 2025. An excellent shot-stopper and distributor, he serves as an experienced goalkeeping option for the Netherlands in 2026.", "facts": ["Led the Premier League in saves in 2024-25 (153 saves)", "Scored a goal as a goalkeeper for MSV Duisburg in 2016", "Ranked the fifth-best goalkeeper in the world by the CIES index in April 2025"], "data_rating": 67, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Germany"]}, {"player_id": 544, "team_id": 21, "fifa_code": "NED", "team_name": "Netherlands", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 24, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "LW", "player_name": "Crysencio Summerville", "date_of_birth": "2001-10-30", "age": 24, "caps": 1, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "West Ham United", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 174, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 25000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 34, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 7, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, FA Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 185, "career_club_goals": 40, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Winger", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crysencio_Summerville", "backstory": "A Rotterdam-born winger of Afro-Surinamese heritage, Crysencio Summerville came through Feyenoord's academy with loan spells in the Eredivisie before a transformative move to Leeds United. He was named Championship Player of the Season in 2023-24 with 21 goals, earning a £25m+ move to West Ham in 2024. Quick and direct on the flank, he offers attacking pace off the bench for the Netherlands in 2026.", "facts": ["Named Championship Player of the Season for 2023-24", "Scored the winner in Leeds' first victory at Anfield since 2001", "Hit 21 goals and 10 assists in a single Championship campaign"], "data_rating": 64, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 545, "team_id": 21, "fifa_code": "NED", "team_name": "Netherlands", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 25, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Jorrel Hato", "date_of_birth": "2006-03-07", "age": 20, "caps": 8, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Chelsea", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 182, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": 45000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 36, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 160, "career_club_goals": 7, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Young versatile defender", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jorrel_Hato", "backstory": "Born in Rotterdam to Curacaoan and Cape Verdean parents, Jorrel Hato started at Sparta before Ajax's academy moulded him into one of Europe's brightest young defenders. He became Ajax's youngest-ever captain in a European match at 17 and joined Chelsea in 2025 for £35.5m. Composed and versatile across centre-back and left-back, the teenager is a defender of the future already trusted by the Oranje in 2026.", "facts": ["Became Ajax's youngest-ever captain in a European match at 17", "Won the 2024-25 Eredivisie Talent of the Year award", "Named by The Guardian among the best players born in 2006"], "data_rating": 72, "fun": ["🐣 Youngest in the squad (20)", "🌟 Wonderkid", "🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 546, "team_id": 21, "fifa_code": "NED", "team_name": "Netherlands", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 26, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Quinten Timber", "date_of_birth": "2001-06-17", "age": 24, "caps": 11, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Marseille", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Ligue 1", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 28000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 16, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue 1, Coupe de France", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 176, "career_club_goals": 22, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Central midfielder; joined Marseille mid-season from Feyenoord (41 apps / 4 goals across both clubs in 2025-26)", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quinten_Timber", "backstory": "Quinten Timber, the identical twin of Jurrien, grew up in Utrecht and joined Ajax's academy before finding regular football at FC Utrecht and then a record move to Feyenoord, where he became captain and won the Eredivisie and KNVB Cup. A knee injury disrupted his 2024-25 season, prompting a January 2026 transfer to Marseille. A tenacious, technical central midfielder, he provides midfield depth for the Netherlands in 2026.", "facts": ["Identical twin brother of Arsenal's Jurrien Timber", "Won the 2018 UEFA U-17 European Championship", "Played alongside his twin for the Netherlands, the third pair of twins to do so"], "data_rating": 64, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · France"]}, {"player_id": 547, "team_id": 22, "fifa_code": "JPN", "team_name": "Japan", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 1, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Zion Suzuki", "date_of_birth": "2002-08-21", "age": 23, "caps": 23, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Parma", "club_country": "Italy", "club_league": "Serie A", "height_cm": 190, "preferred_foot": "right", "market_value_eur": 24100000, "club_apps_2025_26": 20, "club_starts_2025_26": 20, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1800, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 1, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 5, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": 28, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Serie A", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Number one goalkeeper", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/1053679/zion-suzuki ; https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/zion-suzuki/23608/", "backstory": "Born in Newark, New Jersey to a Ghanaian father and Japanese mother, Zion Suzuki grew up in Urawa and came through the Urawa Red Diamonds academy, signing his first professional contract at 16 to become the club's youngest-ever pro. A loan to Sint-Truiden in Belgium became permanent and earned him a 2024 move to Serie A's Parma, where he established himself as a commanding, athletic shot-stopper. He arrives in 2026 as Japan's undisputed number one.", "facts": ["Born in Newark, New Jersey, USA, to a Ghanaian father and Japanese mother", "Youngest player ever to sign a professional contract with Urawa Red Diamonds", "Second Japanese player to represent Parma after Hidetoshi Nakata"], "data_rating": 71, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Italy"]}, {"player_id": 548, "team_id": 22, "fifa_code": "JPN", "team_name": "Japan", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 2, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "RB", "player_name": "Yukinari Sugawara", "date_of_birth": "2000-06-28", "age": 25, "caps": 21, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Werder Bremen", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 177, "preferred_foot": "right", "market_value_eur": 8000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 31, "club_starts_2025_26": 29, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2435, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 6, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "On loan at Werder Bremen from Southampton; corrected international_goals from 6 to 2 and caps from 20 to 21 per Wikipedia", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yukinari_Sugawara ; https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/yukinari-sugawara/19996/", "backstory": "Yukinari Sugawara emerged from the Nagoya Grampus youth setup before moving to AZ Alkmaar in the Netherlands as a teenager, where he became a regular attacking right-back over several seasons in the Eredivisie. He earned a transfer to Premier League side Southampton, and in 2025-26 thrived on loan at Werder Bremen, racking up assists from the flank. His overlapping runs and crossing give Japan width and energy down the right.", "facts": ["Came through the Nagoya Grampus academy before moving to AZ Alkmaar as a teenager", "On loan at Werder Bremen from Southampton"], "data_rating": 71, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Germany"]}, {"player_id": 549, "team_id": 22, "fifa_code": "JPN", "team_name": "Japan", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 3, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Shogo Taniguchi", "date_of_birth": "1991-07-15", "age": 34, "caps": 38, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Sint-Truiden", "club_country": "Belgium", "club_league": "Belgian Pro League", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": "right", "market_value_eur": 750000, "club_apps_2025_26": 31, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2787, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Belgian Pro League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Captain at Sint-Truiden; caps updated to 38 per Transfermarkt", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.transfermarkt.us/shogo-taniguchi/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/307870/verein/9598 ; https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/shogo-taniguchi/33255/", "backstory": "The squad's elder statesman in defence at 34, Shogo Taniguchi spent the prime of his career at Kawasaki Frontale, where he won multiple J1 League titles as a dependable, ball-playing centre-back. After a spell in Qatar with Al-Rayyan, he moved to Belgium's Sint-Truiden, where he now captains the side. He offers experience, leadership and aerial presence as a defensive option for Japan.", "facts": ["Won multiple J1 League titles with Kawasaki Frontale", "Captain at Sint-Truiden in Belgium"], "data_rating": 68, "fun": ["🧓 Veteran presence", "🌍 Plays abroad · Belgium"]}, {"player_id": 550, "team_id": 22, "fifa_code": "JPN", "team_name": "Japan", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 4, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Ko Itakura", "date_of_birth": "1997-01-27", "age": 29, "caps": 40, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Ajax", "club_country": "Netherlands", "club_league": "Eredivisie", "height_cm": 188, "preferred_foot": "right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 26, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Eredivisie, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 253, "career_club_goals": 19, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "First Japanese player to feature for Ajax first team; caps updated to 40 per Wikipedia", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ko_Itakura", "backstory": "Ko Itakura came through the Kawasaki Frontale academy and moved to Manchester City in 2019, spending loan spells in the Netherlands before establishing himself in the Bundesliga with Borussia Monchengladbach. A composed, left-footed centre-back, he later joined Ajax, becoming the first Japanese player to feature for the Amsterdam club's first team. He is a defensive cornerstone for Japan with both club Champions League experience and over 40 caps.", "facts": ["First Japanese player to feature for the Ajax first team", "Owned by Manchester City early in his European career"], "data_rating": 70, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Netherlands"]}, {"player_id": 551, "team_id": 22, "fifa_code": "JPN", "team_name": "Japan", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 5, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "LB", "player_name": "Yuto Nagatomo", "date_of_birth": "1986-09-12", "age": 39, "caps": 144, "international_goals": 4, "is_captain": false, "club": "FC Tokyo", "club_country": "Japan", "club_league": "J1 League", "height_cm": 170, "preferred_foot": "left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 27, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1723, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "J1 League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 508, "career_club_goals": 17, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Veteran, most World Cup squad selections in Japan history", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/yuto-nagatomo/23662/ ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Y%C5%ABto_Nagatomo", "backstory": "A true Japan icon, Yuto Nagatomo rose from university football to FC Tokyo before a move to Cesena and then a long, decorated spell at Inter Milan, where he became one of Asia's most recognisable footballers. After stints at Galatasaray and Marseille, the tireless left-back returned home to FC Tokyo. At nearly 40, he is set for a record number of World Cup squad selections in Japanese history, bringing unmatched experience and energy.", "facts": ["Spent around seven years at Inter Milan", "Holds the record for the most World Cup squad selections in Japan history", "Won the Coppa Italia with Inter Milan"], "data_rating": 76, "fun": ["🎖️ Most-capped in the squad (144)", "🧓 Veteran presence"]}, {"player_id": 552, "team_id": 22, "fifa_code": "JPN", "team_name": "Japan", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 6, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CDM", "player_name": "Wataru Endo", "date_of_birth": "1993-02-09", "age": 33, "caps": 73, "international_goals": 4, "is_captain": true, "club": "Liverpool", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": "right", "market_value_eur": 4000000, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, UEFA Champions League, FA Cup, EFL Cup, FA Community Shield", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 439, "career_club_goals": 44, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Captain; limited 2025-26 minutes (rotation), Wikipedia listed 8 PL apps as of Feb 2026; caps updated to 73", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wataru_Endo ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/wataru-endo/leistungsdaten/spieler/146310", "backstory": "Japan's captain Wataru Endo began at Shonan Bellmare and won silverware with Urawa Red Diamonds before heading to Europe via Sint-Truiden and VfB Stuttgart, where his relentless tackling and ball-winning made him a Bundesliga standout. In 2023 he became only the second Japanese man to play for Liverpool, signing for around £16m, and Jurgen Klopp dubbed him a 'machine'. The defensive midfielder leads Japan as their on-field general and heartbeat.", "facts": ["Second Japanese man to play for Liverpool, after Takumi Minamino", "Klopp called him a 'machine' on signing him", "Captain of the Japan national team"], "data_rating": 61, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England", "©️ Captain"]}, {"player_id": 553, "team_id": 22, "fifa_code": "JPN", "team_name": "Japan", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 7, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Ao Tanaka", "date_of_birth": "1998-09-10", "age": 27, "caps": 37, "international_goals": 8, "is_captain": false, "club": "Leeds United", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 180, "preferred_foot": "right", "market_value_eur": 13000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 33, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 4, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 267, "career_club_goals": 29, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Scored long-range strikes vs Chelsea and Liverpool in Dec 2025", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ao_Tanaka", "backstory": "Ao Tanaka came through the Kawasaki Frontale academy and won the J1 League before moving to Fortuna Dusseldorf and then Dusseldorf-rival rivals in Germany, building a reputation as a tidy, goal-getting midfielder. He scored Japan's winner against Spain at the 2022 World Cup, then moved to Leeds United, helping them to the Premier League. In 2025-26 he announced himself in the top flight with stunning long-range strikes against Chelsea and Liverpool.", "facts": ["Scored Japan's decisive goal against Spain at the 2022 World Cup", "Came through the Kawasaki Frontale academy", "Hit long-range goals against both Chelsea and Liverpool in December 2025"], "data_rating": 70, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 554, "team_id": 22, "fifa_code": "JPN", "team_name": "Japan", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 8, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "RW", "player_name": "Takefusa Kubo", "date_of_birth": "2001-06-04", "age": 25, "caps": 49, "international_goals": 7, "is_captain": false, "club": "Real Sociedad", "club_country": "Spain", "club_league": "La Liga", "height_cm": 173, "preferred_foot": "left", "market_value_eur": 32700000, "club_apps_2025_26": 27, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1508, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": 4, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "La Liga, Copa del Rey", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 300, "career_club_goals": 44, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Copa del Rey winner with Real Sociedad 2025-26; club apps shown are La Liga only", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Takefusa_Kubo ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/848289/takefusa-kubo", "backstory": "Dubbed the 'Japanese Messi', Takefusa Kubo moved to Barcelona's La Masia academy at just 10 before a FIFA transfer-ban ruling forced his return to Japan, where he became the J.League's youngest-ever scorer. Real Madrid signed him in 2019 and, after a series of La Liga loans, he found a permanent home at Real Sociedad in 2022, becoming their creative talisman. A quick, left-footed dribbler, he is Japan's marquee attacking threat and a Copa del Rey winner.", "facts": ["Joined Barcelona's La Masia academy aged 10", "Nicknamed the 'Japanese Messi'", "Once the youngest goalscorer in J.League history"], "data_rating": 72, "fun": ["💎 Most valuable in the squad", "🌍 Plays abroad · Spain"]}, {"player_id": 555, "team_id": 22, "fifa_code": "JPN", "team_name": "Japan", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 9, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Keisuke Goto", "date_of_birth": "2005-06-03", "age": 21, "caps": 4, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Sint-Truiden", "club_country": "Belgium", "club_league": "Belgian Pro League", "height_cm": 191, "preferred_foot": "right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 25, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 11, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Belgian Pro League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Youngest squad member; on loan at Sint-Truiden from Anderlecht; caps updated to 4", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keisuke_Goto", "backstory": "At 20, Keisuke Goto is the squad's youngest member. He came through Jubilo Iwata's academy, where he was converted from centre-back to striker and broke the club's record for youngest scorer. A move to Belgium's Anderlecht followed, and on loan at Sint-Truiden in 2025-26 the towering forward exploded for goals, even winning a league Player of the Month award. He made his Japan debut in late 2025 and offers a powerful aerial option up front.", "facts": ["Youngest member of Japan's 2026 squad", "Began as a centre-back before being converted to striker at Jubilo Iwata", "On loan at Sint-Truiden from Anderlecht"], "data_rating": 64, "fun": ["🐣 Youngest in the squad (21)", "🌍 Plays abroad · Belgium"]}, {"player_id": 556, "team_id": 22, "fifa_code": "JPN", "team_name": "Japan", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 10, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "RW", "player_name": "Ritsu Doan", "date_of_birth": "1998-06-16", "age": 27, "caps": 65, "international_goals": 11, "is_captain": false, "club": "Eintracht Frankfurt", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 172, "preferred_foot": "left", "market_value_eur": 25000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 40, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 7, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga, UEFA Champions League, DFB-Pokal", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 281, "career_club_goals": 60, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Joined Frankfurt from Freiburg in Aug 2025; caps updated to 65", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ritsu_Doan", "backstory": "Ritsu Doan rose through Gamba Osaka before moving to FC Groningen in the Netherlands and then PSV, building his game with pace, trickery and a deadly left foot. After establishing himself at SC Freiburg in the Bundesliga, he earned a 2025 transfer to Eintracht Frankfurt, where he became a key contributor in the Champions League. A repeat World Cup scorer, he is one of Japan's most reliable wide attackers.", "facts": ["Scored at the 2022 World Cup against both Germany and Spain", "Came through the Gamba Osaka academy", "Joined Eintracht Frankfurt from Freiburg in 2025"], "data_rating": 76, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Germany"]}, {"player_id": 557, "team_id": 22, "fifa_code": "JPN", "team_name": "Japan", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 11, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "LW", "player_name": "Daizen Maeda", "date_of_birth": "1997-10-20", "age": 28, "caps": 27, "international_goals": 4, "is_captain": false, "club": "Celtic", "club_country": "Scotland", "club_league": "Scottish Premiership", "height_cm": 173, "preferred_foot": "right", "market_value_eur": 13000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 54, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 17, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Scottish Premiership, Scottish Cup, Scottish League Cup, UEFA competitions", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 212, "career_club_goals": 79, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Captained Japan for first time Mar 2026; career_club totals are Celtic only", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daizen_Maeda", "backstory": "Daizen Maeda built his career at Matsumoto Yamaga and Yokohama F. Marinos, with a spell at Maritimo in Portugal, finishing as the J1 League's top scorer in 2021. Since joining Celtic in 2022, the relentless, high-pressing forward has piled up goals and domestic honours, enjoying a 30-goal season in 2024-25. Known for his boundless energy and pace, he captained Japan for the first time in March 2026.", "facts": ["J1 League top scorer in 2021 with Yokohama F. Marinos", "Captained Japan for the first time in March 2026", "Coaches have likened his work rate to a 'machine'"], "data_rating": 73, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Scotland", "🎯 17 club goals in 2025/26"]}, {"player_id": 558, "team_id": 22, "fifa_code": "JPN", "team_name": "Japan", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 12, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Keisuke Osako", "date_of_birth": "1999-07-28", "age": 26, "caps": 11, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Sanfrecce Hiroshima", "club_country": "Japan", "club_league": "J1 League", "height_cm": 188, "preferred_foot": "right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "J1 League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 224, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "2024 J.League Best XI; 2025 EAFF Best Goalkeeper; career apps are J1 League only", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keisuke_Osako", "backstory": "Keisuke Osako is a product of the Sanfrecce Hiroshima academy who developed into one of the J.League's best goalkeepers, earning a place in the 2024 J.League Best XI. A commanding presence at 1.88m, he was named Best Goalkeeper at the 2025 EAFF E-1 Championship. He provides experienced backup behind Zion Suzuki in Japan's goalkeeping ranks.", "facts": ["Named in the 2024 J.League Best XI", "Best Goalkeeper at the 2025 EAFF E-1 Championship", "Came through the Sanfrecce Hiroshima academy"], "data_rating": 58, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 559, "team_id": 22, "fifa_code": "JPN", "team_name": "Japan", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 13, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "LW", "player_name": "Keito Nakamura", "date_of_birth": "2000-07-28", "age": 25, "caps": 24, "international_goals": 10, "is_captain": false, "club": "Stade de Reims", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Ligue 2", "height_cm": 174, "preferred_foot": "right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 29, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2359, "club_goals_2025_26": 14, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": 2, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue 2", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Reims' leading scorer in Ligue 2 2025-26", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/keito-nakamura/6664/ ; https://www.sofascore.com/football/player/keito-nakamura/905352", "backstory": "Keito Nakamura developed at Mito HollyHock and Gamba Osaka before moving to Europe, where he found his goalscoring form in the Austrian Bundesliga with LASK. A transfer to Stade de Reims in France followed, and although the club dropped to Ligue 2, he remained their leading scorer in 2025-26. A direct, productive winger-forward, he provides goals from wide for Japan.", "facts": ["Broke through with goals in the Austrian Bundesliga at LASK", "Reims' leading scorer in Ligue 2 in 2025-26"], "data_rating": 74, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · France"]}, {"player_id": 560, "team_id": 22, "fifa_code": "JPN", "team_name": "Japan", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 14, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "RW", "player_name": "Junya Ito", "date_of_birth": "1993-03-09", "age": 33, "caps": 69, "international_goals": 15, "is_captain": false, "club": "Genk", "club_country": "Belgium", "club_league": "Belgian Pro League", "height_cm": 176, "preferred_foot": "right", "market_value_eur": 3500000, "club_apps_2025_26": 28, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1785, "club_goals_2025_26": 6, "club_assists_2025_26": 5, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Belgian Pro League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 378, "career_club_goals": 68, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Returned to Genk Aug 2025 after Reims relegation; caps updated to 69", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Junya_It%C5%8D ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/604044/junya-ito", "backstory": "Junya Ito took an unusual route, emerging through Kanagawa University and Ventforet Kofu before starring at Kashiwa Reysol. A move to Genk in Belgium showcased his blistering pace and crossing, and he later impressed at Stade de Reims in Ligue 1 before returning to Genk in 2025. One of Japan's most prolific assist providers, the right winger is a long-serving attacking weapon.", "facts": ["Reached professional football via university rather than an academy", "Won the Belgian Cup with Genk", "Returned to Genk in 2025 after Reims' relegation"], "data_rating": 73, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Belgium"]}, {"player_id": 561, "team_id": 22, "fifa_code": "JPN", "team_name": "Japan", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 15, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CAM", "player_name": "Daichi Kamada", "date_of_birth": "1996-08-05", "age": 29, "caps": 49, "international_goals": 12, "is_captain": false, "club": "Crystal Palace", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 184, "preferred_foot": "right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 46, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, UEFA Conference League, EFL Cup, FA Community Shield", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 320, "career_club_goals": 50, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "First Japanese player in Crystal Palace history", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daichi_Kamada", "backstory": "Daichi Kamada came through Sagan Tosu before a transformative move to Eintracht Frankfurt, where he became a key creative midfielder and won the 2022 Europa League. Spells at Lazio and Crystal Palace followed, and at Palace he became the first Japanese player in the club's history. A versatile, intelligent attacking midfielder, he brings goals, vision and big-game pedigree to Japan's engine room.", "facts": ["Won the 2022 Europa League with Eintracht Frankfurt", "First Japanese player in Crystal Palace history"], "data_rating": 74, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 562, "team_id": 22, "fifa_code": "JPN", "team_name": "Japan", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 16, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Tsuyoshi Watanabe", "date_of_birth": "1997-02-05", "age": 29, "caps": 11, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Feyenoord", "club_country": "Netherlands", "club_league": "Eredivisie", "height_cm": 186, "preferred_foot": "right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 30, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Eredivisie", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Joined Feyenoord Jul 2025; club apps shown are Eredivisie only", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsuyoshi_Watanabe", "backstory": "Tsuyoshi Watanabe developed at Kashima Antlers, winning silverware before moving abroad to Portugal's Portimonense and then Belgium's Genk. The tall, composed centre-back joined Feyenoord in 2025, where he chipped in with goals from set pieces. He offers Japan height and reliability as a defensive option.", "facts": ["Came through the Kashima Antlers academy", "Joined Feyenoord in July 2025"], "data_rating": 67, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Netherlands"]}, {"player_id": 563, "team_id": 22, "fifa_code": "JPN", "team_name": "Japan", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 17, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Yuito Suzuki", "date_of_birth": "2001-10-25", "age": 24, "caps": 6, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "SC Freiburg", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 175, "preferred_foot": "left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 41, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 9, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga, UEFA Europa League, DFB-Pokal", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Joined Freiburg Jul 2025 from Brondby", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yuito_Suzuki", "backstory": "Yuito Suzuki came through the Shimizu S-Pulse academy before moving to Denmark's Brondby, where he developed into a creative, left-footed attacking midfielder. A 2025 transfer to SC Freiburg brought him to the Bundesliga, where he enjoyed a productive first season with several goals. He is one of the squad's emerging creative talents.", "facts": ["Developed in Denmark with Brondby", "Joined SC Freiburg in July 2025"], "data_rating": 69, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Germany"]}, {"player_id": 564, "team_id": 22, "fifa_code": "JPN", "team_name": "Japan", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 18, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CDM", "player_name": "Kaishu Sano", "date_of_birth": "2000-12-30", "age": 25, "caps": 13, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Mainz 05", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 176, "preferred_foot": "right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 47, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga, UEFA Conference League, DFB-Pokal", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "IFFHS Asian Men's Team of the Year 2025; caps updated to 13", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaishu_Sano", "backstory": "Kaishu Sano came through the Kashima Antlers academy and established himself as a tenacious, ball-winning midfielder before earning a move to Germany's Mainz 05. A regular for the club, his combative displays earned him selection in the IFFHS Asian Men's Team of the Year for 2025. He provides defensive-midfield depth and energy behind captain Wataru Endo.", "facts": ["Came through the Kashima Antlers academy", "Named in the IFFHS Asian Men's Team of the Year for 2025"], "data_rating": 67, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Germany"]}, {"player_id": 565, "team_id": 22, "fifa_code": "JPN", "team_name": "Japan", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 19, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Koki Ogawa", "date_of_birth": "1997-08-08", "age": 28, "caps": 15, "international_goals": 11, "is_captain": false, "club": "NEC Nijmegen", "club_country": "Netherlands", "club_league": "Eredivisie", "height_cm": 186, "preferred_foot": "right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 26, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 8, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Eredivisie, KNVB Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Caps updated to 15, international_goals to 11 per Wikipedia", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koki_Ogawa_(footballer)", "backstory": "Koki Ogawa built his reputation as a clinical penalty-box striker with Jubilo Iwata and Yokohama F. Marinos before moving to the Netherlands, briefly with Vitesse and then thriving at NEC Nijmegen. A strong aerial finisher, he has produced a prolific goals-to-caps ratio for Japan despite a relatively modest cap count. He offers a focal-point option at centre-forward.", "facts": ["Has scored at a high rate for Japan relative to his caps", "A tall target man who plays for NEC Nijmegen"], "data_rating": 69, "fun": ["⚡ 0.73 goals per cap", "🌍 Plays abroad · Netherlands"]}, {"player_id": 566, "team_id": 22, "fifa_code": "JPN", "team_name": "Japan", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 20, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Ayumu Seko", "date_of_birth": "2000-06-07", "age": 26, "caps": 14, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Le Havre", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Ligue 1", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": "right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 30, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue 1", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 285, "career_club_goals": 7, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Joined Le Havre Jul 2025; caps updated to 14; club apps shown are Ligue 1 only", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayumu_Seko", "backstory": "Ayumu Seko came through the Cerezo Osaka academy before moving to Switzerland's Grasshopper Club Zurich, where he gained European experience as a centre-back. He stepped up to Ligue 1, joining Lens and then Le Havre in 2025. A right-footed, composed defender, he adds depth to Japan's back line.", "facts": ["Came through the Cerezo Osaka academy", "Gained early European experience with Grasshopper in Switzerland"], "data_rating": 66, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · France"]}, {"player_id": 567, "team_id": 22, "fifa_code": "JPN", "team_name": "Japan", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 21, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Hiroki Ito", "date_of_birth": "1999-05-12", "age": 27, "caps": 24, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Bayern Munich", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 188, "preferred_foot": "left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 23, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga, UEFA Champions League, DFB-Pokal", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Bundesliga champion 2024-25 and 2025-26 with Bayern; caps updated to 24", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hiroki_It%C5%8D_(footballer,_born_1999)", "backstory": "Hiroki Ito developed at Nagoya Grampus and Jubilo Iwata before a move to VfB Stuttgart in Germany, where his composure and left-footed distribution at centre-back drew elite attention. In 2024 he earned a transfer to Bayern Munich, where he has won back-to-back Bundesliga titles. Versatile enough to play left-back, he is a high-pedigree defensive asset for Japan.", "facts": ["Plays for Bayern Munich", "Bundesliga champion in 2024-25 and 2025-26"], "data_rating": 67, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Germany"]}, {"player_id": 568, "team_id": 22, "fifa_code": "JPN", "team_name": "Japan", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 22, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Takehiro Tomiyasu", "date_of_birth": "1998-11-05", "age": 27, "caps": 43, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Ajax", "club_country": "Netherlands", "club_league": "Eredivisie", "height_cm": 187, "preferred_foot": "right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 9, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Eredivisie, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 252, "career_club_goals": 7, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Returned after roughly two years out with injuries; caps updated to 43", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Takehiro_Tomiyasu", "backstory": "Takehiro Tomiyasu came through the Avispa Fukuoka academy before moving to Belgium's Sint-Truiden, then Bologna in Serie A, and on to Arsenal in 2021, where his versatility across the back line made him a valued Premier League defender. After roughly two years largely lost to knee injuries, he rebuilt his career at Ajax. Fit again, the dependable, multi-positional defender returns as a key option for Japan.", "facts": ["Spent several seasons at Arsenal", "Can play across the entire back four", "Returned in 2025-26 after about two years out with injuries"], "data_rating": 64, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Netherlands"]}, {"player_id": 569, "team_id": 22, "fifa_code": "JPN", "team_name": "Japan", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 23, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Tomoki Hayakawa", "date_of_birth": "1999-03-03", "age": 27, "caps": 3, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Kashima Antlers", "club_country": "Japan", "club_league": "J1 League", "height_cm": 187, "preferred_foot": "right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 38, "club_starts_2025_26": 38, "club_minutes_2025_26": 3420, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 16, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": 28, "club_competitions_2025_26": "J1 League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "2025 J.League MVP; played every league minute; club apps shown are J1 League only", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/tomoki-hayakawa/23323/ ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tomoki_Hayakawa", "backstory": "Tomoki Hayakawa is a Kashima Antlers goalkeeper who enjoyed a breakout campaign, playing every league minute and being crowned the 2025 J.League MVP. Tall and a strong shot-stopper, he kept a string of clean sheets across the season. The form earned him a place in Japan's World Cup squad as a goalkeeping option.", "facts": ["2025 J.League MVP", "Played every league minute of the 2025 season for Kashima Antlers"], "data_rating": 75, "fun": ["🧤 16 clean sheets in 2025/26"]}, {"player_id": 570, "team_id": 22, "fifa_code": "JPN", "team_name": "Japan", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 24, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Ayase Ueda", "date_of_birth": "1998-08-28", "age": 27, "caps": 39, "international_goals": 16, "is_captain": false, "club": "Feyenoord", "club_country": "Netherlands", "club_league": "Eredivisie", "height_cm": 182, "preferred_foot": "right", "market_value_eur": 9000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 40, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 26, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Eredivisie, UEFA competitions, KNVB Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 205, "career_club_goals": 97, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Squad's leading scorer with 16 international goals; 31 league goals... 25 league goals in 2025-26", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayase_Ueda", "backstory": "Ayase Ueda grew up near Kashima, came through the Kashima Antlers youth ranks and joined his boyhood club, scoring prolifically before a move to Belgium's Cercle Brugge. In 2023 he signed for Dutch champions Feyenoord, where he became a relentless goalscorer, topping 25 league goals in 2025-26. He is the squad's top international scorer and Japan's first-choice striker.", "facts": ["Came through the Kashima Antlers academy, his boyhood club", "Squad's leading international scorer", "Scored over 25 league goals for Feyenoord in 2025-26"], "data_rating": 76, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Netherlands", "🎯 26 club goals in 2025/26"]}, {"player_id": 571, "team_id": 22, "fifa_code": "JPN", "team_name": "Japan", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 25, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Junnosuke Suzuki", "date_of_birth": "2003-07-12", "age": 22, "caps": 6, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "FC Copenhagen", "club_country": "Denmark", "club_league": "Danish Superliga", "height_cm": 180, "preferred_foot": "right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 36, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Danish Superliga, UEFA Champions League, Danish Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Joined FC Copenhagen Jul 2025 from Shonan Bellmare", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Junnosuke_Suzuki", "backstory": "Junnosuke Suzuki came through Shonan Bellmare, developing as a right-sided defender before earning a 2025 move to FC Copenhagen in Denmark. The Superliga move brought Champions League experience at a young age, and he has chipped in with goals from defence. He represents the next generation of Japanese full-backs.", "facts": ["Came through Shonan Bellmare", "Joined FC Copenhagen in July 2025"], "data_rating": 68, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Denmark"]}, {"player_id": 572, "team_id": 22, "fifa_code": "JPN", "team_name": "Japan", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 26, "position": "FW", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Kento Shiogai", "date_of_birth": "2005-03-26", "age": 21, "caps": 2, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "VfL Wolfsburg", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 180, "preferred_foot": "right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 13, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Surprise selection; joined Wolfsburg Jan 2026 from NEC Nijmegen; caps updated to 2", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kento_Shiogai", "backstory": "A surprise World Cup selection, Kento Shiogai took an unconventional path through Kugayama High School and Keio University, scoring freely in Japanese university football before turning professional. After a loan at Yokohama F. Marinos he moved to NEC Nijmegen, where a hot start to 2025-26 earned a roughly €9m transfer to VfL Wolfsburg in January 2026. The young forward is one of the squad's bolters.", "facts": ["Reached the pros via Keio University rather than a pro academy", "Joined Wolfsburg from NEC Nijmegen in January 2026 for around €9m", "A surprise inclusion in Japan's 2026 squad"], "data_rating": 55, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Germany"]}, {"player_id": 573, "team_id": 23, "fifa_code": "SWE", "team_name": "Sweden", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 1, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Jacob Widell Zetterström", "date_of_birth": "1998-07-11", "age": 27, "caps": 3, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Derby County", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "EFL Championship", "height_cm": 197, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 33, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 7, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": 45, "club_competitions_2025_26": "EFL Championship, FA Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 238, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacob_Widell_Zetterstr%C3%B6m ; https://footystats.org/players/sweden/jacob-widell-zetterstrom", "backstory": "A Stockholm-raised goalkeeper, Jacob Widell Zetterström came through the Djurgården youth system before working his way up the Swedish divisions and back to Djurgården, where he became first choice and won the 2019 Allsvenskan. In 2024 the towering 1.97m keeper moved to Derby County in the English Championship, quickly establishing himself as their number one. He provides experienced goalkeeping cover for Sweden at the 2026 World Cup.", "facts": ["At 1.97m (6'6\") he is one of the tallest keepers in the squad", "Won a 'Save of the Season' award at Derby for a free-kick stop against Bristol City", "Won the 2019 Allsvenskan title with Djurgården"], "data_rating": 69, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 574, "team_id": 23, "fifa_code": "SWE", "team_name": "Sweden", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 2, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Gustaf Lagerbielke", "date_of_birth": "2000-04-10", "age": 26, "caps": 11, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Braga", "club_country": "Portugal", "club_league": "Primeira Liga", "height_cm": 193, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 52, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 4, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Primeira Liga, Taça de Portugal, Taça da Liga, UEFA Europa League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 220, "career_club_goals": 19, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gustaf_Lagerbielke_(footballer)", "backstory": "Gustaf Lagerbielke grew up in Stockholm's affluent Djursholm district and climbed through Swedish football from the lower divisions before flourishing at IF Elfsborg, where he was named Allsvenskan Defender of the Year in 2023. The commanding 1.93m centre-back joined Celtic that year, spent a season on loan at FC Twente, and signed permanently for Braga in 2025. He offers aerial dominance and physicality to Sweden's defence.", "facts": ["Holds a noble title as the 11th Baron Lagerbielke", "Named Allsvenskan Defender of the Year in 2023", "Scored a Champions League goal for Celtic against Feyenoord"], "data_rating": 78, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Portugal"]}, {"player_id": 575, "team_id": 23, "fifa_code": "SWE", "team_name": "Sweden", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 3, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Victor Lindelöf", "date_of_birth": "1994-07-17", "age": 31, "caps": 76, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": true, "club": "Aston Villa", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 187, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 28, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, FA Cup, UEFA Europa League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 532, "career_club_goals": 10, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Veteran centre-back, team captain", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victor_Lindel%C3%B6f", "backstory": "Born in Västerås, Victor Lindelöf made his senior debut for Västerås SK as a teenager before a 2012 move to Benfica, where he won three Portuguese titles and developed into a composed, ball-playing centre-back. In 2017 he joined Manchester United for around €35 million, spending eight seasons as a defensive mainstay, before a free transfer to Aston Villa in 2025 where he won the Europa League. He captains Sweden into the 2026 World Cup as one of the squad's most experienced heads.", "facts": ["Captain of the Sweden national team since 2021", "Won the 2015 UEFA U-21 Championship and was named in the Team of the Tournament", "Once stopped a street robbery in his home city of Västerås, holding the thief until police arrived"], "data_rating": 73, "fun": ["🎖️ Most-capped in the squad (76)", "🌍 Plays abroad · England", "©️ Captain"]}, {"player_id": 576, "team_id": 23, "fifa_code": "SWE", "team_name": "Sweden", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 4, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Isak Hien", "date_of_birth": "1999-01-13", "age": 27, "caps": 29, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Atalanta", "club_country": "Italy", "club_league": "Serie A", "height_cm": 191, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 39, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 4, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Serie A, Coppa Italia, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 230, "career_club_goals": 7, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isak_Hien ; https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/isak-hien/3719/", "backstory": "Isak Hien grew up in Stockholm in AIK's academy alongside Alexander Isak before dropping to Vasalunds IF, where he converted from striker to centre-back only around age 21. Spells at Djurgården and Hellas Verona earned him a 2024 move to Atalanta, with whom he won the Europa League. Strong, quick and reliable, he is a key figure in Sweden's back line.", "facts": ["Played as a striker until around age 21 before switching to centre-back", "Won the 2023-24 Europa League with Atalanta", "Named Swedish Defender of the Year in 2024"], "data_rating": 73, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Italy"]}, {"player_id": 577, "team_id": 23, "fifa_code": "SWE", "team_name": "Sweden", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 5, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "LB", "player_name": "Gabriel Gudmundsson", "date_of_birth": "1999-04-29", "age": 27, "caps": 24, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Leeds United", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 180, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 35, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, FA Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 303, "career_club_goals": 24, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gabriel_Gudmundsson", "backstory": "Gabriel Gudmundsson came through Halmstads BK before moving abroad to Groningen and then Lille, where he became at the time the most expensive Swedish left-back. In 2025 he joined Leeds United in the Premier League on a four-year deal. An athletic, attack-minded full-back, he locks down Sweden's left flank.", "facts": ["Son of former Sweden international Niklas Gudmundsson, who played for Blackburn Rovers", "Was once the most expensive Swedish left-back when he joined Lille"], "data_rating": 71, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 578, "team_id": 23, "fifa_code": "SWE", "team_name": "Sweden", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 6, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Herman Johansson", "date_of_birth": "1997-10-16", "age": 28, "caps": 3, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "FC Dallas", "club_country": "United States", "club_league": "Major League Soccer", "height_cm": 190, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 9, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Major League Soccer", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 261, "career_club_goals": 79, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Joined FC Dallas Dec 2025 from Mjällby AIF; played 2025 at Mjällby where he won the Allsvenskan title", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herman_Johansson ; https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/fc-dallas-defender-herman-johansson-makes-sweden-2026-world-cup-roster", "backstory": "A late bloomer from Örnsköldsvik, Herman Johansson spent years in the Swedish lower leagues with Friska Viljor and Sandviken before joining Mjällby AIF, where he helped the club win a stunning 2025 Allsvenskan title. After originally making his name as an attacker, he reinvented himself as a right-back, and in December 2025 moved to FC Dallas in MLS. He earned a late call-up to Sweden's World Cup squad as an injury replacement.", "facts": ["Won the 2025 Allsvenskan title with surprise champions Mjällby AIF", "Made his senior Sweden debut at age 28 in late 2025", "Reinvented himself from an attacker into a right-back during his career"], "data_rating": 57, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · United States"]}, {"player_id": 579, "team_id": 23, "fifa_code": "SWE", "team_name": "Sweden", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 7, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Lucas Bergvall", "date_of_birth": "2006-02-02", "age": 20, "caps": 10, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Tottenham Hotspur", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 33, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 3, "club_yellow_2025_26": 2, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, EFL Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 138, "career_club_goals": 12, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Young midfielder, breakthrough talent", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucas_Bergvall ; https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/lucas-bergvall/52472/", "backstory": "A product of Stockholm's Brommapojkarna academy, Lucas Bergvall broke through at Djurgården as a teenager and was quickly tipped as a generational talent. In 2024 he chose Tottenham Hotspur over Barcelona and rapidly became a key midfielder in north London, named the club's Player of the Season for 2024-25. Dynamic and creative, he is one of Sweden's brightest young stars at the 2026 World Cup.", "facts": ["Chose Tottenham over Barcelona when both clubs competed for his signature", "Born in 2006, one of the youngest players in the squad", "Comes from a footballing family — brothers Theo and Rasmus are also professionals"], "data_rating": 66, "fun": ["🐣 Youngest in the squad (20)", "🌟 Wonderkid", "🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 580, "team_id": 23, "fifa_code": "SWE", "team_name": "Sweden", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 8, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Daniel Svensson", "date_of_birth": "2002-02-12", "age": 24, "caps": 13, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Borussia Dortmund", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 183, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 45, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 4, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 285, "career_club_goals": 17, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_Svensson_(footballer,_born_2002)", "backstory": "Daniel Svensson developed at Brommapojkarna before moving to Denmark's FC Nordsjælland, where he matured over five seasons in the Superliga. In early 2025 he joined Borussia Dortmund on loan, impressed enough to earn a permanent deal, and was named the Bundesliga's Rookie of the Month for April. A versatile left-back and midfielder, he is one of Sweden's emerging defenders.", "facts": ["Scored on his Champions League debut for Dortmund against Athletic Bilbao", "Named Swedish Defender of the Year for 2025"], "data_rating": 74, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Germany"]}, {"player_id": 581, "team_id": 23, "fifa_code": "SWE", "team_name": "Sweden", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 9, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Alexander Isak", "date_of_birth": "1999-09-21", "age": 26, "caps": 58, "international_goals": 17, "is_captain": false, "club": "Liverpool", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 192, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 85000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 22, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 4, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, EFL Cup, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 262, "career_club_goals": 118, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Key striker; joined Liverpool Sep 2025 for a British record fee", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Isak ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/alexander-isak/leistungsdaten/spieler/349066/saison/2025", "backstory": "Born in Stockholm to Eritrean parents, Alexander Isak joined AIK's academy at six and became the club's youngest Allsvenskan scorer before a 2017 move to Borussia Dortmund. After a transformative loan at Willem II and a strong spell at Real Sociedad, he joined Newcastle United in 2022 and broke the Swedish top-flight scoring record. In 2025 he completed a British-record transfer to Liverpool, and he leads Sweden's attack as their star striker.", "facts": ["Joined Liverpool in 2025 for a British record fee of around £125 million", "Broke the Premier League's Swedish scoring record, passing Zlatan Ibrahimović", "Youngest-ever goalscorer for both AIK and the Sweden national team"], "data_rating": 73, "fun": ["💎 Most valuable in the squad", "🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 582, "team_id": 23, "fifa_code": "SWE", "team_name": "Sweden", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 10, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CAM", "player_name": "Benjamin Nygren", "date_of_birth": "2001-07-08", "age": 24, "caps": 11, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "Celtic", "club_country": "Scotland", "club_league": "Scottish Premiership", "height_cm": 184, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 58, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 21, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Scottish Premiership, Scottish Cup, Scottish League Cup, UEFA Champions League / UEFA Europa League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 237, "career_club_goals": 69, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benjamin_Nygren", "backstory": "Benjamin Nygren rose through IFK Göteborg's academy, turning down Manchester City, Bayern and Inter as a teenager before a move to Genk. After loans and a productive spell at FC Nordsjælland, he joined Celtic in 2025 and won a domestic double in his first season, named to the PFA Scotland Team of the Year. A creative, goal-scoring attacker, he adds flair to Sweden's forward line.", "facts": ["Turned down Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Inter as a teenager", "Won a Scottish Premiership and Cup double in his debut season at Celtic"], "data_rating": 79, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Scotland", "🎯 21 club goals in 2025/26"]}, {"player_id": 583, "team_id": 23, "fifa_code": "SWE", "team_name": "Sweden", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 11, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "RW", "player_name": "Anthony Elanga", "date_of_birth": "2002-04-27", "age": 24, "caps": 30, "international_goals": 6, "is_captain": false, "club": "Newcastle United", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 49, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 192, "career_club_goals": 20, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Elanga ; https://www.premierleague.com/en/players/449434/anthony-elanga/stats", "backstory": "Born in Malmö into a footballing family, Anthony Elanga moved to Manchester as a child and joined Manchester United's academy at 12, debuting in 2021. He rebuilt his career at Nottingham Forest before a 2025 move to Newcastle United, and chose to represent Sweden despite eligibility for Cameroon and England. A direct, pacey forward, he gives Sweden a threat down the flanks.", "facts": ["His father Joseph Elanga also played for Malmö FF", "Was eligible for Cameroon and England but chose Sweden"], "data_rating": 69, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 584, "team_id": 23, "fifa_code": "SWE", "team_name": "Sweden", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 12, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Viktor Johansson", "date_of_birth": "1998-09-14", "age": 27, "caps": 12, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Stoke City", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "EFL Championship", "height_cm": 186, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 25, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 8, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": 22, "club_competitions_2025_26": "EFL Championship", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 233, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Dislocated shoulder vs Sheffield United on 29 Dec 2025", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viktor_Johansson ; https://footystats.org/players/sweden/viktor-johansson", "backstory": "Goalkeeper Viktor Johansson came through academies at Hammarby, Aston Villa and Leicester City before making his name at Rotherham United, where he won promotion and was praised as one of the Championship's best keepers. In 2024 he joined Stoke City and was named their Player of the Year after playing every league match in his first season. He provides reliable goalkeeping depth for Sweden.", "facts": ["Named Stoke City's Player of the Year for 2024-25 after playing all 46 league games", "Won the EFL Trophy with Rotherham United"], "data_rating": 70, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 585, "team_id": 23, "fifa_code": "SWE", "team_name": "Sweden", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 13, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "LW", "player_name": "Ken Sema", "date_of_birth": "1993-09-30", "age": 32, "caps": 33, "international_goals": 5, "is_captain": false, "club": "Pafos", "club_country": "Cyprus", "club_league": "Cypriot First Division", "height_cm": 180, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 36, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Cypriot First Division, Cypriot Cup, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 419, "career_club_goals": 41, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ken_Sema", "backstory": "Born in Norrköping to Congolese parents, Ken Sema broke through at Östersunds FK, winning the Svenska Cupen and starring in Europa League nights before a 2018 move to Watford, where fans dubbed him 'King Ken'. After years in England he joined Cypriot side Pafos, helping them to historic Champions League success. A tireless left-sided winger and wing-back, he is an experienced presence for Sweden.", "facts": ["Speaks with a stammer and has been praised as a role model for those with speech impediments", "His brother Maic is also a professional footballer", "Assisted Pafos's first-ever Champions League proper win, against Villarreal in 2025"], "data_rating": 68, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Cyprus"]}, {"player_id": 586, "team_id": 23, "fifa_code": "SWE", "team_name": "Sweden", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 14, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Hjalmar Ekdal", "date_of_birth": "1998-10-21", "age": 27, "caps": 13, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Burnley", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 187, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 21, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, FA Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 206, "career_club_goals": 16, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hjalmar_Ekdal", "backstory": "Hjalmar Ekdal took an unusual path, playing college soccer at UNC Wilmington in the United States before returning to Sweden and breaking through at Djurgården, where he was named Defender of the Year. In 2023 he joined Burnley and scored on his debut. A solid centre-back, he adds defensive depth to Sweden's squad.", "facts": ["Played college soccer at UNC Wilmington in the United States", "Younger brother of former Sweden international Albin Ekdal", "Scored on his Burnley debut"], "data_rating": 63, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 587, "team_id": 23, "fifa_code": "SWE", "team_name": "Sweden", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 15, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Carl Starfelt", "date_of_birth": "1995-06-01", "age": 31, "caps": 18, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Celta Vigo", "club_country": "Spain", "club_league": "La Liga", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 30, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "La Liga, UEFA Europa League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 305, "career_club_goals": 11, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl_Starfelt", "backstory": "Carl Starfelt came through Brommapojkarna and developed at IFK Göteborg before stints at Rubin Kazan in Russia and Celtic, where he formed a strong defensive partnership and won multiple Scottish trophies. Since 2023 he has played for Celta Vigo in La Liga. A no-nonsense centre-back, he provides experience to Sweden's defence.", "facts": ["Won the 2021-22 Scottish Premiership with Celtic, who had the league's best defence", "Named in the PFA Scotland Team of the Year for 2022-23"], "data_rating": 68, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Spain"]}, {"player_id": 588, "team_id": 23, "fifa_code": "SWE", "team_name": "Sweden", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 16, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CDM", "player_name": "Jesper Karlström", "date_of_birth": "1995-06-21", "age": 30, "caps": 25, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Udinese", "club_country": "Italy", "club_league": "Serie A", "height_cm": 182, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 35, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Serie A, Coppa Italia", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 451, "career_club_goals": 24, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesper_Karlstr%C3%B6m", "backstory": "Jesper Karlström began at Hammarby and Brommapojkarna before his most successful years at Djurgården, where he won the 2019 Allsvenskan and the Svenska Cupen. After a title-winning spell at Lech Poznań in Poland, he joined Udinese in Serie A and was named captain. A disciplined defensive midfielder, he brings balance to Sweden's engine room.", "facts": ["Named captain of Udinese ahead of the 2025-26 season", "Won league titles in both Sweden (Djurgården) and Poland (Lech Poznań)"], "data_rating": 66, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Italy"]}, {"player_id": 589, "team_id": 23, "fifa_code": "SWE", "team_name": "Sweden", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 17, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Viktor Gyökeres", "date_of_birth": "1998-06-04", "age": 28, "caps": 33, "international_goals": 20, "is_captain": false, "club": "Arsenal", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 189, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 65000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 55, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 21, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 391, "career_club_goals": 195, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Prolific striker, top scorer; won 2025-26 Premier League title with Arsenal in debut season", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viktor_Gy%C3%B6keres ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/viktor-gyokeres/leistungsdaten/spieler/325443/saison/2025 ; https://tribuna.com/ (2025-26 season stats, all competitions)", "backstory": "Born in Stockholm, Viktor Gyökeres started at IFK Aspudden-Tellus and Brommapojkarna before an early move to Brighton, where he struggled and was loaned out repeatedly. His breakout came at Coventry City in the Championship, earning a 2023 move to Sporting CP where he became a prolific, back-to-back top scorer. In 2025 he joined Arsenal, winning the Premier League in his debut season, and he is one of Sweden's most feared strikers.", "facts": ["Won the Premier League with Arsenal in his debut 2025-26 season", "Celebrates goals with a signature mouth-covering 'mask' gesture", "Of Hungarian descent through his paternal grandfather"], "data_rating": 80, "fun": ["⚡ 0.61 goals per cap", "🔥 Top 5% scorer at the Cup", "🌍 Plays abroad · England", "🎯 21 club goals in 2025/26"]}, {"player_id": 590, "team_id": 23, "fifa_code": "SWE", "team_name": "Sweden", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 18, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Yasin Ayari", "date_of_birth": "2003-10-06", "age": 22, "caps": 21, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "Brighton & Hove Albion", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 172, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 32, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 4, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 126, "career_club_goals": 10, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yasin_Ayari", "backstory": "Born in Solna, Yasin Ayari came through AIK's academy and debuted as a teenager before a 2023 move to Brighton & Hove Albion, with loans to Coventry and Blackburn building his experience. Named Swedish Midfielder of the Year in 2025, the diminutive, energetic midfielder is a key part of Sweden's younger generation.", "facts": ["Named Swedish Midfielder of the Year in 2025", "Born to a Tunisian father and Moroccan mother", "His younger brother Taha also plays for AIK"], "data_rating": 68, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 591, "team_id": 23, "fifa_code": "SWE", "team_name": "Sweden", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 19, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Mattias Svanberg", "date_of_birth": "1999-01-05", "age": 27, "caps": 41, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "VfL Wolfsburg", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 184, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 28, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 5, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, Bundesliga relegation play-offs", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 284, "career_club_goals": 29, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mattias_Svanberg", "backstory": "Mattias Svanberg rose through Malmö FF's academy, winning back-to-back Allsvenskan titles before a 2018 move to Bologna in Serie A. He scored on his Sweden debut and featured at Euro 2020 before joining Wolfsburg in 2022. An all-action central midfielder, he is one of Sweden's most-capped current players.", "facts": ["Scored on his senior Sweden debut, against the Faroe Islands in 2019", "His father Bo Svanberg was a professional ice hockey player"], "data_rating": 70, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Germany"]}, {"player_id": 592, "team_id": 23, "fifa_code": "SWE", "team_name": "Sweden", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 20, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Eric Smith", "date_of_birth": "1997-01-08", "age": 29, "caps": 2, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "FC St. Pauli", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 190, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 29, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2314, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": 4, "club_red_2025_26": 1, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 252, "career_club_goals": 7, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_Smith_(Swedish_footballer) ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/531327/eric-smith", "backstory": "Eric Smith, born in Halmstad, started at Halmstads BK and IFK Norrköping before a move to Belgium's Gent, with loans across Norway and Sweden. He settled at FC St. Pauli, helping them win promotion to the Bundesliga. A versatile defender who can play centre-back or defensive midfield, he earned a late breakthrough into Sweden's squad, making his full debut in 2026.", "facts": ["His father Anders Smith was also a footballer", "Made his full Sweden debut in June 2026 at age 29"], "data_rating": 64, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Germany"]}, {"player_id": 593, "team_id": 23, "fifa_code": "SWE", "team_name": "Sweden", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 21, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Alexander Bernhardsson", "date_of_birth": "1998-09-08", "age": 27, "caps": 11, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Holstein Kiel", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "2. Bundesliga", "height_cm": 184, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 20, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": 9, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "2. Bundesliga", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 200, "career_club_goals": 44, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Strong assist provider for Holstein Kiel in 2025-26 despite injury issues", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Bernhardsson ; https://www.kicker.de/alexander-bernhardsson/spieler", "backstory": "Gothenburg-born Alexander Bernhardsson made his name at IF Elfsborg in the Allsvenskan before a 2024 move to Holstein Kiel in Germany. Primarily a winger and forward, he became a strong creative outlet in the 2. Bundesliga despite injury setbacks, providing attacking depth for Sweden.", "facts": ["Made his Sweden debut in a January 2023 friendly against Finland"], "data_rating": 69, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Germany"]}, {"player_id": 594, "team_id": 23, "fifa_code": "SWE", "team_name": "Sweden", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 22, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Besfort Zeneli", "date_of_birth": "2002-11-21", "age": 23, "caps": 8, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Union Saint-Gilloise", "club_country": "Belgium", "club_league": "Belgian Pro League", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 16, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Belgian Pro League, Belgian Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 83, "career_club_goals": 7, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Besfort_Zeneli", "backstory": "Born in Säter to a family of Kosovo Albanian origin, Besfort Zeneli broke through at IF Elfsborg before a January 2026 move to Union Saint-Gilloise in Belgium, who dubbed him a 'Swedish metronome'. After originally representing Kosovo's youth teams, he switched to Sweden in 2025. A composed central midfielder, he is one of the squad's newer faces.", "facts": ["Younger brother of Kosovo international Arbër Zeneli", "Switched international allegiance from Kosovo to Sweden in 2025", "Won the Belgian Cup with Union Saint-Gilloise in 2025-26"], "data_rating": 60, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Belgium"]}, {"player_id": 595, "team_id": 23, "fifa_code": "SWE", "team_name": "Sweden", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 23, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Kristoffer Nordfeldt", "date_of_birth": "1989-06-23", "age": 36, "caps": 21, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "AIK", "club_country": "Sweden", "club_league": "Allsvenskan", "height_cm": 190, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 35, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 10, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": 19, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Allsvenskan, Svenska Cupen, UEFA competitions", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 426, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Veteran goalkeeper; clean sheet/conceded figures are for the 2025 Allsvenskan league season", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kristoffer_Nordfeldt ; https://footystats.org/players/sweden/kristoffer-nordfeldt", "backstory": "Veteran goalkeeper Kristoffer Nordfeldt came through Brommapojkarna's academy before spells at Heerenveen, Swansea City and Turkish football, and was part of Sweden's 2018 World Cup squad. Now back home at AIK, the 36-year-old made a dramatic late return to the national team during the 2026 qualifying play-offs, including the decisive win over Poland. He brings calm experience to Sweden's goalkeeping group.", "facts": ["Part of Sweden's 2018 World Cup squad in Russia", "One of the oldest players in the 2026 squad", "Returned to the national team during the 2026 World Cup qualifying play-offs"], "data_rating": 75, "fun": ["🧓 Veteran presence", "🧤 10 clean sheets in 2025/26"]}, {"player_id": 596, "team_id": 23, "fifa_code": "SWE", "team_name": "Sweden", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 24, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Elliot Stroud", "date_of_birth": "2002-06-22", "age": 23, "caps": 1, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Mjällby AIF", "club_country": "Sweden", "club_league": "Allsvenskan", "height_cm": 180, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 33, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 12, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Allsvenskan, Svenska Cupen", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 152, "career_club_goals": 33, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "2025 figures shown (won Allsvenskan title with Mjällby, named league's best defender); plays as left midfielder/winger", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elliot_Stroud", "backstory": "Elliot Stroud began at IK Oddevold before joining Mjällby AIF, where he became a key attacking midfielder and winger in the club's fairytale 2025 Allsvenskan title triumph, also winning the Svenska Cupen. He earned his first Sweden call-up in 2026, making his debut as a substitute. He is one of the squad's domestic-based newcomers.", "facts": ["Won the 2025 Allsvenskan title with surprise champions Mjällby AIF", "Has an English father, giving him English heritage", "His brother Adam is also a professional footballer"], "data_rating": 69, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 597, "team_id": 23, "fifa_code": "SWE", "team_name": "Sweden", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 25, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Gustaf Nilsson", "date_of_birth": "1997-05-23", "age": 29, "caps": 10, "international_goals": 4, "is_captain": false, "club": "Club Brugge", "club_country": "Belgium", "club_league": "Belgian Pro League", "height_cm": 195, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 11, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Belgian Pro League, Belgian Cup, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 258, "career_club_goals": 65, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "2025-26 club figures recorded as of 22 April 2026", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gustaf_Nilsson_(footballer,_born_1997)", "backstory": "A towering 1.97m striker from Falkenberg, Gustaf Nilsson moved through Danish football and German lower leagues, with a prolific spell at Wehen Wiesbaden reigniting his career. He starred for Union Saint-Gilloise in Belgium before joining Club Brugge in 2024, winning the Belgian Cup and league title. A classic target man, he offers Sweden a different attacking option.", "facts": ["At 1.97m (6'6\") he is one of the tallest players in the squad", "Won the Belgian Pro League title with Club Brugge in 2025-26"], "data_rating": 58, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Belgium"]}, {"player_id": 598, "team_id": 23, "fifa_code": "SWE", "team_name": "Sweden", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 26, "position": "FW", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Taha Ali", "date_of_birth": "1998-07-01", "age": 27, "caps": 2, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Malmö FF", "club_country": "Sweden", "club_league": "Allsvenskan", "height_cm": 174, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 12, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Allsvenskan, Svenska Cupen, UEFA Europa League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 260, "career_club_goals": 45, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taha_Ali", "backstory": "Born in Stockholm's Tensta neighbourhood to Somali refugee parents, Taha Ali worked up through the Swedish lower divisions and Örebro before a breakout loan at Västerås SK. He joined Malmö FF in 2023 and won the Allsvenskan title in his first year. A direct left winger, he made his senior Sweden debut in 2024 and earned a World Cup call-up.", "facts": ["Won the Allsvenskan title with Malmö FF in his first season, 2023", "Also represented Sweden at futsal earlier in his career"], "data_rating": 56, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 599, "team_id": 24, "fifa_code": "TUN", "team_name": "Tunisia", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 1, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Mouhib Chamakh", "date_of_birth": "2001-08-25", "age": 24, "caps": 2, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Club Africain", "club_country": "Tunisia", "club_league": "Ligue Professionnelle 1", "height_cm": 192, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 25, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue Professionnelle 1", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 74, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Starting goalkeeper as Club Africain won the 2025-26 Tunisian Ligue Professionnelle 1.", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mouhib_Chamakh", "backstory": "A towering goalkeeper born in Medenine in southern Tunisia, Mouhib Chamakh came up at second-division CO Medenine before establishing himself at ES Metlaoui. A move to giants Club Africain in 2025 transformed his career: he became the starting goalkeeper and helped them win the 2025-26 Ligue Professionnelle 1 title, his first major trophy. He made his international debut only in March 2026 and goes to the World Cup as a newcomer who rose fast.", "facts": ["Stands 1.92m (6'4\") tall", "Won the Tunisian league title in his first season at Club Africain", "Debuted for Tunisia against Canada in March 2026"], "data_rating": 62, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 600, "team_id": 24, "fifa_code": "TUN", "team_name": "Tunisia", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 2, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "LB", "player_name": "Ali Abdi", "date_of_birth": "1993-12-20", "age": 32, "caps": 46, "international_goals": 7, "is_captain": false, "club": "Nice", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Ligue 1", "height_cm": 177, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": 2500000, "club_apps_2025_26": 32, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": 2, "club_red_2025_26": 1, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue 1, UEFA competitions, Coupe de France", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 294, "career_club_goals": 43, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ali_Abdi_(footballer) ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/566187/ali-abdi ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/ali-abdi/profil/spieler/211474", "backstory": "Born in Sfax, Ali Abdi came through the Sfax RS academy and built his early career in Tunisia with Esperance and Club Africain, winning two Tunisian Cups, before moving to France with Paris FC and then Caen. A standout left-back, he earned a Ligue 1 move to Nice in 2024 and has become one of the team's most reliable defenders, also chipping in with goals. A back-to-back Tunisian Footballer of the Year, he is a leader in the World Cup backline.", "facts": ["Named Tunisian Footballer of the Year in 2024 and 2025", "Twice picked in the UNFP Ligue 2 Team of the Year", "A left-back with a remarkable scoring record for his position"], "data_rating": 70, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · France"]}, {"player_id": 601, "team_id": 24, "fifa_code": "TUN", "team_name": "Tunisia", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 3, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Montassar Talbi", "date_of_birth": "1998-05-26", "age": 28, "caps": 64, "international_goals": 4, "is_captain": false, "club": "Lorient", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Ligue 1", "height_cm": 190, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": 7000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 31, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue 1, Coupe de France", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 210, "career_club_goals": 4, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montassar_Talbi ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/montassar-talbi/profil/spieler/496706", "backstory": "Born in Paris, Montassar Talbi started out at Paris FC before his family moved to Tunisia when he was 12, where he joined the Esperance de Tunis academy. The commanding 1.90m centre-back built his career across European leagues with Rizespor, Rubin Kazan and Lorient, helping the French club win Ligue 2 in 2024-25. A mainstay of Tunisia's defence since 2021, he anchors the back line at the World Cup.", "facts": ["Named Tunisian Footballer of the Year in 2023", "Moved from Paris to Tunisia aged 12 to join Esperance", "Won Ligue 2 with Lorient and made the UNFP Team of the Year"], "data_rating": 71, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · France"]}, {"player_id": 602, "team_id": 24, "fifa_code": "TUN", "team_name": "Tunisia", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 4, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Omar Rekik", "date_of_birth": "2001-12-20", "age": 24, "caps": 6, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Maribor", "club_country": "Slovenia", "club_league": "PrvaLiga", "height_cm": 188, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 28, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": 8, "club_red_2025_26": 1, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "PrvaLiga, UEFA Conference League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Key defensive figure for Maribor; 10 clean sheets in the PrvaLiga.", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omar_Rekik ; https://www.sofascore.com/football/player/omar-rekik/976251 ; https://www.uefa.com/uefaconferenceleague/clubs/players/250124848--omar-rekik/", "backstory": "Born in Helmond, Netherlands, to a Tunisian father and Dutch mother, Omar Rekik followed his older brother Karim through elite youth academies including Feyenoord, Manchester City, PSV and Marseille before joining Arsenal in 2021. Senior minutes proved hard to come by in England, sending him out on loans to Sparta Rotterdam, Wigan and Servette, and he now plays for Slovenian side Maribor. He chose Tunisia over the Netherlands at senior level and is a squad option in defence.", "facts": ["Brother of fellow professional Karim Rekik", "Came through the Arsenal academy but never played a Premier League game", "Represented the Netherlands at youth level before choosing Tunisia"], "data_rating": 65, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Slovenia"]}, {"player_id": 603, "team_id": 24, "fifa_code": "TUN", "team_name": "Tunisia", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 5, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Adem Arous", "date_of_birth": "2004-07-17", "age": 21, "caps": 2, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Kasımpaşa", "club_country": "Turkey", "club_league": "Süper Lig", "height_cm": 188, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 12, "club_starts_2025_26": 10, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Süper Lig", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Joined Kasımpaşa on 2 September 2025.", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adem_Arous ; https://www.sofascore.com/football/player/adem-arous/2018238", "backstory": "Born in Medina, Saudi Arabia, to a Tunisian family, centre-back Adem Arous came through Stade Tunisien, breaking into their senior side and winning the 2023-24 Tunisian Cup. In September 2025 the tall young defender moved abroad to Turkish Super Lig club Kasimpasa. A late bloomer internationally, he earned his first caps around the 2025 AFCON and travels to the World Cup as one of the squad's youngest defenders.", "facts": ["Born in Medina, Saudi Arabia", "Won the 2023-24 Tunisian Cup with Stade Tunisien", "Stands 1.88m (6'2\") tall"], "data_rating": 57, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Turkey"]}, {"player_id": 604, "team_id": 24, "fifa_code": "TUN", "team_name": "Tunisia", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 6, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Dylan Bronn", "date_of_birth": "1995-06-19", "age": 30, "caps": 52, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Servette", "club_country": "Switzerland", "club_league": "Swiss Super League", "height_cm": 186, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 14, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1215, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": 4, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Swiss Super League, UEFA competitions", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dylan_Bronn ; https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/dylan-bronn/2338/ ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/771686/dylan-bronn", "backstory": "Born in Cannes, France, Dylan Bronn came through AS Cannes' academy and broke through at Niort in Ligue 2 before his standout spell at Belgian side Gent, where he was voted the club's player of the 2018-19 season. Spells at Metz and Salernitana followed before a move to Servette in Switzerland. Qualifying for Tunisia through his mother, he has been a versatile defender for the national team since 2018, including the 2018 World Cup, and brings veteran experience.", "facts": ["Voted Gent's player of the season for 2018-19", "Has French, Tunisian and German heritage", "Played at the 2018 World Cup and reached 4th at the 2019 AFCON"], "data_rating": 68, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Switzerland"]}, {"player_id": 605, "team_id": 24, "fifa_code": "TUN", "team_name": "Tunisia", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 7, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "RW", "player_name": "Elias Achouri", "date_of_birth": "1999-02-10", "age": 27, "caps": 30, "international_goals": 4, "is_captain": false, "club": "Copenhagen", "club_country": "Denmark", "club_league": "Danish Superliga", "height_cm": 177, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 37, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 5, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Danish Superliga, Danish Cup, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 142, "career_club_goals": 26, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Featured in UEFA Champions League with Copenhagen.", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elias_Achouri", "backstory": "Born in Saint-Denis on the French island of Reunion to a Tunisian father and Algerian mother, Elias Achouri developed at Saint-Etienne and Vitoria Guimaraes before making his name in Denmark. After breaking through at Viborg, he earned a record-breaking transfer to Copenhagen in 2023, the biggest sale in Viborg's history. With Copenhagen he has won the Danish league and cup and played Champions League football, making him a key attacking option for Tunisia.", "facts": ["His transfer to Copenhagen was the biggest sale in Viborg's history", "Won the Danish Superliga and Danish Cup in 2024-25", "Born on the island of Reunion"], "data_rating": 68, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Denmark"]}, {"player_id": 606, "team_id": 24, "fifa_code": "TUN", "team_name": "Tunisia", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 8, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "LW", "player_name": "Elias Saad", "date_of_birth": "1999-12-27", "age": 26, "caps": 15, "international_goals": 4, "is_captain": false, "club": "Hannover 96", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "2. Bundesliga", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 13, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "2. Bundesliga", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 144, "career_club_goals": 48, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "On loan at Hannover 96 from FC Augsburg.", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elias_Saad", "backstory": "Born in the Wilhelmsburg district of Hamburg, Elias Saad climbed the German football pyramid the hard way, playing amateur football while training as a retail salesman and starring at clubs like Norderstedt. St. Pauli signed him in late 2022 and he scored in his debut derby against HSV, helping win promotion to the Bundesliga. After joining Augsburg in 2025, he was loaned to Hannover 96. He switched to Tunisia in 2024 and is a pacey winger for the national team.", "facts": ["Once Germany's youngest-ever national futsal player", "Worked as a retail salesman trainee while playing amateur football", "Scored on his St. Pauli debut in a derby against Hamburger SV"], "data_rating": 59, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Germany"]}, {"player_id": 607, "team_id": 24, "fifa_code": "TUN", "team_name": "Tunisia", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 9, "position": "FW", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Hazem Mastouri", "date_of_birth": "1997-06-18", "age": 28, "caps": 19, "international_goals": 4, "is_captain": false, "club": "Dynamo Makhachkala", "club_country": "Russia", "club_league": "Russian Premier League", "height_cm": 191, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 29, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 4, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 6, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Russian Premier League, Russian Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 97, "career_club_goals": 34, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hazem_Mastouri ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/1311408/hazem-mastouri", "backstory": "Born in Tunis, Hazem Mastouri took an unusual route to the top, beginning in Tunisia's lower amateur divisions with AS Degache before scoring goals for ES Metlaoui and a spell in Iraq with Al-Najaf. A prolific season at US Monastir (16 league goals) earned the towering striker a 2025 move to Russian club Dynamo Makhachkala. He debuted for Tunisia in late 2024 and is a clinical scoring option up front.", "facts": ["Started his career in Tunisia's amateur Ligue 3", "Stands 1.91m (6'3\") as a target striker", "Scored 16 league goals in a single season for US Monastir"], "data_rating": 65, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Russia"]}, {"player_id": 608, "team_id": 24, "fifa_code": "TUN", "team_name": "Tunisia", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 10, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CAM", "player_name": "Hannibal Mejbri", "date_of_birth": "2003-01-21", "age": 23, "caps": 45, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Burnley", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 184, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": 15000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 30, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 4, "club_yellow_2025_26": 8, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 116, "career_club_goals": 4, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Wears No. 28 at Burnley.", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hannibal_Mejbri ; https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/hannibal-mejbri/9068/ ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/hannibal/profil/spieler/607224", "backstory": "Born in Ivry-sur-Seine and raised in Paris to Tunisian parents, Hannibal Mejbri came through Paris FC and the famed INF Clairefontaine academy before a big-money move to Monaco and then Manchester United in 2019. After loans at Birmingham, Sevilla and others, he joined Burnley permanently. A combative, charismatic midfielder once compared by Nicky Butt to Beckham and Keane, he is one of Tunisia's most recognisable players and a creative engine in midfield.", "facts": ["Came through the INF Clairefontaine academy", "Twice named African Revelation of the Year (2021, 2022)", "Switched from France youth teams to Tunisia in 2021"], "data_rating": 70, "fun": ["💎 Most valuable in the squad", "🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 609, "team_id": 24, "fifa_code": "TUN", "team_name": "Tunisia", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 11, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Ismaël Gharbi", "date_of_birth": "2004-04-10", "age": 22, "caps": 17, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "FC Augsburg", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 173, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 7, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 88, "career_club_goals": 12, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isma%C3%ABl_Gharbi", "backstory": "Born in Paris to a Tunisian father and Spanish mother, Ismael Gharbi was a celebrated PSG academy talent who made his senior debut at 17 and won two Ligue 1 titles. Seeking regular football, he moved via a loan in Switzerland to Braga and is now on loan at Augsburg. A technically gifted, free-kick-taking attacking midfielder, he only switched his international allegiance to Tunisia in 2025, adding flair to the World Cup squad.", "facts": ["Won two Ligue 1 titles in the PSG first-team squad", "Joined Braga on a deal with a reported 35 million euro release clause", "Switched from France and Spain youth teams to Tunisia in 2025"], "data_rating": 59, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Germany"]}, {"player_id": 610, "team_id": 24, "fifa_code": "TUN", "team_name": "Tunisia", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 12, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Mortadha Ben Ouanes", "date_of_birth": "1994-07-02", "age": 31, "caps": 18, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Kasımpaşa", "club_country": "Turkey", "club_league": "Süper Lig", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": "left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2203, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": 6, "club_yellow_2025_26": 5, "club_red_2025_26": 1, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Süper Lig", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Played 2,203 Süper Lig minutes; deployed as left-back/left winger.", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/712132/mortadha-ben-ouanes ; https://www.sofascore.com/player/mortadha-ben-ouanes/919225", "backstory": "A product of the Etoile du Sahel youth system, Mortadha Ben Ouanes came through all of the club's youth categories and broke into the first division as a teenager. After spells at Monastir and Bizerte, he returned to Etoile du Sahel before moving abroad to Turkish club Kasimpasa in 2021. A left-footed full-back who can also play as a left winger, he made his Tunisia debut in 2019 and offers attacking width down the flank.", "facts": ["Came through every youth level at Etoile du Sahel", "Left-footed and deployed as both left-back and left winger", "Has played in Turkey's Super Lig since 2021"], "data_rating": 71, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Turkey"]}, {"player_id": 611, "team_id": 24, "fifa_code": "TUN", "team_name": "Tunisia", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 13, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CDM", "player_name": "Rani Khedira", "date_of_birth": "1994-01-27", "age": 32, "caps": 3, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Union Berlin", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 189, "preferred_foot": "right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 32, "club_starts_2025_26": 32, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2835, "club_goals_2025_26": 5, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": 7, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Started all 32 Bundesliga games; side's joint-second top league scorer.", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.bundesliga.com/en/player/rani-khedira ; https://statz.ai/player/rani-khedira/31907", "backstory": "Born in Stuttgart to a German mother and Tunisian father, Rani Khedira followed his older brother Sami into VfB Stuttgart's academy. He built a long Bundesliga career with Stuttgart, RB Leipzig, Augsburg and Union Berlin, scoring the goal that secured Union's first-ever Champions League qualification in 2023. A disciplined defensive midfielder, he switched allegiance from Germany to Tunisia in 2026 and brings vast top-flight experience.", "facts": ["Younger brother of Germany World Cup winner Sami Khedira", "Scored the goal that sent Union Berlin into the Champions League", "Switched from Germany to Tunisia in 2026, debuting that year"], "data_rating": 66, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Germany"]}, {"player_id": 612, "team_id": 24, "fifa_code": "TUN", "team_name": "Tunisia", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 14, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Khalil Ayari", "date_of_birth": "2005-02-02", "age": 21, "caps": 4, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Paris Saint-Germain", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Ligue 1", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": null, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": null, "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": "Joined PSG on loan (later permanent) in Sept 2025; assigned to the reserve/U21 team, no senior first-team appearances recorded.", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khalil_Ayari ; https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/khalil-ayari/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/1198342/saison/2025/wettbewerb/PLIC", "backstory": "Born in Tunis, Khalil Ayari came through the Stade Tunisien academy and broke into their senior team as a teenage winger, helping them win the 2023-24 Tunisian Cup. In September 2025, after a trial, he joined Paris Saint-Germain, initially with their under-21 side. With minimal senior club football, his World Cup selection at 21 reflects Tunisia's faith in his potential.", "facts": ["Won the 2023-24 Tunisian Cup with Stade Tunisien", "Joined PSG's setup in 2025 after a trial", "Selected for the World Cup with very little senior club experience"], "data_rating": 51, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · France"]}, {"player_id": 613, "team_id": 24, "fifa_code": "TUN", "team_name": "Tunisia", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 15, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Mohamed Hadj Mahmoud", "date_of_birth": "2000-04-24", "age": 26, "caps": 9, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Lugano", "club_country": "Switzerland", "club_league": "Swiss Super League", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1526, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": 5, "club_red_2025_26": 1, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Swiss Super League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "1,526 Swiss Super League minutes; attacking midfielder.", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/1131896/hadj-mahmoud ; https://www.kicker.de/hadj-mahmoud/spielerposition", "backstory": "Mohamed Hadj Mahmoud joined Etoile du Sahel's academy at the age of seven and made his professional debut for the club in 2019. In 2021 he moved to Swiss club Lugano, where he won the Swiss Cup in 2021-22. A midfielder who has featured in an attacking role for Lugano, he is a squad option offering technical quality in the middle of the park.", "facts": ["Joined Etoile du Sahel's academy aged seven", "Won the Swiss Cup with Lugano in 2021-22"], "data_rating": 61, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Switzerland"]}, {"player_id": 614, "team_id": 24, "fifa_code": "TUN", "team_name": "Tunisia", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 16, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Aymen Dahmen", "date_of_birth": "1997-01-28", "age": 29, "caps": 37, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "CS Sfaxien", "club_country": "Tunisia", "club_league": "Ligue Professionnelle 1", "height_cm": 188, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 19, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 12, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": 9, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue Professionnelle 1", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 223, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Figures as of March 2026; 12 clean sheets, only 9 goals conceded.", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aymen_Dahmen ; https://footystats.org/players/tunisia/aymen-dahmen", "backstory": "Born and raised in Sfax, Aymen Dahmen came through CS Sfaxien and became their long-serving goalkeeper, winning three Tunisian Cups. After a brief spell in Saudi Arabia with Al-Hazem, he returned home to Sfax. A Tunisia international since 2021, he has been part of multiple AFCON and World Cup squads and is an experienced option between the posts.", "facts": ["Won three Tunisian Cups with CS Sfaxien", "Part of Tunisia's 2022 World Cup squad", "Stands 1.88m (6'2\") tall"], "data_rating": 74, "fun": ["🧤 12 clean sheets in 2025/26"]}, {"player_id": 615, "team_id": 24, "fifa_code": "TUN", "team_name": "Tunisia", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 17, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CDM", "player_name": "Ellyes Skhiri", "date_of_birth": "1995-05-10", "age": 31, "caps": 83, "international_goals": 4, "is_captain": true, "club": "Eintracht Frankfurt", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": 6000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 34, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 1, "club_red_2025_26": 1, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 323, "career_club_goals": 30, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Featured in UEFA Champions League with Frankfurt.", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ellyes_Skhiri ; https://www.bundesliga.com/en/player/ellyes-skhiri ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/ellyes-skhiri/profil/spieler/290587", "backstory": "Born in Lunel, France, to a Tunisian father and French mother, Ellyes Skhiri came through Montpellier's academy and made over 120 Ligue 1 appearances before moving to the Bundesliga with Koln and then Eintracht Frankfurt, where he plays Champions League football. A tireless box-to-box midfielder and former Tunisian Footballer of the Year, he is the captain leading Tunisia at the 2026 World Cup, his third with the country.", "facts": ["Captain of Tunisia at the 2026 World Cup", "Named Tunisia's Footballer of the Year in 2021", "Scored a brace against Borussia Dortmund for Koln"], "data_rating": 69, "fun": ["🎖️ Most-capped in the squad (83)", "🌍 Plays abroad · Germany", "©️ Captain"]}, {"player_id": 616, "team_id": 24, "fifa_code": "TUN", "team_name": "Tunisia", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 18, "position": "FW", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Rayan Elloumi", "date_of_birth": "2007-09-17", "age": 18, "caps": 4, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Vancouver Whitecaps", "club_country": "Canada", "club_league": "Major League Soccer", "height_cm": 183, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 11, "club_starts_2025_26": 2, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Major League Soccer, MLS Cup Playoffs, Canadian Championship", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 40, "career_club_goals": 14, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Homegrown signing (Sept 2025); first Whitecaps homegrown to score on home debut.", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rayan_Elloumi ; https://www.mlssoccer.com/players/rayan-elloumi/", "backstory": "Born in St. Albert, Alberta, Canada, of Tunisian descent, Rayan Elloumi came up through Edmonton youth clubs before joining Vancouver's academy. He starred for Whitecaps FC 2, signed a homegrown deal with the MLS first team in 2025 and scored on his home debut at just 17. He chose Tunisia over Canada internationally and, at 18, is one of the youngest players at the World Cup.", "facts": ["First Whitecaps homegrown player to score on his home debut", "Scored his first MLS goal at age 17", "Chose to represent Tunisia despite interest from Canada"], "data_rating": 57, "fun": ["🐣 Youngest in the squad (18)", "🌟 Wonderkid", "🌍 Plays abroad · Canada"]}, {"player_id": 617, "team_id": 24, "fifa_code": "TUN", "team_name": "Tunisia", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 19, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Firas Chaouat", "date_of_birth": "1996-05-08", "age": 30, "caps": 30, "international_goals": 6, "is_captain": false, "club": "Club Africain", "club_country": "Tunisia", "club_league": "Ligue Professionnelle 1", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 14, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 7, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue Professionnelle 1", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Prolific scorer for league champions Club Africain.", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Firas_Chaouat", "backstory": "Born in Sfax, Firas Chaouat built his career as a clinical striker, starting at CS Sfaxien and later playing in Egypt with Ismaily and in Saudi Arabia before returning to Tunisia with Etoile du Sahel and then Club Africain. A two-time Tunisian league top scorer, he has been a goal threat for the national team since 2018 and provides firepower up front at the World Cup.", "facts": ["Twice the Tunisian Ligue Professionnelle 1 top scorer (2019, 2025)", "Part of the Tunisia squad that finished 4th at the 2019 AFCON", "Prolific scorer for league champions Club Africain"], "data_rating": 67, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 618, "team_id": 24, "fifa_code": "TUN", "team_name": "Tunisia", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 20, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "RB", "player_name": "Yan Valery", "date_of_birth": "1999-02-22", "age": 27, "caps": 22, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Young Boys", "club_country": "Switzerland", "club_league": "Swiss Super League", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 14, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Swiss Super League, UEFA competitions", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 216, "career_club_goals": 5, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yan_Valery", "backstory": "Born in Champigny-sur-Marne, France, to a Martiniquais father and Tunisian mother, Yan Valery came through the Rennes and Southampton academies, breaking into Southampton's Premier League side in 2018 and winning their Young Player of the Season award. After spells with Angers and Sheffield Wednesday, he is now on loan at Young Boys in Switzerland. He switched to Tunisia in 2022 and is a reliable right-back.", "facts": ["Named Southampton's Young Player of the Season in 2018-19", "Came through both the Rennes and Southampton academies", "Represented France at youth level before choosing Tunisia"], "data_rating": 63, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Switzerland"]}, {"player_id": 619, "team_id": 24, "fifa_code": "TUN", "team_name": "Tunisia", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 21, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Mohamed Amine Ben Hamida", "date_of_birth": "1995-12-15", "age": 30, "caps": 13, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Espérance de Tunis", "club_country": "Tunisia", "club_league": "Ligue Professionnelle 1", "height_cm": 181, "preferred_foot": "left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": null, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue Professionnelle 1, CAF Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 131, "career_club_goals": 6, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": "Left-back; provided assists in the CAF Champions League 2025-26.", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohamed_Amine_Ben_Hamida ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/mohamed-amine-ben-hamida/profil/spieler/454495", "backstory": "Born in Tunis, Mohamed Amine Ben Hamida is a one-club man at heart, coming through the Esperance de Tunis academy and turning professional there in 2016 after loan spells at Beja and Soliman. A left-footed full-back comfortable as a wing-back or inverted wing-back, he has won domestic honours and CAF Champions League experience with Esperance and offers tactical flexibility in defence.", "facts": ["Spent his entire senior career at Esperance de Tunis", "Left-footed full-back who plays as a wing-back", "Runner-up at the 2021 FIFA Arab Cup with Tunisia"], "data_rating": 56, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 620, "team_id": 24, "fifa_code": "TUN", "team_name": "Tunisia", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 22, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Sabri Ben Hessen", "date_of_birth": "1996-06-13", "age": 29, "caps": 2, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Étoile du Sahel", "club_country": "Tunisia", "club_league": "Ligue Professionnelle 1", "height_cm": 189, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 28, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue Professionnelle 1", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 54, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Joined ES Sahel on a 3-year contract on 2 August 2025; 28 apps in his first season.", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sabri_Ben_Hessen", "backstory": "Born in Sfax, Sabri Ben Hessen came through CS Sfaxien and spent most of his career there, winning three Tunisian Cups, before moving to Etoile du Sahel in 2025. A youth international who played at the 2013 U-17 World Cup, he earned his senior Tunisia debut relatively late, in March 2026, and travels to the World Cup as a goalkeeping option.", "facts": ["Won three Tunisian Cups with CS Sfaxien", "Played at the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup", "Made his senior Tunisia debut at age 29 in 2026"], "data_rating": 63, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 621, "team_id": 24, "fifa_code": "TUN", "team_name": "Tunisia", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 23, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Moutaz Neffati", "date_of_birth": "2004-09-04", "age": 21, "caps": 5, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "IFK Norrköping", "club_country": "Sweden", "club_league": "Allsvenskan", "height_cm": 182, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Allsvenskan", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 57, "career_club_goals": 2, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": "Right-back; extended contract with Norrköping until 2028 in Sept 2025.", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moutaz_Neffati ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/1413151/moutaz-neffati", "backstory": "Born in Norrkoping, Sweden, to Tunisian parents, Moutaz Neffati came through the IFK Norrkoping youth academy after starting at Hageby IF. A right-back, he signed his first professional deal in 2022 and extended at Norrkoping through 2028. Born with dual nationality, he represented Sweden's youth teams before opting for Tunisia in 2025 and making his senior debut that October.", "facts": ["Born and developed in Norrkoping, Sweden", "Represented Sweden at U19 and U21 before choosing Tunisia", "Right-back who debuted for Tunisia in October 2025"], "data_rating": 57, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Sweden"]}, {"player_id": 622, "team_id": 24, "fifa_code": "TUN", "team_name": "Tunisia", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 24, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Raed Chikhaoui", "date_of_birth": "2004-06-09", "age": 22, "caps": 0, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "US Monastir", "club_country": "Tunisia", "club_league": "Ligue Professionnelle 1", "height_cm": 191, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 20, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue Professionnelle 1, Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 53, "career_club_goals": 4, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Centre-back, wears No. 25 at US Monastir; first Tunisia call-up March 2026.", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raed_Chikhaoui ; https://www.playmakerstats.com/player/raed-chikhaoui/1053477", "backstory": "Born in Sakiet Ezzit near Sfax, Raed Chikhaoui began at ES Hammam Sousse before signing for US Monastir in 2024, where the towering centre-back established himself in the top flight. Nicknamed 'The Watchtower' for his 1.91m frame and versatility, he received his first Tunisia call-up in March 2026 and earned a surprise World Cup selection despite being uncapped at the time.", "facts": ["Nicknamed 'The Watchtower' for his height and versatility", "Stands 1.91m (6'3\") tall", "Selected for the World Cup squad while still uncapped"], "data_rating": 57, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 623, "team_id": 24, "fifa_code": "TUN", "team_name": "Tunisia", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 25, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Anis Ben Slimane", "date_of_birth": "2001-03-16", "age": 25, "caps": 41, "international_goals": 4, "is_captain": false, "club": "Norwich City", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "EFL Championship", "height_cm": 188, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 22, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 5, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "EFL Championship, FA Cup, EFL Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 195, "career_club_goals": 18, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anis_Ben_Slimane", "backstory": "Born in Copenhagen, Anis Ben Slimane had a nomadic youth, playing for eight clubs before settling at Akademisk Boldklub and then Brondby, where he became a key midfielder in their 2020-21 Danish title win. He moved to England with Sheffield United in 2023 and then Norwich City. A physically imposing midfielder, he played at the 2022 World Cup and is a regular for Tunisia.", "facts": ["Won the 2020-21 Danish Superliga with Brondby", "Played for eight clubs before settling in his youth", "Featured at the 2022 World Cup for Tunisia"], "data_rating": 69, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 624, "team_id": 24, "fifa_code": "TUN", "team_name": "Tunisia", "group_letter": "F", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 26, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Sebastian Tounekti", "date_of_birth": "2002-07-13", "age": 23, "caps": 12, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Celtic", "club_country": "Scotland", "club_league": "Scottish Premiership", "height_cm": 183, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 45, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 5, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Scottish Premiership, Scottish Cup, Scottish League Cup, UEFA competitions", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 158, "career_club_goals": 16, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Includes Scottish Premiership, cups and European matches.", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sebastian_Tounekti", "backstory": "Born in Tromso, Norway, to a Tunisian father and Norwegian mother, Sebastian Tounekti came through Tromsdalen and won the Norwegian title with Bodo/Glimt before his breakthrough at Haugesund. A quick winger, he moved to Hammarby in Sweden and then to Celtic in 2025, winning the Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup. A former Norway youth player, he switched to Tunisia and brings pace and trophies to the squad.", "facts": ["Won the Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup with Celtic", "Won the Norwegian Eliteserien title with Bodo/Glimt", "Represented Norway at youth level before choosing Tunisia"], "data_rating": 70, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Scotland"]}, {"player_id": 625, "team_id": 25, "fifa_code": "BEL", "team_name": "Belgium", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 1, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Thibaut Courtois", "date_of_birth": "1992-05-11", "age": 34, "caps": 109, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Real Madrid", "club_country": "Spain", "club_league": "La Liga", "height_cm": 199, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": 15000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 45, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 4005, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 17, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": 43, "club_competitions_2025_26": "La Liga, UEFA Champions League, Supercopa de Espana", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 689, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "First-choice goalkeeper at Real Madrid", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thibaut_Courtois ; https://tribuna.com/en/persons/thibaut-courtois/stat/2025-2026/", "backstory": "Born in Bree and a product of Genk's academy, Thibaut Courtois broke through as a teenager, winning the Belgian title before a transformative loan spell at Atletico Madrid where he became one of Europe's elite. After Premier League success at Chelsea, he joined Real Madrid in 2018 and grew into the world's outstanding goalkeeper, his colossal display in the 2022 Champions League final etching his name into the club's history. The towering, left-handed shot-stopper remains Belgium's undisputed No.1 and most-capped goalkeeper heading into the 2026 World Cup.", "facts": ["At 1.99m, one of the tallest goalkeepers in world football", "Won the Yashin Trophy as the world's best goalkeeper in 2018", "Man of the match in Real Madrid's 2022 Champions League final win"], "data_rating": 90, "fun": ["🧓 Veteran presence", "🌍 Plays abroad · Spain", "🧤 17 clean sheets in 2025/26"]}, {"player_id": 626, "team_id": 25, "fifa_code": "BEL", "team_name": "Belgium", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 2, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Zeno Debast", "date_of_birth": "2003-10-24", "age": 22, "caps": 26, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Sporting CP", "club_country": "Portugal", "club_league": "Primeira Liga", "height_cm": 187, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 28000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 17, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Primeira Liga, Taca de Portugal, Taca da Liga, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 126, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Regular starter at centre-back for Sporting CP", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zeno_Debast ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/belgien/kader/verein/3382", "backstory": "A graduate of Anderlecht's celebrated Neerpede academy, Zeno Debast made his debut as a teenager and was thrust into Belgium's senior side at the 2022 World Cup. The composed, ball-playing centre-back joined Sporting CP in 2024, where he became a regular and won silverware in Portugal. Quick-footed and comfortable in possession, he is part of the new generation rebuilding Belgium's defence at the 2026 finals.", "facts": ["Came through Anderlecht's Neerpede academy", "Made his senior international debut as a teenager"], "data_rating": 68, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Portugal"]}, {"player_id": 627, "team_id": 25, "fifa_code": "BEL", "team_name": "Belgium", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 3, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Arthur Theate", "date_of_birth": "2000-05-25", "age": 26, "caps": 33, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Eintracht Frankfurt", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 186, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": 17000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 33, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 227, "career_club_goals": 16, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Starting centre-back at Eintracht Frankfurt", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_Theate ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/belgien/kader/verein/3382", "backstory": "Born in Liege, Arthur Theate developed at Standard Liege before a breakout season at Bologna earned him a move to Rennes and then Eintracht Frankfurt. A left-footed, aggressive centre-back equally comfortable at left-back, he has become a dependable fixture in Belgium's back line. He is a likely starter for the Red Devils in 2026.", "facts": ["Left-footed centre-back who also covers left-back", "Scored his first international goal for Belgium"], "data_rating": 71, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Germany"]}, {"player_id": 628, "team_id": 25, "fifa_code": "BEL", "team_name": "Belgium", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 4, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Brandon Mechele", "date_of_birth": "1993-01-28", "age": 33, "caps": 8, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Club Brugge", "club_country": "Belgium", "club_league": "Belgian Pro League", "height_cm": 187, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 2800000, "club_apps_2025_26": 57, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 8, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Belgian Pro League, Belgian Cup, UEFA Champions League, Belgian Super Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 417, "career_club_goals": 24, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Experienced centre-back and Club Brugge regular", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brandon_Mechele ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/belgien/kader/verein/3382", "backstory": "A one-club man at heart, Brandon Mechele has spent the bulk of his career at Club Brugge, becoming a multiple-time Belgian champion and one of the most reliable defenders in the domestic league. A late bloomer at international level, the experienced centre-back earned his Belgium recall on the back of consistent performances and Champions League experience with Brugge. He provides leadership and know-how in the 2026 squad.", "facts": ["Long-serving Club Brugge defender and multiple-time Belgian champion", "Scored on one of his rare international appearances"], "data_rating": 75, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 629, "team_id": 25, "fifa_code": "BEL", "team_name": "Belgium", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 5, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "LB", "player_name": "Maxim De Cuyper", "date_of_birth": "2000-12-22", "age": 25, "caps": 18, "international_goals": 4, "is_captain": false, "club": "Brighton & Hove Albion", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 180, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": 22000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 31, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, EFL Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 234, "career_club_goals": 31, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Left-back at Brighton", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maxim_De_Cuyper ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/belgien/kader/verein/3382", "backstory": "Maxim De Cuyper rose through Club Brugge's academy, spending a formative loan at Westerlo before becoming a key attacking left-back for Brugge in their Champions League campaigns. His form earned a 2025 move to Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League. An adventurous wing-back with an eye for goal, he is a strong contender to start on Belgium's left flank.", "facts": ["Club Brugge academy graduate who moved to Brighton in 2025", "Attacking left-back with a notable goal tally for a defender"], "data_rating": 71, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 630, "team_id": 25, "fifa_code": "BEL", "team_name": "Belgium", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 6, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CDM", "player_name": "Axel Witsel", "date_of_birth": "1989-01-12", "age": 37, "caps": 137, "international_goals": 12, "is_captain": false, "club": "Girona", "club_country": "Spain", "club_league": "La Liga", "height_cm": 186, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 1200000, "club_apps_2025_26": 32, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "La Liga", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 556, "career_club_goals": 68, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Veteran midfielder/defender at Girona", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Axel_Witsel ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/belgien/kader/verein/3382", "backstory": "One of Belgium's golden generation, Axel Witsel emerged at Standard Liege before a globe-trotting career took him to Benfica, Zenit, China, Borussia Dortmund and Atletico Madrid. Originally a box-to-box midfielder, he reinvented himself as a centre-back in his later years and now plays for Girona. A veteran of multiple World Cups, the experienced 100-plus-cap international remains a calming presence for the Red Devils.", "facts": ["One of Belgium's most-capped players with over 130 caps", "Reinvented himself from midfielder to centre-back late in his career"], "data_rating": 69, "fun": ["🎖️ Most-capped in the squad (137)", "🧓 Veteran presence", "🌍 Plays abroad · Spain"]}, {"player_id": 631, "team_id": 25, "fifa_code": "BEL", "team_name": "Belgium", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 7, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CAM", "player_name": "Kevin De Bruyne", "date_of_birth": "1991-06-28", "age": 34, "caps": 119, "international_goals": 37, "is_captain": false, "club": "Napoli", "club_country": "Italy", "club_league": "Serie A", "height_cm": 181, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 8000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 21, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 5, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": 1, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Serie A, Coppa Italia, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 672, "career_club_goals": 160, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Creative leader for Napoli", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_De_Bruyne ; https://www.statmuse.com/fc/ask/kevin-de-bruyne-stats-with-napoli", "backstory": "Born in Drongen near Ghent, Kevin De Bruyne was released by Genk's rivals as a youngster before breaking through at Genk and enduring a difficult early spell at Chelsea. A move to Wolfsburg revived him, and at Manchester City he became one of the greatest playmakers of his generation, winning the Premier League repeatedly and the Champions League in 2023. Now at Napoli, the visionary passer is Belgium's creative heartbeat as he chases World Cup glory.", "facts": ["Multiple-time Premier League Playmaker of the Season at Manchester City", "Won the Champions League with Manchester City in 2023", "Belgium's all-time assist leader"], "data_rating": 88, "fun": ["🔥 Top 2% scorer at the Cup", "🧓 Veteran presence", "🌍 Plays abroad · Italy"]}, {"player_id": 632, "team_id": 25, "fifa_code": "BEL", "team_name": "Belgium", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 8, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Youri Tielemans", "date_of_birth": "1997-05-07", "age": 29, "caps": 84, "international_goals": 13, "is_captain": true, "club": "Aston Villa", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 176, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 30000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 38, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, FA Cup, UEFA Europa League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 427, "career_club_goals": 56, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Captain and central midfield anchor at Aston Villa", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Youri_Tielemans ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/belgien/kader/verein/3382", "backstory": "A prodigy at Anderlecht, Youri Tielemans became the youngest player to appear in the Champions League for the club and earned a move to Monaco, winning Ligue 1. After a successful spell at Leicester City, where he scored the winning goal in the 2021 FA Cup final, he joined Aston Villa. A composed, two-footed midfield metronome, he now wears the captain's armband for Belgium in 2026.", "facts": ["Scored the winning goal in the 2021 FA Cup final for Leicester", "Belgium's captain at the 2026 World Cup"], "data_rating": 75, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England", "©️ Captain"]}, {"player_id": 633, "team_id": 25, "fifa_code": "BEL", "team_name": "Belgium", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 9, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Romelu Lukaku", "date_of_birth": "1993-05-13", "age": 33, "caps": 126, "international_goals": 90, "is_captain": false, "club": "Napoli", "club_country": "Italy", "club_league": "Serie A", "height_cm": 191, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": 6000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 7, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Serie A, UEFA Champions League, Supercoppa Italiana", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 681, "career_club_goals": 315, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "All-time top scorer; injury-hit season at Napoli, fitness in doubt", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romelu_Lukaku ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/belgien/kader/verein/3382", "backstory": "Born in Antwerp to a footballing family, Romelu Lukaku burst onto the scene at Anderlecht before a transfer to Chelsea as a teenager, then thrived at Everton, Inter Milan and beyond, twice topping his country's scoring charts. A powerful, physical striker, he is Belgium's all-time leading goalscorer by a wide margin. Now at Napoli, an injury-hit season leaves his fitness in doubt, but his record and presence make him central to Belgium's hopes in 2026.", "facts": ["Belgium's all-time leading goalscorer with 90 international goals", "Son of former footballer Roger Lukaku and brother of footballer Jordan Lukaku"], "data_rating": 68, "fun": ["⚡ 0.71 goals per cap", "🔥 Top 1% scorer at the Cup", "🌍 Plays abroad · Italy"]}, {"player_id": 634, "team_id": 25, "fifa_code": "BEL", "team_name": "Belgium", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 10, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "LW", "player_name": "Leandro Trossard", "date_of_birth": "1994-12-04", "age": 31, "caps": 51, "international_goals": 12, "is_captain": false, "club": "Arsenal", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 172, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 18000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 50, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 8, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 520, "career_club_goals": 137, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Forward/winger at Arsenal", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leandro_Trossard ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/belgien/kader/verein/3382", "backstory": "A late developer from Waterschei, Leandro Trossard rose through Genk's ranks after several loan spells before a move to Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League. He joined Arsenal in 2023 and became a clutch, versatile attacker capable of playing across the front line. A sharp finisher and reliable big-game performer, he is a key forward option for Belgium in 2026.", "facts": ["Versatile forward who can play anywhere across the front line", "Won the Premier League era's recognition as a clutch substitute scorer at Arsenal"], "data_rating": 72, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 635, "team_id": 25, "fifa_code": "BEL", "team_name": "Belgium", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 11, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "LW", "player_name": "Jérémy Doku", "date_of_birth": "2002-05-27", "age": 24, "caps": 42, "international_goals": 7, "is_captain": false, "club": "Manchester City", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 173, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 75000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 47, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 8, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 260, "career_club_goals": 40, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Dribbling winger at Manchester City", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J%C3%A9r%C3%A9my_Doku ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/belgien/kader/verein/3382", "backstory": "Born in Borgerhout, Antwerp, Jeremy Doku came through Anderlecht's academy before a move to Rennes in France, then joined Manchester City in 2023. An electric, direct winger renowned for his explosive dribbling and acceleration, he is one of the most exciting one-on-one players in the world. He is a marquee attacking threat for Belgium at the 2026 World Cup.", "facts": ["Came through Anderlecht's academy", "One of the most prolific dribblers in the Premier League"], "data_rating": 75, "fun": ["💎 Most valuable in the squad", "🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 636, "team_id": 25, "fifa_code": "BEL", "team_name": "Belgium", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 12, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Senne Lammens", "date_of_birth": "2002-06-06", "age": 24, "caps": 2, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Manchester United", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 193, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 35000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 32, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, FA Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 127, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Goalkeeper competing for minutes at Manchester United", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Senne_Lammens ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/belgien/kader/verein/3382", "backstory": "From Zottegem in East Flanders, Senne Lammens came through Club Brugge's youth set-up before making his name at Royal Antwerp, where his shot-stopping and a flurry of penalty saves marked him as one of Belgium's brightest goalkeepers. Manchester United signed him on deadline day in September 2025, and he quickly forced his way into the side, keeping clean sheets and earning rave reviews in his debut Premier League campaign. He travels to the World Cup as Belgium's promising understudy to Courtois.", "facts": ["Signed by Manchester United from Royal Antwerp in 2025", "Won the Belgian Super Cup with Antwerp in 2023"], "data_rating": 68, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 637, "team_id": 25, "fifa_code": "BEL", "team_name": "Belgium", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 13, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Mike Penders", "date_of_birth": "2005-09-09", "age": 20, "caps": null, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Strasbourg", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Ligue 1", "height_cm": 195, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 25000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 50, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue 1, Coupe de France, UEFA Conference League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 114, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "On loan at Strasbourg from Chelsea", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Penders ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/belgien/kader/verein/3382", "backstory": "A product of Genk's academy from the Limburg region, Mike Penders announced himself as one of the country's biggest goalkeeping prospects, debuting for Genk at 18 to become one of the youngest keepers in Belgian Pro League history. Chelsea moved to secure him in 2024 and completed the transfer in 2025, immediately loaning him to Strasbourg, where he kept a clean sheet on his Ligue 1 debut. The young giant is the third-choice keeper in Belgium's 2026 squad.", "facts": ["One of the youngest goalkeepers to debut in the Belgian Pro League", "Signed by Chelsea and loaned to Strasbourg"], "data_rating": 67, "fun": ["🐣 Youngest in the squad (20)", "🌟 Wonderkid", "🌍 Plays abroad · France"]}, {"player_id": 638, "team_id": 25, "fifa_code": "BEL", "team_name": "Belgium", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 14, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "RW", "player_name": "Dodi Lukebakio", "date_of_birth": "1997-09-24", "age": 28, "caps": 30, "international_goals": 6, "is_captain": false, "club": "Benfica", "club_country": "Portugal", "club_league": "Primeira Liga", "height_cm": 187, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 15000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 23, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Primeira Liga, Taca de Portugal, Taca da Liga, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 301, "career_club_goals": 68, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Winger at Benfica", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dodi_Lukebakio ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/belgien/kader/verein/3382", "backstory": "Brussels-born Dodi Lukebakio started at Anderlecht before building his career largely abroad, with spells at Watford, Hertha Berlin, Sevilla and now Benfica. A tall, two-footed winger with a powerful shot, he has developed into a regular Belgium squad member. He provides width and goal threat in the 2026 attack.", "facts": ["Of Congolese descent, born in Brussels", "Has played in England, Germany, Spain and Portugal"], "data_rating": 65, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Portugal"]}, {"player_id": 639, "team_id": 25, "fifa_code": "BEL", "team_name": "Belgium", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 15, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "RB", "player_name": "Thomas Meunier", "date_of_birth": "1991-09-12", "age": 34, "caps": 79, "international_goals": 10, "is_captain": false, "club": "Lille", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Ligue 1", "height_cm": 191, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 1500000, "club_apps_2025_26": 25, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue 1, UEFA Europa League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 410, "career_club_goals": 45, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Veteran right-back at Lille", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Meunier ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/belgien/kader/verein/3382", "backstory": "A famously late starter who once worked away from football, Thomas Meunier rose through Club Brugge before earning a move to Paris Saint-Germain, where he won multiple French titles, and later Borussia Dortmund. A powerful, attacking right-back, the veteran now plays for Lille and brings vast tournament experience to the squad. He scored one of Belgium's goals at the 2018 World Cup, where they finished third.", "facts": ["Won multiple league titles with PSG", "Scored for Belgium at the 2018 World Cup"], "data_rating": 69, "fun": ["🧓 Veteran presence", "🌍 Plays abroad · France"]}, {"player_id": 640, "team_id": 25, "fifa_code": "BEL", "team_name": "Belgium", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 16, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Koni De Winter", "date_of_birth": "2002-06-12", "age": 23, "caps": 8, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "AC Milan", "club_country": "Italy", "club_league": "Serie A", "height_cm": 186, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 23000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 29, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Serie A, Coppa Italia, Supercoppa Italiana", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 133, "career_club_goals": 6, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Centre-back at AC Milan", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koni_De_Winter ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/belgien/kader/verein/3382", "backstory": "Koni De Winter began at City Pirates Antwerp and moved through Lierse and Zulte Waregem before joining Juventus in 2018, becoming the first Belgian ever to play for the Turin club. After loans and a permanent move to Genoa, where he established himself in Serie A, he signed for AC Milan in 2025. A right-footed, athletic centre-back, he is part of Belgium's emerging defensive core.", "facts": ["First Belgian footballer to play for Juventus", "Was the youngest Juventus player to debut as a starter"], "data_rating": 68, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Italy"]}, {"player_id": 641, "team_id": 25, "fifa_code": "BEL", "team_name": "Belgium", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 17, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "CAM", "player_name": "Charles De Ketelaere", "date_of_birth": "2001-03-10", "age": 25, "caps": 30, "international_goals": 6, "is_captain": false, "club": "Atalanta", "club_country": "Italy", "club_league": "Serie A", "height_cm": 192, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 30000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 42, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 5, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Serie A, Coppa Italia, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 302, "career_club_goals": 58, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Attacking midfielder/forward at Atalanta", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_De_Ketelaere ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/belgien/kader/verein/3382", "backstory": "From Bruges, Charles De Ketelaere came through Club Brugge's academy and emerged as one of Belgium's brightest talents, earning a high-profile move to AC Milan in 2022. After a tough debut season in Italy, he rebuilt his career on loan and then permanently at Atalanta, rediscovering his form as a creative forward. The tall, technical attacker is a flexible attacking option for Belgium in 2026.", "facts": ["Club Brugge academy graduate", "Revived his career at Atalanta after a difficult spell at AC Milan"], "data_rating": 71, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Italy"]}, {"player_id": 642, "team_id": 25, "fifa_code": "BEL", "team_name": "Belgium", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 18, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Joaquin Seys", "date_of_birth": "2005-03-28", "age": 21, "caps": 5, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Club Brugge", "club_country": "Belgium", "club_league": "Belgian Pro League", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 20000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 55, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 5, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Belgian Pro League, Belgian Cup, UEFA Champions League, Belgian Super Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 117, "career_club_goals": 5, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Young full-back at Club Brugge", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joaquin_Seys ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/belgien/kader/verein/3382", "backstory": "Joaquin Seys began at Oostende before joining Club Brugge's academy as a child, scoring on his league debut for the senior side. Naturally a left-back, he was converted to right-back under Nicky Hayen and became a regular for the Belgian champions in Europe. The versatile young full-back earned his first senior Belgium call-up and is among the squad's exciting youngsters in 2026.", "facts": ["Scored on his Club Brugge league debut", "A natural left-back converted to right-back at Brugge"], "data_rating": 75, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 643, "team_id": 25, "fifa_code": "BEL", "team_name": "Belgium", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 19, "position": "FW", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Diego Moreira", "date_of_birth": "2004-08-06", "age": 21, "caps": 2, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Strasbourg", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Ligue 1", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 25000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 38, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 4, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue 1, Coupe de France, UEFA Conference League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 113, "career_club_goals": 10, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Young winger at Strasbourg", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diego_Moreira ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/belgien/kader/verein/3382", "backstory": "Born in Liege to former Guinea-Bissau international Almami Moreira, Diego Moreira came up at Standard Liege before joining Benfica, where he starred in their UEFA Youth League triumph. After a move to Chelsea and a loan at Lyon, he settled at Strasbourg in Ligue 1. A dual Belgium-Portugal citizen, he switched his allegiance to Belgium in 2025 and is one of the squad's young attacking full-backs.", "facts": ["Son of former Guinea-Bissau international Almami Moreira", "Switched international allegiance to Belgium in 2025"], "data_rating": 64, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · France"]}, {"player_id": 644, "team_id": 25, "fifa_code": "BEL", "team_name": "Belgium", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 20, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CAM", "player_name": "Hans Vanaken", "date_of_birth": "1992-08-24", "age": 33, "caps": 33, "international_goals": 7, "is_captain": false, "club": "Club Brugge", "club_country": "Belgium", "club_league": "Belgian Pro League", "height_cm": 188, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 5000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 57, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 12, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Belgian Pro League, Belgian Cup, UEFA Champions League, Belgian Super Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 737, "career_club_goals": 193, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Playmaking midfielder and Club Brugge mainstay", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hans_Vanaken ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/belgien/kader/verein/3382", "backstory": "A Club Brugge legend, Hans Vanaken is one of the most decorated players in modern Belgian football, winning multiple league titles and back-to-back Belgian Footballer of the Year awards. A tall, technically gifted attacking midfielder with a knack for arriving in the box, he has racked up nearly 200 goals for Brugge. The experienced playmaker adds depth and goal threat to Belgium's 2026 midfield.", "facts": ["Won back-to-back Belgian Footballer of the Year awards", "Scored close to 200 goals for Club Brugge"], "data_rating": 74, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 645, "team_id": 25, "fifa_code": "BEL", "team_name": "Belgium", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 21, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "RB", "player_name": "Timothy Castagne", "date_of_birth": "1995-12-05", "age": 30, "caps": 62, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Fulham", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 8000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 30, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 334, "career_club_goals": 12, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Versatile full-back at Fulham", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timothy_Castagne ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/belgien/kader/verein/3382", "backstory": "Timothy Castagne came through Genk's academy before establishing himself at Atalanta in Serie A, then moving to Leicester City, where he won the FA Cup, and later Fulham. A versatile, hard-running full-back able to play both flanks, he has long been a dependable option for Belgium across major tournaments. He offers experience and tactical flexibility in the 2026 squad.", "facts": ["Won the FA Cup with Leicester City in 2021", "Can play at both right-back and left-back"], "data_rating": 70, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 646, "team_id": 25, "fifa_code": "BEL", "team_name": "Belgium", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 22, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "RW", "player_name": "Alexis Saelemaekers", "date_of_birth": "1999-06-27", "age": 26, "caps": 24, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "AC Milan", "club_country": "Italy", "club_league": "Serie A", "height_cm": 180, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 20000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 35, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Serie A, Coppa Italia, Supercoppa Italiana", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 256, "career_club_goals": 22, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Wide forward at AC Milan", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexis_Saelemaekers ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/belgien/kader/verein/3382", "backstory": "A product of Anderlecht's academy, Alexis Saelemaekers made his name at AC Milan, winning a Serie A title, before loan spells at Bologna and Roma broadened his game. A hard-working, two-way wide player, he returned to and remains at Milan. He offers energy and tactical discipline on the flanks for Belgium in 2026.", "facts": ["Won a Serie A title with AC Milan", "Came through Anderlecht's academy"], "data_rating": 67, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Italy"]}, {"player_id": 647, "team_id": 25, "fifa_code": "BEL", "team_name": "Belgium", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 23, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Nicolas Raskin", "date_of_birth": "2001-02-23", "age": 25, "caps": 13, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Rangers", "club_country": "Scotland", "club_league": "Scottish Premiership", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": 12000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 50, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 7, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Scottish Premiership, Scottish Cup, Scottish League Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 241, "career_club_goals": 18, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Midfielder at Rangers", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicolas_Raskin ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/belgien/kader/verein/3382", "backstory": "Liege-born Nicolas Raskin became the first player born in the 21st century to feature in the Belgian Pro League, debuting for Gent before returning to boyhood club Standard Liege. He joined Rangers in 2023 and established himself as a tenacious, left-footed central midfielder in Scotland and European competition. He earned his senior Belgium debut in 2025 and pushes for a midfield role at the World Cup.", "facts": ["First player born in the 21st century to play in the Belgian Pro League", "Earned more than 50 caps across Belgium's youth teams"], "data_rating": 71, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Scotland"]}, {"player_id": 648, "team_id": 25, "fifa_code": "BEL", "team_name": "Belgium", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 24, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CDM", "player_name": "Amadou Onana", "date_of_birth": "2001-08-16", "age": 24, "caps": 28, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Aston Villa", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 195, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 45000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 38, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, FA Cup, UEFA Europa League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 214, "career_club_goals": 17, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Box-to-box midfielder at Aston Villa", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amadou_Onana ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/belgien/kader/verein/3382", "backstory": "Born in Dakar, Senegal and raised in Belgium and Germany, Amadou Onana developed at Hamburg before exploding into prominence at Lille, then earning moves to Everton and Aston Villa. A towering, powerful midfielder who combines physical dominance with surprising mobility, he has become a key engine in Belgium's midfield. He is set to anchor the side in 2026.", "facts": ["Born in Dakar, Senegal; raised in Belgium and Germany", "At 1.95m, one of the tallest midfielders in the Premier League"], "data_rating": 71, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 649, "team_id": 25, "fifa_code": "BEL", "team_name": "Belgium", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 25, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Nathan Ngoy", "date_of_birth": "2003-06-10", "age": 23, "caps": 3, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Lille", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Ligue 1", "height_cm": 189, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 25000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 38, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue 1, Coupe de France, UEFA Europa League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 91, "career_club_goals": 4, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Young centre-back at Lille", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nathan_Ngoy ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/belgien/kader/verein/3382", "backstory": "From Molenbeek in Brussels, Nathan Ngoy came up through Anderlecht and then Standard Liege, where he made his professional debut at 17 and grew into a commanding defender. He joined Lille in 2025 and quickly attracted Premier League interest with his pace and aerial presence. Of Congolese descent, the young centre-back is one of the new faces in Belgium's 2026 squad.", "facts": ["Of Congolese descent, raised in Molenbeek, Brussels", "Joined Lille from Standard Liege in 2025"], "data_rating": 69, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · France"]}, {"player_id": 650, "team_id": 25, "fifa_code": "BEL", "team_name": "Belgium", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 26, "position": "FW", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Matias Fernandez-Pardo", "date_of_birth": "2005-02-03", "age": 21, "caps": 1, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Lille", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Ligue 1", "height_cm": 180, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 35000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 41, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 8, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue 1, Coupe de France, UEFA Europa League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 109, "career_club_goals": 25, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Young winger at Lille; switched allegiance back to Belgium in May 2026", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matias_Fernandez-Pardo ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/belgien/kader/verein/3382", "backstory": "Born in Brussels to a family of Spanish and Italian descent, Matias Fernandez-Pardo joined Lille's academy as a child, moved to Gent, then returned to Lille in 2024, where he broke through as a goalscoring winger. His international future became a saga: he switched allegiance to Spain in early 2025 but, after repeatedly declining call-ups, switched back to Belgium in May 2026 just before the World Cup. The explosive young winger is a wildcard in Belgium's 2026 attack.", "facts": ["Switched to Spain, then back to Belgium weeks before the 2026 World Cup", "Reportedly turned down Spain call-ups four times"], "data_rating": 66, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · France"]}, {"player_id": 651, "team_id": 26, "fifa_code": "EGY", "team_name": "Egypt", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 1, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Mohamed El-Shenawy", "date_of_birth": "1988-12-18", "age": 37, "caps": 77, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al Ahly", "club_country": "Egypt", "club_league": "Egyptian Premier League", "height_cm": 191, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 15, "club_starts_2025_26": 15, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1350, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 4, "club_red_2025_26": 1, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 5, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": 12, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Egyptian Premier League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Veteran first-choice goalkeeper", "enrichment_sources": "https://footystats.org/players/egypt/mohamed-el-shenawy ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/mohamed-el-shenawy/profil/spieler/134573", "backstory": "Mohamed El-Shenawy came through Al Ahly's youth setup after joining at 14, but was released without a senior league appearance and had to rebuild at Tala'ea El Gaish and Petrojet, where a stellar 2015-16 campaign earned him a return to Al Ahly in 2016. Since then the commanding shot-stopper has become the club captain and a serial trophy-winner, and at the 2026 World Cup the veteran is Egypt's experienced first-choice goalkeeper.", "facts": ["Released by Al Ahly as a youngster before returning to become club captain", "Kept a joint-league-high 11 clean sheets at Petrojet in 2015-16, prompting his Al Ahly recall"], "data_rating": 71, "fun": ["🧓 Veteran presence"]}, {"player_id": 652, "team_id": 26, "fifa_code": "EGY", "team_name": "Egypt", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 2, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Yasser Ibrahim", "date_of_birth": "1993-02-10", "age": 33, "caps": 12, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al Ahly", "club_country": "Egypt", "club_league": "Egyptian Premier League", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 18, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1566, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 4, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Egyptian Premier League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Centre-back", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/533403/yasser-ibrahim ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yasser_Ibrahim", "backstory": "Yasser Ibrahim grew up in Mansoura and began his career at his hometown club El Mansoura SC before a spell at Zamalek, then established himself as a dependable top-flight centre-back at Smouha. He joined Al Ahly in January 2019 and has since racked up well over 200 appearances and a trophy haul including multiple league titles and CAF Champions Leagues, providing experienced cover at the back for Egypt.", "facts": ["Started out at his hometown club El Mansoura before reaching Al Ahly via Zamalek and Smouha"], "data_rating": 65, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 653, "team_id": 26, "fifa_code": "EGY", "team_name": "Egypt", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 3, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "RB", "player_name": "Mohamed Hany", "date_of_birth": "1996-02-02", "age": 30, "caps": 23, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al Ahly", "club_country": "Egypt", "club_league": "Egyptian Premier League", "height_cm": 175, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 22, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1808, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 5, "club_yellow_2025_26": 3, "club_red_2025_26": 1, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Egyptian Premier League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Right-back", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/660213/mohamed-hany ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/mohamed-hany/leistungsdaten/spieler/343974", "backstory": "Mohamed Hany is a one-club man who joined Al Ahly's academy in 2005 and was promoted to the senior side in 2014, going on to anchor the right flank through one of the most successful eras in the club's history. A reliable, overlapping right-back, he has won numerous Egyptian league titles and CAF Champions Leagues and offers Egypt depth and Al Ahly know-how at full-back.", "facts": ["Came through the Al Ahly academy and has spent his entire senior career at the club", "Eight-time Egyptian Premier League champion"], "data_rating": 69, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 654, "team_id": 26, "fifa_code": "EGY", "team_name": "Egypt", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 4, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Hossam Abdelmaguid", "date_of_birth": "2001-04-30", "age": 25, "caps": 3, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Zamalek", "club_country": "Egypt", "club_league": "Egyptian Premier League", "height_cm": 193, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 20, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1761, "club_goals_2025_26": 4, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 3, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Egyptian Premier League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Young centre-back", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/1384425/hossam-abdelmaguid ; https://www.sofascore.com/player/hossam-abdelmaguid/1063327", "backstory": "Hossam Abdelmaguid is a towering, ball-playing centre-back who has been at Zamalek since 2019, where his physical presence at nearly two metres tall made him a Premier League standout. Still in his mid-20s and the subject of interest from several European clubs, he represents Egypt's next generation of defenders at the World Cup.", "facts": ["Stands roughly 1.93m, one of the tallest players in the squad", "Linked with moves to clubs including Young Boys, Porto and Middlesbrough"], "data_rating": 63, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 655, "team_id": 26, "fifa_code": "EGY", "team_name": "Egypt", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 5, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Ramy Rabia", "date_of_birth": "1993-05-20", "age": 33, "caps": 43, "international_goals": 6, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al Ain", "club_country": "United Arab Emirates", "club_league": "UAE Pro League", "height_cm": 183, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "UAE Pro League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": "Experienced centre-back, won 2025-26 UAE Pro League title with Al Ain", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.kingfut.com/2026/05/07/ramy-rabia-scores-and-assists-in-al-ain-title-win/ ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/rami-rabia/leistungsdaten/spieler/172623", "backstory": "Ramy Rabia broke through at Al Ahly as a teenager in 2010 and was regarded as one of Egypt's brightest defensive prospects, earning a move to Sporting CP in 2014 before returning to Cairo. Across more than a decade and over 300 appearances at Al Ahly he won a glut of league titles and CAF Champions Leagues, and in 2025 the experienced centre-back moved to UAE side Al Ain, with whom he won the Pro League title.", "facts": ["Captained Egypt to the 2013 African U-20 Championship title", "Won the 2025-26 UAE Pro League title with Al Ain"], "data_rating": 64, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · United Arab Emirates"]}, {"player_id": 656, "team_id": 26, "fifa_code": "EGY", "team_name": "Egypt", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 6, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Mohamed Abdelmonem", "date_of_birth": "1999-02-01", "age": 27, "caps": 33, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "Nice", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Ligue 1", "height_cm": 184, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": null, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue 1, UEFA Europa League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": "Regular centre-back, plays in Ligue 1; suffered ACL rupture April 2025, returned to action early 2026", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/stats/_/id/236957/mohamed-abdelmonem ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohamed_Abdelmonem", "backstory": "Mohamed Abdelmonem made his name as a left-footed centre-back at Al Ahly, scoring a crucial equaliser in the 2023 CAF Champions League final and winning back-to-back continental titles. He moved to Ligue 1 side Nice in 2024, but suffered an ACL injury in April 2025 that sidelined him for months; having fought back to fitness, his return adds steel and European experience to Egypt's defence.", "facts": ["Scored in the 2023 CAF Champions League final to help Al Ahly to the title", "Recovered from an ACL rupture suffered in a 2025 win over PSG"], "data_rating": 60, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · France"]}, {"player_id": 657, "team_id": 26, "fifa_code": "EGY", "team_name": "Egypt", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 7, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "LW", "player_name": "Mahmoud Hassan Trezeguet", "date_of_birth": "1994-10-01", "age": 31, "caps": 95, "international_goals": 23, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al Ahly", "club_country": "Egypt", "club_league": "Egyptian Premier League", "height_cm": 181, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 21, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1661, "club_goals_2025_26": 11, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 4, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Egyptian Premier League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Experienced winger, qualifying hero with braces vs Ethiopia and Burkina Faso; Al Ahly top scorer 2025-26", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/mahmoud-trezeguet/22605/ ; https://footystats.org/players/egypt/mahmoud-trezeguet", "backstory": "Mahmoud Hassan, universally known as Trezeguet after a youth coach likened him to French striker David Trezeguet, broke into the Al Ahly first team at 18 and won early CAF Champions Leagues before moving to Europe with Anderlecht, Kasimpasa and then Aston Villa. After a spell at Trabzonspor he returned to Al Ahly, and the left-footed winger was Egypt's qualifying hero with braces against Ethiopia and Burkina Faso.", "facts": ["Nicknamed after French striker David Trezeguet by a youth coach", "Scored braces against both Ethiopia and Burkina Faso during World Cup qualifying", "Played in the Premier League with Aston Villa"], "data_rating": 74, "fun": ["🔥 Top 4% scorer at the Cup"]}, {"player_id": 658, "team_id": 26, "fifa_code": "EGY", "team_name": "Egypt", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 8, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Emam Ashour", "date_of_birth": "1998-02-20", "age": 28, "caps": 27, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al Ahly", "club_country": "Egypt", "club_league": "Egyptian Premier League", "height_cm": 180, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 9, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 686, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Egyptian Premier League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Creative central midfielder", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/979376/emam-ashour ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emam_Ashour", "backstory": "Emam Ashour came through the youth ranks at Ghazl El Mahalla, had a loan at Haras El Hodoud, then made his name at Zamalek before a brief spell at Danish side Midtjylland. He joined Al Ahly in 2023 and inherited the iconic number 22 shirt once worn by Mohamed Aboutrika, immediately starring with goals and assists en route to a CAF Champions League; a creative, box-to-box midfielder, he is a key engine in Egypt's midfield.", "facts": ["Wears the Al Ahly number 22 once worn by club legend Mohamed Aboutrika", "Had a spell in Europe with Denmark's Midtjylland"], "data_rating": 63, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 659, "team_id": 26, "fifa_code": "EGY", "team_name": "Egypt", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 9, "position": "FW", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Hamza Abdelkarim", "date_of_birth": "2008-01-01", "age": 18, "caps": 1, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Barcelona Atletic", "club_country": "Spain", "club_league": "Primera Federacion", "height_cm": 182, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": null, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Segunda Federacion", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": "18-year-old striker on loan at Barca Atletic from Al Ahly, dubbed 'Egyptian Haaland'; arrived winter 2026", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hamza_Abdelkarim ; https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/football/barca-b/news/4442438/hamza-abdelkarim-joins-barca-atletic", "backstory": "Hamza Abdelkarim is a teenage striker who joined Al Ahly's academy in 2020 and rose so quickly that he was dubbed 'the Egyptian Haaland' for his height, pace and powerful left foot. In February 2026 he joined Barcelona Atletic on loan, becoming the first Egyptian to play for a Barca side, and at 18 he is the youngest member of Egypt's World Cup squad.", "facts": ["Dubbed 'the Egyptian Haaland'", "First Egyptian to play for a Barcelona side", "Born in 2008, the youngest player in Egypt's squad"], "data_rating": 48, "fun": ["🐣 Youngest in the squad (18)", "🌟 Wonderkid", "🌍 Plays abroad · Spain"]}, {"player_id": 660, "team_id": 26, "fifa_code": "EGY", "team_name": "Egypt", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 10, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "RW", "player_name": "Mohamed Salah", "date_of_birth": "1992-06-15", "age": 33, "caps": 116, "international_goals": 67, "is_captain": true, "club": "Liverpool", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 175, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": 22000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 41, "club_starts_2025_26": 34, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 11, "club_assists_2025_26": 7, "club_yellow_2025_26": 1, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, UEFA Champions League, FA Cup, FA Community Shield", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Captain and talisman, two short of Egypt all-time scoring record; announced he will leave Liverpool at end of 2025-26", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.lfchistory.net/players/1317/games-per-season/135 ; https://tribuna.com/en/persons/salah/stat/2025-2026/ ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/mohamed-salah/leistungsdaten/spieler/148455", "backstory": "Mohamed Salah grew up in the Nile Delta village of Nagrig and made a daily multi-hour commute to train at Cairo's El Mokawloon, where he turned professional before a move to Basel in 2012. After a difficult Chelsea spell and loans to Fiorentina and Roma he became a global superstar at Liverpool from 2017, breaking the Premier League single-season scoring record and winning the Champions League and league titles. Egypt's captain, talisman and all-time leading scorer, he leads the side at what is likely his final World Cup, having announced he will leave Liverpool at the end of 2025-26.", "facts": ["Grew up in the village of Nagrig and commuted hours daily to train as a teenager", "Set the record for most goals in a 38-game Premier League season (32) in 2017-18", "Egypt's all-time leading goalscorer and captain"], "data_rating": 89, "fun": ["⚡ 0.58 goals per cap", "🔥 Top 1% scorer at the Cup", "🎖️ Most-capped in the squad (116)", "💎 Most valuable in the squad", "🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 661, "team_id": 26, "fifa_code": "EGY", "team_name": "Egypt", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 11, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Mostafa Ziko", "date_of_birth": "1997-04-27", "age": 29, "caps": null, "international_goals": null, "is_captain": false, "club": "Pyramids", "club_country": "Egypt", "club_league": "Egyptian Premier League", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 34, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 9, "club_assists_2025_26": 4, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Egyptian Premier League, CAF Champions League, FIFA Intercontinental Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Left winger / attacking midfielder, joined Pyramids August 2025", "enrichment_sources": "https://tribuna.com/en/persons/mostafa-mohamed-zaki-abdelraouf/stat/2025-2026/ ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/1426403/mostafa-ziko", "backstory": "Mostafa Ziko worked his way up through Gomhoriat Shebin and Haras El Hodoud before a breakout spell at ZED FC, where he became one of the Egyptian Premier League's most effective wingers and the club's top scorer. That form earned him a 2025 move to CAF Champions League winners Pyramids, and a productive season of goals and assists pushed the left-sided attacker into Egypt's World Cup squad.", "facts": ["Was ZED FC's top scorer before earning his move to Pyramids"], "data_rating": 66, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 662, "team_id": 26, "fifa_code": "EGY", "team_name": "Egypt", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 12, "position": "FW", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Haissem Hassan", "date_of_birth": "2002-02-08", "age": 24, "caps": 2, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Real Oviedo", "club_country": "Spain", "club_league": "La Liga", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 37, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1943, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 3, "club_yellow_2025_26": 1, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "La Liga", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Egyptian-French winger, recent Egypt call-up", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/971787/haissem-hassan ; https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/haissem-hassan/9066/", "backstory": "Haissem Hassan was born in Bagnolet, France, to an Egyptian father and Tunisian mother, and came through the youth ranks at Paris FC and Chateauroux before joining Villarreal in 2020. After productive loans in Spain's second tier he signed for Real Oviedo, where he was instrumental in their promotion back to La Liga after 24 years away; a tricky winger, he opted to represent Egypt and is a recent addition to the squad.", "facts": ["Born in France and eligible for Tunisia, but chose to play for Egypt", "Helped Real Oviedo win promotion to La Liga after a 24-year absence"], "data_rating": 57, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Spain"]}, {"player_id": 663, "team_id": 26, "fifa_code": "EGY", "team_name": "Egypt", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 13, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "LB", "player_name": "Ahmed Fatouh", "date_of_birth": "1998-03-22", "age": 28, "caps": 6, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Zamalek", "club_country": "Egypt", "club_league": "Egyptian Premier League", "height_cm": 177, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 26, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Egyptian Premier League, Egypt Cup, CAF Confederation Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Left-back", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.playmakerstats.com/player/ahmed-fatouh/554507 ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/ahmed-fatouh/profil/spieler/465966", "backstory": "Ahmed Fatouh is a product of the Zamalek academy who broke into the first team in 2016-17, spent a developmental loan at Smouha, then returned to become the club's first-choice attacking left-back. Known for his pace and crossing, he played every minute of Egypt's run to the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations final and brings that big-game experience to the World Cup.", "facts": ["Came through the Zamalek academy", "Played all 120 minutes of the 2021 AFCON final shootout loss to Senegal"], "data_rating": 65, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 664, "team_id": 26, "fifa_code": "EGY", "team_name": "Egypt", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 14, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CDM", "player_name": "Hamdy Fathy", "date_of_birth": "1994-09-29", "age": 31, "caps": 49, "international_goals": 4, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al-Wakrah", "club_country": "Qatar", "club_league": "Qatar Stars League", "height_cm": 183, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 18, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Qatar Stars League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Defensive midfield pivot", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.footballcritic.com/hamdy-fathy/career-stats/89940 ; https://qsl.qa/en/news/doha-bank-stars-league-week-6-al-wakrah-3-2-umm-salal", "backstory": "Hamdy Fathy started out at Ala'ab Damanhour and developed at Enppi before joining Al Ahly in 2019, where the combative defensive midfielder won three CAF Champions Leagues and featured in the 2021 AFCON final. He later moved to Qatar's Al-Wakrah, and his screening and experience in front of the back four give Egypt's midfield balance at the World Cup.", "facts": ["Scored the winning goal on his international debut, a 1-0 win over Botswana in 2019", "Started the 2021 AFCON final against Senegal"], "data_rating": 66, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Qatar"]}, {"player_id": 665, "team_id": 26, "fifa_code": "EGY", "team_name": "Egypt", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 15, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "LB", "player_name": "Karim Hafez", "date_of_birth": "1996-03-12", "age": 30, "caps": 7, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Pyramids", "club_country": "Egypt", "club_league": "Egyptian Premier League", "height_cm": 175, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 6, "club_starts_2025_26": 4, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Egyptian Premier League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Left-back", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.playmakerstats.com/player/karim-hafez/419686 ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/karim-hafez/profil/spieler/333004", "backstory": "Karim Hafez began in Damanhour and the Wadi Degla-linked GMG Academy before launching an unusually well-travelled career abroad, with spells at Lierse, a loan at French side RC Lens, and Turkish clubs Bursaspor, Kasimpasa and Malatyaspor. He returned home to Pyramids in 2022, where the left-back has been a steady presence, offering Egypt experienced cover on the left flank.", "facts": ["Played in Belgium, France and Turkey before returning to Egypt", "Spent a loan spell at Ligue 1 club RC Lens"], "data_rating": 58, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 666, "team_id": 26, "fifa_code": "EGY", "team_name": "Egypt", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 16, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "El-Mahdy Soliman", "date_of_birth": "1987-06-08", "age": 39, "caps": 0, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Zamalek", "club_country": "Egypt", "club_league": "Egyptian Premier League", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 11, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 926, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 1, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Egyptian Premier League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Veteran backup goalkeeper, no senior caps", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/653688/al-mahdi-soliman ; https://english.ahram.org.eg/News/549532.aspx", "backstory": "El-Mahdy Soliman is one of Egyptian football's great journeymen goalkeepers, having spent a long career criss-crossing the Premier League with ENPPI, Arab Contractors, Petrojet, Ghazl El-Mahalla, Smouha, Pyramids and Al Ittihad Alexandria before Zamalek signed him as a veteran in 2025. Now in his late 30s, he travels to the World Cup as an experienced squad goalkeeper who has been called up several times over the years without yet making a senior international appearance.", "facts": ["Has played for roughly eight different Egyptian clubs across his career", "Yet to make a senior cap despite being in his late 30s and multiple call-ups"], "data_rating": 56, "fun": ["🧓 Veteran presence"]}, {"player_id": 667, "team_id": 26, "fifa_code": "EGY", "team_name": "Egypt", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 17, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Mohanad Lasheen", "date_of_birth": "1996-05-29", "age": 30, "caps": 9, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Pyramids", "club_country": "Egypt", "club_league": "Egyptian Premier League", "height_cm": 179, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1810, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Egyptian Premier League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Central midfielder", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/mohanad-lasheen/81392/ ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/mohanad-lasheen/leistungsdaten/spieler/479682", "backstory": "Mohanad Lasheen was promoted from the youth team at Ismaily in 2016 before joining the side then known as Al-Assiouty (now Pyramids), where he scored the goal that sealed promotion to the Premier League. After spells at El Geish and Modern Sport he returned to Pyramids, helping them win the CAF Champions League; he is a tidy central midfielder offering Egypt depth in the middle.", "facts": ["Scored the goal that won Al-Assiouty (now Pyramids) promotion to the Egyptian top flight", "Won the 2024-25 CAF Champions League with Pyramids"], "data_rating": 62, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 668, "team_id": 26, "fifa_code": "EGY", "team_name": "Egypt", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 18, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Nabil Emad Donga", "date_of_birth": "1996-04-06", "age": 30, "caps": 8, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al-Najma", "club_country": "Saudi Arabia", "club_league": "Saudi Pro League", "height_cm": 179, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 12, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 914, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 3, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Saudi Pro League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Central midfielder, joined Al-Najma February 2026", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/1001335/nabil-dounga ; https://www.spl.com.sa/en/players/84842/nabil-emad-dunga", "backstory": "Nabil Emad, nicknamed 'Donga' after Brazil's 1994 World Cup-winning captain Dunga, climbed the lower rungs of Egyptian football at clubs like Baladiyat El Mahalla and Beni Ebeid before a small-fee move to Pyramids in 2016, where he made over 170 appearances as a defensive midfielder. He later joined Zamalek and then Saudi side Al-Najma in 2026, bringing positional discipline to Egypt's midfield.", "facts": ["Nicknamed 'Donga' after Brazil's 1994 World Cup-winning captain Dunga", "Scored on his international debut in a 2019 AFCON qualifier against Niger"], "data_rating": 57, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Saudi Arabia"]}, {"player_id": 669, "team_id": 26, "fifa_code": "EGY", "team_name": "Egypt", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 19, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Marwan Attia", "date_of_birth": "1998-08-01", "age": 27, "caps": 29, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al Ahly", "club_country": "Egypt", "club_league": "Egyptian Premier League", "height_cm": 176, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 17, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1368, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 3, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Egyptian Premier League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Defensive midfielder", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/1418549/marwan-attia ; https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/marwan-attia/79405/", "backstory": "Marwan Attia began playing football aged seven in Kafr El Dawwar and came up through Al Ittihad Alexandria before joining Al Ahly midway through 2022-23 amid interest from rivals Zamalek. A disciplined holding midfielder, he has won a string of league titles, CAF Champions Leagues and super cups with Al Ahly, and offers Egypt energy and bite in the engine room.", "facts": ["Joined Al Ahly from Al Ittihad Alexandria after also being chased by Zamalek", "Won 10 trophies in his first two-plus seasons at Al Ahly"], "data_rating": 62, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 670, "team_id": 26, "fifa_code": "EGY", "team_name": "Egypt", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 20, "position": "FW", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Ibrahim Adel", "date_of_birth": "2001-04-23", "age": 25, "caps": 21, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "Nordsjaelland", "club_country": "Denmark", "club_league": "Danish Superliga", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 10, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Danish Superliga", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": "Winger, joined Nordsjaelland on loan from Al Jazira winter 2026, since signed permanently until 2029", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.kingfut.com/2026/05/15/official-fc-nordsjaelland-sign-ibrahim-adel-permanently/ ; https://africasoccer.com/nordsjaelland-tie-down-egyptian-talent-ibrahim-adel-until-2029/", "backstory": "Ibrahim Adel was born in Port Said and rose through El Mareekh to Pyramids, where he became a standout left winger and helped the club win the CAF Champions League. He moved to UAE side Al Jazira in 2025 and then joined Denmark's Nordsjaelland in early 2026, where the deal was quickly made permanent; his directness and end product give Egypt another attacking option.", "facts": ["Won the CAF Champions League with Pyramids", "Scored on his international debut for Egypt"], "data_rating": 61, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Denmark"]}, {"player_id": 671, "team_id": 26, "fifa_code": "EGY", "team_name": "Egypt", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 21, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Mahmoud Saber", "date_of_birth": "2001-07-30", "age": 24, "caps": null, "international_goals": null, "is_captain": false, "club": "ZED FC", "club_country": "Egypt", "club_league": "Egyptian Premier League", "height_cm": 170, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 26, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1841, "club_goals_2025_26": 5, "club_assists_2025_26": 6, "club_yellow_2025_26": 1, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Egyptian Premier League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Young midfielder, on loan at ZED FC from Pyramids", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.flashscore.com/player/saber-mahmoud/0jjhyAGn/ ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/mahmoud-saber/leistungsdaten/spieler/729390", "backstory": "Mahmoud Saber started out at Nogoom, making his Premier League debut in 2019, before a loan-then-permanent move to Pyramids where he won the Egypt Cup. A creative young central midfielder, he is on loan at ZED FC for regular game time and was rewarded with a place in Egypt's World Cup squad after a productive season of goals and assists.", "facts": ["Won the 2023-24 Egypt Cup with Pyramids"], "data_rating": 64, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 672, "team_id": 26, "fifa_code": "EGY", "team_name": "Egypt", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 22, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Omar Marmoush", "date_of_birth": "1999-02-07", "age": 27, "caps": 49, "international_goals": 11, "is_captain": false, "club": "Manchester City", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 183, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 36, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 8, "club_assists_2025_26": 3, "club_yellow_2025_26": 3, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, UEFA Champions League, FA Cup, EFL Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 218, "career_club_goals": 65, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Key attacker after breakthrough season with Manchester City", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omar_Marmoush ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/839204/omar-marmoush", "backstory": "Omar Marmoush made his debut for Wadi Degla in Egypt before moving to Germany with Wolfsburg in 2017, where limited minutes led to loans at St Pauli and Stuttgart. A free transfer to Eintracht Frankfurt in 2023 transformed his career, with a prolific run of goals earning a roughly £59m move to Manchester City in January 2025. A versatile, fast and clinical forward, he is Egypt's most dangerous attacker alongside Salah.", "facts": ["Made his record-best start to a Bundesliga season for Eintracht Frankfurt with 15 goals in 17 games", "Joined Manchester City for a reported £59m in January 2025"], "data_rating": 73, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 673, "team_id": 26, "fifa_code": "EGY", "team_name": "Egypt", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 23, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Mostafa Shobeir", "date_of_birth": "2000-05-15", "age": 26, "caps": 1, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al Ahly", "club_country": "Egypt", "club_league": "Egyptian Premier League", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 5, "club_starts_2025_26": 5, "club_minutes_2025_26": 450, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Egyptian Premier League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Backup goalkeeper", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/1228546/mostafa-ahmed-shobeir ; https://www.sofascore.com/football/player/mostafa-shobeir/1048378", "backstory": "Mostafa Shobeir is the son of legendary Egypt and Al Ahly goalkeeper Ahmed Shobair, and followed his father's path into the Al Ahly first team in 2019. He announced himself during the 2023-24 CAF Champions League by setting a competition record of nine consecutive clean sheets, and arrives at the World Cup as a highly decorated backup goalkeeper.", "facts": ["Son of former Egypt captain and goalkeeper Ahmed Shobair", "Set a CAF Champions League record with nine straight clean sheets in 2023-24"], "data_rating": 57, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 674, "team_id": 26, "fifa_code": "EGY", "team_name": "Egypt", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 24, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Tarek Alaa", "date_of_birth": "2002-01-05", "age": 24, "caps": 1, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "ZED FC", "club_country": "Egypt", "club_league": "Egyptian Premier League", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": null, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Egyptian Premier League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": "Young defender (right-back), joined ZED FC on loan in January 2026", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.flashscore.com/player/tarek-alaa/Yol7nYGB/ ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/tarek-alaa/nationalmannschaft/spieler/1087789", "backstory": "Tarek Alaa is a young right-back who came up through Smouha before joining Pyramids in 2024, where he was part of the squad that won the club's first CAF Champions League. He moved to ZED FC on loan in January 2026 for regular minutes and is one of the youngest, least-capped members of Egypt's World Cup squad.", "facts": ["Won the 2024-25 CAF Champions League with Pyramids"], "data_rating": 50, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 675, "team_id": 26, "fifa_code": "EGY", "team_name": "Egypt", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 25, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "RW", "player_name": "Ahmed Sayed Zizo", "date_of_birth": "1996-01-10", "age": 30, "caps": 62, "international_goals": 5, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al Ahly", "club_country": "Egypt", "club_league": "Egyptian Premier League", "height_cm": 175, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 14, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 4, "club_assists_2025_26": 4, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Egyptian Premier League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Winger / playmaker, joined Al Ahly from Zamalek June 2025", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.365scores.com/football/player/ahmed-sayed-zizo-4576 ; https://www.playmakerstats.com/player/zizo/404829", "backstory": "Ahmed Sayed, known as Zizo, began his professional career in Belgium with Lierse and a loan at Nacional in Portugal before returning to Egypt with Zamalek in 2019, where he became one of the league's top creators and won multiple league titles and cups. In a dramatic 2025 free transfer he crossed the Cairo divide to join arch-rivals Al Ahly; a left-footed winger and playmaker, he adds creativity to Egypt's attack.", "facts": ["Started his pro career in Belgium with Lierse", "Made a rare and dramatic free-transfer switch from Zamalek to bitter rivals Al Ahly in 2025"], "data_rating": 67, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 676, "team_id": 26, "fifa_code": "EGY", "team_name": "Egypt", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 26, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Mohamed Alaa", "date_of_birth": "1999-09-01", "age": 26, "caps": null, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "El Gouna", "club_country": "Egypt", "club_league": "Egyptian Premier League", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 24, "club_starts_2025_26": 24, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 5, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Egyptian Premier League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Reserve goalkeeper", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.transfermarkt.us/mohamed-alaa/profil/spieler/1307898 ; https://www.sofascore.com/football/player/mohamed-alaa/1980828", "backstory": "Mohamed Alaa is a goalkeeper who earned his move up the Egyptian ladder via El Qanah before signing for El Gouna in 2024, where he has been a regular starter in the Premier League. A reserve option in the squad, he is among the least-capped members of Egypt's World Cup party.", "facts": [], "data_rating": 61, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 677, "team_id": 27, "fifa_code": "IRN", "team_name": "IR Iran", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": null, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Alireza Beiranvand", "date_of_birth": "1992-09-21", "age": 33, "caps": 86, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Tractor", "club_country": "Iran", "club_league": "Persian Gulf Pro League", "height_cm": 195, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 16, "club_starts_2025_26": 16, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 10, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": 7, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Persian Gulf Pro League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Veteran first-choice goalkeeper", "enrichment_sources": "https://footystats.org/players/iran/alireza-safar-beiranvand ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/alireza-beiranvand/profil/spieler/229081", "backstory": "One of football's great rags-to-riches stories, Alireza Beiranvand grew up in a nomadic shepherding family near Khorramabad and left home as a boy for Tehran, where he slept rough by Azadi Square and worked as a street sweeper, car washer and pizza-shop hand while chasing the game. He broke through at Naft Tehran before becoming Persepolis's No. 1 and Iran's first-choice keeper, with a brief European spell at Antwerp and Boavista. Back at Tractor as a veteran, the towering goalkeeper anchors Iran's goal at a third straight World Cup.", "facts": ["Saved a Cristiano Ronaldo penalty as Iran drew 1-1 with Portugal at the 2018 World Cup", "Holds the Guinness World Record for the longest throw in a football match (over 61 metres)", "Worked as a street sweeper and car washer in Tehran before turning professional"], "data_rating": 75, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Iran", "🧤 10 clean sheets in 2025/26"]}, {"player_id": 678, "team_id": 27, "fifa_code": "IRN", "team_name": "IR Iran", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": null, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Hossein Hosseini", "date_of_birth": "1992-06-30", "age": 33, "caps": 13, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Sepahan", "club_country": "Iran", "club_league": "Persian Gulf Pro League", "height_cm": 189, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 15, "club_starts_2025_26": 15, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 1, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": 9, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Persian Gulf Pro League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/hossein-hosseini/33169/ ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/seyed-hossein-hosseini/profil/spieler/132561", "backstory": "A long-serving Iranian goalkeeper, Hossein Hosseini came up through Bargh Shiraz and then Esteghlal, where he became the club's mainstay and once set an Iranian top-flight record for consecutive minutes without conceding. After winning multiple domestic honours in Tehran, he moved to Sepahan in July 2025. He provides experienced backup behind Beiranvand in the squad.", "facts": ["Set an Iranian top-flight record of 872 consecutive minutes without conceding", "Came on as a concussion substitute for Beiranvand against England at the 2022 World Cup"], "data_rating": 64, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Iran"]}, {"player_id": 679, "team_id": 27, "fifa_code": "IRN", "team_name": "IR Iran", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": null, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Payam Niazmand", "date_of_birth": "1995-04-06", "age": 31, "caps": 15, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Persepolis", "club_country": "Iran", "club_league": "Persian Gulf Pro League", "height_cm": 192, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 9, "club_starts_2025_26": 9, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 5, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": 5, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Persian Gulf Pro League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Payam_Niazmand ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/payam-niazmand/profil/spieler/343044", "backstory": "Payam Niazmand began his senior career at Paykan before establishing himself as a dependable shot-stopper at Sepahan, where he set a club record run of minutes without conceding and earned his Iran call-ups. He had a spell in Portugal with Portimonense before returning home, and in May 2025 signed for Persepolis. He competes for a backup goalkeeping berth at the World Cup.", "facts": ["Set a 940-minute run without conceding during his time at Sepahan", "Had a spell in Portugal's top flight with Portimonense"], "data_rating": 66, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Iran"]}, {"player_id": 680, "team_id": 27, "fifa_code": "IRN", "team_name": "IR Iran", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": null, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "LB", "player_name": "Ehsan Hajsafi", "date_of_birth": "1990-02-25", "age": 36, "caps": 146, "international_goals": 7, "is_captain": false, "club": "Sepahan", "club_country": "Iran", "club_league": "Persian Gulf Pro League", "height_cm": 176, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 28, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2377, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": 5, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Persian Gulf Pro League, AFC competitions", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Iran's most-capped player, veteran left-back", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/ehsan-hajsafi/25569/ ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/ehsan-hajsafi/leistungsdaten/spieler/77547", "backstory": "Iran's most-capped player of all time, Ehsan Hajsafi is a versatile left-sided operator who can play full-back, winger or midfield. A product of Zob Ahan who became a fixture and serial title-winner at Sepahan, he later carved out a European career in Greece with Olympiacos and AEK Athens. Now back at Sepahan, the experienced former captain is set to feature at his fourth World Cup.", "facts": ["Iran's all-time most-capped player", "Reached his 100th cap at age 28, in 2018 at the Azadi Stadium", "Won three Persian Gulf Pro League titles with Sepahan"], "data_rating": 84, "fun": ["🎖️ Most-capped in the squad (146)", "🧓 Veteran presence", "🌍 Plays abroad · Iran"]}, {"player_id": 681, "team_id": 27, "fifa_code": "IRN", "team_name": "IR Iran", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": null, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "LB", "player_name": "Milad Mohammadi", "date_of_birth": "1993-09-29", "age": 32, "caps": 76, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Persepolis", "club_country": "Iran", "club_league": "Persian Gulf Pro League", "height_cm": 175, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 2, "club_starts_2025_26": 0, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Persian Gulf Pro League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.transfermarkt.us/milad-mohammadi/profil/spieler/333355 ; https://www.sofascore.com/player/milad-mohammadi/812531", "backstory": "A quick, versatile left-back known for his attacking runs, Milad Mohammadi made his name at Rah Ahan before moving to Russia with Akhmat Grozny in 2016. He then built a European career with Gent in Belgium and AEK Athens in Greece, where he was a regular at full-back. Back home with Persepolis, he brings World Cup experience to Iran's defensive options.", "facts": ["Recorded 7 assists in his debut Belgian season with Gent", "Played at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups"], "data_rating": 65, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Iran"]}, {"player_id": 682, "team_id": 27, "fifa_code": "IRN", "team_name": "IR Iran", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": null, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Ali Nemati", "date_of_birth": "1996-02-08", "age": 30, "caps": 17, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Foolad", "club_country": "Iran", "club_league": "Persian Gulf Pro League", "height_cm": 182, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 20, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1729, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Persian Gulf Pro League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.transfermarkt.us/ali-nemati/leistungsdaten/spieler/527092 ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/872575/ali-nemati", "backstory": "A composed centre-back who can also fill in at left-back, Ali Nemati came through Padideh (later Shahr Khodro) before joining Persepolis in 2021, where he won back-to-back league titles and the Hazfi Cup. He moved to Foolad Khuzestan in 2024 and earned his Iran debut the same year in a World Cup qualifier. He is part of the squad's defensive depth.", "facts": ["Won two straight Persian Gulf Pro League titles with Persepolis", "Made his Iran debut in a 2024 World Cup qualifier against Uzbekistan"], "data_rating": 64, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Iran"]}, {"player_id": 683, "team_id": 27, "fifa_code": "IRN", "team_name": "IR Iran", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": null, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Danial Iri", "date_of_birth": "2003-10-26", "age": 22, "caps": 0, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Malavan", "club_country": "Iran", "club_league": "Persian Gulf Pro League", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 15, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1263, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Persian Gulf Pro League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Uncapped young defender, on loan from Zob Ahan", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.transfermarkt.us/danial-eiri/profil/spieler/1080301 ; https://www.fotmob.com/en-GB/players/1729681/danial-iri", "backstory": "A tall, uncapped young defender born in 2003, Danial Iri came up through Zob Ahan before moving to Malavan, where he has become a regular. Seen as part of a new generation of Iranian defenders being readied to refresh an ageing back line, his inclusion in the World Cup squad marks a remarkable rise for a player yet to win a senior cap.", "facts": ["Uncapped at senior level when named in the World Cup squad", "Came through Zob Ahan's setup before joining Malavan"], "data_rating": 55, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Iran"]}, {"player_id": 684, "team_id": 27, "fifa_code": "IRN", "team_name": "IR Iran", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": null, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Shojae Khalilzadeh", "date_of_birth": "1989-05-14", "age": 37, "caps": 58, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Tractor", "club_country": "Iran", "club_league": "Persian Gulf Pro League", "height_cm": 182, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": 100000, "club_apps_2025_26": 21, "club_starts_2025_26": 20, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1793, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": 6, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Persian Gulf Pro League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://footystats.org/players/iran/shoja-khalilzadeh ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/shoja-khalilzadeh/profil/spieler/213715", "backstory": "A rugged, ball-playing centre-back, Shojae Khalilzadeh worked his way up through clubs in Kerman before a successful loan at Tractor and a move to Sepahan. He hit his peak at Persepolis from 2017, helping the club to multiple league titles and two AFC Champions League finals, then spent time in Qatar with Al-Rayyan and Al-Ahli. Now back at Tractor, the experienced defender adds steel to Iran's rearguard.", "facts": ["Reached two AFC Champions League finals with Persepolis", "First arrived at Tractor on loan while completing his military service"], "data_rating": 58, "fun": ["🧓 Veteran presence", "🌍 Plays abroad · Iran"]}, {"player_id": 685, "team_id": 27, "fifa_code": "IRN", "team_name": "IR Iran", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": null, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Mohammad Hossein Kanaanizadegan", "date_of_birth": "1994-03-23", "age": 32, "caps": 65, "international_goals": 6, "is_captain": false, "club": "Persepolis", "club_country": "Iran", "club_league": "Persian Gulf Pro League", "height_cm": 188, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": 1700000, "club_apps_2025_26": 18, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 1, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Persian Gulf Pro League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Central defender, regular starter", "enrichment_sources": "https://tribuna.com/en/persons/hossein-kanaanizadegan/ ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/hossein-kanaani/profil/spieler/249400", "backstory": "A commanding central defender known as Hossein Kanaani, he made his Persepolis debut as a teenager in 2012 and, after loan spells and a stint at Esteghlal, returned to become a cornerstone of the Persepolis defence and a regular scorer from set pieces. He spent two years in Qatar with Al-Ahli before coming back to Tehran. A long-serving international, he is a key figure in Iran's backline.", "facts": ["Has scored 6 goals for Iran, a strong tally for a centre-back", "Won league titles in both spells with Persepolis"], "data_rating": 66, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Iran"]}, {"player_id": 686, "team_id": 27, "fifa_code": "IRN", "team_name": "IR Iran", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": null, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "RB", "player_name": "Saleh Hardani", "date_of_birth": "1998-12-26", "age": 27, "caps": 18, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Esteghlal", "club_country": "Iran", "club_league": "Persian Gulf Pro League", "height_cm": 176, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 18, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1504, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Persian Gulf Pro League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.transfermarkt.us/saleh-hardani/leistungsdaten/spieler/697155 ; https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/saleh-hardani/49298/", "backstory": "A hard-working right-back, Saleh Hardani came through Foolad before joining Esteghlal, where he scored an important goal in their title-winning campaign and collected several domestic trophies across spells with Esteghlal, Sepahan and Foolad. A title winner at three clubs, he offers reliable cover on the right of Iran's defence.", "facts": ["Younger brother of fellow footballer Saber Hardani", "Won domestic honours with Esteghlal, Sepahan and Foolad"], "data_rating": 65, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Iran"]}, {"player_id": 687, "team_id": 27, "fifa_code": "IRN", "team_name": "IR Iran", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": null, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "RB", "player_name": "Ramin Rezaeian", "date_of_birth": "1990-03-21", "age": 36, "caps": 74, "international_goals": 8, "is_captain": false, "club": "Esteghlal", "club_country": "Iran", "club_league": "Persian Gulf Pro League", "height_cm": 184, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 5, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Persian Gulf Pro League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": "Attacking right-back", "enrichment_sources": "https://footystats.org/players/iran/ramin-rezaeian ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramin_Rezaeian", "backstory": "An attack-minded right-back with a real goal threat, Ramin Rezaeian had a long road through Iranian football, including Saba Qom and Rah Ahan, before a breakthrough at Persepolis and stints abroad in Belgium with Oostende, Turkey with Rizespor, and Qatar. A serial mover between Iran's big clubs, he is best remembered for his strike against Wales at the 2022 World Cup.", "facts": ["Scored Iran's second goal in their 2-0 win over Wales at the 2022 World Cup", "Has 8 international goals, an unusually high return for a defender"], "data_rating": 68, "fun": ["🧓 Veteran presence", "🌍 Plays abroad · Iran"]}, {"player_id": 688, "team_id": 27, "fifa_code": "IRN", "team_name": "IR Iran", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": null, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Aria Yousefi", "date_of_birth": "2002-04-22", "age": 24, "caps": 14, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Sepahan", "club_country": "Iran", "club_league": "Persian Gulf Pro League", "height_cm": 181, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 9, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Persian Gulf Pro League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Young right-back", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.transfermarkt.us/aria-yousefi/leistungsdaten/spieler/932724 ; https://www.playmakerstats.com/player/aria-yousefi/919104", "backstory": "A young right-back tipped as one of Iran's brightest defensive prospects, Aria Yousefi is a Sepahan youth product who broke into the first team in 2021 and quickly became a regular, winning the Hazfi Cup and Super Cup. He made his senior international debut in early 2024 and is part of a new generation refreshing Iran's defence.", "facts": ["Scored on international duty despite being a right-back", "Hazfi Cup and Super Cup winner with Sepahan"], "data_rating": 62, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Iran"]}, {"player_id": 689, "team_id": 27, "fifa_code": "IRN", "team_name": "IR Iran", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": null, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "RW", "player_name": "Alireza Jahanbakhsh", "date_of_birth": "1993-08-11", "age": 32, "caps": 98, "international_goals": 17, "is_captain": true, "club": "Dender", "club_country": "Belgium", "club_league": "Belgian Pro League", "height_cm": 180, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 902, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": 5, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Belgian Pro League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Captain, experienced winger", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alireza_Jahanbakhsh ; https://footystats.org/players/iran/alireza-jahanbakhsh", "backstory": "Iran's captain and a left-footed winger, Alireza Jahanbakhsh grew up in Gilan Province and rose to prominence at AZ Alkmaar, where in 2017-18 he became the first Asian player to finish top scorer in a major European league with 21 goals. That earned a club-record move to Brighton in the Premier League, though injuries hampered him in England; he later returned to AZ and Feyenoord before joining Belgium's Dender. The experienced skipper leads Iran into the tournament.", "facts": ["First Asian player to be top scorer in a major European league (Eredivisie, 2017-18)", "Signed for Brighton in 2018 for a then club-record fee"], "data_rating": 70, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Belgium", "©️ Captain"]}, {"player_id": 690, "team_id": 27, "fifa_code": "IRN", "team_name": "IR Iran", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": null, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CDM", "player_name": "Saeid Ezatolahi", "date_of_birth": "1996-10-01", "age": 29, "caps": 83, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Shabab Al Ahli", "club_country": "United Arab Emirates", "club_league": "UAE Pro League", "height_cm": 190, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 13, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 979, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": 4, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "UAE Pro League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Defensive midfield anchor", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/saeid-ezatolahi/27453/ ; https://footystats.org/players/iran/saeid-ezatolahi-afagh", "backstory": "A towering defensive midfielder, Saeid Ezatolahi burst onto the scene as the youngest player in Iranian top-flight history, debuting just 25 days after his 16th birthday. A move to Atletico Madrid followed, and his career took him across Europe with Rostov, Reading, Vejle and others before settling in the UAE with Shabab Al Ahli. He anchors the midfield for Iran.", "facts": ["Youngest player in the history of the Iranian top flight", "Joined Atletico Madrid as a teenager"], "data_rating": 68, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · United Arab Emirates"]}, {"player_id": 691, "team_id": 27, "fifa_code": "IRN", "team_name": "IR Iran", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": null, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Rouzbeh Cheshmi", "date_of_birth": "1993-07-24", "age": 32, "caps": 40, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "Esteghlal", "club_country": "Iran", "club_league": "Persian Gulf Pro League", "height_cm": 192, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 15, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Persian Gulf Pro League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.transfermarkt.us/roozbeh-cheshmi/leistungsdaten/spieler/273879 ; https://www.playmakerstats.com/player/roozbeh-cheshmi/366312", "backstory": "A tall, powerful midfielder who can also play centre-back, Rouzbeh Cheshmi has spent the core of his career at Esteghlal, where he became a dependable presence in the engine room. First called up by Carlos Queiroz in 2017, he etched his name into Iranian football folklore at the 2022 World Cup.", "facts": ["Scored Iran's stoppage-time winner against Wales at the 2022 World Cup, their first finals win over a European side", "Can operate as both a midfielder and a centre-back"], "data_rating": 64, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Iran"]}, {"player_id": 692, "team_id": 27, "fifa_code": "IRN", "team_name": "IR Iran", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": null, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Amirmohammad Razzaghinia", "date_of_birth": "2006-04-11", "age": 20, "caps": 4, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Esteghlal", "club_country": "Iran", "club_league": "Persian Gulf Pro League", "height_cm": 186, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 21, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Persian Gulf Pro League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Teenage prospect", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/amirmohammad-razzaghinia/68692/ ; https://tribuna.com/en/persons/amir-mohammad-razzaghinia/stat/2025-2026/iran-pro-league/", "backstory": "A teenage prospect born in 2006 in Yazd, Amirmohammad Razzaghinia is a defensive/central midfielder who came up through Gol Gohar before joining Esteghlal in 2025, where he quickly became a regular. A product of Iran's youth international sides, he is one of the youngest players in the squad.", "facts": ["One of the youngest players in Iran's squad, born in 2006", "Represented Iran at U17, U20 and U23 level"], "data_rating": 58, "fun": ["🐣 Youngest in the squad (20)", "🌟 Wonderkid", "🌍 Plays abroad · Iran"]}, {"player_id": 693, "team_id": 27, "fifa_code": "IRN", "team_name": "IR Iran", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": null, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Mehdi Ghayedi", "date_of_birth": "1998-12-05", "age": 27, "caps": 30, "international_goals": 10, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al-Nasr", "club_country": "United Arab Emirates", "club_league": "UAE Pro League", "height_cm": 166, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 11, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1308, "club_goals_2025_26": 4, "club_assists_2025_26": 4, "club_yellow_2025_26": 1, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "UAE Pro League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Attacking winger / second striker", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/848314/mehdi-ghayedi ; https://footystats.org/players/iran/mehdi-ghayedi", "backstory": "A diminutive, dynamic winger and second striker from Bushehr, Mehdi Ghayedi made his name at Esteghlal, winning the Hazfi Cup and Super Cup, before moving to the UAE with Shabab Al Ahli. After a loan back home and a spell at Kalba, he joined Al-Nasr in Dubai. A clinical attacker with a strong scoring record for Iran, he is an attacking option off the flank.", "facts": ["Named Azadegan League Young Player of the Season in 2016-17", "Has 10 international goals in just 30 caps"], "data_rating": 71, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · United Arab Emirates"]}, {"player_id": 694, "team_id": 27, "fifa_code": "IRN", "team_name": "IR Iran", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": null, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CAM", "player_name": "Saman Ghoddos", "date_of_birth": "1993-09-06", "age": 32, "caps": 68, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "Kalba", "club_country": "United Arab Emirates", "club_league": "UAE Pro League", "height_cm": 176, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 19, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1806, "club_goals_2025_26": 5, "club_assists_2025_26": 3, "club_yellow_2025_26": 3, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "UAE Pro League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/532220/saman-ghoddos ; https://www.soccerway.com/player/ghoddos-saman/QkJrONx1/", "backstory": "Born in Sweden to Iranian parents, Saman Ghoddos made his breakthrough at Ostersund, helping the unfancied Swedish club win the cup and reach Europe, before becoming the first Iranian to play in France's Ligue 1 with Amiens. He then spent several seasons in England with Brentford, including their Premier League era, before moving to the UAE with Kalba. The creative midfielder switched his allegiance from Sweden to Iran in 2017.", "facts": ["Capped by Sweden, and scored for them, before switching to represent Iran", "First Iranian player to feature in France's Ligue 1"], "data_rating": 74, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · United Arab Emirates"]}, {"player_id": 695, "team_id": 27, "fifa_code": "IRN", "team_name": "IR Iran", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": null, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Mohammad Ghorbani", "date_of_birth": "2001-10-07", "age": 24, "caps": 16, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al Wahda", "club_country": "United Arab Emirates", "club_league": "UAE Pro League", "height_cm": 190, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1199, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 6, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "UAE Pro League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Defensive midfielder", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/1420509/mohammad-ghorbani ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/mohammad-ghorbani/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/856087/wettbewerb/UAE1", "backstory": "A tall central midfielder from Arak, Mohammad Ghorbani came through Nassaji Mazandaran, winning the Hazfi Cup, before a move to Russia with Orenburg and then to the UAE with Al Wahda, where he has added further silverware. He made his Iran debut in a 2024 World Cup qualifier and offers physical presence in midfield.", "facts": ["Won the Hazfi Cup with Nassaji Mazandaran", "Made his Iran debut in a 2024 World Cup qualifier against Turkmenistan"], "data_rating": 61, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · United Arab Emirates"]}, {"player_id": 696, "team_id": 27, "fifa_code": "IRN", "team_name": "IR Iran", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": null, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Mehdi Torabi", "date_of_birth": "1994-09-10", "age": 31, "caps": 52, "international_goals": 7, "is_captain": false, "club": "Tractor", "club_country": "Iran", "club_league": "Persian Gulf Pro League", "height_cm": 180, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 17, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1155, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": 1, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Persian Gulf Pro League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.transfermarkt.us/mehdi-torabi/leistungsdaten/spieler/283833 ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/621519/mehdi-torabi", "backstory": "A versatile attacking midfielder and winger from Karaj, Mehdi Torabi was a prolific creator at Saipa before joining Persepolis, where he became a fan favourite across multiple spells and won league titles. He had a brief stint in Qatar with Al-Arabi, then returned to Persepolis before joining Tractor in 2024. An Iran regular since 2015, he brings creativity and experience.", "facts": ["Racked up 20 goals and 20 assists in all competitions during his Saipa years", "Returned to Persepolis after a short spell in Qatar with Al-Arabi"], "data_rating": 66, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Iran"]}, {"player_id": 697, "team_id": 27, "fifa_code": "IRN", "team_name": "IR Iran", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": null, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Mohammad Mohebi", "date_of_birth": "1998-12-20", "age": 27, "caps": 36, "international_goals": 14, "is_captain": false, "club": "Rostov", "club_country": "Russia", "club_league": "Russian Premier League", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 24, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1610, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": 3, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Russian Premier League, Russian Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Winger, prolific scorer for country", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/1073012/mohammad-mohebi ; https://www.sofascore.com/football/player/mohammad-mohebi/996805", "backstory": "A pacy winger from Bushehr with an eye for goal, Mohammad Mohebi made his name at Sepahan before a loan and permanent move to Portugal with Santa Clara, then a transfer to Russia's Rostov in 2023. Despite playing wide, he has been remarkably prolific for Iran. He is an attacking threat down the flanks.", "facts": ["Voted Russian Premier League Player of the Month for March 2024", "Has 14 international goals from just 36 caps"], "data_rating": 71, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Russia"]}, {"player_id": 698, "team_id": 27, "fifa_code": "IRN", "team_name": "IR Iran", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": null, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Mehdi Taremi", "date_of_birth": "1992-07-18", "age": 33, "caps": 105, "international_goals": 60, "is_captain": false, "club": "Olympiacos", "club_country": "Greece", "club_league": "Super League Greece", "height_cm": 187, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 39, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 16, "club_assists_2025_26": 5, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Super League Greece, Greek Cup, UEFA Champions League, Greek Super Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 486, "career_club_goals": 221, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Talisman striker, 16 goals across all competitions in 2025-26", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mehdi_Taremi ; https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/mehdi-taremi/21243/", "backstory": "Iran's talisman and one of the most prolific strikers in the country's history, Mehdi Taremi hails from Bushehr Province and made his name as a two-time top scorer at Persepolis. After a spell in Qatar he moved to Portugal, where he became a star at Porto, finishing as Primeira Liga top scorer and winning multiple trophies, before a move to Inter Milan and then Olympiacos. The lethal No. 9 carries Iran's goalscoring hopes at the World Cup.", "facts": ["Reached the 2025 Champions League final with Inter Milan", "Has scored 60 goals for Iran, among the highest in the nation's history", "Finished as Portugal's Primeira Liga top scorer with Porto"], "data_rating": 82, "fun": ["⚡ 0.57 goals per cap", "🔥 Top 1% scorer at the Cup", "🌍 Plays abroad · Greece", "🎯 16 club goals in 2025/26"]}, {"player_id": 699, "team_id": 27, "fifa_code": "IRN", "team_name": "IR Iran", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": null, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Ali Alipour", "date_of_birth": "1995-11-11", "age": 30, "caps": 14, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Persepolis", "club_country": "Iran", "club_league": "Persian Gulf Pro League", "height_cm": 181, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 10, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 5, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Persian Gulf Pro League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/ali-alipour/21410/ ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/ali-alipour/leistungsdaten/spieler/249360", "backstory": "A poacher from Mazandaran, Ali Alipour became Persepolis's all-time leading scorer in the Iranian top flight, winning four league titles and reaching the 2018 AFC Champions League final. He spent four seasons in Portugal with Maritimo and Gil Vicente before returning to Persepolis in 2024. He provides a proven goalscoring option up front.", "facts": ["Persepolis's all-time leading scorer in the Iranian Pro League", "Became the youngest player to score in the Tehran derby, aged 19"], "data_rating": 62, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Iran"]}, {"player_id": 700, "team_id": 27, "fifa_code": "IRN", "team_name": "IR Iran", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": null, "position": "FW", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Shahriyar Moghanlou", "date_of_birth": "1994-12-21", "age": 31, "caps": 21, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Kalba", "club_country": "United Arab Emirates", "club_league": "UAE Pro League", "height_cm": 192, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 21, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1676, "club_goals_2025_26": 8, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": 5, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "UAE Pro League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://footystats.org/players/iran/shahriar-moghanlou ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/641121/shahriar-moghanlou", "backstory": "A tall centre-forward of Iranian Azerbaijani heritage from Zanjan, Shahriyar Moghanlou came up through Paykan before spells at Sepahan, a move to Portugal with Santa Clara, and a league and Super Cup double with Persepolis. Now leading the line for Kalba in the UAE, the imposing striker is among the squad's forward options.", "facts": ["Won a league and Super Cup double with Persepolis", "Made his senior Iran debut against Russia in 2023"], "data_rating": 67, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · United Arab Emirates"]}, {"player_id": 701, "team_id": 27, "fifa_code": "IRN", "team_name": "IR Iran", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": null, "position": "FW", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Amirhossein Hosseinzadeh", "date_of_birth": "2000-10-30", "age": 25, "caps": 18, "international_goals": 5, "is_captain": false, "club": "Tractor", "club_country": "Iran", "club_league": "Persian Gulf Pro League", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": 2200000, "club_apps_2025_26": 32, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2785, "club_goals_2025_26": 12, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Persian Gulf Pro League, AFC competitions", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Tractor's standout forward, league top scorer in 2025-26", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.transfermarkt.us/amirhossein-hosseinzadeh/leistungsdaten/spieler/542380 ; https://www.sofascore.com/football/player/amirhossein-hosseinzadeh/905472", "backstory": "A quick, direct forward, Amirhossein Hosseinzadeh came through Saipa and won a league title with Esteghlal before a move abroad to Belgium's Charleroi. He returned to Iran with Tractor, where he has flourished as a standout attacker and league top scorer. One of the squad's most in-form forwards, he carries genuine attacking threat.", "facts": ["Among the top scorers in the Iranian league in 2025-26 with Tractor", "Won the Persian Gulf Pro League title with Esteghlal in 2021-22"], "data_rating": 68, "fun": ["💎 Most valuable in the squad", "🌍 Plays abroad · Iran"]}, {"player_id": 702, "team_id": 27, "fifa_code": "IRN", "team_name": "IR Iran", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": null, "position": "FW", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Dennis Eckert Ayensa", "date_of_birth": "1997-01-09", "age": 29, "caps": 0, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Standard Liège", "club_country": "Belgium", "club_league": "Belgian Pro League", "height_cm": 182, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1987, "club_goals_2025_26": 5, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 2, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Belgian Pro League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Germany-born forward (Iranian descent), uncapped, included pending Change of Association approval", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/892709/dennis-eckert ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/dennis-eckert-ayensa/leistungsdaten/spieler/249303", "backstory": "Born and raised in Bonn to a Galician mother and a German father of Iranian descent, Dennis Eckert Ayensa is a forward who came through Borussia Monchengladbach's academy and represented Germany at youth level. His senior career took him through Celta Vigo, Ingolstadt and Belgium's Union SG before joining Standard Liege in 2025. Having received Iranian citizenship (under the name Dennis Dargahi), he was named in the squad pending FIFA Change of Association approval, having not yet won a senior cap for Iran.", "facts": ["Former Germany youth international who switched to Iran through his father's heritage", "Came through Borussia Monchengladbach's academy", "Uncapped for Iran when named in the squad, pending FIFA approval"], "data_rating": 57, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Belgium"]}, {"player_id": 703, "team_id": 28, "fifa_code": "NZL", "team_name": "New Zealand", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "OFC", "shirt_number": 1, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Max Crocombe", "date_of_birth": "1993-08-12", "age": 32, "caps": 24, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Millwall", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "EFL Championship", "height_cm": 194, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 25, "club_starts_2025_26": 25, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2070, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 9, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": 25, "club_competitions_2025_26": "EFL Championship, EFL Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 341, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Max_Crocombe ; https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/max%20crocombe/49102/", "backstory": "Auckland-born and of Cook Islands descent, Max Crocombe moved to England young and came through the MK Dons and Luton academies before turning pro at Oxford United in 2012. A well-travelled goalkeeper, he won back-to-back promotions at Salford City, had A-League spells with Brisbane Roar and Melbourne Victory, then returned to English football with Grimsby, Burton Albion and finally Millwall in 2025. Now New Zealand's first-choice keeper, he goes to the World Cup as the regular No. 1 between the posts.", "facts": ["Won the Golden Glove at the 2024 OFC Nations Cup", "Played the fourth-most minutes of any footballer in the world in 2022-23 (5,340)"], "data_rating": 73, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 704, "team_id": 28, "fifa_code": "NZL", "team_name": "New Zealand", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "OFC", "shirt_number": 2, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "RB", "player_name": "Tim Payne", "date_of_birth": "1994-01-10", "age": 32, "caps": 50, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "Wellington Phoenix", "club_country": "New Zealand", "club_league": "A-League Men", "height_cm": 179, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 16, "club_starts_2025_26": 13, "club_minutes_2025_26": 867, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 5, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "A-League Men, Australia Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 268, "career_club_goals": 11, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Suffered broken collarbone October 2025; right-back/defender", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_Payne_(footballer) ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/324305/tim-payne", "backstory": "Aucklander Tim Payne started out at Auckland City and Waitakere United before a 2012 move to Blackburn Rovers, where work-permit issues blocked him from breaking through. After returning home and a spell with Portland Timbers 2, he settled at Wellington Phoenix in 2019 and became a versatile, dependable utility man who has played almost every outfield position. A broken collarbone in October 2025 interrupted his season, but the right-back/defender heads to the World Cup as a 50-cap mainstay.", "facts": ["Won his 50th cap in New Zealand's first-ever win over a South American side, 4-1 against Chile in March 2026", "Went viral in May 2026 as the World Cup's 'least known' player, jumping from under 5,000 to over 5 million Instagram followers in days"], "data_rating": 68, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 705, "team_id": 28, "fifa_code": "NZL", "team_name": "New Zealand", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "OFC", "shirt_number": 3, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Francis de Vries", "date_of_birth": "1994-11-28", "age": 31, "caps": 19, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Auckland FC", "club_country": "New Zealand", "club_league": "A-League Men", "height_cm": 188, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1979, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 7, "club_yellow_2025_26": 2, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "A-League Men", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 266, "career_club_goals": 18, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Left-back; calf injury late season ruled him out of regular-season run-in", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_de_Vries ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/825593/francis-de-vries", "backstory": "Christchurch-born and of Dutch and Swiss heritage, Francis de Vries developed at Canterbury United before a four-year college stint at Saint Francis University in Pennsylvania. His winding path took in Vancouver Whitecaps 2 and Swedish football, where he earned consecutive promotions with IFK Varnamo before a serious ACL injury. He returned home with Auckland FC, becoming a key attacking left-back, and was a creative outlet from the back in 2025-26 before a late-season calf injury.", "facts": ["Auckland FC's first player to reach 50 appearances and the club's 2024-25 Members' Player of the Season", "Scored his first international goal in an 8-0 win over Samoa"], "data_rating": 71, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 706, "team_id": 28, "fifa_code": "NZL", "team_name": "New Zealand", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "OFC", "shirt_number": 4, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Tyler Bindon", "date_of_birth": "2005-01-27", "age": 21, "caps": 24, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "Sheffield United", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "EFL Championship", "height_cm": 190, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 25, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2028, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": 1, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "EFL Championship", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 109, "career_club_goals": 5, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "On loan at Sheffield United from Reading for 2025-26", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyler_Bindon ; https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/tyler-bindon/73196/", "backstory": "Born in Auckland into a sporting family, Tyler Bindon moved to California aged 12 when his mother took a coaching role at UCLA, and developed through the LAFC academy. He signed for Reading in 2023 and made an instant impact, twice featuring in their Player of the Season race, before Nottingham Forest signed the commanding centre-back permanently in 2025 and loaned him to Sheffield United. Still only 21, he is one of the All Whites' brightest young defenders heading into the tournament.", "facts": ["His mother won 77 caps for New Zealand's women's team and his father captained the national volleyball side", "A dual national who represented the USA at U19 level before committing to New Zealand", "Won the 2024 OFC Nations Cup and the Halberg Emerging Talent Award"], "data_rating": 69, "fun": ["🐣 Youngest in the squad (21)", "🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 707, "team_id": 28, "fifa_code": "NZL", "team_name": "New Zealand", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "OFC", "shirt_number": 5, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Michael Boxall", "date_of_birth": "1988-08-18", "age": 37, "caps": 62, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Minnesota United FC", "club_country": "United States", "club_league": "MLS", "height_cm": 188, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 36, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "MLS (incl. playoffs)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 275, "career_club_goals": 13, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "2025 MLS All-Star; club captain", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Boxall ; https://www.mnufc.com/players/michael-boxall/", "backstory": "Auckland-born Michael Boxall, of Samoan descent, captained Mount Albert Grammar before playing college soccer at UC Santa Barbara, where he was named Big West Defender of the Year. His career spanned Vancouver, Wellington Phoenix and South Africa's SuperSport United before he settled at Minnesota United in 2017, becoming club captain and a defensive cornerstone. At 37 he is the squad's experienced leader at the back, a 2025 MLS All-Star going to his first World Cup.", "facts": ["Scored his first-ever international goal aged 36, a header that helped seal World Cup qualification in March 2025", "Older brother of fellow New Zealand international Nikko Boxall", "New Zealand walked off the pitch in a 2023 friendly against Qatar after he was allegedly racially abused"], "data_rating": 75, "fun": ["🧓 Veteran presence", "🌍 Plays abroad · United States"]}, {"player_id": 708, "team_id": 28, "fifa_code": "NZL", "team_name": "New Zealand", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "OFC", "shirt_number": 6, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Joe Bell", "date_of_birth": "1999-04-27", "age": 27, "caps": 31, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Viking", "club_country": "Norway", "club_league": "Eliteserien", "height_cm": 182, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 37, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": 4, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Eliteserien, Norwegian Cup, UEFA competition", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 217, "career_club_goals": 6, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Won 2025 Eliteserien with Viking; named in Team of the Year", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Bell_(footballer) ; https://fbref.com/en/players/7825847e/Joe-Bell", "backstory": "Born in Bristol and raised between Wanaka, Christchurch and Wellington, Joe Bell starred at the University of Virginia, where he was named ACC Midfielder of the Year. He signed for Norway's Viking in 2020, had a spell at Brondby, then returned to Viking in 2023 and became the heartbeat of their midfield. A composed defensive midfielder, he capped 2025 by winning the Eliteserien title and making the league's Team of the Year.", "facts": ["Turned down a Viking contract after the 2019 U-20 World Cup to finish his Virginia degree on a full scholarship", "His only international goal came in a 5-0 World Cup qualifier rout of the Solomon Islands"], "data_rating": 73, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Norway"]}, {"player_id": 709, "team_id": 28, "fifa_code": "NZL", "team_name": "New Zealand", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "OFC", "shirt_number": 7, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Matthew Garbett", "date_of_birth": "2002-04-13", "age": 24, "caps": 36, "international_goals": 5, "is_captain": false, "club": "Peterborough United", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "EFL League One", "height_cm": 188, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 24, "club_starts_2025_26": 20, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "EFL League One (plus cups)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 86, "career_club_goals": 8, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Wears No. 28 at Peterborough; signed August 2025", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthew_Garbett ; https://www.theposh.com/player/378", "backstory": "Born in London but raised in New Zealand from a young age, Matthew Garbett came through the Ole Football Academy and Team Wellington before moving to Sweden's Falkenbergs and then Serie A side Torino in 2021. A successful loan led to a permanent move to NAC Breda in the Netherlands, and in August 2025 he joined Peterborough United in England's League One. A tall, technical midfielder, he captained New Zealand at the Paris Olympics.", "facts": ["Captained New Zealand's Olympic football team at Paris 2024", "His brother Norman also plays professionally and featured at the 2023 U-20 World Cup"], "data_rating": 69, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 710, "team_id": 28, "fifa_code": "NZL", "team_name": "New Zealand", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "OFC", "shirt_number": 8, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Marko Stamenić", "date_of_birth": "2002-02-19", "age": 24, "caps": 38, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "Swansea City", "club_country": "Wales", "club_league": "EFL Championship", "height_cm": 188, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 36, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "EFL Championship", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 121, "career_club_goals": 7, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Joined Swansea from Nottingham Forest August 2025 for reported £2m+", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marko_Stameni%C4%87 ; https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/marko-stamenic/leistungsdaten/spieler/617018", "backstory": "Wellington-born to a Serbian father and Samoan mother, Marko Stamenic came through the Ole Football Academy and Team Wellington before a 2020 move to FC Copenhagen launched his European career. Spells at Red Star Belgrade and a Nottingham Forest contract followed, with loans to Olympiacos, before he joined Swansea City in the Championship in 2025. A tall, physical and technical midfielder, he is a key engine for the All Whites.", "facts": ["Has won league titles in three countries: Denmark with Copenhagen, Serbia with Red Star Belgrade, and Greece with Olympiacos", "A planned 2020 Copenhagen trial was abandoned when COVID lockdowns hit after he'd drawn interest from Flamengo"], "data_rating": 71, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Wales"]}, {"player_id": 711, "team_id": 28, "fifa_code": "NZL", "team_name": "New Zealand", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "OFC", "shirt_number": 9, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Chris Wood", "date_of_birth": "1991-12-07", "age": 34, "caps": 90, "international_goals": 45, "is_captain": true, "club": "Nottingham Forest", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 191, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 20, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1160, "club_goals_2025_26": 5, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": 3, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, UEFA Europa League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 552, "career_club_goals": 194, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Captain and all-time top scorer; Premier League starter", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Wood_(footballer,_born_1991) ; https://www.premierleague.com/en/players/60689/chris-wood/overview", "backstory": "Auckland-born Chris Wood is New Zealand's greatest goalscorer and captain. Discovered by West Brom as a teenager, he became only the fifth New Zealander to play in the Premier League, then built a prolific career across Leicester, Leeds, Burnley, a record-breaking Newcastle move and Nottingham Forest. A powerful, clinical target man, he leads the All Whites at the 2026 World Cup as their talisman after a career-best Premier League season.", "facts": ["New Zealand's all-time leader in both caps (90) and goals (45)", "His £25m move to Newcastle made him the most expensive Oceania player ever", "Got booked for revealing his underwear while celebrating his first international goal, against Honduras in 2010"], "data_rating": 71, "fun": ["⚡ 0.5 goals per cap", "🔥 Top 1% scorer at the Cup", "🎖️ Most-capped in the squad (90)", "🧓 Veteran presence", "🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 712, "team_id": 28, "fifa_code": "NZL", "team_name": "New Zealand", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "OFC", "shirt_number": 10, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CAM", "player_name": "Sarpreet Singh", "date_of_birth": "1999-02-20", "age": 27, "caps": 27, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "Wellington Phoenix", "club_country": "New Zealand", "club_league": "A-League Men", "height_cm": 175, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 2, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "A-League Men", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Joined Phoenix on loan from Bačka Topola Feb 2026; season limited by MCL injury", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarpreet_Singh ; https://wellingtonphoenix.com/news/welcome-home-sarpreet/", "backstory": "Auckland-born of Indian Punjabi heritage, Sarpreet Singh came through Onehunga Sports and the Wellington Phoenix academy before a standout 2019 U-20 World Cup earned him a move to Bayern Munich. He spent four years at Bayern with loans and moves around German football, then played in Portugal and Serbia before returning home on loan to Wellington Phoenix in 2026. A creative left-footed playmaker, his World Cup hopes were hampered by an MCL injury.", "facts": ["First New Zealander to play in the Bundesliga since Wynton Rufer when he debuted for Bayern Munich", "First player of Indian Punjabi heritage at a World Cup since Vikash Dhorasoo with France in 2006", "Won an MVP award at the Australian National Futsal Championships aged 10"], "data_rating": 59, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 713, "team_id": 28, "fifa_code": "NZL", "team_name": "New Zealand", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "OFC", "shirt_number": 11, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Elijah Just", "date_of_birth": "2000-05-01", "age": 26, "caps": 43, "international_goals": 9, "is_captain": false, "club": "Motherwell", "club_country": "Scotland", "club_league": "Scottish Premiership", "height_cm": 174, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 39, "club_starts_2025_26": 30, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 7, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Scottish Premiership, Scottish League Cup, Scottish Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 182, "career_club_goals": 34, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Most productive league season; signed for Motherwell July 2025", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elijah_Just ; https://www.sofascore.com/football/player/elijah-just/905267", "backstory": "Born in Palmerston North to a German father and Chinese mother, Elijah Just came through the Ole Academy and Western Suburbs before moving to Denmark with Helsingor and Horsens, with a productive loan in Austria. He signed for Scottish Premiership side Motherwell in 2025 and enjoyed his most productive league season yet, even earning a place on the PFA Scotland Player of the Year shortlist. A direct, goal-getting winger, he is one of New Zealand's most dangerous attackers.", "facts": ["Captained New Zealand at the 2017 U-17 World Cup in India", "Scored 6 goals in 19 games on loan at Austria's St. Polten"], "data_rating": 75, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Scotland"]}, {"player_id": 714, "team_id": 28, "fifa_code": "NZL", "team_name": "New Zealand", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "OFC", "shirt_number": 12, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Alex Paulsen", "date_of_birth": "2002-07-04", "age": 23, "caps": 7, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Lechia Gdańsk", "club_country": "Poland", "club_league": "Ekstraklasa", "height_cm": 184, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 27, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ekstraklasa, Polish Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 143, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "On loan at Lechia Gdańsk from Bournemouth for 2025-26", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Paulsen ; https://www.flashscore.com/player/paulsen-alex/AF8MfxI4/", "backstory": "Auckland-born to a South African father and Namibian mother, Alex Paulsen joined the Wellington Phoenix academy at 15 and broke through with a record-setting 2023-24 season widely rated among the best by an A-League keeper. Premier League side Bournemouth signed him in 2024, loaning him to sister club Auckland FC and then to Poland's Lechia Gdansk for 2025-26. A ball-playing goalkeeper, he provides high-quality cover for the All Whites' No. 1 jersey.", "facts": ["Won back-to-back A-League Goalkeeper of the Year awards in 2024 and 2025", "Part of the Auckland FC side that set an Australian football record by going 532 minutes without conceding", "Credits a childhood in futsal for his ball-playing ability"], "data_rating": 65, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Poland"]}, {"player_id": 715, "team_id": 28, "fifa_code": "NZL", "team_name": "New Zealand", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "OFC", "shirt_number": 13, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "LB", "player_name": "Liberato Cacace", "date_of_birth": "2000-09-27", "age": 25, "caps": 36, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Wrexham", "club_country": "Wales", "club_league": "EFL Championship", "height_cm": 183, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 13, "club_starts_2025_26": 8, "club_minutes_2025_26": 721, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "EFL Championship, FA Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 218, "career_club_goals": 7, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Season hampered by multiple injuries incl. hamstring; FA Cup goal vs Forest", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liberato_Cacace ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/liberato-cacace/profil/spieler/469211", "backstory": "Wellington-born to an Italian father, Liberato Cacace debuted for Wellington Phoenix at 17 and was quickly hailed as the league's best left-back, winning the 2019-20 Harry Kewell Medal. He moved to Belgium's Sint-Truiden, then Serie A side Empoli, before joining newly promoted Wrexham in the Championship. A pacey, attacking left-back, his 2025-26 season was disrupted by injuries but he remains a key figure for the All Whites.", "facts": ["Captained New Zealand to the 2024 OFC Nations Cup and won the tournament's Golden Ball", "Became Wellington Phoenix's youngest-ever goalscorer at 18 years and 163 days", "His father runs an Italian restaurant in Petone and Cacace supports Napoli"], "data_rating": 64, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Wales"]}, {"player_id": 716, "team_id": 28, "fifa_code": "NZL", "team_name": "New Zealand", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "OFC", "shirt_number": 14, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CDM", "player_name": "Alex Rufer", "date_of_birth": "1996-06-12", "age": 29, "caps": 25, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Wellington Phoenix", "club_country": "New Zealand", "club_league": "A-League Men", "height_cm": 184, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 24, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2044, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": 8, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "A-League Men (plus Australia Cup)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 173, "career_club_goals": 5, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Wellington Phoenix captain", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Rufer ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/519240/alex-rufer", "backstory": "Born in Geneva to football royalty, Alex Rufer is the son of former All White Shane Rufer and nephew of Oceania Player of the Century Wynton Rufer. He signed for Wellington Phoenix in 2013 and has been a one-club loyalist ever since, captaining the side and anchoring midfield with disciplined defensive work. He returned from a serious 2022 ACL injury to make the PFA A-League Team of the Season and win the 2024 OFC Nations Cup.", "facts": ["Nephew of New Zealand legend Wynton Rufer, Oceania's Player of the Century", "Has spent his entire professional career at Wellington Phoenix, where he is club captain"], "data_rating": 66, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 717, "team_id": 28, "fifa_code": "NZL", "team_name": "New Zealand", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "OFC", "shirt_number": 15, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Nando Pijnaker", "date_of_birth": "1999-02-25", "age": 27, "caps": 24, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Auckland FC", "club_country": "New Zealand", "club_league": "A-League Men", "height_cm": 191, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 13, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 721, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "A-League Men", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Season disrupted by ankle surgery (12 weeks) and shoulder dislocation", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nando_Pijnaker ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/1053731/nando-pijnaker", "backstory": "Born in Brummen, Netherlands, Nando Pijnaker moved to New Zealand aged three and grew up in Rotorua. After spells in Switzerland and Portugal, he established himself in Ireland with Sligo Rovers before returning home to join Auckland FC in 2024. A tall, commanding centre-back, his 2025-26 season was disrupted by ankle surgery and a shoulder dislocation, but he remains a defensive option for the World Cup.", "facts": ["His match-worn shirt from a 97th-minute winner against Sydney FC was donated to Auckland Museum", "Represented New Zealand at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics"], "data_rating": 62, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 718, "team_id": 28, "fifa_code": "NZL", "team_name": "New Zealand", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "OFC", "shirt_number": 16, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Finn Surman", "date_of_birth": "2003-09-23", "age": 22, "caps": 18, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Portland Timbers", "club_country": "United States", "club_league": "MLS", "height_cm": 190, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 35, "club_starts_2025_26": 35, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "MLS (incl. playoffs)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 112, "career_club_goals": 1, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Timbers Supporters' Player of the Year 2025; first full MLS season", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finn_Surman ; https://www.mlssoccer.com/players/finn-surman/", "backstory": "Born in Cardiff, Finn Surman came through the Wellington Phoenix academy and was a regular starter in central defence by his late teens. In 2024 he moved to MLS side Portland Timbers, where his first full season earned him the Supporters' Player of the Year award. A composed, 6-foot-3 centre-back, he is one of the young defenders New Zealand are building around.", "facts": ["Won the 2024 OFC Nations Cup and was named the tournament's Best Young Player", "Played for New Zealand at the Paris 2024 Olympics"], "data_rating": 70, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · United States"]}, {"player_id": 719, "team_id": 28, "fifa_code": "NZL", "team_name": "New Zealand", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "OFC", "shirt_number": 17, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "RW", "player_name": "Kosta Barbarouses", "date_of_birth": "1990-02-19", "age": 36, "caps": 75, "international_goals": 10, "is_captain": false, "club": "Western Sydney Wanderers", "club_country": "Australia", "club_league": "A-League Men", "height_cm": 171, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 24, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1308, "club_goals_2025_26": 5, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": 1, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "A-League Men (plus Australia Cup)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 335, "career_club_goals": 105, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Joined Wanderers on one-year deal for 2025-26; 100-goal club member", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kosta_Barbarouses ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/96488/kosta-barbarouses", "backstory": "Wellington-born of Greek descent, Kosta Barbarouses captained New Zealand's U-17s at the 2007 World Cup and built one of the A-League's great careers across Wellington Phoenix, Brisbane, Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC, with spells in Russia and at Panathinaikos in Greece. He joined Western Sydney Wanderers in 2025 and remains a sharp, experienced winger. At 36 he is a veteran presence and three-time OFC Nations Cup winner.", "facts": ["A member of the A-League's 100-goal club, reaching the mark in January 2025", "Won three OFC Nations Cup titles (2008, 2016, 2024)"], "data_rating": 68, "fun": ["🧓 Veteran presence", "🌍 Plays abroad · Australia"]}, {"player_id": 720, "team_id": 28, "fifa_code": "NZL", "team_name": "New Zealand", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "OFC", "shirt_number": 18, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Ben Waine", "date_of_birth": "2001-06-11", "age": 25, "caps": 31, "international_goals": 9, "is_captain": false, "club": "Port Vale", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "EFL League One", "height_cm": 179, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 37, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 8, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "EFL League One, FA Cup, EFL Cup, EFL Trophy", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 204, "career_club_goals": 40, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Joint top scorer for Port Vale; club relegated from League One", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ben_Waine ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/ben-waine/leistungsdaten/spieler/539502", "backstory": "Wellington-born Ben Waine joined the Phoenix academy at 14 and became the club's youngest-ever player at 17, earning the nickname the 'Waine Train.' He moved to Plymouth Argyle in 2023, winning a League One title, before joining Port Vale in 2025, where he was joint top scorer despite the club's relegation. A pacey, hard-working forward, he is an attacking option for the All Whites.", "facts": ["Scored an extra-time FA Cup winner and later won Goal of the Season at Plymouth", "Holds dual UK-New Zealand citizenship and supports Newcastle United through his Geordie family", "Scored New Zealand's winner against Guinea at the Paris 2024 Olympics"], "data_rating": 71, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 721, "team_id": 28, "fifa_code": "NZL", "team_name": "New Zealand", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "OFC", "shirt_number": 19, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Ben Old", "date_of_birth": "2002-08-13", "age": 23, "caps": 23, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Saint-Étienne", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Ligue 2", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 30, "club_starts_2025_26": 20, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1880, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": 1, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue 2", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/ben-old/33506/ ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/1257745/benjamin-old", "backstory": "A left-footed New Zealander, Ben Old developed through Wellington Phoenix's setup and made his senior breakthrough before a 2024 free transfer to French club Saint-Etienne. An attacking left-sided player comfortable as a winger or wing-back, he became a regular for the Ligue 2 side. Despite his youth he has already racked up senior caps and offers pace and creativity down the flank for New Zealand.", "facts": ["Joined French club Saint-Etienne on a free transfer in 2024", "Earned more than 20 senior New Zealand caps despite his young age"], "data_rating": 66, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · France"]}, {"player_id": 722, "team_id": 28, "fifa_code": "NZL", "team_name": "New Zealand", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "OFC", "shirt_number": 20, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Callum McCowatt", "date_of_birth": "1999-04-30", "age": 27, "caps": 31, "international_goals": 4, "is_captain": false, "club": "Silkeborg", "club_country": "Denmark", "club_league": "Danish Superliga", "height_cm": 179, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 37, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 12, "club_assists_2025_26": 3, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Danish Superliga, Danish Cup, UEFA Conference League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 263, "career_club_goals": 81, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Silkeborg Player of the Year 2025; scored Superliga hat-trick", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Callum_McCowatt ; https://fbref.com/en/players/3fc42049/Callum-McCowatt", "backstory": "Auckland-born Callum McCowatt won a national championship and the New Zealand top-scorer award before a season at Wellington Phoenix and a move to Denmark, where he spent three years at Helsingor before joining Silkeborg in the Superliga. A goal-scoring left winger, he was named Silkeborg's Player of the Year for 2025 after a prolific season including a hat-trick. He arrives at the World Cup in the best form of his career.", "facts": ["Won the Steve Sumner Trophy as New Zealand's top scorer in 2018-19 with 18 goals", "Played in New Zealand's first-ever Olympic win, over South Korea at Tokyo 2020"], "data_rating": 77, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Denmark"]}, {"player_id": 723, "team_id": 28, "fifa_code": "NZL", "team_name": "New Zealand", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "OFC", "shirt_number": 21, "position": "FW", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Jesse Randall", "date_of_birth": "2002-08-19", "age": 23, "caps": 10, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Auckland FC", "club_country": "New Zealand", "club_league": "A-League Men", "height_cm": 176, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 34, "club_starts_2025_26": 30, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2123, "club_goals_2025_26": 12, "club_assists_2025_26": 6, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "A-League Men (incl. finals), Australia Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 127, "career_club_goals": 66, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Key scorer in Auckland FC's 2026 A-League championship win", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesse_Randall ; https://fbref.com/en/players/513ec88e/Jesse-Randall", "backstory": "Wellington-born Jesse Randall came up through the city's regional leagues and Wellington Olympic before a season with Charleston Battery in the USA. His breakthrough came at Auckland FC, where he started every match in the 2026 championship run, scoring 9 goals and adding 6 assists, before signing for Scotland's Dundee United in early 2026. A sharp, in-form forward, he is an exciting attacking option.", "facts": ["A key scorer in Auckland FC becoming the first New Zealand club to win the A-League Men Championship", "Once scored after just 30 seconds in an Australia Cup match"], "data_rating": 70, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 724, "team_id": 28, "fifa_code": "NZL", "team_name": "New Zealand", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "OFC", "shirt_number": 22, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Michael Woud", "date_of_birth": "1999-01-16", "age": 27, "caps": 6, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Auckland FC", "club_country": "New Zealand", "club_league": "A-League Men", "height_cm": 196, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 4, "club_starts_2025_26": 4, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 2, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": 2, "club_competitions_2025_26": "A-League Men (incl. Grand Final)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 64, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Kept clean sheet in 2026 A-League Grand Final win", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Woud ; https://www.ultimatealeague.com/player/?player_id=1708", "backstory": "Auckland-born of Dutch heritage, Michael Woud is a towering 6-foot-5 goalkeeper who developed in the Netherlands and later played in Japan before returning home to join Auckland FC. He was part of the club's historic 2026 A-League championship, keeping a clean sheet in the Grand Final win over Sydney FC. He provides goalkeeping depth for the All Whites at the tournament.", "facts": ["Made three penalty saves against Colombia at the 2019 U-20 World Cup, only for a retake to be ordered", "Kept a clean sheet in Auckland FC's 2026 A-League Grand Final win"], "data_rating": 62, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 725, "team_id": 28, "fifa_code": "NZL", "team_name": "New Zealand", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "OFC", "shirt_number": 23, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "RW", "player_name": "Ryan Thomas", "date_of_birth": "1994-12-20", "age": 31, "caps": 25, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "PEC Zwolle", "club_country": "Netherlands", "club_league": "Eredivisie", "height_cm": 174, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2157, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": 7, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Eredivisie", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 201, "career_club_goals": 16, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Defensive midfielder; agreed new deal with PEC Zwolle April 2026", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ryan_Thomas_(footballer) ; https://www.fotmob.com/en-GB/players/496356", "backstory": "Born in Te Puke and raised in the Waikato, Ryan Thomas broke through at PEC Zwolle, where he won the KNVB Cup, before a big-money 2018 move to PSV Eindhoven that was derailed by a serious knee injury and multiple surgeries. He returned to PEC Zwolle in 2022, reinventing himself as a holding midfielder. A technically gifted player, he agreed a new Zwolle deal in 2026 and offers experience in midfield.", "facts": ["Scored twice in PEC Zwolle's shock 5-1 KNVB Cup final win over Ajax in 2014", "Named in the IFFHS Oceania Men's Team of All Time (2021)"], "data_rating": 67, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Netherlands"]}, {"player_id": 726, "team_id": 28, "fifa_code": "NZL", "team_name": "New Zealand", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "OFC", "shirt_number": 24, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Callan Elliot", "date_of_birth": "1999-07-07", "age": 26, "caps": 10, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Auckland FC", "club_country": "New Zealand", "club_league": "A-League Men", "height_cm": 177, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 26, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1406, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": 1, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "A-League Men (plus Australia Cup)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 133, "career_club_goals": 5, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Right-back; won 2025-26 A-League title with Auckland FC", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Callan_Elliot ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/1013276/callan-elliot", "backstory": "Born in Dumfries, Scotland, Callan Elliot emigrated to New Zealand as a child and came through Wellington Phoenix after starting at Tasman United. He had spells in Greece and at Motherwell before returning home to join Auckland FC, where he won the Premiership and the 2026 championship as a reliable right-back. He represented New Zealand at the Tokyo Olympics and earns a World Cup call-up.", "facts": ["Won both the 2024-25 A-League Premiership and the 2026 Championship with Auckland FC", "Represented New Zealand at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics"], "data_rating": 63, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 727, "team_id": 28, "fifa_code": "NZL", "team_name": "New Zealand", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "OFC", "shirt_number": 25, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Lachlan Bayliss", "date_of_birth": "2002-07-24", "age": 23, "caps": 3, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Newcastle Jets", "club_country": "Australia", "club_league": "A-League Men", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 31, "club_starts_2025_26": 18, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 5, "club_assists_2025_26": 3, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "A-League Men, Australia Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 110, "career_club_goals": 29, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Won Australia Cup and Premiers' Plate with Newcastle Jets; departed end of season", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lachlan_Bayliss ; https://newcastlejetsfc.com.au/player/lachlan-bayliss/", "backstory": "Born in Darwin, Australia, Lachlan Bayliss came through the Central Coast Mariners academy before signing for Newcastle Jets in 2023, where he developed into a versatile, goal-scoring central midfielder. He qualifies for New Zealand through his father and made his senior All Whites debut in March 2026. He won the Australia Cup and Premiers' Plate with the Jets before departing at season's end.", "facts": ["Won the 2025 Australia Cup and 2025-26 A-League Premiers' Plate with Newcastle Jets and made the PFA Team of the Season", "Eligible for New Zealand through his father; debuted for the All Whites in 2026"], "data_rating": 66, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Australia"]}, {"player_id": 728, "team_id": 28, "fifa_code": "NZL", "team_name": "New Zealand", "group_letter": "G", "confederation": "OFC", "shirt_number": 26, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Tommy Smith", "date_of_birth": "1990-03-31", "age": 36, "caps": 56, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Braintree Town", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "National League", "height_cm": 188, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 14, "club_starts_2025_26": 10, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1173, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": 2, "club_red_2025_26": 1, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "National League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 462, "career_club_goals": 32, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Veteran centre-back; joined Braintree from Auckland FC", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tommy_Smith_(footballer,_born_1990) ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/tommy-smith/profil/spieler/54381", "backstory": "Born in Macclesfield, Tommy Smith came through Ipswich Town's academy and spent 11 years there before moving to MLS with Colorado Rapids and later captaining Colchester United. He returned to Oceania with Auckland FC, winning the A-League Premiership, before joining National League side Braintree Town. A vastly experienced centre-back and former All Whites captain, he is the squad's elder statesman at the back.", "facts": ["Played every minute of New Zealand's unbeaten 2010 World Cup campaign", "Became New Zealand's youngest-ever captain when he led the side against El Salvador in 2012"], "data_rating": 68, "fun": ["🧓 Veteran presence", "🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 729, "team_id": 29, "fifa_code": "ESP", "team_name": "Spain", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 1, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "David Raya", "date_of_birth": "1995-09-15", "age": 30, "caps": 12, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Arsenal", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 183, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 51, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 28, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 371, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Won 2025/26 Premier League Golden Glove (3rd in a row, 19 PL clean sheets) and UCL Golden Glove; 28 clean sheets across all competitions.", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Raya ; https://www.premierleague.com/en/players/154561/david-raya/stats", "backstory": "Born in Barcelona, David Raya came through Blackburn Rovers' system in England after leaving Spain as a teenager, breaking through at Brentford and helping them reach the Premier League. A move to Arsenal followed, where he became the league's premier shot-stopper, distinguished by his sweeper-keeper distribution. He arrives at the World Cup as Spain's likely No. 1 after a stellar season for the Gunners.", "facts": ["Won the Premier League Golden Glove three seasons in a row", "Won the 2025/26 Champions League Golden Glove with 28 clean sheets across all competitions"], "data_rating": 84, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England", "🧤 28 clean sheets in 2025/26"]}, {"player_id": 730, "team_id": 29, "fifa_code": "ESP", "team_name": "Spain", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 2, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "RB", "player_name": "Marc Pubill", "date_of_birth": "2003-06-20", "age": 22, "caps": 1, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Atlético Madrid", "club_country": "Spain", "club_league": "La Liga", "height_cm": 190, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 36, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "La Liga, Copa del Rey, UEFA Champions League, Supercopa de España", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 136, "career_club_goals": 5, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Joined Atlético Madrid from Almería in July 2025.", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marc_Pubill", "backstory": "A Catalan from Terrassa, Marc Pubill came through the academies of Manresa and Levante before establishing himself as a modern attacking right-back at Almería. Atlético Madrid signed him in July 2025 in a deal worth up to around €20 million. A late bloomer at international level, he is one of the squad's uncapped-to-breakthrough stories.", "facts": ["Won Olympic gold with Spain at Paris 2024, scoring in the win over Uzbekistan", "Joined Atlético Madrid from Almería in 2025"], "data_rating": 64, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 731, "team_id": 29, "fifa_code": "ESP", "team_name": "Spain", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 3, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "LB", "player_name": "Álex Grimaldo", "date_of_birth": "1995-09-20", "age": 30, "caps": 13, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Bayer Leverkusen", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 171, "preferred_foot": "left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 46, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 14, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 382, "career_club_goals": 44, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Prolific attacking left-back: 14 goals in all competitions (8 Bundesliga, 4 UCL, 2 DFB-Pokal).", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%81lex_Grimaldo", "backstory": "A product of Barcelona's La Masia, left-back Álex Grimaldo struggled for first-team chances at the Camp Nou and rebuilt his career at Benfica, winning multiple Portuguese titles. His move to Bayer Leverkusen turned him into one of Europe's most dangerous attacking full-backs, central to Leverkusen's unbeaten 2023/24 Bundesliga title. He finally earned regular Spain recognition late in his career.", "facts": ["Came through Barcelona's La Masia academy", "Scored 14 goals across all competitions from left-back in 2025/26"], "data_rating": 80, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Germany"]}, {"player_id": 732, "team_id": 29, "fifa_code": "ESP", "team_name": "Spain", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 4, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Eric García", "date_of_birth": "2001-01-09", "age": 25, "caps": 20, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Barcelona", "club_country": "Spain", "club_league": "La Liga", "height_cm": 180, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 51, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": 6, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "La Liga, Copa del Rey, UEFA Champions League, Supercopa de España", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 166, "career_club_goals": 9, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Versatile defender used at centre-back, full-back and defensive midfield under Flick.", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_Garc%C3%ADa_(footballer,_born_2001) ; https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/128714/eric--garcia", "backstory": "Raised in the Barcelona academy and a former Manchester City player under Pep Guardiola, Eric García returned to the Camp Nou and reinvented himself under Hansi Flick as a versatile defender comfortable at centre-back, full-back or even defensive midfield. His tactical flexibility makes him a valuable squad option for De la Fuente.", "facts": ["Came through Barcelona's La Masia before a spell at Manchester City", "Used in multiple positions across the back line and midfield in Barcelona's title win"], "data_rating": 77, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 733, "team_id": 29, "fifa_code": "ESP", "team_name": "Spain", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 5, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "RB", "player_name": "Marcos Llorente", "date_of_birth": "1995-01-30", "age": 31, "caps": 23, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Atlético Madrid", "club_country": "Spain", "club_league": "La Liga", "height_cm": 184, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 49, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 4, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "La Liga, Copa del Rey, UEFA Champions League, Supercopa de España", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 328, "career_club_goals": 27, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "All 4 goals came in the Champions League.", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marcos_Llorente", "backstory": "Nephew of Real Madrid great Paco Llorente and from a famous footballing family, Marcos Llorente came through Real Madrid's academy but found fame at Atlético Madrid after a 2019 move. He famously starred in the Champions League win over Liverpool and has been deployed everywhere from midfield to wing-back to right-back. All four of his 2025/26 goals came in the Champions League.", "facts": ["Comes from a footballing dynasty — relative of former Real Madrid players", "Came through Real Madrid's academy before joining rivals Atlético Madrid"], "data_rating": 77, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 734, "team_id": 29, "fifa_code": "ESP", "team_name": "Spain", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 6, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Mikel Merino", "date_of_birth": "1996-06-22", "age": 29, "caps": 42, "international_goals": 10, "is_captain": false, "club": "Arsenal", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 189, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 34, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 6, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 426, "career_club_goals": 51, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Sidelined late season with a foot injury sustained in February 2026.", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mikel_Merino", "backstory": "Son of former footballer Ángel Merino, Mikel Merino was born in Pamplona and came through Osasuna before spells at Borussia Dortmund and Newcastle United. He became a Real Sociedad mainstay and a Euro 2024 winner with Spain before joining Arsenal. A late-arriving box-to-box midfielder, he was sidelined by a foot injury late in the 2025/26 season.", "facts": ["Son of former professional footballer Ángel Merino", "Won UEFA Euro 2024 with Spain"], "data_rating": 74, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 735, "team_id": 29, "fifa_code": "ESP", "team_name": "Spain", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 7, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Ferran Torres", "date_of_birth": "2000-02-29", "age": 26, "caps": 56, "international_goals": 24, "is_captain": false, "club": "Barcelona", "club_country": "Spain", "club_league": "La Liga", "height_cm": 182, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 49, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 21, "club_assists_2025_26": 3, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "La Liga, Copa del Rey, UEFA Champions League, Supercopa de España", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 359, "career_club_goals": 91, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Career-best 21 goals (16 La Liga) as a frequent starter through the title-winning season.", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferran_Torres ; https://www.sportbusy.com/players/soccer/265869/ ; https://tribuna.com/ (2025-26 season stats, all competitions)", "backstory": "A leap-year baby from Foios near Valencia, Ferran Torres rose through Valencia's academy before a high-profile move to Manchester City and then Barcelona. After years of inconsistency he enjoyed a career-best 2025/26 season with 21 goals, becoming a reliable starter in Barcelona's title-winning attack and a key Spain forward.", "facts": ["Born on 29 February — a leap-year baby", "Came through Valencia's youth academy"], "data_rating": 81, "fun": ["🔥 Top 4% scorer at the Cup", "🎯 21 club goals in 2025/26"]}, {"player_id": 736, "team_id": 29, "fifa_code": "ESP", "team_name": "Spain", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 8, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Fabián Ruiz", "date_of_birth": "1996-04-03", "age": 30, "caps": 41, "international_goals": 6, "is_captain": false, "club": "Paris Saint-Germain", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Ligue 1", "height_cm": 189, "preferred_foot": "left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 34, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue 1, Coupe de France, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, Trophée des Champions, FIFA Intercontinental Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 434, "career_club_goals": 45, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fabi%C3%A1n_Ruiz", "backstory": "An elegant left-footed midfielder from Los Palacios near Seville, Fabián Ruiz emerged at Real Betis before starring for Napoli and then Paris Saint-Germain, where he won multiple Ligue 1 titles and the Champions League. His passing range and composure make him a key cog in Spain's midfield.", "facts": ["Came through Real Betis's academy", "Won the Champions League with Paris Saint-Germain"], "data_rating": 70, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · France"]}, {"player_id": 737, "team_id": 29, "fifa_code": "ESP", "team_name": "Spain", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 9, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Gavi", "date_of_birth": "2004-08-05", "age": 21, "caps": 29, "international_goals": 5, "is_captain": false, "club": "Barcelona", "club_country": "Spain", "club_league": "La Liga", "height_cm": 174, "preferred_foot": "right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 13, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "La Liga, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 122, "career_club_goals": 6, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Limited to 13 appearances after a right-knee medial meniscus injury and surgery in September 2025; returned mid-March 2026.", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gavi_(footballer)", "backstory": "Born Pablo Martín Páez Gavira in Los Palacios, Andalusia, Gavi exploded out of La Masia as a fearless teenage midfielder, becoming a Barcelona and Spain regular before he was 18. A serious knee injury in 2023 and another meniscus problem in 2025 disrupted his rise, limiting him to 13 appearances in 2025/26 before a March 2026 return ahead of the World Cup.", "facts": ["Came through Barcelona's La Masia academy", "Won the Kopa Trophy as the world's best young player in 2022"], "data_rating": 62, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 738, "team_id": 29, "fifa_code": "ESP", "team_name": "Spain", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 10, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "CAM", "player_name": "Dani Olmo", "date_of_birth": "1998-05-07", "age": 28, "caps": 49, "international_goals": 12, "is_captain": false, "club": "Barcelona", "club_country": "Spain", "club_league": "La Liga", "height_cm": 182, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 49, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 8, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "La Liga, Copa del Rey, UEFA Champions League, Supercopa de España", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 384, "career_club_goals": 85, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dani_Olmo", "backstory": "A Catalan from Terrassa, Dani Olmo left La Masia as a teenager to join Dinamo Zagreb, an unusual move that paid off when he became a Croatian league star before returning to Spain via RB Leipzig. He came back to boyhood club Barcelona in 2024 and is a Euro 2024 winner, prized for his creativity and link play between midfield and attack.", "facts": ["Left Barcelona's academy as a teenager to join Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia", "Was a key creator in Spain's Euro 2024 triumph"], "data_rating": 73, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 739, "team_id": 29, "fifa_code": "ESP", "team_name": "Spain", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 11, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "RW", "player_name": "Yéremy Pino", "date_of_birth": "2002-10-20", "age": 23, "caps": 22, "international_goals": 4, "is_captain": false, "club": "Crystal Palace", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 172, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 51, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 5, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup, UEFA Conference League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 250, "career_club_goals": 30, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "First season at Crystal Palace; featured heavily including a deep UEFA Conference League run.", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Y%C3%A9remy_Pino", "backstory": "Born in Las Palmas in the Canary Islands, Yéremy Pino came through Villarreal's academy and was a Europa League winner with the club at a young age. A direct, two-footed winger, he joined Crystal Palace in 2025 and featured heavily including a deep Conference League run in his debut English season.", "facts": ["Came through Villarreal's academy and won the Europa League with them", "Born in the Canary Islands"], "data_rating": 69, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 740, "team_id": 29, "fifa_code": "ESP", "team_name": "Spain", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 12, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "RB", "player_name": "Pedro Porro", "date_of_birth": "1999-09-13", "age": 26, "caps": 17, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Tottenham Hotspur", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 173, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 47, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 234, "career_club_goals": 21, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pedro_Porro", "backstory": "From Don Benito in Extremadura, Pedro Porro rose via Girona and Manchester City before making his name at Sporting CP in Portugal, where his marauding wing-back play earned a move to Tottenham Hotspur. An attacking right-back with a powerful shot and crossing, he competes for Spain's right-back slot.", "facts": ["Was on Manchester City's books before establishing himself at Sporting CP", "Born in Extremadura"], "data_rating": 75, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 741, "team_id": 29, "fifa_code": "ESP", "team_name": "Spain", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 13, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Joan García", "date_of_birth": "2001-05-04", "age": 25, "caps": 2, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Barcelona", "club_country": "Spain", "club_league": "La Liga", "height_cm": 193, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 45, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 15, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "La Liga, Copa del Rey, UEFA Champions League, Supercopa de España", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 129, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Joined from Espanyol; La Liga clean-sheet leader (15) and Zamora Trophy contender despite a knee surgery layoff. Clean sheet count is La Liga only.", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joan_Garc%C3%ADa ; https://footystats.org/players/spain/joan-garcia", "backstory": "Born in Sallent, Catalonia, Joan García started as an outfield player before switching to goalkeeper, rising through Espanyol's academy to become one of La Liga's standout shot-stoppers. 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He switched international allegiance from France to Spain, won Euro 2024, and later returned to boyhood club Athletic Bilbao. A composed left-footed centre-back, he brings leadership to Spain's defence.", "facts": ["Born in France but chose to play internationally for Spain", "Returned to Athletic Bilbao, the club where he was raised"], "data_rating": 71, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 743, "team_id": 29, "fifa_code": "ESP", "team_name": "Spain", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 15, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CAM", "player_name": "Álex Baena", "date_of_birth": "2001-07-20", "age": 24, "caps": 16, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Atlético Madrid", "club_country": "Spain", "club_league": "La Liga", "height_cm": 174, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 46, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "La Liga, Copa del Rey, UEFA Champions League, Supercopa de España", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 263, "career_club_goals": 33, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "First season at Atlético Madrid after joining from Villarreal.", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%81lex_Baena", "backstory": "From Roquetas de Mar in Almería, Álex Baena came through Villarreal's academy to become one of La Liga's premier creators, twice topping the assists and chances-created charts. He joined Atlético Madrid in 2025 and is a Euro 2024 and Olympic gold winner, offering Spain craft from the left and through the middle.", "facts": ["Scored on his senior Spain debut against Cyprus", "Won both Euro 2024 and Olympic gold in the same summer"], "data_rating": 69, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 744, "team_id": 29, "fifa_code": "ESP", "team_name": "Spain", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 16, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CDM", "player_name": "Rodri", "date_of_birth": "1996-06-22", "age": 29, "caps": 61, "international_goals": 4, "is_captain": true, "club": "Manchester City", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 190, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 33, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 470, "career_club_goals": 35, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Returned from the long-term ACL injury suffered in 2024/25.", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rodri_(footballer,_born_1996)", "backstory": "Rodrigo Hernández, from Madrid, came through Atlético Madrid's youth, broke out at Villarreal, then returned to Atlético before a 2019 move to Manchester City made him the world's best defensive midfielder. Spain's captain and a Euro 2024 winner, he returned in 2025/26 from a long-term ACL injury to reclaim his place as the team's metronome.", "facts": ["Won the 2024 Ballon d'Or — the first Manchester City player to do so", "Was once on a world-record 74-game unbeaten run for club and country"], "data_rating": 90, "fun": ["🎖️ Most-capped in the squad (61)", "🌍 Plays abroad · England", "©️ Captain"]}, {"player_id": 745, "team_id": 29, "fifa_code": "ESP", "team_name": "Spain", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 17, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "LW", "player_name": "Nico Williams", "date_of_birth": "2002-07-12", "age": 23, "caps": 30, "international_goals": 6, "is_captain": false, "club": "Athletic Bilbao", "club_country": "Spain", "club_league": "La Liga", "height_cm": 181, "preferred_foot": "left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 32, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 6, "club_assists_2025_26": 5, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "La Liga, Copa del Rey, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 184, "career_club_goals": 31, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nico_Williams ; https://tribuna.com/ (2025-26 season stats, all competitions)", "backstory": "Born in Pamplona to Ghanaian parents, Nico Williams followed older brother Iñaki through Athletic Bilbao's academy, the brothers eventually playing and winning the Copa del Rey together. An electric left-footed winger, he scored the opening goal in Spain's Euro 2024 final win over England and was named Man of the Match.", "facts": ["Younger brother of Athletic Bilbao forward Iñaki Williams", "Scored in the Euro 2024 final and was named Player of the Match"], "data_rating": 85, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 746, "team_id": 29, "fifa_code": "ESP", "team_name": "Spain", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 18, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CDM", "player_name": "Martín Zubimendi", "date_of_birth": "1999-02-02", "age": 27, "caps": 25, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "Arsenal", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 181, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 57, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 6, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 268, "career_club_goals": 18, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "First season at Arsenal after joining from Real Sociedad; near ever-present (57 apps) in the title-winning side.", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Zubimendi", "backstory": "A Basque from San Sebastián, Martín Zubimendi came through Real Sociedad's academy to become one of Europe's most refined defensive midfielders. He famously turned down other suitors before joining Arsenal in 2025, where he was near ever-present in a title-winning campaign. A Euro 2024 winner, he gives Spain control at the base of midfield.", "facts": ["Came through Real Sociedad's academy", "Won Euro 2024 with Spain"], "data_rating": 75, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 747, "team_id": 29, "fifa_code": "ESP", "team_name": "Spain", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 19, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "RW", "player_name": "Lamine Yamal", "date_of_birth": "2007-07-13", "age": 18, "caps": 25, "international_goals": 6, "is_captain": false, "club": "Barcelona", "club_country": "Spain", "club_league": "La Liga", "height_cm": 180, "preferred_foot": "left", "market_value_eur": 200000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 45, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 24, "club_assists_2025_26": 15, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "La Liga, Copa del Rey, UEFA Champions League, Supercopa de España", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 154, "career_club_goals": 49, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "24 goals across all competitions (16 La Liga + 11 assists, La Liga top assist provider; 6 goals/4 assists UCL). Market value €200m.", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lamine_Yamal ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/lamine-yamal/leistungsdaten/spieler/937958 ; https://tribuna.com/ (2025-26 season stats, all competitions)", "backstory": "Born in Esplugues de Llobregat to a Moroccan father and Equatorial Guinean mother, Lamine Yamal became Barcelona's youngest-ever debutant at 15 and exploded into a global superstar by his teens. The youngest scorer in European Championship history at Euro 2024, he is the jewel of this Spain side, valued at €200m, and arrives as one of the favourites for football's biggest individual honours.", "facts": ["Youngest goalscorer in European Championship history (Euro 2024)", "Became Barcelona's youngest-ever first-team debutant at 15", "Market value of €200 million"], "data_rating": 86, "fun": ["💎 Most valuable in the squad", "🐣 Youngest in the squad (18)", "🌟 Wonderkid", "🎯 24 club goals in 2025/26"]}, {"player_id": 748, "team_id": 29, "fifa_code": "ESP", "team_name": "Spain", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 20, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Pedri", "date_of_birth": "2002-11-25", "age": 23, "caps": 40, "international_goals": 5, "is_captain": false, "club": "Barcelona", "club_country": "Spain", "club_league": "La Liga", "height_cm": 174, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 43, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": 10, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "La Liga, Copa del Rey, UEFA Champions League, Supercopa de España", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 282, "career_club_goals": 32, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pedri ; https://tribuna.com/ (2025-26 season stats, all competitions)", "backstory": "Pedro González López, from Tegueste in Tenerife, joined Las Palmas before a bargain move to Barcelona where he immediately became a midfield orchestrator of rare elegance. Repeated muscle and knee injuries have interrupted his career, but when fit he is among the world's best deep playmakers and a Euro 2024 winner pivotal to Spain's identity.", "facts": ["Born in Tenerife in the Canary Islands", "Won the Golden Boy and Kopa Trophy awards as Europe's best young player"], "data_rating": 88, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 749, "team_id": 29, "fifa_code": "ESP", "team_name": "Spain", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 21, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Mikel Oyarzabal", "date_of_birth": "1997-04-21", "age": 29, "caps": 52, "international_goals": 24, "is_captain": false, "club": "Real Sociedad", "club_country": "Spain", "club_league": "La Liga", "height_cm": 181, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 40, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 18, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "La Liga, Copa del Rey", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 450, "career_club_goals": 136, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "18 goals (15 La Liga, 4 La Liga assists); club captain and all-time leading scorer for Real Sociedad.", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mikel_Oyarzabal ; https://www.sportbusy.com/players/soccer/229018/", "backstory": "A Basque from Eibar, Mikel Oyarzabal is a one-club man at Real Sociedad, where he is captain and the club's all-time leading scorer. A versatile forward, he scored the winning goal in the Euro 2024 final against England. A career-best goal haul in 2025/26 reaffirmed his importance to Spain.", "facts": ["Scored the winning goal in the Euro 2024 final", "Real Sociedad's all-time leading goalscorer and club captain"], "data_rating": 78, "fun": ["🔥 Top 4% scorer at the Cup", "🎯 18 club goals in 2025/26"]}, {"player_id": 750, "team_id": 29, "fifa_code": "ESP", "team_name": "Spain", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 22, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Pau Cubarsí", "date_of_birth": "2007-01-22", "age": 19, "caps": 11, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Barcelona", "club_country": "Spain", "club_league": "La Liga", "height_cm": 183, "preferred_foot": "right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 48, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "La Liga, Copa del Rey, UEFA Champions League, Supercopa de España", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 137, "career_club_goals": 2, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pau_Cubars%C3%AD", "backstory": "Born in Estanyol, Catalonia, in 2007, Pau Cubarsí rose through La Masia to become Barcelona's first-choice centre-back as a teenager, drawing comparisons for his calm, ball-playing maturity well beyond his years. One of the world's most coveted young defenders, he anchors Spain's defensive future.", "facts": ["Came through Barcelona's La Masia academy", "Established himself as a Barcelona and Spain centre-back while still a teenager"], "data_rating": 73, "fun": ["🌟 Wonderkid"]}, {"player_id": 751, "team_id": 29, "fifa_code": "ESP", "team_name": "Spain", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 23, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Unai Simón", "date_of_birth": "1997-06-11", "age": 29, "caps": 57, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Athletic Bilbao", "club_country": "Spain", "club_league": "La Liga", "height_cm": 190, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 46, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 7, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": 54, "club_competitions_2025_26": "La Liga, UEFA Champions League, Supercopa de España", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 360, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Clean sheets (7) and goals conceded (54) are La Liga figures across 34 league appearances.", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unai_Sim%C3%B3n ; https://footystats.org/players/spain/unai-simon", "backstory": "Born in Murchante, Navarre, Unai Simón is a homegrown Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper who became Spain's No. 1 across multiple major tournaments and a Euro 2024 winner. Known for his shot-stopping and composure under pressure, he brings vast tournament experience to a goalkeeping department brimming with options.", "facts": ["A homegrown Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper", "Won Euro 2024 as Spain's first-choice keeper"], "data_rating": 78, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 752, "team_id": 29, "fifa_code": "ESP", "team_name": "Spain", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 24, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "LB", "player_name": "Marc Cucurella", "date_of_birth": "1998-07-22", "age": 27, "caps": 23, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Chelsea", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 174, "preferred_foot": "left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 50, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 374, "career_club_goals": 17, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marc_Cucurella", "backstory": "Recognisable for his curly hair, Marc Cucurella, born in Alella, Catalonia, came through Barcelona's academy before making his name at Eibar, Getafe and Brighton. His move to Chelsea brought trophies including the Club World Cup and Conference League, and he became a Euro 2024 winner, a relentless, combative left-back for Spain.", "facts": ["Came through Barcelona's La Masia academy", "Won Euro 2024 with Spain"], "data_rating": 76, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 753, "team_id": 29, "fifa_code": "ESP", "team_name": "Spain", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 25, "position": "FW", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Víctor Muñoz", "date_of_birth": "2003-07-13", "age": 22, "caps": 2, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Osasuna", "club_country": "Spain", "club_league": "La Liga", "height_cm": 173, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 31, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2668, "club_goals_2025_26": 6, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": 3, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "La Liga", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "La Liga figures: 6 goals, 2 assists, 2668 minutes, 3 yellow cards in 31 appearances for Osasuna.", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.sportbusy.com/players/soccer/397545/ ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/1553105/victor-munoz", "backstory": "A Barcelona-born winger, Víctor Muñoz passed through La Masia and Real Madrid's youth ranks before joining Osasuna in 2025, where he broke out with a strong debut La Liga season. His form earned a rapid senior call-up and a memorable first cap.", "facts": ["Scored on his senior Spain debut, in a 3-0 friendly win over Serbia in March 2026", "Came through both Barcelona's and Real Madrid's youth academies"], "data_rating": 64, "fun": ["⚡ 0.5 goals per cap"]}, {"player_id": 754, "team_id": 29, "fifa_code": "ESP", "team_name": "Spain", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 26, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Borja Iglesias", "date_of_birth": "1993-01-17", "age": 33, "caps": 7, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Celta Vigo", "club_country": "Spain", "club_league": "La Liga", "height_cm": 187, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 50, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 18, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "La Liga, UEFA Europa League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 471, "career_club_goals": 187, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "18 goals across all competitions (14 La Liga) in a strong season for Celta Vigo.", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Borja_Iglesias", "backstory": "A Galician from Santiago de Compostela, Borja Iglesias — nicknamed 'Panda' — exploded with 34 goals for Celta B before spells at Espanyol and Real Betis, where he won the Copa del Rey. He returned to Celta Vigo and rediscovered his scoring touch with 18 goals in 2025/26, earning a recall to the national team.", "facts": ["Nicknamed 'Panda' after the Desiigner song his teammates played constantly", "Won the 2021-22 Copa del Rey with Real Betis"], "data_rating": 71, "fun": ["🎯 18 club goals in 2025/26"]}, {"player_id": 755, "team_id": 30, "fifa_code": "CPV", "team_name": "Cabo Verde", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 1, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Vozinha (Josimar Dias)", "date_of_birth": "1986-06-03", "age": 40, "caps": 86, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Chaves", "club_country": "Portugal", "club_league": "Liga Portugal 2", "height_cm": 192, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 15, "club_starts_2025_26": 15, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1350, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 0, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 6, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": 13, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Liga Portugal 2", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Veteran first-choice keeper, vice-captain", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.playmakerstats.com/player/vozinha/291276 ; https://fbref.com/en/players/dc04ac24/Vozinha", "backstory": "Born in Mindelo, Josimar Dias - universally known as Vozinha - began at local side Batuque before joining city rivals CS Mindelense, and his journeyman career has since taken him through Cyprus, Moldova, Angola and Portugal, where he now keeps goal for second-tier Chaves. He debuted for Cape Verde in 2012 and was between the posts as the Blue Sharks reached the 2013 AFCON quarter-finals on their first appearance. A commanding veteran and vice-captain, he is the experienced first-choice keeper for the nation's historic first World Cup.", "facts": ["Made his international debut in a 2-0 win over Cameroon in 2012", "Played at three Africa Cup of Nations finals for Cape Verde", "Has more than 80 caps for the Blue Sharks"], "data_rating": 73, "fun": ["🧓 Veteran presence", "🌍 Plays abroad · Portugal"]}, {"player_id": 756, "team_id": 30, "fifa_code": "CPV", "team_name": "Cabo Verde", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 2, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "LB", "player_name": "Stopira (Ianique Tavares)", "date_of_birth": "1988-05-20", "age": 38, "caps": 61, "international_goals": 4, "is_captain": false, "club": "Torreense", "club_country": "Portugal", "club_league": "Liga Portugal 2", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 31, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2715, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Liga Portugal 2 (league only; also won 2025-26 Taca de Portugal with 2 goals in 8 cup games)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Veteran left-back; won 2025-26 Taca de Portugal with Torreense", "enrichment_sources": "https://footystats.org/players/cape-verde/ianique-dos-santos-tavares ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stopira", "backstory": "Marcio Salomao Brazao da Rosa started playing at age eight in Cape Verde before moving to Portuguese club Chaves in 2015 and progressing through lower-league loans. The goalkeeper has since settled in Bulgaria with First League side Montana. He debuted for Cape Verde in a penalty-shootout friendly win over Andorra in 2018 and was part of the squad that reached the round of 16 at the 2021 AFCON, travelling to the 2026 World Cup as a backup keeper.", "facts": ["Made his international debut in a 2018 friendly against Andorra", "Was in Cape Verde's round-of-16 squad at the 2021 AFCON"], "data_rating": 76, "fun": ["🧓 Veteran presence", "🌍 Plays abroad · Portugal"]}, {"player_id": 757, "team_id": 30, "fifa_code": "CPV", "team_name": "Cabo Verde", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 3, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Diney (Edilson Borges)", "date_of_birth": "1995-01-17", "age": 31, "caps": 30, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al Bataeh", "club_country": "United Arab Emirates", "club_league": "UAE Pro League", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": null, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "UAE Pro League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.transfermarkt.us/diney-borges/leistungsdaten/spieler/349570 ; https://www.sofascore.com/football/player/diney-borges/784677", "backstory": "Born in Philadelphia to a Cape Verdean father and Portuguese mother, Carlos Joaquim 'CJ' dos Santos came through the Philadelphia Union academy before joining Benfica in 2016. He returned to MLS with Inter Miami - winning the 2023 Leagues Cup and 2024 Supporters' Shield - then became San Diego FC's first-ever goalkeeper, keeping ten clean sheets in their record-setting inaugural season. Having represented the United States at youth level, he switched to Cape Verde and is now part of their first World Cup squad as a third-choice keeper.", "facts": ["San Diego FC's first-ever goalkeeper, with 10 clean sheets in their debut season", "Played for the USA at the 2017 U-17 and 2019 U-20 World Cups before switching to Cape Verde", "Won the 2023 Leagues Cup and 2024 Supporters' Shield with Inter Miami"], "data_rating": 59, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · United Arab Emirates"]}, {"player_id": 758, "team_id": 30, "fifa_code": "CPV", "team_name": "Cabo Verde", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 4, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Roberto Lopes (Pico)", "date_of_birth": "1992-06-17", "age": 33, "caps": 45, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Shamrock Rovers", "club_country": "Republic of Ireland", "club_league": "League of Ireland Premier Division", "height_cm": 186, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 14, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1124, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 2, "club_red_2025_26": 1, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "League of Ireland Premier Division (2026 season, all comps)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 409, "career_club_goals": 24, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Experienced centre-back, regular starter and Rovers captain", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roberto_Lopes_(footballer,_born_1992) ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/230134/roberto-lopes", "backstory": "Ianique dos Santos Tavares, known as Stopira, was born in Praia and moved to Portugal with Santa Clara before spells at Deportivo and Feirense. He found his home in Hungary at Fehervar, staying 11 years, winning two league titles and even taking Hungarian citizenship. Returning to Portugal with second-tier Torreense in 2024, the veteran left-back lifted the 2025-26 Taca de Portugal and, at 38, brings vast experience to Cape Verde's first World Cup.", "facts": ["Spent 11 years at Fehervar and won two Hungarian league titles", "Became a naturalised Hungarian citizen in 2019", "Won the 2025-26 Taca de Portugal with Torreense"], "data_rating": 67, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Republic of Ireland"]}, {"player_id": 759, "team_id": 30, "fifa_code": "CPV", "team_name": "Cabo Verde", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 5, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Logan Costa", "date_of_birth": "2001-04-01", "age": 25, "caps": 27, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Villarreal", "club_country": "Spain", "club_league": "La Liga", "height_cm": 190, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 15000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 0, "club_starts_2025_26": 0, "club_minutes_2025_26": 0, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 0, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "La Liga (did not feature; out with ACL injury suffered July 2025)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Key centre-back, only player in Europe's top five leagues; missed 2025-26 with ACL tear", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.football-espana.net/2025/07/21/villarreal-logan-costa-acl-injury ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/logan-costa/leistungsdaten/spieler/484988", "backstory": "Born in Tarrafal, Edilson Borges - known as Diney - came through Vitoria de Setubal's youth setup before establishing himself at Maritimo's reserves and then Estoril in Portugal. In 2023 the centre-back moved to the UAE Pro League with Al Bataeh. A regular in qualifying, he was involved in three goals during the African campaign and is part of the defence for Cape Verde's debut World Cup.", "facts": ["Was directly involved in three goals during Cape Verde's 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign"], "data_rating": 61, "fun": ["💎 Most valuable in the squad", "🌍 Plays abroad · Spain"]}, {"player_id": 760, "team_id": 30, "fifa_code": "CPV", "team_name": "Cabo Verde", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 6, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Kevin Pina", "date_of_birth": "1997-01-27", "age": 29, "caps": 31, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "Krasnodar", "club_country": "Russia", "club_league": "Russian Premier League", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 21, "club_starts_2025_26": 5, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Russian Premier League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Creative midfielder with dead-ball quality; mostly rotation at Krasnodar this season", "enrichment_sources": "https://fbref.com/en/players/296026ae/Kevin-Pina ; https://www.fctables.com/players/kevin-pina-357722/", "backstory": "Dublin-born Roberto 'Pico' Lopes came up through Irish football and became a stalwart and captain at Shamrock Rovers. His Cape Verde call-up is the stuff of legend: the national-team manager first messaged him on LinkedIn in Portuguese, which Pico ignored, before following up nine months later in English. He has since become a centre-back fixture and a key leader as Cape Verde reached their first World Cup.", "facts": ["Was recruited to play for Cape Verde via a LinkedIn message he initially ignored", "Long-serving captain of Shamrock Rovers", "Born and raised in Ireland"], "data_rating": 64, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Russia"]}, {"player_id": 761, "team_id": 30, "fifa_code": "CPV", "team_name": "Cabo Verde", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 7, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "LW", "player_name": "Jovane Cabral", "date_of_birth": "1998-06-14", "age": 27, "caps": 26, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Estrela Amadora", "club_country": "Portugal", "club_league": "Primeira Liga", "height_cm": 176, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 17, "club_starts_2025_26": 13, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1678, "club_goals_2025_26": 7, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": 5, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Primeira Liga", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "In-form forward; 7 league goals in 2025-26", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/785716/jovane-cabral ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/jovane-cabral/leistungsdaten/spieler/448466", "backstory": "Paris-born Logan Costa rose to become Cape Verde's standout defender, earning a move from Toulouse to Villarreal and standing as the squad's only player from one of Europe's top-five leagues. A commanding ball-playing centre-back, his preparation was derailed by an ACL rupture in a pre-season friendly in July 2025. He returned with a brief late substitute cameo for Villarreal that was enough to convince coach Bubista to gamble on his fitness for the World Cup.", "facts": ["The only player in the squad from one of Europe's top-five leagues", "Ruptured his ACL in July 2025 and was a fitness gamble for the World Cup", "Earned a move to La Liga's Villarreal from Toulouse"], "data_rating": 67, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Portugal"]}, {"player_id": 762, "team_id": 30, "fifa_code": "CPV", "team_name": "Cabo Verde", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 8, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Joao Paulo Fernandes", "date_of_birth": "1998-05-26", "age": 28, "caps": 41, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "FCSB", "club_country": "Romania", "club_league": "Liga I", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 34, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2600, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": 3, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Liga I (2025-26 season total; joined FCSB Feb 2026)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Liga I appearances reflect full 2025-26 season; transferred to FCSB in February 2026", "enrichment_sources": "https://fbref.com/en/players/afcac9da/Joao-Paulo-Fernandes ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jo%C3%A3o_Paulo_Fernandes_(footballer)", "backstory": "Born in Praia, Joao Paulo Fernandes is a versatile defender who can play centre-back or left-back. He debuted for Cape Verde in 2021 and built his career in Romania's Liga I, where in February 2026 he joined champions FCSB. A reliable presence with goals and assists from the back, he is part of the squad for Cape Verde's first World Cup.", "facts": ["Plays his club football in Romania's Liga I", "Joined FCSB in February 2026"], "data_rating": 75, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Romania"]}, {"player_id": 763, "team_id": 30, "fifa_code": "CPV", "team_name": "Cabo Verde", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 9, "position": "FW", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Gilson Benchimol", "date_of_birth": "2001-12-29", "age": 24, "caps": 22, "international_goals": 6, "is_captain": false, "club": "Akron Tolyatti", "club_country": "Russia", "club_league": "Russian Premier League", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 20, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1068, "club_goals_2025_26": 6, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 3, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Russian Premier League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "6 RPL goals in 2025-26", "enrichment_sources": "https://fbref.com/en/players/eae26fce/Gilson-Benchimol ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/1241302/gilson-tavares", "backstory": "Born in the Netherlands, Sidny Lopes Cabral took a winding path through the academies and lower leagues of the Netherlands, Sweden and Germany before a breakout season at Estrela da Amadora in Portugal earned a January 2026 move to Benfica. The attacking right-back scored and assisted quickly at Benfica and then moved on to Trabzonspor in the summer of 2026. He scored his first international goal in a 2025 friendly against Malaysia and is part of Cape Verde's debut World Cup squad.", "facts": ["Scored his first Cape Verde goal in a 2025 friendly against Malaysia", "Earned a move to Benfica in January 2026 after impressing at Estrela da Amadora"], "data_rating": 65, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Russia"]}, {"player_id": 764, "team_id": 30, "fifa_code": "CPV", "team_name": "Cabo Verde", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 10, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Jamiro Monteiro", "date_of_birth": "1993-11-23", "age": 32, "caps": 54, "international_goals": 5, "is_captain": false, "club": "PEC Zwolle", "club_country": "Netherlands", "club_league": "Eredivisie", "height_cm": 173, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 25, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1276, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": 3, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": 1, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Eredivisie", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Experienced central midfielder", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.sofascore.com/football/player/monteiro-jamiro/815080 ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamiro_Monteiro", "backstory": "Born in France and a former France youth international who was a runner-up at the 2013 U-19 Euros, Steven Moreira built his career at Toulouse before moving to MLS with Columbus Crew in 2021. An attacking full-back who later shifted to right centre-back, he was named MLS Defender of the Year and won the 2023 MLS Cup. He switched allegiance to Cape Verde in 2023 and is one of two MLS players in their first World Cup squad.", "facts": ["Named MLS Defender of the Year and won the 2023 MLS Cup with Columbus Crew", "Was a former France youth international before switching to Cape Verde", "One of two MLS-based players in the squad"], "data_rating": 69, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Netherlands"]}, {"player_id": 765, "team_id": 30, "fifa_code": "CPV", "team_name": "Cabo Verde", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 11, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "RW", "player_name": "Garry Rodrigues", "date_of_birth": "1990-11-27", "age": 35, "caps": 59, "international_goals": 9, "is_captain": false, "club": "Apollon Limassol", "club_country": "Cyprus", "club_league": "Cypriot First Division", "height_cm": 180, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 26, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1773, "club_goals_2025_26": 5, "club_assists_2025_26": 5, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Cypriot First Division", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Experienced winger, third captain", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.transfermarkt.us/garry-mendes-rodrigues/leistungsdaten/spieler/170895 ; https://www.sofascore.com/football/player/garry-rodrigues/787429", "backstory": "Born in Portugal, Wagner Pina came up through Portuguese lower-league clubs before breaking into the Primeira Liga with Estoril at right-back. His form earned a 3 million euro move to Trabzonspor in 2025, where he won the 2025-26 Turkish Cup. A regular, attacking-minded full-back, he is part of the defence for Cape Verde's first World Cup.", "facts": ["Won the 2025-26 Turkish Cup with Trabzonspor", "Joined Trabzonspor from Estoril for a reported 3 million euros"], "data_rating": 70, "fun": ["🧓 Veteran presence", "🌍 Plays abroad · Cyprus"]}, {"player_id": 766, "team_id": 30, "fifa_code": "CPV", "team_name": "Cabo Verde", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 12, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Marcio Rosa", "date_of_birth": "1997-02-23", "age": 29, "caps": 10, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Montana", "club_country": "Bulgaria", "club_league": "First Professional Football League", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 11, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 1, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "First Professional Football League (efbet League)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Backup goalkeeper", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.playmakerstats.com/player/marcio-rosa/475315 ; https://fbref.com/en/players/87e907ff/Marcio-Rosa", "backstory": "Kelvin Spencer Pires began at Cape Verdean club Batuque before moving via Slovakia's AS Trencin to Finland's SJK Seinajoki, where he made his loan permanent in 2024. A centre-back who chips in with goals, he became the first Veikkausliiga-based player selected for a World Cup since 2018. He travels to North America as part of Cape Verde's historic debut squad.", "facts": ["First Veikkausliiga-based player named to a World Cup squad since 2018", "Came through the youth ranks at Cape Verdean club Batuque"], "data_rating": 63, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Bulgaria"]}, {"player_id": 767, "team_id": 30, "fifa_code": "CPV", "team_name": "Cabo Verde", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 13, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Sidny Lopes Cabral", "date_of_birth": "2002-09-18", "age": 23, "caps": 9, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "Benfica", "club_country": "Portugal", "club_league": "Primeira Liga", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 12, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Primeira Liga, UEFA Champions League (joined Benfica Dec 2025)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Right-back; scored and assisted early at Benfica; moved to Trabzonspor in the June 2026 window", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sidny_Lopes_Cabral ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/sidny-cabral/leistungsdaten/spieler/611855/saison/2025", "backstory": "Born in Praia, Kevin Pina is a youth product of Cape Verdean club Tchadense who made his pro debut in Portugal and rose through Oliveirense and Chaves. In 2022 the left-footed midfielder signed for Russian side Krasnodar, where he extended his deal through 2027. Known for his creativity and dead-ball quality, he is largely a rotation option this season but offers a left-sided attacking threat at Cape Verde's first World Cup.", "facts": ["Came through the youth system of Cape Verdean club Tchadense", "Made his international debut in a 6-0 win over Liechtenstein in 2022"], "data_rating": 63, "fun": ["🐣 Youngest in the squad (23)", "🌍 Plays abroad · Portugal"]}, {"player_id": 768, "team_id": 30, "fifa_code": "CPV", "team_name": "Cabo Verde", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 14, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Deroy Duarte", "date_of_birth": "1999-07-04", "age": 26, "caps": 30, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Ludogorets Razgrad", "club_country": "Bulgaria", "club_league": "First Professional Football League", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 10, "club_starts_2025_26": 7, "club_minutes_2025_26": 665, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "First Professional Football League, UEFA Europa League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Main creator linking defence to attack", "enrichment_sources": "https://fbref.com/en/players/6af8fc5b/Deroy-Duarte ; https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/246442/deroy-duarte", "backstory": "Born and raised in Rotterdam by Cape Verdean immigrant parents, Jamiro Monteiro started at Cambuur and Heracles in the Netherlands before moving to France with Metz. He became a Supporters' Shield winner in MLS with Philadelphia Union and a designated player at San Jose, and now plays in the Eredivisie with PEC Zwolle. An experienced central midfielder, he is a key engine for Cape Verde's debut World Cup.", "facts": ["Won the 2020 Supporters' Shield with the Philadelphia Union", "Raised in Rotterdam by Cape Verdean immigrant parents"], "data_rating": 60, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Bulgaria"]}, {"player_id": 769, "team_id": 30, "fifa_code": "CPV", "team_name": "Cabo Verde", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 15, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Laros Duarte", "date_of_birth": "1997-02-28", "age": 29, "caps": 13, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Puskas Akademia", "club_country": "Hungary", "club_league": "Nemzeti Bajnoksag I", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 9, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Nemzeti Bajnoksag I (7 apps), UEFA Conference League (2 apps)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.flashscore.com/player/duarte-laros/8ty2w50k/ ; https://www.uefa.com/uefaconferenceleague/clubs/players/250084710--laros-duarte/", "backstory": "Born in the Netherlands, Deroy Duarte came through the Sparta Rotterdam academy and made over 100 appearances for the club before spells at Fortuna Sittard and, since 2024, Bulgarian champions Ludogorets, where he also features in European competition. A creative central midfielder who links defence to attack, he is the younger brother of fellow squad member Laros Duarte and a key creator at Cape Verde's first World Cup.", "facts": ["Younger brother of Cape Verde teammate Laros Duarte", "Came through the Sparta Rotterdam academy", "Plays Europa League football with Ludogorets"], "data_rating": 60, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Hungary"]}, {"player_id": 770, "team_id": 30, "fifa_code": "CPV", "team_name": "Cabo Verde", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 16, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Yannick Semedo", "date_of_birth": "1995-12-29", "age": 30, "caps": 10, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Farense", "club_country": "Portugal", "club_league": "Liga Portugal 2", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 29, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1845, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 3, "club_yellow_2025_26": 4, "club_red_2025_26": 1, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Liga Portugal 2", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.sofascore.com/football/player/yannick-semedo/818064 ; https://www.flashscore.com/player/semedo-yannick/vw9Xgz4g/", "backstory": "Born in the Netherlands, Laros Duarte came through Sparta Rotterdam and then PSV's setup before building his career in the Eredivisie and, since 2024, with Hungary's Puskas Akademia, where he also plays in the Conference League. A midfielder, he is the older brother of teammate Deroy Duarte and part of Cape Verde's historic debut World Cup squad.", "facts": ["Older brother of Cape Verde teammate Deroy Duarte", "Joined PSV's setup early in his career"], "data_rating": 64, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Portugal"]}, {"player_id": 771, "team_id": 30, "fifa_code": "CPV", "team_name": "Cabo Verde", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 17, "position": "FW", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Willy Semedo", "date_of_birth": "1994-04-27", "age": 32, "caps": 37, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Omonia", "club_country": "Cyprus", "club_league": "Cypriot First Division", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 24, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2161, "club_goals_2025_26": 17, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 5, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Cypriot First Division", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Leading scorer; 17 league goals in 2025-26", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/willy-semedo/3406/ ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/873832/willy-semedo", "backstory": "Jair Semedo Monteiro, known as Yannick Semedo, began his senior career in Cape Verde with GDR Celtic Praia before a long climb through Portugal's lower divisions with the likes of Maritimo's reserves, Uniao Madeira and Salgueiros. He won promotion with Vilaverdense and now plays for second-tier Farense. A late-blooming midfielder, he started the decisive 3-0 win over Eswatini that sealed Cape Verde's World Cup qualification.", "facts": ["Started the decisive 3-0 win over Eswatini that clinched World Cup qualification", "Climbed from Portugal's fifth division to the World Cup"], "data_rating": 74, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Cyprus", "🎯 17 club goals in 2025/26"]}, {"player_id": 772, "team_id": 30, "fifa_code": "CPV", "team_name": "Cabo Verde", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 18, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Telmo Arcanjo", "date_of_birth": "2001-06-21", "age": 24, "caps": 15, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Vitoria de Guimaraes", "club_country": "Portugal", "club_league": "Primeira Liga", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 2900000, "club_apps_2025_26": 19, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1122, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 1, "club_red_2025_26": 1, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Primeira Liga (16 apps), Taca da Liga (3 apps)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/1165477/telmo-arcanjo ; https://www.flashscore.com/player/arcanjo-telmo/6Xwk64Dj/", "backstory": "Born in Portugal of Cape Verdean descent, Telmo Arcanjo made his Primeira Liga debut with Tondela before a strong 2022-23 season earned a move to Vitoria de Guimaraes in 2023. A versatile midfielder and winger known for his crossing and ball retention, he won the 2026 Taca da Liga with Vitoria. He debuted for Cape Verde in 2021 and is part of the squad for their first World Cup.", "facts": ["Won the 2026 Taca da Liga with Vitoria de Guimaraes", "Made his Primeira Liga debut as a teenager with Tondela"], "data_rating": 61, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Portugal"]}, {"player_id": 773, "team_id": 30, "fifa_code": "CPV", "team_name": "Cabo Verde", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 19, "position": "FW", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Dailon Livramento", "date_of_birth": "2001-05-04", "age": 25, "caps": 21, "international_goals": 7, "is_captain": false, "club": "Casa Pia", "club_country": "Portugal", "club_league": "Primeira Liga", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 14, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 940, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Primeira Liga (12 apps), Taca de Portugal (2 apps)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Main striker / attacking reference; on loan from Hellas Verona", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/dailon-rocha-livramento/73743/ ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/1309634/dailon-rocha-livramento", "backstory": "Born in Cape Verde, Jovane Cabral joined Sporting CP's academy at 16 from Gremio Nhagar and broke through as a winger, earning a high-profile loan to Lazio. After further loans at Salernitana and Olympiacos, he settled at Estrela da Amadora, where he has rediscovered his scoring touch with seven league goals in 2025-26. He is one of Cape Verde's in-form attackers heading into their debut World Cup.", "facts": ["Came through the Sporting CP academy and had a loan spell at Lazio", "Scored seven league goals in 2025-26 for Estrela da Amadora"], "data_rating": 61, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Portugal"]}, {"player_id": 774, "team_id": 30, "fifa_code": "CPV", "team_name": "Cabo Verde", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 20, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "RW", "player_name": "Ryan Mendes", "date_of_birth": "1990-01-08", "age": 36, "caps": 94, "international_goals": 22, "is_captain": true, "club": "Igdir FK", "club_country": "Turkey", "club_league": "TFF First League", "height_cm": 180, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1871, "club_goals_2025_26": 5, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": 3, "club_red_2025_26": 1, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "TFF First League (1. Lig)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Captain; all-time record holder for caps (94) and goals (22)", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/172615/ryan-mendes ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ryan_Mendes", "backstory": "Born in Praia, Gilson Benchimol Tavares developed in Portugal at Estoril and Benfica's B team before joining Russian club Akron Tolyatti in 2024. A striker with a sharp finish, he announced himself internationally with a hat-trick against Liechtenstein in 2022. With six Russian Premier League goals in 2025-26, he is among the squad's most reliable attacking options for Cape Verde's first World Cup.", "facts": ["Scored a hat-trick against Liechtenstein in 2022", "Scored six Russian Premier League goals in 2025-26"], "data_rating": 71, "fun": ["🔥 Top 4% scorer at the Cup", "🎖️ Most-capped in the squad (94)", "🧓 Veteran presence", "🌍 Plays abroad · Turkey", "©️ Captain"]}, {"player_id": 775, "team_id": 30, "fifa_code": "CPV", "team_name": "Cabo Verde", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 21, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Nuno da Costa", "date_of_birth": "1991-02-10", "age": 35, "caps": 8, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Istanbul Basaksehir", "club_country": "Turkey", "club_league": "Super Lig", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 4, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Super Lig", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": "4 goals for Basaksehir in 2025-26", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/224798/nuno-da-costa ; https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/nuno-da-costa/leistungsdatenverein/spieler/306166", "backstory": "Born in Rotterdam to parents of Cape Verdean descent, Garry Rodrigues chose to represent Cape Verde in 2013 and became one of their most experienced players. A skilful right winger, he won the Super Lig with Galatasaray, had a big-money move to Saudi Arabia's Al-Ittihad, and lifted the Greek title with Olympiacos. Now at Apollon Limassol in Cyprus and serving as a senior figure and third captain, he brings flair and pedigree to Cape Verde's debut World Cup.", "facts": ["Won the Super Lig with Galatasaray and the Greek league with Olympiacos", "Born in Rotterdam and one of Cape Verde's most-capped players", "Joined Saudi club Al-Ittihad for around 9 million euros in 2019"], "data_rating": 58, "fun": ["🧓 Veteran presence", "🌍 Plays abroad · Turkey"]}, {"player_id": 776, "team_id": 30, "fifa_code": "CPV", "team_name": "Cabo Verde", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 22, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "RB", "player_name": "Steven Moreira", "date_of_birth": "1994-08-13", "age": 31, "caps": 19, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Columbus Crew", "club_country": "United States", "club_league": "Major League Soccer", "height_cm": 180, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 30, "club_starts_2025_26": 29, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2462, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 3, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Major League Soccer (2025 regular season)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Regular starting full-back in MLS; won Crew Kirk Urso Heart Award 2025", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.mlssoccer.com/players/steven-moreira/ ; https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/stats/_/id/180113/steven-moreira", "backstory": "Born in France of Cape Verdean descent, Willy Semedo built his career in French football, including a productive spell at Grenoble, before moving to Cyprus and signing for Omonia in 2023. A direct winger turned prolific scorer, he plundered 17 league goals in 2025-26 as Omonia's leading marksman. His timely goals were central to Cape Verde's qualification, and he arrives at the World Cup in red-hot form.", "facts": ["Scored 17 league goals in 2025-26 as Omonia's top scorer", "Born in France of Cape Verdean descent"], "data_rating": 71, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · United States"]}, {"player_id": 777, "team_id": 30, "fifa_code": "CPV", "team_name": "Cabo Verde", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 23, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Carlos Joel dos Santos", "date_of_birth": "2000-08-24", "age": 25, "caps": 1, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "San Diego FC", "club_country": "United States", "club_league": "Major League Soccer", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 26, "club_starts_2025_26": 16, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 6, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Major League Soccer (incl. playoffs and cup)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Third-choice keeper; first-ever SDFC goalkeeper, 16 MLS starts in inaugural season", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/cj-dos-santos-world-cup-profile-san-diego-fc-cape-verde-goalkeeper ; https://www.sandiegofc.com/news/san-diego-fc-re-signs-goalkeeper-cj-dos-santos", "backstory": "Born in Rotterdam, Dailon Rocha Livramento learned the game in Dutch youth football with the likes of Excelsior and NAC Breda before turning pro at MVV and Roda JC. He moved to Italy's Hellas Verona and is on loan at Primeira Liga side Casa Pia. A mobile forward and Cape Verde's main attacking reference, he has been a prolific international scorer with seven goals and leads the line at their first World Cup.", "facts": ["On loan at Casa Pia from Serie A side Hellas Verona", "Has scored seven goals for Cape Verde", "Born and developed in Rotterdam"], "data_rating": 65, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · United States"]}, {"player_id": 778, "team_id": 30, "fifa_code": "CPV", "team_name": "Cabo Verde", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 24, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "RB", "player_name": "Wagner Pina", "date_of_birth": "2002-11-03", "age": 23, "caps": 13, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Trabzonspor", "club_country": "Turkey", "club_league": "Super Lig", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 28, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2444, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 7, "club_yellow_2025_26": 4, "club_red_2025_26": 1, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Super Lig (league; also won 2025-26 Turkish Cup)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Regular right-back; won 2025-26 Turkish Cup with Trabzonspor", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wagner_Pina ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/1460591/wagner-pina", "backstory": "Ryan Mendes is Cape Verde's all-time record holder for both caps and goals and the captain leading them into their first World Cup. He made his name in France with Le Havre and Lille, had a Premier League-era loan at Nottingham Forest, and has since played across the Middle East and Turkey, now turning out for Igdir FK. A winger with longevity and a goalscorer's instinct, he is the emotional and statistical heartbeat of the squad.", "facts": ["Cape Verde's all-time leader in caps and international goals", "Played for Lille and had a loan spell at Nottingham Forest", "Captains the side at the nation's first World Cup"], "data_rating": 71, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Turkey"]}, {"player_id": 779, "team_id": 30, "fifa_code": "CPV", "team_name": "Cabo Verde", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 25, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Kelvin Pires", "date_of_birth": "2000-06-05", "age": 26, "caps": 5, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "SJK Seinajoki", "club_country": "Finland", "club_league": "Veikkausliiga", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 7, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 630, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 4, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Veikkausliiga (2026 season)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Veikkausliiga season runs spring-autumn 2026; first Veikkausliiga player at a World Cup since 2018", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/1175733/kelvin-pires ; https://www.flashscore.co.za/news/soccer-veikkausliiga-from-seinajoki-to-the-world-pires-of-finland-s-sjk-makes-cape-verde-squad/WQFrY6Pp/", "backstory": "Born in Praia and raised in Portugal, Nuno da Costa started his senior career in France's fifth tier with Aubagne before climbing to Ligue 1 with Strasbourg, where he won the 2019 Coupe de la Ligue. He had a brief spell at Nottingham Forest and later played for Auxerre, and now leads the line in Turkey with Istanbul Basaksehir. The forward scored on his Cape Verde debut and is a squad option at their first World Cup.", "facts": ["Scored on his senior international debut for Cape Verde in 2016", "Won the 2019 Coupe de la Ligue with Strasbourg", "Rose from France's fifth tier to Ligue 1 and the Premier League's Nottingham Forest"], "data_rating": 59, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Finland"]}, {"player_id": 780, "team_id": 30, "fifa_code": "CPV", "team_name": "Cabo Verde", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 26, "position": "FW", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Helio Varela", "date_of_birth": "2002-05-03", "age": 24, "caps": 20, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Maccabi Tel Aviv", "club_country": "Israel", "club_league": "Israeli Premier League", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 16, "club_starts_2025_26": 4, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1978, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": 2, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Israeli Premier League (Ligat ha'Al); club also in UEFA Europa League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/1524518/helio-varela ; https://www.besoccer.com/player/helio-varela-901692", "backstory": "Born in Almada, Portugal, with dual Cape Verdean nationality, Helio Varela developed through Portuguese clubs including Portimonense after a youth spell at Gent. In 2025 the forward signed a three-year deal with Israeli giants Maccabi Tel Aviv, contributing goals and assists while also featuring in Europe. He debuted for Cape Verde in 2023 and is among the squad's younger attacking options at their first World Cup.", "facts": ["Signed for Maccabi Tel Aviv in 2025", "Born in Almada, Portugal, with dual Cape Verdean nationality"], "data_rating": 63, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Israel"]}, {"player_id": 781, "team_id": 31, "fifa_code": "KSA", "team_name": "Saudi Arabia", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 1, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Nawaf Al-Aqidi", "date_of_birth": "1999-05-10", "age": 27, "caps": 22, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al-Nassr", "club_country": "Saudi Arabia", "club_league": "Saudi Pro League", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 11, "club_starts_2025_26": 11, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 3, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": 12, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Saudi Pro League, AFC Champions League Elite (combined)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.sofascore.com/football/player/nawaf-al-aqidi/1014518 ; https://www.transfermarkt.co.in/nawaf-al-aqidi/profil/spieler/886183", "backstory": "A Riyadh-born goalkeeper, Nawaf Al-Aqidi came through Al-Nassr's youth system and signed his first professional deal in 2019. He announced himself by guiding Saudi Arabia to the 2022 AFC U-23 Asian Cup title without conceding a goal, winning Best Goalkeeper of the tournament. Now Al-Nassr's first-choice and a senior international, the tall, physically commanding shot-stopper is in contention to be Saudi Arabia's No. 1 at the World Cup.", "facts": ["Named Best Goalkeeper of the 2022 AFC U-23 Asian Cup, which Saudi Arabia won without conceding a single goal", "Was Saudi Arabia's third-choice keeper at the 2022 World Cup without playing"], "data_rating": 66, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 782, "team_id": 31, "fifa_code": "KSA", "team_name": "Saudi Arabia", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 2, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Ali Majrashi", "date_of_birth": "1999-10-02", "age": 26, "caps": 21, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al-Ahli", "club_country": "Saudi Arabia", "club_league": "Saudi Pro League", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 21, "club_starts_2025_26": 20, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": 5, "club_red_2025_26": 2, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Saudi Pro League (and cups, combined)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/331920/ali-majrashi ; https://footystats.org/players/saudi-arabia/ali-majrashi", "backstory": "A product of Al-Shabab's youth academy, right-back Ali Majrashi made his pro debut in 2018 and built his game on tireless defensive work. After a title-winning loan at Al-Faisaly, he joined Al-Ahli in 2022 and became a defensive mainstay, helping the club win the 2024-25 AFC Champions League Elite. He has grown into a reliable full-back option for the national team.", "facts": ["Won the 2021 King Cup on loan at Al-Faisaly", "Won the 2024-25 AFC Champions League Elite with Al-Ahli"], "data_rating": 65, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 783, "team_id": 31, "fifa_code": "KSA", "team_name": "Saudi Arabia", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 3, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Ali Lajami", "date_of_birth": "1996-04-24", "age": 30, "caps": 21, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al-Hilal", "club_country": "Saudi Arabia", "club_league": "Saudi Pro League", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 3, "club_starts_2025_26": 3, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 0, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Saudi Pro League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/296972/ali-lajami ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/ali-lajami/profil/spieler/264909", "backstory": "Born in Saihat, Ali Lajami started out at Al-Muheet and joined Al-Khaleej alongside his twin brother Qassem before spells at Al-Fateh and a five-year run at Al-Nassr, where he made 128 appearances. In 2025 he crossed the divide to join rivals Al-Hilal on a free transfer. A composed centre-back, he provides experienced depth for the Green Falcons' backline.", "facts": ["Has a twin brother, Qassem Lajami, also a professional defender in the Saudi Pro League", "Joined Al-Hilal from rivals Al-Nassr on a free transfer in 2025"], "data_rating": 60, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 784, "team_id": 31, "fifa_code": "KSA", "team_name": "Saudi Arabia", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 4, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Abdulelah Al-Amri", "date_of_birth": "1997-01-15", "age": 29, "caps": 42, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al-Nassr", "club_country": "Saudi Arabia", "club_league": "Saudi Pro League", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 464, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Saudi Pro League, AFC Champions League Elite (combined)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/848600/abdulelah-al-amri ; https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/abdulelah-al-amri/33995/", "backstory": "Abdulelah Al-Amri rose through Al-Nassr's academy and captained Saudi Arabia's under-20 side at the 2017 U-20 World Cup. A ball-playing centre-back, he made his senior debut at the 2019 Asian Cup and was part of the 2022 World Cup squad. A 2024-25 loan to Al-Ittihad brought him a Saudi Pro League and King's Cup double before he returned to Al-Nassr.", "facts": ["Captained Saudi Arabia at the 2017 U-20 World Cup", "Won the Saudi Pro League and King's Cup on loan at Al-Ittihad in 2024-25"], "data_rating": 65, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 785, "team_id": 31, "fifa_code": "KSA", "team_name": "Saudi Arabia", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 5, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Hassan Al-Tambakti", "date_of_birth": "1999-02-09", "age": 27, "caps": 51, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al-Hilal", "club_country": "Saudi Arabia", "club_league": "Saudi Pro League", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": 21, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2349, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 5, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Saudi Pro League, AFC Champions League Elite (combined)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/848607/hassan-altambakti ; https://www.playmakerstats.com/player/hassan-tambakti/617738", "backstory": "An Al-Shabab academy graduate, Hassan Al-Tambakti made his name as a commanding centre-back before a 2023 move to Al-Hilal that, at a reported SAR46 million, made him the most expensive Saudi player in history at the time. He played an instrumental role in the famous 2-1 win over Argentina at the 2022 World Cup and has since become a defensive cornerstone for club and country.", "facts": ["Became the most expensive Saudi player in history when he joined Al-Hilal in 2023", "Started in Saudi Arabia's historic 2-1 win over Argentina at the 2022 World Cup"], "data_rating": 72, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 786, "team_id": 31, "fifa_code": "KSA", "team_name": "Saudi Arabia", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 6, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Nasser Al-Dawsari", "date_of_birth": "1998-12-19", "age": 27, "caps": 43, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al-Hilal", "club_country": "Saudi Arabia", "club_league": "Saudi Pro League", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 27, "club_starts_2025_26": 17, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1235, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": 2, "club_red_2025_26": 1, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Saudi Pro League, AFC Champions League Elite (combined)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/848612/nasser-al-dawsari ; https://www.playmakerstats.com/player/nasser-al-dawsari/566384", "backstory": "Nasser Al-Dawsari is a one-club man who joined Al-Hilal's academy at 13 in 2011 and broke into the senior side in 2018. A versatile operator across left-back and central midfield, he has won 16 titles with Al-Hilal. He authored one of the great Asian Champions League moments, scoring after just 16 seconds in the 2021 final.", "facts": ["Scored the fastest goal in AFC Champions League history (16 seconds) in the 2021 final", "Has spent his entire career at Al-Hilal, joining the academy aged 13"], "data_rating": 64, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 787, "team_id": 31, "fifa_code": "KSA", "team_name": "Saudi Arabia", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 7, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Musab Al-Juwayr", "date_of_birth": "2003-06-20", "age": 22, "caps": 34, "international_goals": 6, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al-Qadsiah", "club_country": "Saudi Arabia", "club_league": "Saudi Pro League", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 31, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2537, "club_goals_2025_26": 6, "club_assists_2025_26": 11, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Saudi Pro League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://statz.ai/player/musab-al-juwayr/37562153 ; https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/musab-al-juwayr/7713/", "backstory": "Riyadh-born Musab Al-Juwayr is the rising star of Saudi football. After limited minutes at Al-Hilal, productive loans at Al-Shabab transformed him into one of the league's most exciting young playmakers, earning the inaugural RSL Young Player of the Season award. He led Saudi youth sides to consecutive Arab Cup titles and, after a 2025 permanent move to Al-Qadsiah, is now seen as a talisman carrying the nation's World Cup hopes.", "facts": ["Won the RSL Young Player of the Month every month of the 2024-25 season", "Won back-to-back Arab Cup youth titles, including best-player honours", "Won the inaugural RSL Young Player of the Season award"], "data_rating": 79, "fun": ["🐣 Youngest in the squad (22)"]}, {"player_id": 788, "team_id": 31, "fifa_code": "KSA", "team_name": "Saudi Arabia", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 8, "position": "FW", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Ayman Yahya", "date_of_birth": "2001-05-14", "age": 25, "caps": 26, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al-Nassr", "club_country": "Saudi Arabia", "club_league": "Saudi Pro League", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1248, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": 7, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Saudi Pro League, AFC Champions League Elite (combined)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/1095207/ayman-yahya ; https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/ayman-yahya/34514/", "backstory": "Ayman Yahya honed his skills in Riyadh street football before joining Al-Nassr's academy and debuting in 2019. A pacy, direct winger who can also fill in at full-back, he was the standout of Saudi Arabia's 2022 AFC U-23 Asian Cup triumph, scoring three goals and being named the tournament's best player. He remains a versatile attacking option at Al-Nassr.", "facts": ["Named best player of the 2022 AFC U-23 Asian Cup, which Saudi Arabia won", "Developed playing street football in Riyadh before joining Al-Nassr's academy"], "data_rating": 62, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 789, "team_id": 31, "fifa_code": "KSA", "team_name": "Saudi Arabia", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 9, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Firas Al-Buraikan", "date_of_birth": "2000-05-14", "age": 26, "caps": 69, "international_goals": 15, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al-Ahli", "club_country": "Saudi Arabia", "club_league": "Saudi Pro League", "height_cm": 181, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": 4000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 28, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1730, "club_goals_2025_26": 5, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Saudi Pro League, AFC Champions League Elite (combined)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Lead striker, key scorer in qualifying", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Firas_Al-Buraikan ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/firas-al-buraikan/profil/spieler/631922 ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/844226/firas-al-buraikan", "backstory": "Riyadh-born Firas Al-Buraikan began at Al-Nassr, winning the 2018-19 Saudi Pro League as a young squad player, then blossomed into a prolific scorer at Al-Fateh. A SAR40 million move to Al-Ahli in 2023 confirmed his status, and he has since won back-to-back AFC Champions League Elite titles. A versatile front-man, he is Saudi Arabia's lead striker and was a key marksman during World Cup qualifying.", "facts": ["Finished Al-Fateh's top scorer with 18 goals in all competitions in 2022-23", "Won the AFC U-19 Championship (2018) and AFC U-23 Asian Cup (2022) with Saudi youth sides"], "data_rating": 67, "fun": ["💎 Most valuable in the squad"]}, {"player_id": 790, "team_id": 31, "fifa_code": "KSA", "team_name": "Saudi Arabia", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 10, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "LW", "player_name": "Salem Al-Dawsari", "date_of_birth": "1991-08-19", "age": 34, "caps": 109, "international_goals": 27, "is_captain": true, "club": "Al-Hilal", "club_country": "Saudi Arabia", "club_league": "Saudi Pro League", "height_cm": 172, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 1000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 26, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 8, "club_assists_2025_26": 8, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Saudi Pro League, AFC Champions League Elite (combined)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 303, "career_club_goals": 88, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Captain and most-capped player", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salem_Al-Dawsari ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/salem-al-dawsari/leistungsdaten/spieler/195332 ; https://footystats.org/players/saudi-arabia/salem-mohammed-al-dawsari", "backstory": "Captain and talisman Salem Al-Dawsari joined Al-Hilal's academy at 14 and, apart from a brief loan to Villarreal, has spent his whole career there, racking up over 300 appearances. The left winger etched his name into football folklore with a stunning solo winner against Argentina at the 2022 World Cup. Saudi Arabia's most-capped player and all-time talisman, he is a two-time AFC Player of the Year leading the team once more.", "facts": ["Scored the famous winner against Argentina at the 2022 World Cup, ending their 36-game unbeaten run", "First Saudi to be named AFC Player of the Year twice", "Saudi Arabia's record cap-holder and one of its all-time top scorers"], "data_rating": 70, "fun": ["🔥 Top 3% scorer at the Cup", "🎖️ Most-capped in the squad (109)", "🧓 Veteran presence", "©️ Captain"]}, {"player_id": 791, "team_id": 31, "fifa_code": "KSA", "team_name": "Saudi Arabia", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 11, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Saleh Al-Shehri", "date_of_birth": "1993-11-01", "age": 32, "caps": 55, "international_goals": 18, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al-Ittihad", "club_country": "Saudi Arabia", "club_league": "Saudi Pro League", "height_cm": 184, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 14, "club_starts_2025_26": 10, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": 1, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Saudi Pro League, AFC Champions League Elite (combined)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saleh_Al-Shehri ; https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/saleh-al-shehri/7689/ ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/384407/saleh-al-shehri", "backstory": "An Al-Ahli academy graduate, Saleh Al-Shehri became the first Saudi to score in European club football during a loan to Portugal's Beira-Mar. After a breakout 16-goal season at Al-Raed, he won multiple trophies at Al-Hilal before joining Al-Ittihad on a free transfer in 2024. The tall striker scored Saudi Arabia's first goal in the 2-1 upset of Argentina at the 2022 World Cup.", "facts": ["Believed to be the first Saudi Arabian to score in European club football", "Scored Saudi Arabia's opening goal in the 2-1 win over Argentina at the 2022 World Cup"], "data_rating": 67, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 792, "team_id": 31, "fifa_code": "KSA", "team_name": "Saudi Arabia", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 12, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "RB", "player_name": "Saud Abdulhamid", "date_of_birth": "1999-07-18", "age": 26, "caps": 54, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Lens", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Ligue 1", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 22, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1181, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": 3, "club_yellow_2025_26": 3, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue 1", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "On loan at Lens from Roma; only squad member playing abroad", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/1002617/saud-abdulhamid ; https://tribuna.com/en/persons/saud-abdulhamid/stat/2025-2026/ligue-1/ ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saud_Abdulhamid", "backstory": "Saud Abdulhamid is the pioneer of Saudi players in Europe. The attacking right-back came through at Al-Ittihad and Al-Hilal, winning six domestic titles, before joining Roma in 2024 to become the first Saudi to play in European competition. After a loan to Lens that turned permanent, he is the only member of the squad currently playing abroad, offering the team a European-tested full-back.", "facts": ["First Saudi player to feature in European competition and the first to score in one (for Roma)", "First Saudi player to feature in France's Ligue 1", "Only member of the 2026 squad playing his club football outside Saudi Arabia"], "data_rating": 69, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · France"]}, {"player_id": 793, "team_id": 31, "fifa_code": "KSA", "team_name": "Saudi Arabia", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 13, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Nawaf Boushal", "date_of_birth": "1999-09-16", "age": 26, "caps": 24, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al-Nassr", "club_country": "Saudi Arabia", "club_league": "Saudi Pro League", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 32, "club_starts_2025_26": 20, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": 3, "club_red_2025_26": 1, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Saudi Pro League, AFC Champions League Elite (combined)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/331918/nawaf-boushal ; https://www.playmakerstats.com/player/nawaf-boushal/762654", "backstory": "Nawaf Boushal began his career at Al-Fateh, where four solid seasons as a full-back earned a move to Al-Nassr in 2023. Naturally right-footed, he is valued for his versatility across both flanks of the defence. He made his senior international debut at the 2021 Arab Cup and provides defensive cover for the national team.", "facts": ["Made his Saudi Arabia debut at the 2021 Arab Cup against Palestine", "Right-footed but plays comfortably at left-back as well as right-back"], "data_rating": 69, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 794, "team_id": 31, "fifa_code": "KSA", "team_name": "Saudi Arabia", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 14, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Hassan Kadesh", "date_of_birth": "1992-09-26", "age": 33, "caps": 20, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al-Ittihad", "club_country": "Saudi Arabia", "club_league": "Saudi Pro League", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 14, "club_starts_2025_26": 14, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": 0, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Saudi Pro League, AFC Champions League Elite (combined)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/185636/hassan-kadesh ; https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/hassan-kadesh/81124/", "backstory": "A left-footed defender, Hassan Kadesh captained Al-Ettifaq before moves to Al-Hilal and Al-Taawoun, then a 2023 transfer to Al-Ittihad reported at SAR60 million. Known for his composure on the ball and progressive passing from deep, he captained Saudi Arabia's under-21 side and is one of the more experienced defensive heads in the squad.", "facts": ["Captained Al-Ettifaq before his bigger Saudi Pro League moves", "Joined Al-Ittihad in 2023 in a deal reported at around SAR60 million"], "data_rating": 63, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 795, "team_id": 31, "fifa_code": "KSA", "team_name": "Saudi Arabia", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 15, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CDM", "player_name": "Abdullah Al-Khaibari", "date_of_birth": "1996-08-16", "age": 29, "caps": 39, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al-Nassr", "club_country": "Saudi Arabia", "club_league": "Saudi Pro League", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 42, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Saudi Pro League, AFC Champions League Elite (combined)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/271461/abdullah-al-khaibari ; https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/abdullah-al-khaibari/34498/", "backstory": "Riyadh-born Abdullah Al-Khaibari came through his boyhood club Al-Shabab before a 2019 move to Al-Nassr, where he has made over 200 appearances. A disciplined defensive midfielder, he provides balance and screening in front of the back four. He has been a long-standing squad member for the national team since the build-up to the 2018 World Cup.", "facts": ["Has made over 200 appearances for Al-Nassr", "First called into a senior World Cup squad picture ahead of Russia 2018"], "data_rating": 69, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 796, "team_id": 31, "fifa_code": "KSA", "team_name": "Saudi Arabia", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 16, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Ziyad Al-Johani", "date_of_birth": "2001-11-11", "age": 24, "caps": 12, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al-Ahli", "club_country": "Saudi Arabia", "club_league": "Saudi Pro League", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 21, "club_starts_2025_26": 15, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1247, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": 2, "club_red_2025_26": 2, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Saudi Pro League, AFC Champions League Elite (combined)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/ziyad-al-johani/46842/ ; https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/306692/ziyad-aljohani", "backstory": "Ziyad Al-Johani is a homegrown Al-Ahli talent who rose through the youth ranks and debuted for the first team in 2021. A defensive midfielder, he has steadily earned more minutes and contributed to Al-Ahli's recent successes. Still in his mid-twenties, he represents the next generation of Saudi midfielders pushing into the senior setup.", "facts": ["Came through Al-Ahli's academy and made his debut in the final match of the 2020-21 season"], "data_rating": 60, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 797, "team_id": 31, "fifa_code": "KSA", "team_name": "Saudi Arabia", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 17, "position": "FW", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Khalid Al-Ghannam", "date_of_birth": "2000-11-08", "age": 25, "caps": 6, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al-Ettifaq", "club_country": "Saudi Arabia", "club_league": "Saudi Pro League", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 24, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1726, "club_goals_2025_26": 10, "club_assists_2025_26": 4, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Saudi Pro League (and cups, combined)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Breakout season at Al-Ettifaq", "enrichment_sources": "https://tribuna.com/en/persons/khalid-al-ghannam/stat/2025-2026/ ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/1024928/khalid-al-ghannam", "backstory": "An electric left winger, Khalid Al-Ghannam earned a big move to Al-Nassr in 2020 and impressed early with seven goals across his first two seasons, earning a senior call-up in 2022. After his minutes dwindled, a move to Al-Ettifaq revived him: he enjoyed a breakout 2025-26 season as one of the league's top goal contributors, forcing his way back into the national-team picture for the World Cup.", "facts": ["Enjoyed a breakout 2025-26 season at Al-Ettifaq among the Saudi Pro League's top goal contributors", "Made his Saudi debut as a substitute against Japan in a 2022 World Cup qualifier"], "data_rating": 66, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 798, "team_id": 31, "fifa_code": "KSA", "team_name": "Saudi Arabia", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 18, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Alaa Al-Hejji", "date_of_birth": "1995-12-03", "age": 30, "caps": 2, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Neom", "club_country": "Saudi Arabia", "club_league": "Saudi Pro League", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 15, "club_starts_2025_26": 9, "club_minutes_2025_26": 712, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": 1, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Saudi Pro League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/697618/alaa-al-haji ; https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/357660/ala-al-hajji", "backstory": "A late bloomer from Buraydah, central midfielder Alaa Al-Hejji built his career at Al-Wehda before a notable transfer to newly-promoted Neom in 2025. One of the lower-profile members of the squad, he earned his first senior caps in the build-up to the World Cup, providing additional midfield depth.", "facts": ["Joined newly-promoted Neom in 2025 for a fee reported around 5.7 million euros"], "data_rating": 55, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 799, "team_id": 31, "fifa_code": "KSA", "team_name": "Saudi Arabia", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 19, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Abdullah Al-Hamdan", "date_of_birth": "1999-09-13", "age": 26, "caps": 49, "international_goals": 12, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al-Nassr", "club_country": "Saudi Arabia", "club_league": "Saudi Pro League", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 35, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 935, "club_goals_2025_26": 6, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Saudi Pro League, AFC Champions League Elite (combined)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/909198/abdullah-al-hamddan ; https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/294239/abdullah-al-hamdan", "backstory": "Riyadh-born Abdullah Al-Hamdan came through Al-Shabab's academy to become one of Saudi Arabia's brightest young attackers, earning a 2021 move to Al-Hilal where he collected multiple trophies. A versatile centre-forward who can also play wide, he joined Al-Nassr on a free transfer in 2026. He is a proven international scorer with a dozen goals for the Green Falcons.", "facts": ["Won the AFC Champions League and multiple domestic titles at Al-Hilal", "Joined Al-Nassr on a free transfer in February 2026"], "data_rating": 69, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 800, "team_id": 31, "fifa_code": "KSA", "team_name": "Saudi Arabia", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 20, "position": "FW", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Sultan Mandash", "date_of_birth": "1994-10-17", "age": 31, "caps": 6, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al-Hilal", "club_country": "Saudi Arabia", "club_league": "Saudi Pro League", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 19, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 569, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Saudi Pro League (joined Al-Hilal Jan 2026)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Joined Al-Hilal mid-season (Jan 2026); season totals may include former club", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.transfermarkt.us/sultan-mandash/profil/spieler/210349 ; https://www.soccer24.com/player/madash-sultan/j1bysR6F/", "backstory": "A well-travelled forward, Sultan Mandash spent years across Saudi clubs including Al-Ittihad, Al-Faisaly, Al-Taawoun, Al-Ahli and Al-Fayha before a January 2026 move to champions Al-Hilal. A relative late arrival to the international scene, he has shown a knack for important goals and earned his place in the World Cup squad off the back of consistent club form.", "facts": ["Earned a move to Al-Hilal in January 2026 after a journeyman career across Saudi clubs", "Scored on his limited international appearances"], "data_rating": 59, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 801, "team_id": 31, "fifa_code": "KSA", "team_name": "Saudi Arabia", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 21, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Mohammed Al-Owais", "date_of_birth": "1991-10-10", "age": 34, "caps": 63, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al-Ula", "club_country": "Saudi Arabia", "club_league": "Saudi First Division League", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 21, "club_starts_2025_26": 21, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1890, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 2, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 8, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": 15, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Saudi First Division League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://footystats.org/players/saudi-arabia/mohammed-khalil-al-owais ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/mohammed-al-owais/profil/spieler/262845", "backstory": "A vastly experienced goalkeeper, Mohammed Al-Owais starred at Al-Shabab and Al-Ahli before joining Al-Hilal, where he won three league titles and the AFC Champions League Elite. He was named player of the match for his heroics in the 2-1 win over Argentina at the 2022 World Cup. Now at First Division side Al-Ula, the veteran brings big-tournament know-how to the goalkeeping group.", "facts": ["Named player of the match in Saudi Arabia's historic 2-1 win over Argentina at the 2022 World Cup", "Won Saudi Pro League Goalkeeper of the Season in 2018 with 18 clean sheets"], "data_rating": 74, "fun": ["🧓 Veteran presence"]}, {"player_id": 802, "team_id": 31, "fifa_code": "KSA", "team_name": "Saudi Arabia", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 22, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Ahmed Al-Kassar", "date_of_birth": "1991-05-08", "age": 35, "caps": 9, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al-Qadsiah", "club_country": "Saudi Arabia", "club_league": "Saudi Pro League", "height_cm": 179, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 0, "club_starts_2025_26": 0, "club_minutes_2025_26": 0, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 0, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 0, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": 0, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Saudi Pro League (no appearances)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Backup goalkeeper; no league appearances in 2025/26", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/171878/ahmed-al-kassar ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/ahmed-al-kassar/profil/spieler/177956", "backstory": "A veteran goalkeeper, Ahmed Al-Kassar built his career at Al-Raed and Al-Ettifaq, winning the Saudi First Division and famously becoming one of the rare keepers to register an assist in the Saudi Pro League. After a spell at Al-Fayha he joined Al-Qadsiah in 2024. He serves as an experienced backup option in the squad.", "facts": ["One of only a handful of goalkeepers to record an assist in the Saudi Pro League", "Won the Saudi First Division title with Al-Ettifaq"], "data_rating": 57, "fun": ["🧓 Veteran presence"]}, {"player_id": 803, "team_id": 31, "fifa_code": "KSA", "team_name": "Saudi Arabia", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 23, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CDM", "player_name": "Mohamed Kanno", "date_of_birth": "1994-09-22", "age": 31, "caps": 76, "international_goals": 8, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al-Hilal", "club_country": "Saudi Arabia", "club_league": "Saudi Pro League", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 30, "club_starts_2025_26": 23, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 5, "club_assists_2025_26": 3, "club_yellow_2025_26": 2, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Saudi Pro League, AFC Champions League Elite (combined)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/mohamed-kanno/7697/ ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/mohamed-kanno/leistungsdaten/spieler/308120", "backstory": "Mohamed Kanno made his name at Al-Ettifaq before a 2017 move to Al-Hilal, where the box-to-box midfielder has won 14 trophies including two AFC Champions Leagues and five league titles. A reliable engine in midfield, he started all three group games at the 2022 World Cup and is among the most decorated and experienced players in the squad.", "facts": ["Has won 14 major trophies with Al-Hilal, including two AFC Champions Leagues", "Started all three group-stage matches at the 2022 World Cup"], "data_rating": 76, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 804, "team_id": 31, "fifa_code": "KSA", "team_name": "Saudi Arabia", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 24, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Moteb Al-Harbi", "date_of_birth": "2000-02-20", "age": 26, "caps": 12, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al-Hilal", "club_country": "Saudi Arabia", "club_league": "Saudi Pro League", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 30, "club_starts_2025_26": 20, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1735, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": 0, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Saudi Pro League, AFC Champions League Elite (combined)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/moteb%20al-harbi/27510/ ; https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/330543/moteb-al-harbi", "backstory": "Riyadh-born Moteb Al-Harbi came through Al-Shabab's youth ranks at every level before earning a 2024 move to champions Al-Hilal. A left-back who collected a string of Young Player of the Month awards, he was part of the 2022 AFC U-23 Asian Cup-winning side. He has grown into a regular full-back option for the national team.", "facts": ["Won the 2022 AFC U-23 Asian Cup with Saudi Arabia", "Won multiple Saudi Pro League Young Player of the Month awards"], "data_rating": 65, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 805, "team_id": 31, "fifa_code": "KSA", "team_name": "Saudi Arabia", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 25, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Jehad Thakri", "date_of_birth": "2001-07-21", "age": 24, "caps": 7, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al-Qadsiah", "club_country": "Saudi Arabia", "club_league": "Saudi Pro League", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 21, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Saudi Pro League, King Cup, Super Cup (combined)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.transfermarkt.us/jehad-thakri/leistungsdaten/spieler/901334/saison/ ; https://fbref.com/en/players/cf4eaaa7/Jehad-Thakri", "backstory": "An Al-Khobar native, Jehad Thakri rose through Al-Qadsiah's academy and helped the club win promotion from the First Division in 2023-24. The defender earned his first senior call-up during the crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers and was handed his international debut by the manager away to Japan, a sign of his rapid rise.", "facts": ["Helped Al-Qadsiah win the 2023-24 Saudi First Division title and promotion", "Made his international debut in a high-stakes World Cup qualifier away to Japan"], "data_rating": 62, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 806, "team_id": 31, "fifa_code": "KSA", "team_name": "Saudi Arabia", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 26, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Mohammed Abu Al-Shamat", "date_of_birth": "2002-08-11", "age": 23, "caps": 6, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al-Qadsiah", "club_country": "Saudi Arabia", "club_league": "Saudi Pro League", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 31, "club_starts_2025_26": 29, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2494, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": 8, "club_yellow_2025_26": 3, "club_red_2025_26": 1, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Saudi Pro League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Highest-scoring/assisting RB in the league this season", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/1543647/mohammed-abu-al-shamat ; https://tribuna.com/en/persons/mohammed-waheeb-saleh-abu-al-shamat/stat/2025-2026/saudi-prof-league/", "backstory": "Jeddah-born Mohammed Abu Al-Shamat started in Al-Ahli's youth ranks aged eight before moving to Al-Qadsiah, where he developed into an attacking right-back. He enjoyed a standout 2025-26 season as one of the highest goal-and-assist-contributing full-backs in the league, propelling him into the World Cup squad as a dynamic wide defender.", "facts": ["Has a twin brother, Saleh Abu Al-Shamat, who plays for Al-Ahli", "Among the highest-contributing attacking full-backs in the Saudi Pro League in 2025-26"], "data_rating": 71, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 807, "team_id": 32, "fifa_code": "URU", "team_name": "Uruguay", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 1, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Sergio Rochet", "date_of_birth": "1993-03-23", "age": 33, "caps": 35, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Internacional", "club_country": "Brazil", "club_league": "Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A", "height_cm": 188, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 19, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A, Copa do Brasil, Copa Sudamericana", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 299, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "First-choice goalkeeper", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sergio_Rochet", "backstory": "Born in the small river town of Nueva Palmira, Rochet came through Danubio before a spell in Europe with AZ Alkmaar and Sivasspor that never fully took off. He rebuilt his career back home at Nacional, where three league titles and three Goalkeeper of the Season awards made him a star, earning a 2023 move to Brazil's Internacional. Calm and commanding, he arrives at the 2026 World Cup as Uruguay's settled first-choice keeper under Marcelo Bielsa.", "facts": ["Won three Uruguayan Primera Division titles with Nacional (2019, 2020, 2022)", "Made his Uruguay debut in January 2022 in a 1-0 win over Paraguay"], "data_rating": 67, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Brazil"]}, {"player_id": 808, "team_id": 32, "fifa_code": "URU", "team_name": "Uruguay", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 2, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Jose Maria Gimenez", "date_of_birth": "1995-01-20", "age": 31, "caps": 99, "international_goals": 8, "is_captain": true, "club": "Atletico Madrid", "club_country": "Spain", "club_league": "La Liga", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 12000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 25, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "La Liga, Copa del Rey, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 398, "career_club_goals": 14, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Captain, central defence leader", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jos%C3%A9_Mar%C3%ADa_Gim%C3%A9nez ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/jose-maria-gimenez/profil/spieler/250845", "backstory": "A product of Danubio's academy, Gimenez followed his idol and compatriot Diego Godin to Atletico Madrid as a teenager in 2013 and grew into one of the world's most aggressive, no-nonsense centre-backs under Diego Simeone. Over a decade at Atletico he has won La Liga and a Europa League while becoming a fixture of the Uruguay defence. Now the national-team captain, he leads Bielsa's side at his fourth World Cup.", "facts": ["Has spent his entire European career at Atletico Madrid since 2013", "Sits on 99 caps heading into the tournament, on the brink of his century", "Captain of the Uruguay national team"], "data_rating": 72, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Spain", "©️ Captain"]}, {"player_id": 809, "team_id": 32, "fifa_code": "URU", "team_name": "Uruguay", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 3, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Sebastian Caceres", "date_of_birth": "1999-08-18", "age": 26, "caps": 24, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Club America", "club_country": "Mexico", "club_league": "Liga MX", "height_cm": 180, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 28, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 2, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Liga MX", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.sofascore.com/football/player/sebastian-caceres/924889 ; https://www.besoccer.com/player/sebastian-caceres-428324", "backstory": "Born in Montevideo, Caceres came through the youth ranks at Liverpool of Uruguay and made his name quickly enough to earn a move to Liga MX side Club America in early 2020. He developed into a composed, ball-playing centre-back and Liga MX title winner in Mexico, drawing reported interest from several Premier League clubs. He is part of Uruguay's defensive depth for the 2026 finals.", "facts": ["Came through the Liverpool Montevideo academy", "Played for Uruguay at the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup"], "data_rating": 67, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Mexico"]}, {"player_id": 810, "team_id": 32, "fifa_code": "URU", "team_name": "Uruguay", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 4, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Ronald Araujo", "date_of_birth": "1999-03-07", "age": 27, "caps": 27, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Barcelona", "club_country": "Spain", "club_league": "La Liga", "height_cm": 191, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 25000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 38, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 4, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 2, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "La Liga, Copa del Rey, UEFA Champions League, Supercopa de Espana", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 229, "career_club_goals": 24, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ronald_Ara%C3%BAjo ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/ronald-araujo/leistungsdaten/spieler/480267", "backstory": "Raised in the northern Uruguayan border town of Rivera, Araujo joined Boston River and then Spain's Rentistas before Barcelona signed him for their B team in 2018, where he was fast-tracked to the first squad. Towering, quick and fierce in the tackle, he became a defensive cornerstone at the Camp Nou and one of the best one-on-one defenders in the world. He is a key figure in Uruguay's back line for the 2026 World Cup.", "facts": ["Came through Barcelona's reserve side after moving from Uruguay as a teenager", "Known for his recovery pace and one-on-one defending"], "data_rating": 74, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Spain"]}, {"player_id": 811, "team_id": 32, "fifa_code": "URU", "team_name": "Uruguay", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 5, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CDM", "player_name": "Manuel Ugarte", "date_of_birth": "2001-04-11", "age": 25, "caps": 36, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Manchester United", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 183, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 42000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 24, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 269, "career_club_goals": 6, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manuel_Ugarte_(footballer)", "backstory": "From Montevideo, Ugarte broke through at Fenix before a move to Portugal's Famalicao and then Sporting CP, where he became one of Europe's most relentless ball-winning midfielders and earned a big-money switch to Paris Saint-Germain in 2023. He moved to Manchester United in 2024 to anchor their midfield. A tireless defensive screen, he is central to Bielsa's high-energy Uruguay setup.", "facts": ["Won the Primeira Liga with Sporting CP before joining PSG", "Joined Manchester United in 2024"], "data_rating": 69, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 812, "team_id": 32, "fifa_code": "URU", "team_name": "Uruguay", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 6, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Rodrigo Bentancur", "date_of_birth": "1997-06-25", "age": 28, "caps": 74, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "Tottenham Hotspur", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 188, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 22000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 34, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, EFL Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 394, "career_club_goals": 14, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rodrigo_Bentancur", "backstory": "A Boca Juniors academy graduate, Bentancur won titles in Argentina before joining Juventus in 2017 as part of the Carlos Tevez deal, lifting multiple Serie A crowns in Turin. A move to Tottenham in 2022 made him one of the Premier League's most elegant deep-lying midfielders, and he helped Spurs win the 2025 Europa League. Experienced and press-resistant, he is a midfield mainstay for Uruguay in 2026.", "facts": ["Came through the Boca Juniors academy", "Joined Juventus as part of the deal that returned Carlos Tevez to Boca"], "data_rating": 71, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 813, "team_id": 32, "fifa_code": "URU", "team_name": "Uruguay", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 7, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CAM", "player_name": "Nicolas de la Cruz", "date_of_birth": "1997-06-01", "age": 29, "caps": 34, "international_goals": 5, "is_captain": false, "club": "Flamengo", "club_country": "Brazil", "club_league": "Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A", "height_cm": 168, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 34, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A, Copa Libertadores, Copa do Brasil, Campeonato Carioca", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 216, "career_club_goals": 33, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicol%C3%A1s_de_la_Cruz", "backstory": "Born in Montevideo and a Liverpool of Uruguay product, the diminutive De la Cruz earned a move to River Plate in 2017, where he became a Copa Libertadores winner and a fan favourite for his creativity and dead-ball ability. In 2024 he joined Brazilian giants Flamengo, continuing to rack up trophies. A clever, left-footed playmaker, he adds invention to Uruguay's midfield.", "facts": ["Won the Copa Libertadores with River Plate", "Came through the Liverpool Montevideo academy"], "data_rating": 68, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Brazil"]}, {"player_id": 814, "team_id": 32, "fifa_code": "URU", "team_name": "Uruguay", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 8, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Federico Valverde", "date_of_birth": "1998-07-22", "age": 27, "caps": 73, "international_goals": 9, "is_captain": false, "club": "Real Madrid", "club_country": "Spain", "club_league": "La Liga", "height_cm": 183, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 113000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 49, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 9, "club_assists_2025_26": 12, "club_yellow_2025_26": 3, "club_red_2025_26": 1, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "La Liga, Copa del Rey, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 310, "career_club_goals": 28, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Key midfield starter and creative hub", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federico_Valverde ; https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/federico-valverde/18774/", "backstory": "Nicknamed El Pajaro (the bird), Valverde came through Penarol's academy and joined Real Madrid's youth setup in 2016, breaking into the first team after a loan at Deportivo La Coruna. He has grown into one of the world's most complete midfielders for Madrid, a box-to-box engine with a thunderous shot and multiple Champions League medals. He is the driving force and creative hub of Bielsa's Uruguay.", "facts": ["Multiple-time UEFA Champions League winner with Real Madrid", "Nicknamed El Pajaro for his tireless running", "Came through Penarol before joining Real Madrid as a teenager"], "data_rating": 89, "fun": ["💎 Most valuable in the squad", "🌍 Plays abroad · Spain"]}, {"player_id": 815, "team_id": 32, "fifa_code": "URU", "team_name": "Uruguay", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 9, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Darwin Nunez", "date_of_birth": "1999-06-24", "age": 26, "caps": 38, "international_goals": 13, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al Hilal", "club_country": "Saudi Arabia", "club_league": "Saudi Pro League", "height_cm": 188, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 20000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 24, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 9, "club_assists_2025_26": 5, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Saudi Pro League, Kings Cup, AFC Champions League Elite", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 305, "career_club_goals": 117, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Lead striker, 9 goals in 24 games across all competitions", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darwin_N%C3%BA%C3%B1ez ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/darwin-nunez/profil/spieler/546543", "backstory": "Raised in Artigas in poverty, Nunez began at Penarol before a move to Spain's Almeria and then Benfica, where a prolific 2021-22 season earned a club-record transfer to Liverpool. Powerful, fast and direct, he became a cult figure at Anfield before moving to Saudi side Al Hilal in 2025. He is Uruguay's lead striker and record-chasing focal point in attack for 2026.", "facts": ["Was once Liverpool's record signing", "Grew up in the northern city of Artigas", "Uruguay's first-choice number nine"], "data_rating": 72, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Saudi Arabia"]}, {"player_id": 816, "team_id": 32, "fifa_code": "URU", "team_name": "Uruguay", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 10, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CAM", "player_name": "Giorgian de Arrascaeta", "date_of_birth": "1994-06-01", "age": 32, "caps": 60, "international_goals": 13, "is_captain": false, "club": "Flamengo", "club_country": "Brazil", "club_league": "Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A", "height_cm": 173, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 64, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 25, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A, Copa Libertadores, Copa do Brasil, Campeonato Carioca", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 625, "career_club_goals": 172, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Playmaker, 25 goals across all competitions in 2025", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giorgian_de_Arrascaeta", "backstory": "Born in Nuevo Berlin, De Arrascaeta started at Defensor Sporting before moving to Brazil with Cruzeiro, where he won the Copa do Brasil twice. His 2019 transfer to Flamengo turned him into one of South America's premier playmakers, central to a golden era of Libertadores and league titles. A wand of a left foot and Uruguay's chief creator, he wears the number 10 in 2026.", "facts": ["Multiple Copa Libertadores winner with Flamengo", "Scored 25 goals across all competitions for Flamengo in 2025", "One of the most decorated players in Brazilian club football"], "data_rating": 88, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Brazil", "🎯 25 club goals in 2025/26"]}, {"player_id": 817, "team_id": 32, "fifa_code": "URU", "team_name": "Uruguay", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 11, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "RW", "player_name": "Facundo Pellistri", "date_of_birth": "2001-12-20", "age": 24, "caps": 39, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Panathinaikos", "club_country": "Greece", "club_league": "Super League Greece", "height_cm": 175, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 18, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Super League Greece, Greek Cup, UEFA Europa League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 168, "career_club_goals": 9, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Facundo_Pellistri", "backstory": "From Montevideo, Pellistri came through Penarol and earned a high-profile move to Manchester United in 2020 as a teenage winger. After loan spells and limited senior chances at Old Trafford, he rebuilt his career at Panathinaikos in Greece. Quick and direct down the flank, he provides attacking width in Uruguay's squad.", "facts": ["Joined Manchester United from Penarol as a teenager in 2020", "Now plays for Panathinaikos in Greece"], "data_rating": 63, "fun": ["🐣 Youngest in the squad (24)", "🌍 Plays abroad · Greece"]}, {"player_id": 818, "team_id": 32, "fifa_code": "URU", "team_name": "Uruguay", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 12, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Santiago Mele", "date_of_birth": "1997-09-06", "age": 28, "caps": 8, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Monterrey", "club_country": "Mexico", "club_league": "Liga MX", "height_cm": 183, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 15, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 4, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Liga MX", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.sofascore.com/football/player/santiago-mele/846421 ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/santiago-mele/profil/spieler/320739", "backstory": "Born in Montevideo, Mele came through Fenix's academy and had an early move to Turkey's Osmanlispor before finding his level at Colombian club Junior, whom he helped to a 2023 league title via a penalty shootout. A reported multi-million-dollar move took him to Liga MX side Monterrey. He provides goalkeeping cover behind Rochet for the 2026 finals.", "facts": ["Won the Colombian league title with Junior in 2023", "Came through the Fenix academy in Montevideo"], "data_rating": 65, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Mexico"]}, {"player_id": 819, "team_id": 32, "fifa_code": "URU", "team_name": "Uruguay", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 13, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "RB", "player_name": "Guillermo Varela", "date_of_birth": "1993-03-24", "age": 33, "caps": 28, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Flamengo", "club_country": "Brazil", "club_league": "Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A", "height_cm": 173, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 44, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A, Copa Libertadores, Copa do Brasil, Campeonato Carioca", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 304, "career_club_goals": 5, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guillermo_Varela", "backstory": "A Penarol academy graduate, Varela earned a move to Manchester United as a young right-back in 2013, later playing for Eintracht Frankfurt, Penarol again and FC Copenhagen. He found a long-term home at Flamengo, becoming a reliable, attacking full-back and a serial trophy winner in Brazil. He offers experienced cover at right-back for Uruguay.", "facts": ["Played for Manchester United early in his career", "Multiple-trophy winner with Flamengo"], "data_rating": 75, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Brazil"]}, {"player_id": 820, "team_id": 32, "fifa_code": "URU", "team_name": "Uruguay", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 14, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "RW", "player_name": "Agustin Canobbio", "date_of_birth": "1998-10-01", "age": 27, "caps": 15, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Fluminense", "club_country": "Brazil", "club_league": "Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A", "height_cm": 175, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 39, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 10, "club_assists_2025_26": 5, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A, Copa do Brasil, Campeonato Carioca", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 301, "career_club_goals": 35, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Most prolific season yet: 10 goals, 5 assists in 39 games", "enrichment_sources": "https://onefootball.com/en/news/canobbio-enjoying-most-prolific-season-yet-now-a-key-figure-for-fluminense-41648337 ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agust%C3%ADn_Canobbio", "backstory": "Son of former professional footballer Osvaldo Canobbio, Agustin came through Fenix and made his name at Penarol, winning league and Supercopa titles, before moving to Brazil with Athletico Paranaense. He joined Fluminense in 2025 and enjoyed the most prolific season of his career as a versatile winger and attacking midfielder. That form earned him a place in Uruguay's 2026 squad.", "facts": ["Son of former Uruguayan footballer Osvaldo Canobbio", "Enjoyed his most prolific season yet at Fluminense in 2025-26 with 10 goals and 5 assists", "Holds an Italian passport through his father's heritage"], "data_rating": 70, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Brazil"]}, {"player_id": 821, "team_id": 32, "fifa_code": "URU", "team_name": "Uruguay", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 15, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Emiliano Martinez", "date_of_birth": "1999-08-17", "age": 26, "caps": 10, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Palmeiras", "club_country": "Brazil", "club_league": "Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 42, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A, Copa Libertadores, Copa do Brasil, Campeonato Paulista", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 142, "career_club_goals": 2, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emiliano_Mart%C3%ADnez_(footballer,_born_1999)", "backstory": "Born in Punta del Este, Martinez came through Nacional and was part of their 2018 U-20 Copa Libertadores-winning side before moving to Brazil with Red Bull Bragantino. A successful loan turned permanent at Denmark's Midtjylland built his reputation as a tough defensive midfielder, and he joined Palmeiras in 2025. He adds midfield steel to Uruguay's squad.", "facts": ["Won the U-20 Copa Libertadores with Nacional in 2018", "Played in the Danish Superliga with Midtjylland before joining Palmeiras"], "data_rating": 66, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Brazil"]}, {"player_id": 822, "team_id": 32, "fifa_code": "URU", "team_name": "Uruguay", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 16, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "LB", "player_name": "Mathias Olivera", "date_of_birth": "1997-10-31", "age": 28, "caps": 35, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Napoli", "club_country": "Italy", "club_league": "Serie A", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": 15000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 33, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Serie A, Coppa Italia, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 248, "career_club_goals": 6, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Math%C3%ADas_Olivera", "backstory": "From Montevideo, Olivera came through Nacional and moved to Spain with Getafe, where he established himself as an attacking left-back. A 2022 transfer to Napoli saw him win a Serie A Scudetto in his debut season. Athletic and overlapping, he is Uruguay's first-choice left-back for the 2026 World Cup.", "facts": ["Won the Serie A title with Napoli", "Came through the Nacional academy in Montevideo"], "data_rating": 71, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Italy"]}, {"player_id": 823, "team_id": 32, "fifa_code": "URU", "team_name": "Uruguay", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 17, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "LB", "player_name": "Matias Vina", "date_of_birth": "1997-11-09", "age": 28, "caps": 43, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "River Plate", "club_country": "Argentina", "club_league": "Liga Profesional de Futbol", "height_cm": 175, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 221, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 1, "club_red_2025_26": 1, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Liga Profesional de Futbol (Apertura)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": "On loan from Flamengo since Jan 2026; limited minutes after returning from serious injury", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/840184/matias-vina ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mat%C3%ADas_Vi%C3%B1a", "backstory": "Born in Empalme Olmos, Vina came through Defensor Sporting before titles at Nacional and Palmeiras, then a 2021 move to Roma in Serie A. After spells with Sassuolo and Bournemouth, he returned to South America, joining River Plate on loan from Flamengo in early 2026 as he worked back from a serious injury. He provides experienced left-sided defensive cover in the squad.", "facts": ["Won the Copa Libertadores with Palmeiras", "Played in Serie A for Roma and the Premier League for Bournemouth"], "data_rating": 62, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Argentina"]}, {"player_id": 824, "team_id": 32, "fifa_code": "URU", "team_name": "Uruguay", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 18, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "LW", "player_name": "Brian Rodriguez", "date_of_birth": "2000-05-20", "age": 26, "caps": 32, "international_goals": 4, "is_captain": false, "club": "Club America", "club_country": "Mexico", "club_league": "Liga MX", "height_cm": 175, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 37, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 13, "club_assists_2025_26": 7, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Liga MX", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Strong season: 13 goals, 7 assists", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.sofascore.com/player/brian-rodriguez/932233 ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/brian-rodriguez/leistungsdaten/spieler/465818/saison/2025", "backstory": "A Penarol academy product, Brian Rodriguez earned a big-money move to MLS side LAFC in 2019, with a loan spell at Almeria in Spain along the way. He joined Club America in 2022, winning three Liga MX titles and developing into a dangerous, left-footed winger. A strong 2025-26 season with 13 goals and 7 assists earned him a 2026 World Cup spot.", "facts": ["Came through the Penarol academy", "Won three Liga MX championships with Club America", "Scored 13 goals and added 7 assists in 2025-26"], "data_rating": 75, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Mexico"]}, {"player_id": 825, "team_id": 32, "fifa_code": "URU", "team_name": "Uruguay", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 19, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Rodrigo Aguirre", "date_of_birth": "1994-10-01", "age": 31, "caps": 10, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "Tigres UANL", "club_country": "Mexico", "club_league": "Liga MX", "height_cm": 183, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": 2300000, "club_apps_2025_26": 9, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Liga MX (Clausura, since Feb 2026)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 304, "career_club_goals": 73, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Joined Tigres UANL from Club America in Feb 2026; apps shown for Tigres spell only", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rodrigo_Aguirre ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/rodrigo-aguirre/profil/spieler/189410", "backstory": "Born in Montevideo, Aguirre joined Liverpool of Uruguay at twelve and earned an early move to Italy's Udinese, though loans and injuries stalled his European career. He revived his fortunes in Mexico with Necaxa, Monterrey and Club America, winning the Apertura 2024 title, before joining Tigres UANL in February 2026. The veteran striker offers attacking depth for Uruguay.", "facts": ["Scored on his Uruguay debut, a 2024 World Cup qualifier against Colombia", "Won the Apertura 2024 title with Club America"], "data_rating": 59, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Mexico"]}, {"player_id": 826, "team_id": 32, "fifa_code": "URU", "team_name": "Uruguay", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 20, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "LW", "player_name": "Maximiliano Araujo", "date_of_birth": "2000-02-15", "age": 26, "caps": 28, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "Sporting CP", "club_country": "Portugal", "club_league": "Primeira Liga", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 47, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 7, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Primeira Liga, Taca de Portugal, Taca da Liga, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 273, "career_club_goals": 30, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maximiliano_Ara%C3%BAjo", "backstory": "Born in Montevideo, Maxi Araujo came through Montevideo Wanderers before moving to Mexico with Puebla and then Toluca, where his goals and assists from the left flank earned a 2024 transfer to Sporting CP. He won the Primeira Liga and Taca de Portugal in his debut season in Lisbon. Versatile as a winger or left-back, he gives Bielsa attacking options.", "facts": ["Won the Primeira Liga and Taca de Portugal in his first season at Sporting CP", "Came through the Montevideo Wanderers academy", "Can play as a left winger or left-back"], "data_rating": 74, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Portugal"]}, {"player_id": 827, "team_id": 32, "fifa_code": "URU", "team_name": "Uruguay", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 21, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Federico Vinas", "date_of_birth": "1998-06-30", "age": 27, "caps": 11, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Real Oviedo", "club_country": "Spain", "club_league": "La Liga", "height_cm": 180, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 33, "club_starts_2025_26": 28, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2451, "club_goals_2025_26": 9, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": 4, "club_red_2025_26": 3, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "La Liga", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Real Oviedo top league scorer with 9 goals", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/federico-vinas/5053/ ; https://fbref.com/en/players/d30c7094/Federico-Vinas", "backstory": "Born in Florida, Uruguay, Vinas came through Juventud de las Piedras before a move to Liga MX side Club America, where he scored regularly, and a later spell at Club Leon. He moved to Spain with Real Oviedo, becoming the newly promoted side's top league scorer. His goals earned him a recall and a place in Uruguay's 2026 squad.", "facts": ["Real Oviedo's top league scorer in the 2025-26 season", "Made his name as a goalscorer with Club America in Liga MX"], "data_rating": 68, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Spain"]}, {"player_id": 828, "team_id": 32, "fifa_code": "URU", "team_name": "Uruguay", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 22, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "LB", "player_name": "Joaquin Piquerez", "date_of_birth": "1998-08-24", "age": 27, "caps": 19, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Palmeiras", "club_country": "Brazil", "club_league": "Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A", "height_cm": 183, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 46, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 4, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A, Copa Libertadores, Copa do Brasil, Campeonato Paulista", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 211, "career_club_goals": 17, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joaqu%C3%ADn_Piquerez", "backstory": "From Montevideo, Piquerez came through River Plate of Uruguay and Penarol before a 2021 move to Palmeiras in Brazil, where he became one of the continent's best attacking left-backs. He has won the Copa Libertadores and multiple titles with Palmeiras, chipping in with goals from defence. He provides quality and competition at left-back for Uruguay.", "facts": ["Won the Copa Libertadores with Palmeiras", "An attacking left-back who regularly contributes goals"], "data_rating": 76, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Brazil"]}, {"player_id": 829, "team_id": 32, "fifa_code": "URU", "team_name": "Uruguay", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 23, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Fernando Muslera", "date_of_birth": "1986-06-16", "age": 39, "caps": 134, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Estudiantes de La Plata", "club_country": "Argentina", "club_league": "Liga Profesional de Futbol", "height_cm": 191, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 700000, "club_apps_2025_26": 23, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Liga Profesional de Futbol, Copa Argentina, Copa Libertadores", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Veteran returning for a fifth World Cup", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.sofascore.com/football/player/fernando-muslera/28381 ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/fernando-muslera/profil/spieler/58088", "backstory": "A Uruguayan icon, Muslera began at Montevideo Wanderers and moved to Italy with Lazio, winning the Coppa Italia, before a long and decorated era at Galatasaray made him one of Turkey's most celebrated goalkeepers. After more than a decade in Istanbul he returned to South America with Estudiantes. The veteran is in his squad for a remarkable fifth World Cup.", "facts": ["Uruguay's most-capped goalkeeper with 134 caps", "Spent over a decade as Galatasaray's number one", "Set to feature at his fifth World Cup"], "data_rating": 68, "fun": ["🎖️ Most-capped in the squad (134)", "🧓 Veteran presence", "🌍 Plays abroad · Argentina"]}, {"player_id": 830, "team_id": 32, "fifa_code": "URU", "team_name": "Uruguay", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 24, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Santiago Bueno", "date_of_birth": "1998-11-09", "age": 27, "caps": 8, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Wolverhampton Wanderers", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 191, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 34, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 4, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 246, "career_club_goals": 11, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santiago_Bueno", "backstory": "Born in Montevideo, Bueno came through Barcelona's academy in Spain before establishing himself at Girona, where he was part of their rise through the divisions. A 2023 move to Wolverhampton Wanderers brought him to the Premier League, where he has become a regular, ball-playing centre-back who also chips in with goals. He adds defensive depth for Uruguay.", "facts": ["Came through the Barcelona academy", "Plays in the Premier League for Wolverhampton Wanderers"], "data_rating": 69, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 831, "team_id": 32, "fifa_code": "URU", "team_name": "Uruguay", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 25, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "LB", "player_name": "Juan Manuel Sanabria", "date_of_birth": "2000-03-29", "age": 26, "caps": 5, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Real Salt Lake", "club_country": "United States", "club_league": "Major League Soccer", "height_cm": 173, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 11, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 907, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 6, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Major League Soccer", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Joined RSL Feb 2026; leads team with 6 assists", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/juan-manuel-sanabria-world-cup-profile-real-salt-lake-uruguay-defender ; https://www.rsl.com/players/juan-manuel-sanabria/stats/", "backstory": "Born in the city of Florida, Sanabria joined Nacional's youth setup before Atletico Madrid signed him as a teenager, with loan spells in Spain including Real Zaragoza. He moved to Liga MX with Atletico San Luis, racking up appearances, before joining MLS side Real Salt Lake in early 2026, where he quickly became an assist leader. The left-sided player earned his first caps in late 2025.", "facts": ["Joined Atletico Madrid as a teenager from Nacional", "Made his Uruguay debut in October 2025 against the Dominican Republic"], "data_rating": 62, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · United States"]}, {"player_id": 832, "team_id": 32, "fifa_code": "URU", "team_name": "Uruguay", "group_letter": "H", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 26, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Rodrigo Zalazar", "date_of_birth": "1999-08-12", "age": 26, "caps": 8, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Braga", "club_country": "Portugal", "club_league": "Primeira Liga", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 47, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 23, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Primeira Liga, Taca de Portugal, Taca da Liga, UEFA Europa League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 235, "career_club_goals": 57, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Standout season: 16 league goals, 23 across all competitions", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rodrigo_Zalazar", "backstory": "Born in Albacete, Spain, to a Uruguayan footballing family, Zalazar came through the academy of Albacete, the club his father once captained. After Eintracht Frankfurt and loans, he made his name at St. Pauli and then Schalke before a 2023 move to Braga, where a stunning 2025-26 season earned a record-breaking transfer to Sporting CP. The attacking midfielder is one of the form players in Uruguay's squad.", "facts": ["Son of former Uruguay international Jose Luis Zalazar", "Scored 23 goals across all competitions for Braga in 2025-26", "His move to Sporting CP set a Portuguese transfer record"], "data_rating": 78, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Portugal", "🎯 23 club goals in 2025/26"]}, {"player_id": 833, "team_id": 33, "fifa_code": "FRA", "team_name": "France", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 1, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Brice Samba", "date_of_birth": "1994-04-25", "age": 32, "caps": 4, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Rennes", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Ligue 1", "height_cm": 186, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 7000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 32, "club_starts_2025_26": 32, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2880, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 5, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 10, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": 44, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue 1", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Third-choice keeper", "enrichment_sources": "https://footystats.org/players/france/brice-samba ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/279714/brice-samba", "backstory": "Born in the Republic of the Congo and raised in France, Samba came through Le Havre's academy before a long climb via Marseille, Caen and a key spell at Nottingham Forest, where he became the Championship No.1. A move to Lens in 2022 turned him into one of Ligue 1's best, and after joining Rennes he earned a late-career France call-up. At the 2026 World Cup he serves as a veteran backup goalkeeper.", "facts": ["Born in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo", "Named Ligue 1 Goalkeeper of the Year in 2023 with Lens", "Helped Nottingham Forest win promotion to the Premier League"], "data_rating": 70, "fun": ["🧤 10 clean sheets in 2025/26"]}, {"player_id": 834, "team_id": 33, "fifa_code": "FRA", "team_name": "France", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 2, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "RB", "player_name": "Malo Gusto", "date_of_birth": "2003-05-19", "age": 23, "caps": 10, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Chelsea", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 179, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 45000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 34, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": 3, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Regular right-back option", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.premierleague.com/en/players/482609/malo-gusto/stats ; https://footystats.org/players/france/malo-gusto", "backstory": "A product of Lyon's renowned academy, Gusto broke through as a teenage right-back before Chelsea signed him in 2023 (initially loaning him back to Lyon). An athletic, attacking full-back, he established himself in the Premier League and forced his way into the France setup as a long-term successor at right-back. He is part of France's defensive depth for 2026.", "facts": ["Came through the Lyon youth academy", "Joined Chelsea in January 2023 but was loaned back to Lyon for the rest of the season"], "data_rating": 73, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 835, "team_id": 33, "fifa_code": "FRA", "team_name": "France", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 3, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "LB", "player_name": "Lucas Digne", "date_of_birth": "1993-07-20", "age": 32, "caps": 57, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Aston Villa", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": 8000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 29, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1747, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 6, "club_yellow_2025_26": 3, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Experienced left-back", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.premierleague.com/en/players/101188/lucas-digne/stats ; https://footystats.org/players/france/lucas-digne", "backstory": "Raised near Lille, Digne emerged at Lille before a high-profile move to Paris Saint-Germain, then spells at Roma, Barcelona, Everton and Aston Villa. A left-back famed for his crossing and set-piece delivery, he has been a reliable France international for over a decade. In 2026 he provides veteran cover and experience at left-back.", "facts": ["Won a Ligue 1 title with PSG early in his career", "Has played in four of Europe's top five leagues"], "data_rating": 71, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 836, "team_id": 33, "fifa_code": "FRA", "team_name": "France", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 4, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Dayot Upamecano", "date_of_birth": "1998-10-27", "age": 27, "caps": 37, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Bayern Munich", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 186, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 70000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 24, "club_starts_2025_26": 22, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": 4, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga, UEFA Champions League, DFB-Pokal", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Regular starter at centre-back", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.sportbusy.com/players/soccer/222793/ ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/dayot-upamecano/leistungsdaten/spieler/344695", "backstory": "Born in Évreux to Guinea-Bissauan parents, Upamecano was scouted as a teenager and moved to Austria with Liefering and then Red Bull Salzburg before starring at RB Leipzig. Bayern Munich signed him in 2021, where the powerful, ball-playing centre-back became a regular. He is a first-choice option at the heart of France's defence in 2026.", "facts": ["Started his senior career in Austria with Red Bull Salzburg", "Of Guinea-Bissauan descent"], "data_rating": 73, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Germany"]}, {"player_id": 837, "team_id": 33, "fifa_code": "FRA", "team_name": "France", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 5, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "RB", "player_name": "Jules Koundé", "date_of_birth": "1998-11-12", "age": 27, "caps": 47, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Barcelona", "club_country": "Spain", "club_league": "La Liga", "height_cm": 180, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 60000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 47, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": 4, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "La Liga, UEFA Champions League, Copa del Rey", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Regular starter at right-back", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/jules-kounde/18884/ ; https://footystats.org/players/france/jules-kounde", "backstory": "Born in Paris and raised near Bordeaux, Koundé came through Bordeaux's academy before a move to Sevilla made him one of Europe's most coveted defenders. Barcelona signed him in 2022, where he has often been deployed at right-back despite being a natural centre-back. Versatile and quick, he is a key starter in France's backline for 2026.", "facts": ["Won the Europa League with Sevilla in 2020", "Often plays right-back for Barcelona despite being a natural centre-back", "Known for his fashion sense off the pitch"], "data_rating": 81, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Spain"]}, {"player_id": 838, "team_id": 33, "fifa_code": "FRA", "team_name": "France", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 6, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Manu Koné", "date_of_birth": "2001-05-17", "age": 25, "caps": 13, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Roma", "club_country": "Italy", "club_league": "Serie A", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 55000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 33, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": 3, "club_yellow_2025_26": 2, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Serie A, UEFA Europa League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Regular starter in midfield", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.sportbusy.com/players/soccer/285226/ ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/manu-kone/leistungsdaten/spieler/624690/saison/2025", "backstory": "Born in Colombes, Koné rose through Toulouse before a transfer to Borussia Mönchengladbach in Germany. The tall, energetic box-to-box midfielder moved to Roma in 2024 and impressed in Serie A, earning a regular France call-up. He adds physicality and dynamism to France's midfield options at the 2026 World Cup.", "facts": ["Developed in the Toulouse academy", "Spent four years in the Bundesliga with Borussia Mönchengladbach"], "data_rating": 71, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Italy"]}, {"player_id": 839, "team_id": 33, "fifa_code": "FRA", "team_name": "France", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 7, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "RW", "player_name": "Ousmane Dembélé", "date_of_birth": "1997-05-15", "age": 29, "caps": 58, "international_goals": 7, "is_captain": false, "club": "Paris Saint-Germain", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Ligue 1", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": "Both", "market_value_eur": 100000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 22, "club_starts_2025_26": 11, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1062, "club_goals_2025_26": 10, "club_assists_2025_26": 7, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue 1", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Star attacker, Champions League winner", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/692984/ousmane-dembele ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/ousmane-dembele/leistungsdaten/spieler/288230/saison/2025/plus/1", "backstory": "Born in Vernon to a Senegalese-Mauritanian father and Malian mother, Dembélé exploded at Rennes before a season at Borussia Dortmund earned him a big-money move to Barcelona in 2017. After injury-hit years in Spain, he revived his career at PSG, where in 2024-25 he was central to a historic Champions League triumph and won the 2025 Ballon d'Or. He is one of France's most dangerous attackers in 2026.", "facts": ["Won the 2025 Ballon d'Or", "World Cup winner with France in 2018", "Naturally two-footed"], "data_rating": 77, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 840, "team_id": 33, "fifa_code": "FRA", "team_name": "France", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 8, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CDM", "player_name": "Aurélien Tchouaméni", "date_of_birth": "2000-01-27", "age": 26, "caps": 45, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "Real Madrid", "club_country": "Spain", "club_league": "La Liga", "height_cm": 187, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 70000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 49, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 3940, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "La Liga, UEFA Champions League, Copa del Rey", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Regular starter, defensive midfield", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/914458/aurelien-tchouameni ; https://www.sofascore.com/football/player/aurelien-tchouameni/859025", "backstory": "Born in Rouen and of Cameroonian descent, Tchouaméni came through Bordeaux before a move to Monaco established him as one of Europe's best young defensive midfielders. Real Madrid signed him in 2022, where he has won Champions League and La Liga honours. A composed metronome, he anchors France's midfield in 2026.", "facts": ["Won the Champions League with Real Madrid in 2024", "Of Cameroonian descent"], "data_rating": 76, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Spain"]}, {"player_id": 841, "team_id": 33, "fifa_code": "FRA", "team_name": "France", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 9, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Marcus Thuram", "date_of_birth": "1997-08-06", "age": 28, "caps": 34, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "Inter Milan", "club_country": "Italy", "club_league": "Serie A", "height_cm": 192, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 70000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 38, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 18, "club_assists_2025_26": 9, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Serie A, UEFA Champions League, Coppa Italia", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Regular starting forward", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/marcus-thuram/13831/ ; https://www.inter.it/en/news/thuram-season-inter-2025-26", "backstory": "Son of France 1998 World Cup winner Lilian Thuram, Marcus grew up in Italy, Spain and France before launching his career at Sochaux and Guingamp. Four seasons at Borussia Mönchengladbach preceded a free transfer to Inter Milan in 2023, where the towering, mobile forward won Serie A and reached a Champions League final. He is a key striking option for France in 2026.", "facts": ["Son of France legend Lilian Thuram", "Older brother of France midfielder Khéphren Thuram", "Joined Inter Milan on a free transfer in 2023"], "data_rating": 78, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Italy", "🎯 18 club goals in 2025/26"]}, {"player_id": 842, "team_id": 33, "fifa_code": "FRA", "team_name": "France", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 10, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Kylian Mbappé", "date_of_birth": "1998-12-20", "age": 27, "caps": 97, "international_goals": 56, "is_captain": true, "club": "Real Madrid", "club_country": "Spain", "club_league": "La Liga", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 180000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 39, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 29, "club_assists_2025_26": 9, "club_yellow_2025_26": 4, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "La Liga, UEFA Champions League, Copa del Rey", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Captain and talisman, prolific scorer", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/701154/kylian-mbappe ; https://tribuna.com/en/persons/mbappe/stat/2025-2026/", "backstory": "Born in Bondy and raised in the Paris suburbs, Mbappé came through Monaco's academy and burst onto the scene as a teenage sensation before a record move to PSG. He won the 2018 World Cup as a teenager, scored a final hat-trick in 2022, and joined Real Madrid in 2024. France's captain and all-time talisman, he leads the team's title charge in 2026.", "facts": ["World Cup winner with France in 2018 as a teenager", "Scored a hat-trick in the 2022 World Cup final", "France's youngest-ever captain at a major tournament era and a prolific record scorer"], "data_rating": 92, "fun": ["⚡ 0.58 goals per cap", "🔥 Top 1% scorer at the Cup", "🎖️ Most-capped in the squad (97)", "💎 Most valuable in the squad", "🌍 Plays abroad · Spain"]}, {"player_id": 843, "team_id": 33, "fifa_code": "FRA", "team_name": "France", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 11, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "RW", "player_name": "Michael Olise", "date_of_birth": "2001-12-12", "age": 24, "caps": 16, "international_goals": 4, "is_captain": false, "club": "Bayern Munich", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 184, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": 150000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 48, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 21, "club_assists_2025_26": 28, "club_yellow_2025_26": 8, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga, UEFA Champions League, DFB-Pokal", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Key winger, Bundesliga Player of the Season 2025/26", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.bundesliga.com/en/player/michael-olise ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/1029063/michael-olise", "backstory": "Born in Hammersmith, London, to a British-Nigerian father and Franco-Algerian mother, Olise was eligible for four nations and chose France. He broke through at Reading, starred at Crystal Palace, then joined Bayern Munich in 2024, where his left foot made him one of the Bundesliga's most decisive players. A creative winger, he is a rising star for France in 2026.", "facts": ["Was eligible to represent England, Nigeria, Algeria and France", "Named Bundesliga Player of the Season in 2025/26", "Born and raised in London"], "data_rating": 82, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Germany", "🎯 21 club goals in 2025/26"]}, {"player_id": 844, "team_id": 33, "fifa_code": "FRA", "team_name": "France", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 12, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "LW", "player_name": "Bradley Barcola", "date_of_birth": "2002-09-02", "age": 23, "caps": 19, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "Paris Saint-Germain", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Ligue 1", "height_cm": 184, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 80000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 29, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1750, "club_goals_2025_26": 11, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": 2, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue 1", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Rotation/starting winger", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.statmuse.com/fc/ask/bradley-barcola-stats-with-psg?l=ligue1 ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/1297165/bradley-barcola", "backstory": "Born in Villeurbanne, Barcola came through Lyon's academy before PSG signed him in 2023. A quick, direct winger comfortable on either flank, he developed into a key attacking option in Paris. He provides pace and width among France's forward options at the 2026 World Cup.", "facts": ["Came through the Lyon academy before joining PSG", "His older brother Malcolm Barcola is also a footballer"], "data_rating": 73, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 845, "team_id": 33, "fifa_code": "FRA", "team_name": "France", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 13, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CDM", "player_name": "N'Golo Kanté", "date_of_birth": "1991-03-29", "age": 35, "caps": 68, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Fenerbahçe", "club_country": "Turkey", "club_league": "Süper Lig", "height_cm": 168, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 12000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 18, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1144, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": 3, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Süper Lig, UEFA Europa League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Experienced midfielder", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/319300/ngolo-kante ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/ngolo-kante/leistungsdaten/spieler/225083/saison/2025/wettbewerb/SA1", "backstory": "Born in Paris to Malian parents, Kanté rose late through the lower leagues at Boulogne and Caen before a move to Leicester City, where he was central to their 2016 Premier League fairytale. He won the Premier League again with Chelsea plus the Champions League, and the 2018 World Cup with France. After joining Al-Ittihad and later Fenerbahçe, the tireless midfielder remains a respected veteran for France in 2026.", "facts": ["Won the Premier League with Leicester City's 2016 title-winning side", "World Cup winner in 2018 and Champions League winner with Chelsea", "Famous for his humility and relentless work rate"], "data_rating": 67, "fun": ["🧓 Veteran presence", "🌍 Plays abroad · Turkey"]}, {"player_id": 846, "team_id": 33, "fifa_code": "FRA", "team_name": "France", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 14, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Adrien Rabiot", "date_of_birth": "1995-04-03", "age": 31, "caps": 58, "international_goals": 7, "is_captain": false, "club": "Milan", "club_country": "Italy", "club_league": "Serie A", "height_cm": 188, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 30000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 29, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 6, "club_assists_2025_26": 4, "club_yellow_2025_26": 4, "club_red_2025_26": 1, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Serie A, Coppa Italia", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Regular starter in midfield", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.sportbusy.com/players/soccer/176203/ ; https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/adrien-rabiot/15698/", "backstory": "Born in Saint-Maurice and a product of PSG's academy, Rabiot left for Juventus in 2019 after a contract standoff, becoming a mainstay in Turin. A tall, elegant left-footed midfielder, he later joined Marseille and then Milan. With goals and physical presence, he is an experienced midfield option for France in 2026.", "facts": ["Came through the PSG academy", "Spent five seasons at Juventus"], "data_rating": 76, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Italy"]}, {"player_id": 847, "team_id": 33, "fifa_code": "FRA", "team_name": "France", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 15, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Ibrahima Konaté", "date_of_birth": "1999-05-25", "age": 27, "caps": 28, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Liverpool", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 194, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 65000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 51, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, UEFA Champions League, FA Cup, FA Community Shield", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 300, "career_club_goals": 13, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Regular starter at centre-back; out of contract, set to leave Liverpool", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ibrahima_Konat%C3%A9 ; https://www.premierleague.com/en/players/204716/ibrahima-konat%C3%A9/stats", "backstory": "Born in Paris and of Malian descent, Konaté developed at Sochaux before a move to RB Leipzig in Germany. Liverpool signed him in 2021, where the towering, quick centre-back became a key defender, winning the Premier League. Powerful in duels, he is part of France's centre-back rotation in 2026.", "facts": ["Developed at Sochaux before moving to RB Leipzig", "Won the Premier League with Liverpool"], "data_rating": 79, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 848, "team_id": 33, "fifa_code": "FRA", "team_name": "France", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 16, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Mike Maignan", "date_of_birth": "1995-07-03", "age": 30, "caps": 39, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Milan", "club_country": "Italy", "club_league": "Serie A", "height_cm": 191, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 20000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 37, "club_starts_2025_26": 37, "club_minutes_2025_26": 3296, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 13, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": 35, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Serie A, Coppa Italia", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "First-choice goalkeeper", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.statmuse.com/fc/ask/mike-maignan-stats-with-milan?l=seriea ; https://footystats.org/players/france/mike-maignan", "backstory": "Born in French Guiana and raised in the Paris region, Maignan came through PSG's academy but made his name at Lille, winning a shock Ligue 1 title in 2021. He joined Milan that summer and quickly became one of the world's top goalkeepers, winning Serie A. A commanding shot-stopper, he is France's first-choice keeper for 2026.", "facts": ["Born in Cayenne, French Guiana", "Won Ligue 1 with Lille and Serie A with Milan", "Came through the PSG academy as a youngster"], "data_rating": 77, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Italy", "🧤 13 clean sheets in 2025/26"]}, {"player_id": 849, "team_id": 33, "fifa_code": "FRA", "team_name": "France", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 17, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "William Saliba", "date_of_birth": "2001-03-24", "age": 25, "caps": 31, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Arsenal", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 192, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 100000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 50, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, UEFA Champions League, FA Cup, EFL Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 299, "career_club_goals": 9, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Regular starter at centre-back", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Saliba ; https://www.premierleague.com/en/players/462424/william-saliba/stats", "backstory": "Born in Bondy, the same Paris suburb as Mbappé, Saliba came through Saint-Étienne's academy before Arsenal signed him in 2019. After loan spells back in France with Saint-Étienne, Nice and Marseille, he returned to anchor Arsenal's defence as one of the Premier League's best centre-backs. He is a key starter at the heart of France's defence in 2026.", "facts": ["Grew up in Bondy, the same Paris suburb as Kylian Mbappé", "Spent three loan seasons in France before establishing himself at Arsenal"], "data_rating": 80, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 850, "team_id": 33, "fifa_code": "FRA", "team_name": "France", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 18, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Warren Zaïre-Emery", "date_of_birth": "2006-03-08", "age": 20, "caps": 11, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Paris Saint-Germain", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Ligue 1", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 80000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 32, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2453, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": 4, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue 1", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Young midfielder", "enrichment_sources": "https://tribuna.com/en/persons/warren-zaire-emery/stat/2025-2026/ligue-1/ ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/1367615/warren-zaire-emery", "backstory": "Born in Montreuil and a product of PSG's academy, Zaïre-Emery became one of the youngest players to debut and captain for the club. A composed, all-action midfielder, he made his France debut as a teenager and scored on it. One of France's brightest young talents, he is a midfield option for 2026.", "facts": ["Scored on his senior France debut as a teenager", "Came through the PSG academy and captained the club at a very young age"], "data_rating": 73, "fun": ["🐣 Youngest in the squad (20)", "🌟 Wonderkid"]}, {"player_id": 851, "team_id": 33, "fifa_code": "FRA", "team_name": "France", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 19, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "LB", "player_name": "Théo Hernández", "date_of_birth": "1997-10-06", "age": 28, "caps": 43, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al-Hilal", "club_country": "Saudi Arabia", "club_league": "Saudi Pro League", "height_cm": 184, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": 25000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 25, "club_starts_2025_26": 25, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 5, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Saudi Pro League, AFC Champions League Elite", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Starting left-back", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/theo-hernandez/15879/ ; https://www.playmakerstats.com/player/theo-hernandez/331396", "backstory": "Brother of fellow France defender Lucas Hernández, Théo was born in Marseille and raised partly in Spain, coming through Atlético Madrid's system. After a spell at Real Madrid he moved to Milan in 2019, where his marauding runs from left-back made him one of the world's best in the position. He later joined Al-Hilal and remains France's attacking left-back in 2026.", "facts": ["Brother of France defender Lucas Hernández", "Won Serie A with Milan in 2022", "Came through Atlético Madrid's academy"], "data_rating": 72, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Saudi Arabia"]}, {"player_id": 852, "team_id": 33, "fifa_code": "FRA", "team_name": "France", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 20, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "CAM", "player_name": "Désiré Doué", "date_of_birth": "2005-06-03", "age": 21, "caps": 6, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Paris Saint-Germain", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Ligue 1", "height_cm": 181, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 120000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 34, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 12, "club_assists_2025_26": 8, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue 1, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": "Emerging attacker", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.transfermarkt.us/desire-doue/leistungsdaten/spieler/914562 ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/1339208/desire-doue", "backstory": "Born in Angers and a product of Rennes' academy, Doué broke through in Ligue 1 before a €50m move to PSG in 2024. In his debut season he was central to PSG's first Champions League title, scoring twice in the 5-0 final win over Inter and winning the Golden Boy award. A dazzling, two-footed attacker, he is one of France's exciting young stars for 2026.", "facts": ["Scored twice in PSG's 2025 Champions League final win — the first teenager to score a brace in a final", "Won the 2025 Golden Boy award", "His brother Guéla Doué is also a professional footballer"], "data_rating": 76, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 853, "team_id": 33, "fifa_code": "FRA", "team_name": "France", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 21, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "LB", "player_name": "Lucas Hernández", "date_of_birth": "1996-02-14", "age": 30, "caps": 42, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Paris Saint-Germain", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Ligue 1", "height_cm": 184, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": 15000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 31, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue 1, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Versatile defender", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/lucas-hernandez/15383/ ; https://footystats.org/players/france/lucas-hernandez", "backstory": "Born in Marseille and raised in Spain, Hernández came through Atlético Madrid's academy and won the Europa League there before a club-record move to Bayern Munich in 2019. A 2018 World Cup winner, he later joined PSG. A combative defender able to play left-back or centre-back, he offers versatile cover for France in 2026.", "facts": ["Was the most expensive defender in the world when Bayern signed him in 2019", "World Cup winner with France in 2018", "Brother of France left-back Théo Hernández"], "data_rating": 71, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 854, "team_id": 33, "fifa_code": "FRA", "team_name": "France", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 22, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Jean-Philippe Mateta", "date_of_birth": "1997-06-28", "age": 28, "caps": 4, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Crystal Palace", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 192, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 40000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 35, "club_starts_2025_26": 25, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2220, "club_goals_2025_26": 15, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 2, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, UEFA Conference League, FA Cup, EFL Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Regular starting striker for club", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.premierleague.com/en/players/231747/jean-philippe-mateta/stats ; https://footystats.org/players/france/jean-philippe-mateta", "backstory": "Born in Sevran in the Paris suburbs, Mateta developed at Châteauroux and Lyon before moving to Germany with Mainz. Crystal Palace signed him, where the powerful target striker became a prolific Premier League goalscorer and FA Cup winner. He earned a late France call-up and provides a physical striking alternative in 2026.", "facts": ["Won the Olympic football silver medal with France at Paris 2024 as an overage player", "Established himself in the Premier League with Crystal Palace"], "data_rating": 71, "fun": ["⚡ 0.5 goals per cap", "🌍 Plays abroad · England", "🎯 15 club goals in 2025/26"]}, {"player_id": 855, "team_id": 33, "fifa_code": "FRA", "team_name": "France", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 23, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Robin Risser", "date_of_birth": "2004-12-02", "age": 21, "caps": 0, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Lens", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Ligue 1", "height_cm": 193, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 30000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 33, "club_starts_2025_26": 33, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2970, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 11, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": 35, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue 1", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Lens first-choice keeper, Ligue 1 Goalkeeper of the Year; uncapped at senior level", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.playmakerstats.com/player/robin-risser/956442 ; https://fbref.com/en/players/56a66faa/Robin-Risser", "backstory": "Born in Colmar, Risser joined Strasbourg's academy as a child and learned his trade on loan at Dijon before a 2025 move to Lens. In his first season as Lens' No.1 he was named Ligue 1 Goalkeeper of the Year and made the Team of the Year. Uncapped at senior level, he earns a place in France's 2026 squad as a promising young keeper.", "facts": ["Named Ligue 1 Goalkeeper of the Year in his first season at Lens", "Uncapped at senior international level when selected", "Came through the Strasbourg academy"], "data_rating": 70, "fun": ["🧤 11 clean sheets in 2025/26"]}, {"player_id": 856, "team_id": 33, "fifa_code": "FRA", "team_name": "France", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 24, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CAM", "player_name": "Rayan Cherki", "date_of_birth": "2003-08-17", "age": 22, "caps": 6, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Manchester City", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 176, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": 90000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 41, "club_starts_2025_26": 23, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 9, "club_assists_2025_26": 11, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, UEFA Champions League, FA Cup, EFL Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Creative attacking midfielder", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.sofascore.com/news/only-one-rated-higher-rayan-cherkis-standout-2025-26-for-man-city ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/1104053/rayan-cherki", "backstory": "Born in Lyon and long regarded as one of France's most gifted academy talents at Lyon, Cherki dazzled with his creativity before a 2025 move to Manchester City. A left-footed playmaker with flair and vision, he scored on his France debut. He brings creativity off the bench and in midfield for France in 2026.", "facts": ["Scored on his senior France debut", "Came through the Lyon academy", "Joined Manchester City in 2025"], "data_rating": 79, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 857, "team_id": 33, "fifa_code": "FRA", "team_name": "France", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 25, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CAM", "player_name": "Maghnes Akliouche", "date_of_birth": "2002-02-25", "age": 24, "caps": 8, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Monaco", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Ligue 1", "height_cm": 179, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 50000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 31, "club_starts_2025_26": 29, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 6, "club_assists_2025_26": 6, "club_yellow_2025_26": 2, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue 1, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Attacking midfielder", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.sportbusy.com/players/soccer/329690/ ; https://fbref.com/en/players/b625b241/Maghnes-Akliouche", "backstory": "Born in Tremblay-en-France to Algerian parents, Akliouche came through Monaco's La Diagonale academy after early years at US Torcy. He broke through as a creative attacking midfielder, scored on his Champions League debut against Barcelona, and chose France over Algeria. He is an emerging attacking option for France in 2026.", "facts": ["Chose France despite persistent interest from Algeria", "Scored on his Champions League debut against Barcelona", "Developed in Monaco's academy"], "data_rating": 74, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 858, "team_id": 33, "fifa_code": "FRA", "team_name": "France", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 26, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Maxence Lacroix", "date_of_birth": "2000-04-06", "age": 26, "caps": 3, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Crystal Palace", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 190, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 35000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 43, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, UEFA Conference League, EFL Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Regular starter at centre-back", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.premierleague.com/en/players/437499/maxence-lacroix/stats ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maxence_Lacroix", "backstory": "Born in Villeneuve-Saint-Georges, Lacroix developed at Schalke 04 before moving to VfL Wolfsburg, where he matured into a dependable centre-back in the Bundesliga. Crystal Palace signed him in 2024 and he became a key part of their defence. Tall and aggressive, he provides depth at centre-back for France in 2026.", "facts": ["Spent several seasons in the Bundesliga with Wolfsburg", "Joined Crystal Palace in 2024"], "data_rating": 72, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 859, "team_id": 34, "fifa_code": "SEN", "team_name": "Senegal", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 1, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Yehvann Diouf", "date_of_birth": "1999-11-16", "age": 26, "caps": 2, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "OGC Nice", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Ligue 1", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": 9000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 26, "club_starts_2025_26": 26, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2340, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": 1, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 5, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": 26, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue 1 (league only)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Third-choice national keeper", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/yehvann-diouf/3049/ ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/yehvann-diouf/profil/spieler/448632", "backstory": "Born in France, Yehvann Diouf was once the youngest player ever to sign a professional deal with Troyes, at 16 years and 297 days, and built his career in Ligue 2 and Ligue 1 with Reims before a 7 million euro move to Nice in 2025. A former French youth international, he switched allegiance to Senegal in March 2025 and quickly debuted. He travels to the 2026 World Cup as the squad's third-choice keeper behind Edouard Mendy.", "facts": ["Was the youngest player ever to sign a professional contract with Troyes (16 years, 297 days)", "A former France youth international who switched to Senegal in 2025", "Joined Nice from Reims in a 7 million euro deal in 2025"], "data_rating": 66, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · France"]}, {"player_id": 860, "team_id": 34, "fifa_code": "SEN", "team_name": "Senegal", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 2, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Mamadou Sarr", "date_of_birth": "2005-08-29", "age": 20, "caps": 7, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Chelsea", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": 22000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 18, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue 1, UEFA Conference League (at Strasbourg on loan)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Loaned to Strasbourg first half of 2025/26", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.chelseafc.com/en/teams/profile/mamadou-sarr ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mamadou_Sarr", "backstory": "Born in Martigues, France, Mamadou Sarr is the son of former Senegal international Pape Sarr, who reached the 2002 World Cup quarter-finals. A composed centre-back, he came up through Lyon and broke through at Strasbourg before an eight-year deal took him to Chelsea in 2025, who immediately loaned him back to Strasbourg. At just 20 he started the entire 2025 AFCON final against Morocco, deputising for the injured Kalidou Koulibaly.", "facts": ["Son of former Senegal international Pape Sarr, a 2002 World Cup quarter-finalist", "Signed an eight-year contract at Chelsea in 2025", "Started the full 120 minutes of the 2025 AFCON final aged 20"], "data_rating": 64, "fun": ["🌟 Wonderkid", "🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 861, "team_id": 34, "fifa_code": "SEN", "team_name": "Senegal", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 3, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Kalidou Koulibaly", "date_of_birth": "1991-06-20", "age": 34, "caps": 103, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": true, "club": "Al-Hilal", "club_country": "Saudi Arabia", "club_league": "Saudi Pro League", "height_cm": 187, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 4500000, "club_apps_2025_26": 26, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": 3, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Saudi Pro League, AFC Champions League Elite, King's Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 644, "career_club_goals": 29, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Captain, experienced central defender", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalidou_Koulibaly ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/kalidou-koulibaly/leistungsdaten/spieler/93128/saison/2025", "backstory": "Born in Saint-Die-des-Vosges, France, to Senegalese parents, Kalidou Koulibaly was rejected by Metz's academy as a boy before working his way up through Metz, Genk and a celebrated eight-year spell at Napoli that made him one of Europe's premier centre-backs. A brief Chelsea stint preceded his move to Al-Hilal in 2023. The Senegal captain switched from France's U20s in 2015 and lifted the 2021 AFCON, scoring the opening penalty in the final shootout.", "facts": ["Switched international allegiance from France's U20s to Senegal in 2015", "Captained Senegal to their first AFCON title in 2021", "Named an Honorary Citizen of Naples in 2019"], "data_rating": 72, "fun": ["🧓 Veteran presence", "🌍 Plays abroad · Saudi Arabia", "©️ Captain"]}, {"player_id": 862, "team_id": 34, "fifa_code": "SEN", "team_name": "Senegal", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 4, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Abdoulaye Seck", "date_of_birth": "1992-06-04", "age": 34, "caps": 20, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "Maccabi Haifa", "club_country": "Israel", "club_league": "Israeli Premier League", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": 400000, "club_apps_2025_26": 14, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1241, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": 2, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Israeli Premier League (league only)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://footystats.org/players/senegal/abdoulaye-seck ; https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/abdoulaye-seck/19370/", "backstory": "Born in Mbour, Senegal, Abdoulaye Seck worked as a mechanic as a teenager to support his family before a Diambars-to-Scandinavia pipeline gave him his break, taking him to Norwegian clubs Honefoss and Sandefjord. He established himself at Royal Antwerp in Belgium before joining Maccabi Haifa in Israel in 2022. A late-blooming, goal-threat centre-back, he provides experienced cover at the 2026 World Cup.", "facts": ["Worked as a mechanic as a teenager before turning professional", "Broke into European football via Norway with Honefoss and Sandefjord", "Has scored three goals for Senegal despite being a centre-back"], "data_rating": 61, "fun": ["🧓 Veteran presence", "🌍 Plays abroad · Israel"]}, {"player_id": 863, "team_id": 34, "fifa_code": "SEN", "team_name": "Senegal", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 5, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CDM", "player_name": "Idrissa Gana Gueye", "date_of_birth": "1989-09-26", "age": 36, "caps": 131, "international_goals": 7, "is_captain": false, "club": "Everton", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 174, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 500000, "club_apps_2025_26": 25, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2102, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": 3, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League (league only)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "All-time most-capped Senegal player; defensive midfielder", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/idrissa-gana-gueye/2127/ ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Idrissa_Gueye", "backstory": "Born in Dakar and schooled at the Diambars academy co-founded by Patrick Vieira, Idrissa Gana Gueye won a Ligue 1 and Coupe de France double at Lille before moving to England with Aston Villa and Everton, where his relentless tackling became legendary. After reaching a Champions League final with PSG he returned to Everton. Senegal's most-capped player and a 2021 AFCON winner, he is the elder statesman of the midfield in 2026.", "facts": ["Senegal's most-capped player and first to reach 100 caps", "Came through the Diambars academy co-founded by Patrick Vieira", "Led the Premier League in tackles in multiple seasons, even into his mid-30s"], "data_rating": 69, "fun": ["🎖️ Most-capped in the squad (131)", "🧓 Veteran presence", "🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 864, "team_id": 34, "fifa_code": "SEN", "team_name": "Senegal", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 6, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CDM", "player_name": "Pathe Ciss", "date_of_birth": "1994-03-16", "age": 32, "caps": 28, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Rayo Vallecano", "club_country": "Spain", "club_league": "La Liga", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": 1800000, "club_apps_2025_26": 27, "club_starts_2025_26": 19, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 4, "club_red_2025_26": 2, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "La Liga, UEFA Conference League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/872396/pathe-ciss ; https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/294228/pathe-ciss", "backstory": "Born in Dakar, Pathe Ciss joined the Diambars academy at 12 and began his senior career there before moving to Portugal and then Spain via a loan at Fuenlabrada. He settled at Rayo Vallecano, becoming a dependable defensive midfielder in La Liga. He played five matches in the dramatic 2025 AFCON run and provides midfield steel in 2026.", "facts": ["Joined the Diambars academy aged 12", "Reached La Liga via Portugal and a loan at Fuenlabrada", "Played five matches in Senegal's 2025 AFCON campaign"], "data_rating": 63, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Spain"]}, {"player_id": 865, "team_id": 34, "fifa_code": "SEN", "team_name": "Senegal", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 7, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "LW", "player_name": "Assane Diao", "date_of_birth": "2005-09-07", "age": 20, "caps": 2, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Como", "club_country": "Italy", "club_league": "Serie A", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 30000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 17, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1084, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": 2, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Serie A (league only)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Winger", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/1434889/assane-diao ; https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/stats/_/id/364742/assane-diao", "backstory": "Born in Senegal but raised in Spain from age three, Assane Diao came through Real Betis's academy and scored on his La Liga debut, soon adding a goal against Barcelona, before a roughly 12 million euro move to Como in 2025. A powerful, two-footed winger, he won the European U19 title with Spain before switching to Senegal in 2025, adding pace and directness to the 2026 attack.", "facts": ["Scored on his La Liga debut for Real Betis", "Won the 2024 UEFA European Under-19 Championship with Spain before switching to Senegal", "Has a twin brother, Ousseynou, also a youth footballer in Spain"], "data_rating": 62, "fun": ["🌟 Wonderkid", "🌍 Plays abroad · Italy"]}, {"player_id": 866, "team_id": 34, "fifa_code": "SEN", "team_name": "Senegal", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 8, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Lamine Camara", "date_of_birth": "2004-01-01", "age": 22, "caps": 32, "international_goals": 5, "is_captain": false, "club": "AS Monaco", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Ligue 1", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 40000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 30, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2368, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": 4, "club_yellow_2025_26": 6, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue 1, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Central midfielder", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/lamine-camara/65950/ ; https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/clubs/players/250198240--lamine-camara/", "backstory": "A product of the Generation Foot academy, Lamine Camara starred for Metz, where he once scored from inside his own half against Monaco, before that very club signed him for around 15 million euros in 2024. He made his Champions League debut against Barcelona soon after. A driving, goal-scoring central midfielder, he was Player of the Tournament at the U20 AFCON and is one of Senegal's brightest young talents in 2026.", "facts": ["Scored from inside his own half (around 58 metres) against Monaco while at Metz", "Named Player of the Tournament at the U20 Africa Cup of Nations", "Won the 2022 African Nations Championship and was its best young player of the group stage"], "data_rating": 74, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · France"]}, {"player_id": 867, "team_id": 34, "fifa_code": "SEN", "team_name": "Senegal", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 9, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Bamba Dieng", "date_of_birth": "2000-03-23", "age": 26, "caps": 21, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Lorient", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Ligue 1", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": 15000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 22, "club_starts_2025_26": 15, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1220, "club_goals_2025_26": 10, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue 1 (league only)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Centre-forward", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.statmuse.com/fc/ask/bamba-dieng-stats-with-lorient ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bamba_Dieng", "backstory": "From Pikine and the Diambars academy, Bamba Dieng was Senegal's top-flight top scorer before joining Marseille, where he scored a famous late winner on his cup debut. After a dramatic deadline-day saga, he settled at Lorient, winning Ligue 1's Goal of the Year and helping them to the Ligue 2 title. A clinical forward and 2021 AFCON winner, he scored in the final shootout that year.", "facts": ["Won Ligue 1 Goal of the Year for 2021-22", "Scored in the penalty shootout of the 2021 AFCON final", "Came through the Diambars academy"], "data_rating": 68, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · France"]}, {"player_id": 868, "team_id": 34, "fifa_code": "SEN", "team_name": "Senegal", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 10, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "LW", "player_name": "Sadio Mane", "date_of_birth": "1992-04-10", "age": 34, "caps": 127, "international_goals": 55, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al-Nassr", "club_country": "Saudi Arabia", "club_league": "Saudi Pro League", "height_cm": 175, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 6000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 25, "club_starts_2025_26": 25, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2136, "club_goals_2025_26": 10, "club_assists_2025_26": 6, "club_yellow_2025_26": 6, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Saudi Pro League (league stats; also AFC Champions League)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 474, "career_club_goals": 190, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "All-time top scorer for Senegal; attacking talisman", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/sadio-mane/31486/ ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sadio_Mane", "backstory": "From the village of Bambali, Sadio Mane defied his imam father's ban on football and ran away to Dakar to chase his dream, rising through Generation Foot, Metz and Red Bull Salzburg. He became a global star at Liverpool, winning the Champions League and Premier League alongside Salah and Firmino, before spells at Bayern and Al-Nassr. Senegal's all-time top scorer and the man whose shootout penalty clinched the 2021 AFCON, he is the team's enduring talisman.", "facts": ["Senegal's all-time top scorer with 55 international goals", "Held the Premier League record for the fastest hat-trick (2 minutes 56 seconds)", "Funded a school, hospital and more in his home village of Bambali"], "data_rating": 74, "fun": ["🔥 Top 1% scorer at the Cup", "🧓 Veteran presence", "🌍 Plays abroad · Saudi Arabia"]}, {"player_id": 869, "team_id": 34, "fifa_code": "SEN", "team_name": "Senegal", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 11, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Nicolas Jackson", "date_of_birth": "2001-06-20", "age": 24, "caps": 31, "international_goals": 8, "is_captain": false, "club": "Bayern Munich", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 186, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 40000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 34, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 11, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 207, "career_club_goals": 62, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Centre-forward, on loan at Bayern from Chelsea", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicolas_Jackson ; https://fcbayern.com/en/news/2025/09/fc-bayern-sign-nicolas-jackson-on-loan-from-chelsea", "backstory": "Born in Banjul, The Gambia, to a Gambian father and Senegalese mother, Nicolas Jackson moved to Senegal as a teenager and came up through Casa Sports before Villarreal signed him. He earned a big move to Chelsea, winning the 2024-25 Conference League and Club World Cup, then joined Bayern Munich on loan and won the Bundesliga. A quick, mobile centre-forward, he is a key goal threat in 2026.", "facts": ["Born in The Gambia before moving to Senegal as a teenager", "Won the Bundesliga on loan at Bayern Munich", "Was among the top-scoring African players in Europe in 2023-24"], "data_rating": 74, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Germany"]}, {"player_id": 870, "team_id": 34, "fifa_code": "SEN", "team_name": "Senegal", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 12, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Cherif Ndiaye", "date_of_birth": "1996-01-23", "age": 30, "caps": 17, "international_goals": 4, "is_captain": false, "club": "Samsunspor", "club_country": "Turkey", "club_league": "Super Lig", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": 5000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 17, "club_starts_2025_26": 12, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1421, "club_goals_2025_26": 7, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": 2, "club_red_2025_26": 1, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Super Lig (league only)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Centre-forward", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/cherif-ndiaye/30885/ ; https://www.sofascore.com/football/player/ndiaye-cherif/868268", "backstory": "Born in Dakar, Cherif Ndiaye is a well-travelled striker whose career has spanned Belgium, Croatia, China, Serbia and Turkey, including time at Goztepe and Adana Demirspor. He top-scored in the Serbian SuperLiga with Red Star Belgrade before a four-year move to Samsunspor in 2025. A late international bloomer who debuted for Senegal in 2024, he offers a proven goalscoring option off the bench in 2026.", "facts": ["Was the Serbian SuperLiga's top scorer with Red Star Belgrade", "Has played in Belgium, Croatia, China, Serbia and Turkey", "Did not make his Senegal debut until 2024"], "data_rating": 65, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Turkey"]}, {"player_id": 871, "team_id": 34, "fifa_code": "SEN", "team_name": "Senegal", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 13, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "CAM", "player_name": "Iliman Ndiaye", "date_of_birth": "2000-03-06", "age": 26, "caps": 39, "international_goals": 4, "is_captain": false, "club": "Everton", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 175, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 55000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 34, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2789, "club_goals_2025_26": 6, "club_assists_2025_26": 3, "club_yellow_2025_26": 2, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, EFL Cup, FA Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 214, "career_club_goals": 44, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Forward/winger, key attacker", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iliman_Ndiaye ; https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/iliman-ndiaye/1707/", "backstory": "Born in Rouen, France, to a Senegalese father and French mother, Iliman Ndiaye rose from non-league football with Sheffield United to the Premier League, earning a move to Marseille and then Everton in 2024. He scored both goals in Everton's final match at Goodison Park and opened their new stadium. A creative, dribbling forward, he scored the decisive quarter-final penalty against Mali at the 2025 AFCON.", "facts": ["Scored both goals in Everton's final match at Goodison Park", "Rose from non-league football to the Premier League with Sheffield United", "Scored the winning penalty against Mali at the 2025 AFCON"], "data_rating": 73, "fun": ["💎 Most valuable in the squad", "🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 872, "team_id": 34, "fifa_code": "SEN", "team_name": "Senegal", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 14, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "LB", "player_name": "Ismail Jakobs", "date_of_birth": "1999-08-17", "age": 26, "caps": 29, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Galatasaray", "club_country": "Turkey", "club_league": "Super Lig", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": 8000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 32, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2171, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": 1, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Super Lig, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Left-back", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/ismail-jakobs/2412/ ; https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/clubs/players/250117015--ismail-jakobs/", "backstory": "Born in Cologne, Germany, Ismail Jakobs came through FC Koln's academy and made his Bundesliga breakthrough there before joining AS Monaco in 2021. A German U21 player who won the 2021 European U21 Championship, he switched to Senegal in 2022 and featured at that year's World Cup. He moved to Galatasaray, winning back-to-back Super Lig titles, and offers attacking thrust from left-back in 2026.", "facts": ["Won the 2021 UEFA European Under-21 Championship with Germany before switching to Senegal", "Came through FC Koln's academy", "Won back-to-back Super Lig titles with Galatasaray"], "data_rating": 68, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Turkey"]}, {"player_id": 873, "team_id": 34, "fifa_code": "SEN", "team_name": "Senegal", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 15, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "RW", "player_name": "Krepin Diatta", "date_of_birth": "1999-02-25", "age": 27, "caps": 59, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "AS Monaco", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Ligue 1", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 6000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 18, "club_starts_2025_26": 10, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1009, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": 2, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue 1 (league apps; also UCL squad)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Versatile right-sided player", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/krepin-diatta/2415/ ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/krepin-diatta/leistungsdaten/spieler/490426", "backstory": "Born in Dakar, Krepin Diatta honed his game in Norway with Sarpsborg 08 before earning a move to Club Brugge, then AS Monaco in 2021. He was named Best Young Player at the 2019 AFCON but tore his ACL before the 2021 triumph. A versatile right-sided player who can fill in across the flanks and at wing-back, he brings adaptability and big-tournament know-how in 2026.", "facts": ["Named Best Young Player at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations", "Started his European career in Norway with Sarpsborg 08", "Missed Senegal's 2021 AFCON win through an ACL injury"], "data_rating": 64, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · France"]}, {"player_id": 874, "team_id": 34, "fifa_code": "SEN", "team_name": "Senegal", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 16, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Edouard Mendy", "date_of_birth": "1992-03-01", "age": 34, "caps": 56, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al-Ahli", "club_country": "Saudi Arabia", "club_league": "Saudi Pro League", "height_cm": 196, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 4000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 41, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Saudi Pro League, AFC Champions League Elite, other", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 374, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "First-choice goalkeeper", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%89douard_Mendy ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/edouard-mendy/leistungsdaten/spieler/442531", "backstory": "Born in France to a Senegalese mother and Bissau-Guinean father, Edouard Mendy famously registered as unemployed at 22 after his Cherbourg contract ended, before a friend's tip earned him a trial at Marseille's reserves. He rebuilt his career via Reims and Rennes, then became Chelsea's first-choice keeper, winning the 2021 Champions League and the Yashin/FIFA Best goalkeeper awards. Now Senegal's experienced number one at Al-Ahli, he remains the team's reassuring last line at the 2026 World Cup.", "facts": ["Was registered as unemployed before a trial at Marseille's reserves relaunched his career", "Won the 2021 UEFA Champions League with Chelsea", "Named The Best FIFA Goalkeeper and won the Yashin Trophy in 2021"], "data_rating": 70, "fun": ["🧓 Veteran presence", "🌍 Plays abroad · Saudi Arabia"]}, {"player_id": 875, "team_id": 34, "fifa_code": "SEN", "team_name": "Senegal", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 17, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Pape Matar Sarr", "date_of_birth": "2002-09-14", "age": 23, "caps": 38, "international_goals": 4, "is_captain": false, "club": "Tottenham Hotspur", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 184, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 30000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 35, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": 4, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Central midfielder", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.premierleague.com/en/players/482442/pape-matar-sarr/stats ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pape_Matar_Sarr", "backstory": "From Thiaroye and the Generation Foot academy, Pape Matar Sarr joined Metz before Tottenham signed him in 2021, loaning him back to France for a season. He has since become a Premier League regular and won the 2024-25 Europa League with Spurs, providing the cross for the winning goal in the final. A composed, energetic central midfielder, he was a 2021 AFCON winner and CAF Young Player of the Year.", "facts": ["Won CAF Male Young Player of the Year in 2022", "Won the 2024-25 UEFA Europa League with Tottenham", "Came through the Generation Foot academy"], "data_rating": 73, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 876, "team_id": 34, "fifa_code": "SEN", "team_name": "Senegal", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 18, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "RW", "player_name": "Ismaila Sarr", "date_of_birth": "1998-02-25", "age": 28, "caps": 82, "international_goals": 19, "is_captain": false, "club": "Crystal Palace", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 40000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 45, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 21, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, UEFA Conference League, FA Cup, EFL Cup, Community Shield", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 368, "career_club_goals": 94, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Winger; strong 2025/26 season, Conference League winner", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isma%C3%AFla_Sarr ; https://www.premierleague.com/en/players/232185/isma%C3%AFla-sarr/stats", "backstory": "Born in Saint-Louis, Senegal, and developed at Generation Foot, Ismaila Sarr won the Coupe de France at Rennes before becoming a Premier League standout at Watford. After a year at Marseille he joined Crystal Palace, where 2025-26 became a breakthrough season: he was named player of the season as Palace won the UEFA Conference League, having earlier won the FA Cup. A pacey, goal-scoring winger, he is one of Senegal's most dangerous attackers in 2026.", "facts": ["Scored the fastest goal in UEFA Conference League history (after 21 seconds)", "Won the 2024-25 FA Cup and the Conference League with Crystal Palace", "Came through the Generation Foot academy"], "data_rating": 79, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England", "🎯 21 club goals in 2025/26"]}, {"player_id": 877, "team_id": 34, "fifa_code": "SEN", "team_name": "Senegal", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 19, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Moussa Niakhate", "date_of_birth": "1996-03-08", "age": 30, "caps": 29, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Olympique Lyonnais", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Ligue 1", "height_cm": 190, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": 15000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 41, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue 1, UEFA Europa League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Centre-back", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/moussa-niakhate/14505/ ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moussa_Niakhat%C3%A9", "backstory": "Born in Roubaix, France, Moussa Niakhate developed at Lille before breaking through at Valenciennes and Metz, then earned a move to Mainz, where he became one of the youngest captains in Bundesliga history. After a spell at Nottingham Forest he joined Lyon in 2024 as one of their record signings. The left-footed centre-back switched from France's youth teams to Senegal in 2023 and made the 2025 AFCON Team of the Tournament.", "facts": ["Became one of the youngest captains in Bundesliga history at Mainz", "Switched from France's youth teams to Senegal in 2023", "Named in the 2025 AFCON Team of the Tournament"], "data_rating": 73, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · France"]}, {"player_id": 878, "team_id": 34, "fifa_code": "SEN", "team_name": "Senegal", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 20, "position": "FW", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Ibrahim Mbaye", "date_of_birth": "2008-01-24", "age": 18, "caps": 10, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "Paris Saint-Germain", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Ligue 1", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": 30000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 27, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue 1, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Teenage winger", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/ibrahim-mbaye/93341/ ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ibrahim_Mbaye", "backstory": "Born in Trappes, France, with Moroccan and Senegalese heritage, Ibrahim Mbaye joined PSG's academy at age 10 and became the youngest player ever to start a match for the club. He won the Champions League, Ligue 1 and UEFA Super Cup as a teenager. He switched from France's youth teams to Senegal in November 2025, becoming the country's youngest-ever international goalscorer, and brings electric youth to the 2026 attack.", "facts": ["Became the youngest player ever to start a match for PSG", "Became Senegal's youngest-ever international goalscorer at 17", "Won the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Super Cup as a teenager"], "data_rating": 67, "fun": ["🐣 Youngest in the squad (18)", "🌟 Wonderkid", "🌍 Plays abroad · France"]}, {"player_id": 879, "team_id": 34, "fifa_code": "SEN", "team_name": "Senegal", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 21, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Habib Diarra", "date_of_birth": "2004-01-03", "age": 22, "caps": 19, "international_goals": 4, "is_captain": false, "club": "Sunderland", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": 35000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 20, "club_starts_2025_26": 15, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1407, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": 6, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League (league only)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Central midfielder", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.premierleague.com/en/players/547027/habib-diarra/stats ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Habib_Diarra", "backstory": "Born in France, Habib Diarra came through the academies of Mulhouse and Strasbourg, where he developed into the club captain across four seasons before a five-year deal took him to Sunderland in 2025. A dynamic central midfielder with an eye for goal, he switched from France's youth teams to Senegal in 2024 and scored four goals during the 2025 AFCON campaign.", "facts": ["Was made captain of Strasbourg", "Switched from France's youth teams to Senegal in 2024", "Scored four goals during Senegal's 2025 AFCON run"], "data_rating": 69, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 880, "team_id": 34, "fifa_code": "SEN", "team_name": "Senegal", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 22, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Bara Sapoko Ndiaye", "date_of_birth": "2007-12-31", "age": 18, "caps": 1, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Bayern Munich", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": 4000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 4, "club_starts_2025_26": 2, "club_minutes_2025_26": 143, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga (joined Jan 2026)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 4, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Teen breakthrough; maiden cap shortly before World Cup", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bara_Sapoko_Ndiaye ; https://www.bundesliga.com/en/bundesliga/player/bara-sapoko-ndiaye", "backstory": "Born in Meckhe, Senegal, in 2007, Bara Sapoko Ndiaye developed in local football and Gambian club Gambinos Stars before joining Bayern Munich on loan in January 2026 through the club's Red&Gold Football partnership. A tireless, forward-driving midfielder, he made his Bayern debut in April 2026 and earned his first Senegal cap in May, just before the World Cup. He is the squad's teenage wildcard.", "facts": ["Joined Bayern Munich via the Red&Gold Football partnership in January 2026", "Won a Bundesliga title medal in his first months at Bayern", "Earned his maiden Senegal cap shortly before the 2026 World Cup"], "data_rating": 54, "fun": ["🌟 Wonderkid", "🌍 Plays abroad · Germany"]}, {"player_id": 881, "team_id": 34, "fifa_code": "SEN", "team_name": "Senegal", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 23, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Mory Diaw", "date_of_birth": "1993-06-22", "age": 32, "caps": 3, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Le Havre", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Ligue 1", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": 900000, "club_apps_2025_26": 16, "club_starts_2025_26": 16, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1440, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 5, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": 20, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue 1 (league only)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Backup goalkeeper", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/mory-diaw/12454/ ; https://footystats.org/players/france/mory-diaw", "backstory": "Born in France, Mory Diaw came through PSG's academy but was released in 2015, then rebuilt his career on a winding tour through Portugal, Bulgaria and Switzerland before returning to France with Clermont in 2022. He made his Senegal debut in a 4-2 friendly win over Brazil in 2023 and joined Le Havre in 2025. He serves as a backup goalkeeper for the 2026 World Cup.", "facts": ["Came through PSG's youth academy before being released in 2015", "Played in Portugal, Bulgaria and Switzerland before reaching Ligue 1", "Made his Senegal debut in a 4-2 win over Brazil"], "data_rating": 61, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · France"]}, {"player_id": 882, "team_id": 34, "fifa_code": "SEN", "team_name": "Senegal", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 24, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "RB", "player_name": "Antoine Mendy", "date_of_birth": "2004-05-27", "age": 22, "caps": 6, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "OGC Nice", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Ligue 1", "height_cm": 188, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": 10000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 25, "club_starts_2025_26": 24, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2099, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 5, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue 1, UEFA Champions League/Europa League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.sportbusy.com/players/soccer/319161/ ; https://fbref.com/en/players/3322e296/Antoine-Mendy", "backstory": "Born in Marseille, France, Antoine Mendy joined OGC Nice's academy at age 10 and was converted from a striker into a right-back during his youth career. He made his Ligue 1 debut for Nice in 2022 and has grown into a regular, also able to play centre-back. He earned his first Senegal call-up in March 2025 during World Cup qualifying, debuting in a goalless draw against Sudan.", "facts": ["Joined OGC Nice's academy aged 10 and was converted from striker to right-back", "A one-club man at Nice at senior level", "Made his Senegal debut during 2026 World Cup qualifying"], "data_rating": 65, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · France"]}, {"player_id": 883, "team_id": 34, "fifa_code": "SEN", "team_name": "Senegal", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 25, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "LB", "player_name": "El Hadji Malick Diouf", "date_of_birth": "2004-12-28", "age": 21, "caps": 18, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "West Ham United", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 183, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": 28000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 32, "club_starts_2025_26": 30, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2711, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 5, "club_yellow_2025_26": 6, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League (league only)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 105, "career_club_goals": 12, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Left-back, first full Premier League season", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Hadji_Malick_Diouf ; https://www.premierleague.com/en/players/613804/el-hadji-malick-diouf/stats", "backstory": "Born in Dakar, El Hadji Malick Diouf started at local academies before moving to Norway with Tromso, then exploded at Slavia Prague, scoring seven league goals as an attacking wing-back and winning the Czech title. West Ham signed him for around 19 million pounds in 2025. A marauding left-back enjoying his first full Premier League campaign, he is one of Senegal's most exciting young defenders at the 2026 World Cup.", "facts": ["Scored five goals in his first eight games for Slavia Prague", "Won the Czech First League title with Slavia Prague", "Joined West Ham for around 19 million pounds in 2025"], "data_rating": 73, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 884, "team_id": 34, "fifa_code": "SEN", "team_name": "Senegal", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 26, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CDM", "player_name": "Pape Gueye", "date_of_birth": "1999-01-24", "age": 27, "caps": 39, "international_goals": 6, "is_captain": false, "club": "Villarreal", "club_country": "Spain", "club_league": "La Liga", "height_cm": 189, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 40000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 37, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2670, "club_goals_2025_26": 5, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": 8, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "La Liga, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Central midfielder", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/pape-gueye/2030/ ; https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/clubs/players/250144229--pape-gueye/statistics/", "backstory": "Born in Montreuil, France, of Senegalese descent, Pape Gueye came through Le Havre's academy and is remembered for a chaotic 24-hour spell at Watford caused by an agent miscommunication before joining Marseille. After a loan at Sevilla he moved to Villarreal in 2024. A powerful box-to-box midfielder, he was a 2021 AFCON winner and scored Senegal's goal in the dramatic 2025 final.", "facts": ["Had a 24-hour spell at Watford before joining Marseille after an agent dispute", "Named in the 2025 AFCON Team of the Tournament", "Scored in the 2025 AFCON final against Morocco"], "data_rating": 75, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Spain"]}, {"player_id": 885, "team_id": 35, "fifa_code": "IRQ", "team_name": "Iraq", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 1, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Fahad Talib", "date_of_birth": "1994-10-21", "age": 31, "caps": 21, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al-Talaba", "club_country": "Iraq", "club_league": "Iraq Stars League", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 26, "club_starts_2025_26": 26, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2285, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 10, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": 21, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Iraq Stars League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://footystats.org/players/iraq/fahad-talib-raheem ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fahad_Talib", "backstory": "Goalkeeper Fahad Talib comes from a footballing family, following his father Talib Rahim and elder brother Ali into the game and rising through Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya, where he spent the bulk of his career and won a string of titles. He later had spells at Al-Zawraa and Iran's Sanat Naft Abadan before settling at Al-Talaba in the Iraq Stars League. Capped since 2017, he is part of Iraq's goalkeeping pool heading into the World Cup.", "facts": ["Followed his father and elder brother into the game at Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya", "Was part of Iraq's 2023 Arabian Gulf Cup-winning squad", "Helped Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya win three straight AFC Cups (2016-2018), the first Iraqi club to win an Asian competition"], "data_rating": 74, "fun": ["🧤 10 clean sheets in 2025/26"]}, {"player_id": 886, "team_id": 35, "fifa_code": "IRQ", "team_name": "Iraq", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 2, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Rebin Sulaka", "date_of_birth": "1992-04-12", "age": 34, "caps": 55, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Port F.C.", "club_country": "Thailand", "club_league": "Thai League 1", "height_cm": 192, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1894, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 4, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Thai League 1", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 346, "career_club_goals": 12, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.sofascore.com/football/player/rebin-sulaka/362504 ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebin_Sulaka", "backstory": "Born in Ankawa, Erbil to an Assyrian Christian family, Rebin Sulaka moved to Sweden aged 10 and came up through Eskilstuna City before embarking on a nomadic career spanning seven countries across three continents. The towering 1.92m centre-back won back-to-back Thai League titles with Buriram United and later played for FC Seoul before joining Port FC. A veteran of the 2019 Asian Cup, he reversed an international retirement in 2023 to add experience to Iraq's defence.", "facts": ["Has played professionally in seven countries across three continents", "Won two Thai League 1 titles with Buriram United", "Scored his first Iraq goal against Vietnam at the 2023 AFC Asian Cup after reversing his retirement"], "data_rating": 70, "fun": ["🧓 Veteran presence", "🌍 Plays abroad · Thailand"]}, {"player_id": 887, "team_id": 35, "fifa_code": "IRQ", "team_name": "Iraq", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 3, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Hussein Ali", "date_of_birth": "2002-03-01", "age": 24, "caps": 26, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Pogoń Szczecin", "club_country": "Poland", "club_league": "Ekstraklasa", "height_cm": 182, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 16, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 4, "club_red_2025_26": 1, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ekstraklasa", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 110, "career_club_goals": 2, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hussein_Ali_(footballer,_born_2002) ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/hussein-ali/profil/spieler/585325", "backstory": "Born in Malmo, Sweden, of Iraqi descent, Hussein Ali came through Malmo FF's youth ranks and made his Allsvenskan debut for Orebro at 17 before moving to SC Heerenveen in the Netherlands and then Poland's Pogon Szczecin. A right-back who switched allegiance from Sweden to Iraq in 2023, he debuted at the 2023 King's Cup and quickly became a regular, featuring at the Asian Cup and the 2024 Olympics.", "facts": ["Represented Sweden at U17, U19 and U21 before switching to Iraq", "Scored against Vietnam in 2026 World Cup qualifying", "Played for Iraq at the 2024 Summer Olympics"], "data_rating": 65, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Poland"]}, {"player_id": 888, "team_id": 35, "fifa_code": "IRQ", "team_name": "Iraq", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 4, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Zaid Tahseen", "date_of_birth": "2001-01-29", "age": 25, "caps": 27, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Pakhtakor", "club_country": "Uzbekistan", "club_league": "Uzbekistan Super League", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 6, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 443, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 2, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Uzbekistan Super League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.flashscore.com/player/tahseen-zaid/W2aahfYG/ ; https://www.sofascore.com/football/player/zaid-tahseen/1150051", "backstory": "A commanding centre-back who stands around 1.92m, Zaid Tahseen made his name at Al-Talaba before joining Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya and then moving abroad to Uzbek champions Pakhtakor in 2025. He captained Iraq's U-23s to a bronze medal at the 2024 AFC U-23 Asian Cup, a finish that secured Olympic qualification, and has been a senior international since 2022.", "facts": ["Captained Iraq to U-23 Asian Cup bronze and Olympic qualification in 2024", "Scored 13 goals in 92 appearances for Al-Talaba, a strong return for a defender"], "data_rating": 62, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Uzbekistan"]}, {"player_id": 889, "team_id": 35, "fifa_code": "IRQ", "team_name": "Iraq", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 5, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Akam Hashim", "date_of_birth": "1998-08-16", "age": 27, "caps": 13, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al-Zawraa", "club_country": "Iraq", "club_league": "Iraq Stars League", "height_cm": 184, "preferred_foot": "left", "market_value_eur": 620000, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": null, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Iraq Stars League, AFC Champions League Two", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.sofascore.com/football/player/akam-hashem/1631451 ; https://www.flashscore.com/player/hashem-akam/QPpFZeuK/", "backstory": "Born in Erbil, Akam Hashim is a youth product of his local club Erbil SC who was promoted to the first team in 2017 and developed into one of Iraq's most reliable defenders at Al-Shorta before joining Al-Zawraa in 2025. The left-footed centre-back made his Iraq debut in a 2024 World Cup qualifier against Vietnam and impressed at the 2025 Arab Cup.", "facts": ["Came through his hometown club Erbil SC", "Made his Iraq debut in June 2024 against Vietnam"], "data_rating": 55, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 890, "team_id": 35, "fifa_code": "IRQ", "team_name": "Iraq", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 6, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Manaf Younis", "date_of_birth": "1996-11-16", "age": 29, "caps": 33, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al-Shorta", "club_country": "Iraq", "club_league": "Iraq Stars League", "height_cm": 190, "preferred_foot": "right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": null, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Iraq Stars League, AFC Champions League Two", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 105, "career_club_goals": 4, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manaf_Younis ; https://www.sofascore.com/football/player/manaf-younis/1176558", "backstory": "Manaf Younis began at Salahaddin and Al-Karkh before joining Al-Shorta, where the 1.90m defender became a fixture. Originally a striker, he was converted into a centre-back and is prized for his strength and aerial ability. He debuted for Iraq at the 2021 Arab Cup and etched his name into folklore by scoring a stoppage-time extra-time winner in the 2023 Arabian Gulf Cup final.", "facts": ["Scored the stoppage-time extra-time winner in the 2023 Arabian Gulf Cup final against Oman", "Scored just 46 seconds into his competitive club debut in the 2016-17 Iraq FA Cup", "Started his career as a striker before converting to centre-back"], "data_rating": 59, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 891, "team_id": 35, "fifa_code": "IRQ", "team_name": "Iraq", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 7, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "RW", "player_name": "Youssef Amyn", "date_of_birth": "2003-08-21", "age": 22, "caps": 26, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "AEK Larnaca", "club_country": "Cyprus", "club_league": "Cypriot First Division", "height_cm": 172, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 12, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Cypriot First Division, UEFA Europa League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 93, "career_club_goals": 12, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Youssef_Amyn ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/youssef-amyn/leistungsdaten/spieler/684307", "backstory": "Born in Essen, Germany to Kurdish parents from Darbandikhan, Youssef Amyn came through German youth football including Borussia Dortmund's academy before turning professional at Viktoria Koln. The winger has since played for Eintracht Braunschweig, Saudi side Al Wehda and now AEK Larnaca in Cyprus. He switched from Germany's youth setup to Iraq in 2023 and featured at the U-20 World Cup and the 2024 Olympics.", "facts": ["Came through Borussia Dortmund's youth academy", "Switched from Germany's youth teams to Iraq in 2023", "Scored on his senior Iraq debut in a 5-1 win over Indonesia in November 2023"], "data_rating": 62, "fun": ["🐣 Youngest in the squad (22)", "🌍 Plays abroad · Cyprus"]}, {"player_id": 892, "team_id": 35, "fifa_code": "IRQ", "team_name": "Iraq", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 8, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Ibrahim Bayesh", "date_of_birth": "2000-05-01", "age": 26, "caps": 75, "international_goals": 8, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al Dhafra", "club_country": "United Arab Emirates", "club_league": "UAE Pro League", "height_cm": 177, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": 800000, "club_apps_2025_26": 12, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1026, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 3, "club_red_2025_26": 1, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "UAE Pro League (Al-Dhafra spell from Feb 2026; first half of 2025-26 at Al-Riyadh, Saudi Pro League)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.transfermarkt.us/ibrahim-bayesh/profil/spieler/560957 ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/942834/ibrahim-bayesh", "backstory": "Ibrahim Bayesh developed through Iraqi academies including Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya and Al-Shorta before establishing himself as a central playmaker, winning a league title with Al-Zawraa and spending six successful years at Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya. He later moved to Saudi Arabia's Al-Riyadh and then the UAE's Al-Dhafra. A key creative figure for Iraq, he was outstanding in their 2023 Arabian Gulf Cup triumph.", "facts": ["Named best player and joint top scorer at the 2023 Arabian Gulf Cup", "Scored in the 2018 AFC Cup final", "Soccer Iraq Player of the Year for 2023"], "data_rating": 63, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · United Arab Emirates"]}, {"player_id": 893, "team_id": 35, "fifa_code": "IRQ", "team_name": "Iraq", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 9, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Ali Al-Hamadi", "date_of_birth": "2002-03-01", "age": 24, "caps": 19, "international_goals": 5, "is_captain": false, "club": "Luton Town", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "EFL Championship", "height_cm": 184, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": 1500000, "club_apps_2025_26": 14, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 413, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": 1, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "League One, FA Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 130, "career_club_goals": 39, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Scored opener against Bolivia in qualifying play-off; Luton relegated to League One for 2025-26", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ali_Al-Hamadi ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/ali-al-hamadi/leistungsdaten/spieler/610581", "backstory": "Born in Maysan, Iraq, Ali Al-Hamadi fled the Iraq War as an infant and grew up in Liverpool's Toxteth, coming through the youth systems of Tranmere Rovers and Swansea. After a breakout scoring spell at AFC Wimbledon he earned a move to Ipswich Town and reached the Premier League, with later loans at Stoke and Luton. A clinical, penalty-taking centre-forward, he is one of Iraq's most important attackers for the World Cup.", "facts": ["Became the first Iraqi to play in the Premier League, for Ipswich against Liverpool in August 2024", "Fled the Iraq War as a one-year-old and grew up in Liverpool", "Scored the opening goal in the 2026 World Cup playoff against Bolivia"], "data_rating": 59, "fun": ["💎 Most valuable in the squad", "🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 894, "team_id": 35, "fifa_code": "IRQ", "team_name": "Iraq", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 10, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Mohanad Ali", "date_of_birth": "2000-06-20", "age": 25, "caps": 71, "international_goals": 27, "is_captain": false, "club": "Dibba", "club_country": "United Arab Emirates", "club_league": "UAE Pro League", "height_cm": 183, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 8, "club_starts_2025_26": 8, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 5, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "UAE Pro League, UAE President's Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 239, "career_club_goals": 108, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohanad_Ali ; https://www.playmakerstats.com/player/mohanad-ali/618655", "backstory": "Baghdad-born Mohanad Ali, nicknamed Mimi, joined the famous Ammo Baba Football School at six without a trial and became the youngest player in Iraqi top-flight history at 13. After starring for Al-Shorta he moved to Qatar's Al-Duhail for $1.2m, had loans in Portugal, Qatar and Greece, then returned to Al-Shorta and later moved to the UAE. A powerful, two-footed striker, he is Iraq's prolific No. 10 and a former West Asian Footballer of the Year.", "facts": ["Became the youngest player in Iraqi top-flight history at 13 years, 279 days", "Named 2019 West Asian Footballer of the Year", "Played under his brother Hassan's name for two seasons due to a passport error, resolved by an Iraqi court"], "data_rating": 68, "fun": ["🔥 Top 3% scorer at the Cup", "🌍 Plays abroad · United Arab Emirates"]}, {"player_id": 895, "team_id": 35, "fifa_code": "IRQ", "team_name": "Iraq", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 11, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "RW", "player_name": "Ahmed Qasem", "date_of_birth": "2003-07-12", "age": 22, "caps": 2, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Nashville SC", "club_country": "United States", "club_league": "Major League Soccer", "height_cm": 183, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 29, "club_starts_2025_26": 12, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 5, "club_assists_2025_26": 3, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Major League Soccer, U.S. Open Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.mlssoccer.com/players/ahmed-qasem/ ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahmed_Qasem", "backstory": "Raised in Motala, Sweden and of Palestinian and Iraqi descent, Ahmed Qasem came through Motala AIF and broke through at IF Elfsborg in the Swedish top flight before moving to MLS side Nashville SC in 2025. An attacking midfielder, he represented Sweden up to U21 level before switching to Iraq in May 2026, making his senior debut against Andorra just before the World Cup.", "facts": ["Represented Sweden at U17, U19 and U21 before switching to Iraq in 2026", "Made his Iraq debut against Andorra in May 2026, shortly before the World Cup"], "data_rating": 61, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · United States"]}, {"player_id": 896, "team_id": 35, "fifa_code": "IRQ", "team_name": "Iraq", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 12, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Jalal Hassan", "date_of_birth": "1991-05-18", "age": 35, "caps": 101, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": true, "club": "Al-Zawraa", "club_country": "Iraq", "club_league": "Iraq Stars League", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 13, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Iraq Stars League, AFC Champions League Two", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": "Captain, most-capped player in squad; made 100th cap Nov 18 2025 vs UAE", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalal_Hassan ; https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/jalal-hassan/33192/", "backstory": "Iraq's captain and most-capped player in the squad, goalkeeper Jalal Hassan has played for numerous Iraqi clubs and has anchored Al-Zawraa since 2017, winning the league, FA Cup and Super Cup. He is the only Iraqi goalkeeper to be first-choice across three consecutive Asian Cups (2015, 2019, 2023) and captained the side to the 2023 Arabian Gulf Cup, ending a 35-year drought.", "facts": ["Reached 100 international caps in November 2025", "Only Iraqi goalkeeper to be first-choice at three consecutive Asian Cups", "Captained Iraq to the 2023 Arabian Gulf Cup, their first in 35 years"], "data_rating": 70, "fun": ["🎖️ Most-capped in the squad (101)", "🧓 Veteran presence", "©️ Captain"]}, {"player_id": 897, "team_id": 35, "fifa_code": "IRQ", "team_name": "Iraq", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 13, "position": "FW", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Ali Yousif", "date_of_birth": "1996-01-19", "age": 30, "caps": 6, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al-Talaba", "club_country": "Iraq", "club_league": "Iraq Stars League", "height_cm": 192, "preferred_foot": "right", "market_value_eur": 120000, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": null, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Iraq Stars League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": "Joined Al-Talaba Sep 2025 from Al-Zawraa", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.sofascore.com/football/player/ali-yousif/834492 ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ali_Yousif", "backstory": "Forward Ali Yousif came through the Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya youth ranks and broke into the first team aged 18, winning the AFC Cup twice before later joining Al-Shorta and, more recently, Al-Talaba. A tall, right-footed striker, he has been a fringe member of the national team.", "facts": ["Came through Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya's academy", "Won the AFC Cup with Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya"], "data_rating": 48, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 898, "team_id": 35, "fifa_code": "IRQ", "team_name": "Iraq", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 14, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Zidane Iqbal", "date_of_birth": "2003-04-27", "age": 23, "caps": 24, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "FC Utrecht", "club_country": "Netherlands", "club_league": "Eredivisie", "height_cm": 181, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 0, "club_starts_2025_26": 0, "club_minutes_2025_26": 0, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 0, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Eredivisie (no appearances recorded in 2025-26 per Wikipedia)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 48, "career_club_goals": 2, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Wikipedia club stats table shows 0 apps for 2025-26; verify against injury/loan status", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zidane_Iqbal ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/zidane-iqbal/profil/spieler/686845", "backstory": "Born in Manchester to a Pakistani father and Iraqi mother, Zidane Iqbal joined Manchester United's academy at nine and made history as the first British-born South Asian to play for the club. After limited senior chances he moved to FC Utrecht in 2023 and became an Eredivisie regular. A versatile central midfielder, he chose Iraq internationally and debuted against Iran in 2022.", "facts": ["First British-born South Asian to play for Manchester United and in the Champions League", "Made his United debut as a substitute against Young Boys in the 2021 Champions League", "Named to the Eredivisie Team of the Month with Utrecht"], "data_rating": 56, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Netherlands"]}, {"player_id": 899, "team_id": 35, "fifa_code": "IRQ", "team_name": "Iraq", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 15, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Ahmed Yahya", "date_of_birth": "1995-07-01", "age": 30, "caps": 20, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al-Shorta", "club_country": "Iraq", "club_league": "Iraq Stars League", "height_cm": 187, "preferred_foot": "left", "market_value_eur": 450000, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": null, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Iraq Stars League, AFC Champions League Two", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.transfermarkt.us/ahmed-yahya/leistungsdaten/spieler/949320 ; https://www.espn.com/soccer/team/squad/_/id/9655/al-shorta", "backstory": "A tall left-back from Basra, Ahmed Yahya joined Al-Shorta in 2022 and became part of a dominant side, winning three successive league titles, the FA Cup and the Super Cup. He made his Iraq debut against Colombia in 2023, but his World Cup hopes were dealt a blow by a hamstring injury sustained during preparations.", "facts": ["Won three straight Iraqi league titles with Al-Shorta", "Made his Iraq debut against Colombia in a 2023 friendly"], "data_rating": 55, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 900, "team_id": 35, "fifa_code": "IRQ", "team_name": "Iraq", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 16, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Amir Al-Ammari", "date_of_birth": "1997-07-27", "age": 28, "caps": 50, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "KS Cracovia", "club_country": "Poland", "club_league": "Ekstraklasa", "height_cm": 184, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 34, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2506, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 4, "club_yellow_2025_26": 4, "club_red_2025_26": 1, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ekstraklasa, Polish Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 301, "career_club_goals": 36, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amir_Al-Ammari ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/amir-al-ammari/leistungsdaten/spieler/303766", "backstory": "Born in Jonkoping, Sweden, Amir Al-Ammari rose through Swedish youth football and clubs including Jonkopings Sodra and Halmstad before moving to Poland's Cracovia in 2024. Eligible for Iraq through his father, the midfielder switched from Sweden's youth setup and debuted in 2021, going on to win the 2023 Arabian Gulf Cup. He is a durable, box-to-box presence in the engine room.", "facts": ["Represented Sweden at U19 before switching to Iraq, for whom he qualifies through his father", "Won the 2023 Arabian Gulf Cup with Iraq", "Is of Palestinian origin on his mother's side"], "data_rating": 72, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Poland"]}, {"player_id": 901, "team_id": 35, "fifa_code": "IRQ", "team_name": "Iraq", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 17, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "LW", "player_name": "Ali Jasim", "date_of_birth": "2004-01-20", "age": 22, "caps": 36, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al-Najma", "club_country": "Saudi Arabia", "club_league": "Saudi Pro League", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 24, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1612, "club_goals_2025_26": 4, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": 1, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Saudi Pro League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "On loan at Al-Najma (Saudi Pro League) from Como; JSON club_country/league corrected from Iraq to Saudi Arabia", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ali_Jasim ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/1478238/ali-jasim", "backstory": "A precocious talent, Ali Jasim made his Iraqi top-flight debut at 14 and broke records at Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya, becoming the youngest player to score three goals in a single AFC Champions League season at 19. He earned a move to Italy's Como in 2024, with subsequent loans to Almere City and Saudi side Al-Najma. A dynamic forward and winger, he was top scorer at the 2024 AFC U-23 Asian Cup.", "facts": ["Made his Iraqi top-flight debut at just 14 years old", "Youngest player to score three goals in a single AFC Champions League season, at 19", "Top goalscorer at the 2024 AFC U-23 Asian Cup"], "data_rating": 65, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Saudi Arabia"]}, {"player_id": 902, "team_id": 35, "fifa_code": "IRQ", "team_name": "Iraq", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 18, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Aymen Hussein", "date_of_birth": "1996-03-22", "age": 30, "caps": 94, "international_goals": 33, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al-Karma", "club_country": "Iraq", "club_league": "Iraq Stars League", "height_cm": 189, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 12, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 675, "club_goals_2025_26": 4, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": 2, "club_red_2025_26": 1, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Iraq Stars League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 237, "career_club_goals": 167, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Squad top scorer; scored winner against Bolivia in qualifying play-off; Iraq's 5th all-time top scorer", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aymen_Hussein ; https://footystats.org/players/iraq/aymen-hussein", "backstory": "Aymen Hussein grew up in Hawija, Kirkuk amid conflict that claimed his army-officer father, and rose from small clubs to a breakout 2016-17 season at Al-Naft. He won the league and golden boot with Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya before spells in Tunisia, Qatar, the UAE and Morocco. A classic target man, he became Iraq's main striker and one of the country's all-time leading scorers, etching his name in history at the World Cup playoff.", "facts": ["Scored the decisive goal against Bolivia to send Iraq to their first World Cup since 1986", "One of Iraq's all-time top scorers with 33 international goals", "Scored a brace against Japan at the 2023 AFC Asian Cup"], "data_rating": 68, "fun": ["🔥 Top 3% scorer at the Cup"]}, {"player_id": 903, "team_id": 35, "fifa_code": "IRQ", "team_name": "Iraq", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 19, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Kevin Yakob", "date_of_birth": "2000-10-10", "age": 25, "caps": 8, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "AGF", "club_country": "Denmark", "club_league": "Danish Superliga", "height_cm": 184, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 27, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Danish Superliga, Danish Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 95, "career_club_goals": 16, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Won 2025-26 Danish Superliga title with AGF (first in 40 years); Superliga Goal of the Year", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_Yakob ; https://www.sofascore.com/football/team/agf/1291", "backstory": "Raised in Gothenburg by Assyrian parents from Basra, Kevin Yakob came through IFK Goteborg's academy and BK Hacken before moving to Denmark's AGF Aarhus in 2022. The midfielder switched from Sweden to Iraq in 2023, but suffered a cruciate ligament injury early in his senior debut against Colombia. He bounced back to enjoy a landmark 2025-26 season in Denmark.", "facts": ["Won the 2025-26 Danish Superliga with AGF, the club's first title in 40 years", "Won the Danish Superliga Goal of the Year for 2025-26", "Switched from Sweden's youth teams to Iraq in 2023"], "data_rating": 65, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Denmark"]}, {"player_id": 904, "team_id": 35, "fifa_code": "IRQ", "team_name": "Iraq", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 20, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Aimar Sher", "date_of_birth": "2002-12-20", "age": 23, "caps": 6, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Sarpsborg 08", "club_country": "Norway", "club_league": "Eliteserien", "height_cm": 184, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 12, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1611, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Eliteserien, Norwegian Cup (2025 season; Eliteserien runs spring-autumn)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 96, "career_club_goals": 1, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aimar_Sher ; https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/stats/_/id/287723/aimar-sher", "backstory": "Born in Iraq and raised in Sweden from age four, Aimar Sher came through Hammarby's academy and became the club's youngest-ever Allsvenskan debutant at 16. He moved to Italy's Spezia for around 1.5m euros, had a loan at Groningen, and now plays for Sarpsborg 08 in Norway. The midfielder represented Sweden up to U21 before switching to Iraq in 2025.", "facts": ["Named after Argentine playmaker Pablo Aimar", "Became Hammarby's youngest-ever Allsvenskan debutant at 16 years, 9 months", "Scored the winning penalty in Hammarby's Svenska Cupen final triumph"], "data_rating": 60, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Norway"]}, {"player_id": 905, "team_id": 35, "fifa_code": "IRQ", "team_name": "Iraq", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 21, "position": "FW", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Marko Farji", "date_of_birth": "2004-03-16", "age": 22, "caps": 11, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Venezia", "club_country": "Italy", "club_league": "Serie B", "height_cm": 184, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 2, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 23, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Serie B (joined Venezia Jan 2026; first half of 2025-26 was at Strømsgodset, 32 apps in Eliteserien)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 140, "career_club_goals": 33, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marko_Farji ; https://fbref.com/en/players/e046cff6/Marko-Farji", "backstory": "Born in Grimstad, Norway to Kurdish parents from Sulaymaniyah, Marko Farji trialled at Manchester City aged 11 before signing his first contract with FK Jerv. He broke through at Stromsgodset, scoring 11 goals across all competitions in 2024-25, then joined Italian Serie B side Venezia in January 2026. A forward who chose Iraq over Norway, he debuted for the senior side in 2024.", "facts": ["Trialled at Manchester City's academy aged 11", "Named Eliteserien Young Player of the Month for April 2025", "Chose to represent Iraq despite being Norwegian-born"], "data_rating": 54, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Italy"]}, {"player_id": 906, "team_id": 35, "fifa_code": "IRQ", "team_name": "Iraq", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 22, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Ahmed Basil", "date_of_birth": "1996-08-19", "age": 29, "caps": 15, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al-Shorta", "club_country": "Iraq", "club_league": "Iraq Stars League", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 5, "club_starts_2025_26": 5, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 0, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": 13, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Iraq Stars League, AFC Champions League Two", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": "Backup goalkeeper at Al-Shorta", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/matches/_/id/285998/ahmed-basil-al-fadhli ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahmed_Basil", "backstory": "Goalkeeper Ahmed Basil rose through Al-Taji and Al-Karkh, earning promotions, before joining Al-Shorta in 2014 and becoming their first-choice keeper during a period of dominance, keeping 22 clean sheets in the 2021-22 title season and captaining them to the 2022 Super Cup. He made his Iraq debut against Kuwait in 2022 and featured at the 2023 Asian Cup, serving as a backup goalkeeper in this squad.", "facts": ["Kept 22 clean sheets in Al-Shorta's 2021-22 title-winning season", "Captained Al-Shorta to the 2022 Iraqi Super Cup"], "data_rating": 62, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 907, "team_id": 35, "fifa_code": "IRQ", "team_name": "Iraq", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 23, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Merchas Doski", "date_of_birth": "1999-12-07", "age": 26, "caps": 31, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Viktoria Plzeň", "club_country": "Czech Republic", "club_league": "Czech First League", "height_cm": 173, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1509, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 5, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Czech First League, UEFA Europa League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 109, "career_club_goals": 5, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merchas_Doski ; https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/merchas-doski/46576/", "backstory": "Born and raised in Hanover, Germany to Iraqi Kurdish parents, Merchas Doski climbed from German semi-professional football to Austria's Wacker Innsbruck and then Czech clubs Slovacko and Viktoria Plzen. Eligible for Germany, the left-back chose Iraq and has been a mainstay since 2022, playing a part in their historic World Cup qualification.", "facts": ["Eligible for Germany but chose to represent Iraq", "Scored a curling strike against Spain in a June 2026 warm-up match"], "data_rating": 67, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Czech Republic"]}, {"player_id": 908, "team_id": 35, "fifa_code": "IRQ", "team_name": "Iraq", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 24, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Zaid Ismail", "date_of_birth": "2002-01-03", "age": 24, "caps": 6, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al-Talaba", "club_country": "Iraq", "club_league": "Iraq Stars League", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 5, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Iraq Stars League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.flashscore.com/player/ismaeel-zaid/zm8Vm9iH/", "backstory": "A defensive/central midfielder standing around 1.85m, Zaid Ismail plays his club football for Al-Talaba in Baghdad and has broken into the Iraq national team setup, earning his first senior caps ahead of the World Cup.", "facts": [], "data_rating": 55, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 909, "team_id": 35, "fifa_code": "IRQ", "team_name": "Iraq", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 25, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Mustafa Saadoon", "date_of_birth": "2001-05-25", "age": 25, "caps": 16, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al-Shorta", "club_country": "Iraq", "club_league": "Iraq Stars League", "height_cm": 182, "preferred_foot": "right", "market_value_eur": 270000, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": null, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Iraq Stars League, AFC Champions League Elite", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": "Joined Al-Shorta Aug 2025", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.sofascore.com/player/mustafa-saadon/1500435 ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/mustafa-saadoon/profil/spieler/952341", "backstory": "A right-back from Basra, Mustafa Saadoon spent his youth at the Espanyol academy in Baghdad before playing for Al-Kahrabaa and Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya, then joining Al-Shorta in 2025. He made his Iraq debut in 2023 and starred for the U-23s, winning and converting a decisive penalty against Saudi Arabia at the 2024 AFC U-23 Asian Cup.", "facts": ["Came through the RCD Espanyol football academy in Baghdad", "Scored the winner against Saudi Arabia to top the group at the 2024 AFC U-23 Asian Cup"], "data_rating": 54, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 910, "team_id": 35, "fifa_code": "IRQ", "team_name": "Iraq", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 26, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Frans Putros", "date_of_birth": "1993-07-14", "age": 32, "caps": 27, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Persib Bandung", "club_country": "Indonesia", "club_league": "Liga 1", "height_cm": 181, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 27, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Liga 1 (Super League), AFC Champions League Two", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 321, "career_club_goals": 26, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "First active Liga Indonesia player to be called up to a World Cup; won 2025-26 Super League title", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frans_Putros ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/frans-dhia-putros/profil/spieler/166460", "backstory": "Born in Aarhus, Denmark and of Assyrian Iraqi heritage, Frans Putros came through AGF's academy and built a long career across Danish football before moving abroad to Thailand's Port FC and then Indonesia's Persib Bandung. A versatile defender comfortable at centre-back, full-back or in defensive midfield, he has represented Iraq since 2018 at two Asian Cups.", "facts": ["Among the first active Liga Indonesia players selected for a World Cup", "Won the 2025-26 Indonesian Super League title with Persib Bandung", "Of Assyrian heritage, born and raised in Denmark"], "data_rating": 69, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Indonesia"]}, {"player_id": 911, "team_id": 36, "fifa_code": "NOR", "team_name": "Norway", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 1, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Ørjan Nyland", "date_of_birth": "1990-09-10", "age": 35, "caps": 70, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Sevilla", "club_country": "Spain", "club_league": "La Liga", "height_cm": 192, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 500000, "club_apps_2025_26": 5, "club_starts_2025_26": 5, "club_minutes_2025_26": 450, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 1, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": 8, "club_competitions_2025_26": "La Liga", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "First-choice keeper at Sevilla", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/orjan-nyland/18180/ ; https://footystats.org/players/norway/orjan-nyland", "backstory": "A product of Hødd, where he was man of the match in the 2012 Norwegian Cup final, Ørjan Nyland broke through at Molde under Ole Gunnar Solskjær, winning the Eliteserien and Cup double in 2014 and Goalkeeper of the Year honours. He then journeyed through Ingolstadt, Aston Villa (helping win Championship promotion in 2019), Reading, Norwich, Bournemouth and a spell at RB Leipzig before settling at Sevilla. In his mid-30s he remains Norway's experienced first-choice keeper for the World Cup.", "facts": ["Named Tippeligaen Goalkeeper of the Year after Molde's 2014 double", "Won promotion to the Premier League with Aston Villa in 2019", "Has played in Norway, Germany, England and Spain"], "data_rating": 62, "fun": ["🧓 Veteran presence", "🌍 Plays abroad · Spain"]}, {"player_id": 912, "team_id": 36, "fifa_code": "NOR", "team_name": "Norway", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 2, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "RB", "player_name": "Julian Ryerson", "date_of_birth": "1997-11-17", "age": 28, "caps": 42, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Borussia Dortmund", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 183, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 31, "club_starts_2025_26": 26, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2272, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 15, "club_yellow_2025_26": 8, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Regular starter at full-back; 15 Bundesliga assists, including four in one match v Mainz", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.sportbusy.com/players/soccer/222991/ ; https://www.bundesliga.com/en/player/julian-ryerson", "backstory": "From the Viking academy, Julian Ryerson made his senior breakthrough before moving to Union Berlin in 2018, where he helped the club climb into the Bundesliga. In January 2023 he joined Borussia Dortmund and quickly became a reliable, energetic full-back capable of playing both flanks. This season he produced a remarkable 15 Bundesliga assists, including four in a single match against Mainz, and is a regular for Norway.", "facts": ["Provided four assists in one Bundesliga match against Mainz", "Helped Union Berlin rise into the Bundesliga before joining Dortmund", "Comfortable at both left-back and right-back"], "data_rating": 79, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Germany"]}, {"player_id": 913, "team_id": 36, "fifa_code": "NOR", "team_name": "Norway", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 3, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "RB", "player_name": "Marcus Holmgren Pedersen", "date_of_birth": "2000-07-16", "age": 25, "caps": 32, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Torino", "club_country": "Italy", "club_league": "Serie A", "height_cm": 182, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 28, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2066, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": 3, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Serie A", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/marcus%20holmgren%20pedersen/9333/ ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/935622/marcus-holmgren-pedersen", "backstory": "Marcus Holmgren Pedersen, from Hammerfest in Norway's far north, started at Tromsø before moving to Molde and then Feyenoord, where he won the 2022-23 Eredivisie title. After a loan at Sassuolo he joined Torino in Italy, where he is now a regular attacking right-back. He has become a dependable member of Norway's defence.", "facts": ["Won the 2022-23 Eredivisie title with Feyenoord", "Hails from Hammerfest, one of the world's northernmost towns"], "data_rating": 70, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Italy"]}, {"player_id": 914, "team_id": 36, "fifa_code": "NOR", "team_name": "Norway", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 4, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Kristoffer Ajer", "date_of_birth": "1998-04-17", "age": 28, "caps": 51, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Brentford", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 198, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 16000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 31, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Regular centre-back; surpassed 100 Premier League appearances this season", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/kristoffer-ajer/31697/ ; https://www.brentfordfc.com/en/teams/profile/kristoffer-ajer", "backstory": "Standing 1.98m, Kristoffer Ajer began at Start, where at 16 he became the youngest ever captain in Norway's top flight, before a move to Celtic. He joined Brentford in 2021 and has become a commanding Premier League centre-back, surpassing 100 Premier League appearances this season. The towering defender anchors Norway's back line.", "facts": ["At 16 became the youngest captain in Norwegian top-flight history", "One of the tallest outfield players in the Premier League at 1.98m", "Made his Brentford PL debut in a win over Arsenal"], "data_rating": 72, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 915, "team_id": 36, "fifa_code": "NOR", "team_name": "Norway", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 5, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Leo Østigård", "date_of_birth": "1999-11-28", "age": 26, "caps": 37, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Genoa", "club_country": "Italy", "club_league": "Serie A", "height_cm": 186, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 30, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2624, "club_goals_2025_26": 5, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": 7, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Serie A", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Genoa's third-top scorer with 5 Serie A goals as a centre-back", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/leo-ostigard/16550/ ; https://tribuna.com/en/persons/leo-ostigard/stat/2025-2026/serie-a/", "backstory": "Leo Østigård, from Åndalsnes, came through Molde before joining Brighton, where loan spells took him across England. He found his level in Italy, winning the 2022-23 Serie A title with Napoli, then moved on to Rennes, Hoffenheim and back to Genoa, where he became permanent. A combative centre-back, he chipped in with five Serie A goals this season.", "facts": ["Won the 2022-23 Serie A title with Napoli", "Scored on his Champions League debut against Rangers", "Genoa's third-top scorer this season as a defender"], "data_rating": 75, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Italy"]}, {"player_id": 916, "team_id": 36, "fifa_code": "NOR", "team_name": "Norway", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 6, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "LB", "player_name": "Fredrik André Bjørkan", "date_of_birth": "1998-08-21", "age": 27, "caps": 20, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Bodø/Glimt", "club_country": "Norway", "club_league": "Eliteserien", "height_cm": 184, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 39, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 3376, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": 4, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Eliteserien, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Left-back; combined Eliteserien (29 apps, 3g, 2a) and Champions League (10 apps, 2a)", "enrichment_sources": "https://footystats.org/players/norway/fredrik-bjorkan ; https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/clubs/players/250104207--fredrik-andre-bjorkan/", "backstory": "A one-club man at heart, Fredrik André Bjørkan came through hometown Bodø/Glimt and was part of their first Eliteserien title wins. After a spell at Hertha Berlin and a brief Feyenoord loan, he returned to Bodø/Glimt, where he has won multiple league titles and featured in their Champions League campaign as an attacking left-back.", "facts": ["Won five trophies with Bodø/Glimt, including four Eliteserien titles", "Played in Bodø/Glimt's historic Champions League run"], "data_rating": 77, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 917, "team_id": 36, "fifa_code": "NOR", "team_name": "Norway", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 7, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "LW", "player_name": "Antonio Nusa", "date_of_birth": "2005-04-17", "age": 21, "caps": 23, "international_goals": 8, "is_captain": false, "club": "RB Leipzig", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 184, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 32000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 31, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2035, "club_goals_2025_26": 4, "club_assists_2025_26": 3, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Young winger, attacking threat; regular starter for Leipzig", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/antonio-nusa/19349/ ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/antonio-nusa/profil/spieler/894914", "backstory": "Nicknamed the 'Norwegian Neymar' for his flair and pace, Antonio Nusa came through Stabæk before moving to Club Brugge, where at 17 he became one of the youngest goalscorers in Champions League history and won two Belgian titles. He joined RB Leipzig in 2024 for around €25m and is a dynamic, direct winger who is already one of Norway's most prolific young attackers.", "facts": ["Became one of the youngest scorers in Champions League history at 17", "Nicknamed the 'Norwegian Neymar'", "Won two Belgian league titles with Club Brugge"], "data_rating": 73, "fun": ["🐣 Youngest in the squad (21)", "🌍 Plays abroad · Germany"]}, {"player_id": 918, "team_id": 36, "fifa_code": "NOR", "team_name": "Norway", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 8, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CDM", "player_name": "Sander Berge", "date_of_birth": "1998-02-14", "age": 28, "caps": 65, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Fulham", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 195, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 39, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": null, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Regular central midfielder; 39 appearances across all competitions", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sander_Berge ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/439148/morten-thorsby", "backstory": "At 1.95m, Sander Berge is one of football's most physically imposing midfielders. He debuted for Vålerenga at 17, scoring in an 8-0 cup win, before joining Genk and winning the 2018-19 Belgian title. He became Sheffield United's record signing in 2020, and after a spell at Burnley joined Fulham in 2024, where he is a regular central midfielder.", "facts": ["Won the 2018-19 Belgian championship with Genk", "Was Sheffield United's club-record signing in 2020", "Stands 1.95m tall"], "data_rating": 70, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 919, "team_id": 36, "fifa_code": "NOR", "team_name": "Norway", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 9, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Erling Haaland", "date_of_birth": "2000-07-21", "age": 25, "caps": 49, "international_goals": 55, "is_captain": false, "club": "Manchester City", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 195, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": 200000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 52, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 38, "club_assists_2025_26": 8, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 402, "career_club_goals": 317, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Norway's all-time top scorer; 38 goals in all competitions for Man City. International tally of 55 goals exceeds 49 caps - verified anomaly: he scored 16 in WC qualifying alone (multiple hat-tricks), confirmed by Wikipedia and FIFA", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erling_Haaland ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/erling-haaland/leistungsdaten/spieler/418560/saison/2025/plus/1 ; https://tribuna.com/ (2025-26 season stats, all competitions)", "backstory": "Erling Haaland began at his hometown club Bryne before Ole Gunnar Solskjær signed him for Molde, where he became top scorer. Explosive spells at Red Bull Salzburg and Borussia Dortmund set up a 2022 move to Manchester City, where he won the treble and broke the Premier League single-season scoring record (36). Norway's all-time top scorer and one of the world's most lethal strikers, he is the focal point of the national team's World Cup hopes.", "facts": ["Norway's all-time top scorer", "Holds the Premier League record for goals in a single season (36)", "Scored 16 goals in 2026 World Cup qualifying alone, with multiple hat-tricks"], "data_rating": 91, "fun": ["⚡ 1.12 goals per cap", "🔥 Top 1% scorer at the Cup", "💎 Most valuable in the squad", "🌍 Plays abroad · England", "🎯 38 club goals in 2025/26"]}, {"player_id": 920, "team_id": 36, "fifa_code": "NOR", "team_name": "Norway", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 10, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CAM", "player_name": "Martin Ødegaard", "date_of_birth": "1998-12-17", "age": 27, "caps": 67, "international_goals": 4, "is_captain": true, "club": "Arsenal", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 36, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 7, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 381, "career_club_goals": 64, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Captain; key playmaker. 6 PL assists, primarily a creator this season", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_%C3%98degaard ; https://www.premierleague.com/en/players/184029/martin-degaard/stats", "backstory": "A childhood prodigy who became the youngest player ever to represent Norway at 15, Martin Ødegaard set goalscoring records at Strømsgodset before a high-profile move to Real Madrid in 2015. After loan spells, including a transformative stint at Real Sociedad, he joined Arsenal in 2021 and was made captain in 2022. Norway's skipper and chief creator, he is the playmaker around whom the side is built.", "facts": ["Became Norway's youngest ever senior international at 15 years and 253 days", "Was Real Madrid's youngest ever player when he signed in 2015", "Arsenal captain since 2022"], "data_rating": 77, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England", "©️ Captain"]}, {"player_id": 921, "team_id": 36, "fifa_code": "NOR", "team_name": "Norway", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 11, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "LW", "player_name": "Andreas Schjelderup", "date_of_birth": "2004-06-01", "age": 22, "caps": 11, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Benfica", "club_country": "Portugal", "club_league": "Primeira Liga", "height_cm": 174, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 26, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 7, "club_assists_2025_26": 5, "club_yellow_2025_26": 2, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Primeira Liga, Taça de Portugal, Taça da Liga", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "7 goals, 5 assists in the Primeira Liga; strong attacking output", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/andreas-schjelderup/1253/ ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/andreas-schjelderup/leistungsdaten/spieler/670103/saison/2025", "backstory": "Born in Bodø, Andreas Schjelderup came through Bodø/Glimt's youth section before moving to Denmark's Nordsjælland, where he became the club's youngest ever Superliga goalscorer. Benfica signed him in 2023 for around €14m; after a loan back at Nordsjælland he has flourished in Lisbon, scoring in a Taça da Liga final win. A small, sharp attacker, he has built strong output in Portugal.", "facts": ["Made his Norway debut by replacing Erling Haaland against Kosovo", "Was Nordsjælland's youngest ever Superliga goalscorer", "Scored in a Taça da Liga final win for Benfica"], "data_rating": 71, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Portugal"]}, {"player_id": 922, "team_id": 36, "fifa_code": "NOR", "team_name": "Norway", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 12, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Egil Selvik", "date_of_birth": "1997-07-30", "age": 28, "caps": 6, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Watford", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "EFL Championship", "height_cm": 189, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 17, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2835, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": 20, "club_competitions_2025_26": "EFL Championship", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://fbref.com/en/players/05d89c1c/scout/12751/Egil-Selvik-Scouting-Report ; https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/stats/_/id/286433/egil-selvik", "backstory": "Born in Sandnes, Egil Selvik came up through local clubs Ganddal and Sandnes Ulf before his senior debut for Odd in 2020. He made his name at Haugesund, racking up 117 top-flight appearances over four seasons and captaining the side in 2024, then moved abroad to Udinese before quickly joining Watford in the English Championship. He is a left-footed back-up keeper in the Norway squad.", "facts": ["Captained Haugesund in 2024", "A rare left-footed goalkeeper", "Made his Norway debut against Jordan in 2023"], "data_rating": 68, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 923, "team_id": 36, "fifa_code": "NOR", "team_name": "Norway", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 13, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Kristian Thorstvedt", "date_of_birth": "1999-03-13", "age": 27, "caps": 36, "international_goals": 4, "is_captain": false, "club": "Sassuolo", "club_country": "Italy", "club_league": "Serie A", "height_cm": 189, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 30, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2278, "club_goals_2025_26": 4, "club_assists_2025_26": 4, "club_yellow_2025_26": 6, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Serie A, Coppa Italia", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/kristian-thorstvedt/19426/ ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/921921/kristian-thorstvedt", "backstory": "Son of legendary Norway goalkeeper Erik Thorstvedt, Kristian Thorstvedt came through Viking and Stabæk's youth ranks before signing for Genk, where he won the Belgian Cup. He joined Sassuolo in 2022 and helped them win Serie B in 2024-25 to bounce straight back to the top flight, where he has chipped in with goals and assists from midfield.", "facts": ["Son of former Norway and Tottenham goalkeeper Erik Thorstvedt", "Won the Belgian Cup with Genk and Serie B with Sassuolo"], "data_rating": 73, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Italy"]}, {"player_id": 924, "team_id": 36, "fifa_code": "NOR", "team_name": "Norway", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 14, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Fredrik Aursnes", "date_of_birth": "1995-12-10", "age": 30, "caps": 21, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Benfica", "club_country": "Portugal", "club_league": "Primeira Liga", "height_cm": 180, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 45, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": 6, "club_yellow_2025_26": 1, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Primeira Liga, Taça de Portugal, Taça da Liga, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Regular starter at Benfica; 3 goals and 6 assists in 45 official matches", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.slbenfica.pt/en-us/futebol/plantel-principal/aursnes ; https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/fredrik-aursnes/20261/", "backstory": "Fredrik Aursnes became the youngest ever Norwegian Cup winner at 16 with Hødd, then established himself at Molde, winning the 2019 Eliteserien. A move to Feyenoord brought a run to the 2022 Conference League final, after which he joined Benfica, winning the Portuguese league and multiple cups. A versatile, hard-working midfielder, he can also play full-back on either flank.", "facts": ["Became the youngest ever Norwegian Cup winner at 16 years and 350 days", "Won the Primeira Liga title with Benfica", "Versatile enough to play midfield, winger or full-back"], "data_rating": 74, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Portugal"]}, {"player_id": 925, "team_id": 36, "fifa_code": "NOR", "team_name": "Norway", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 15, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Torbjørn Heggem", "date_of_birth": "1999-01-12", "age": 27, "caps": 14, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Bologna", "club_country": "Italy", "club_league": "Serie A", "height_cm": 188, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 22, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1893, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 1, "club_red_2025_26": 1, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Serie A", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://footystats.org/players/norway/torbjorn-heggem ; https://fbref.com/en/players/834fea76/Torbjorn-Heggem", "backstory": "A late developer, Torbjørn Heggem came through Rosenborg's youth ranks but worked his way up via lower-division clubs Sandnes Ulf and Sweden's Brommapojkarna. A move to West Bromwich Albion in 2024 transformed his career, earning him their Player of the Season award, before a roughly £10m transfer to Bologna in Serie A. He made his Norway debut in 2024.", "facts": ["Won West Bromwich Albion's Player of the Season in his only full year there", "Rose from the Norwegian and Swedish lower divisions to Serie A"], "data_rating": 64, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Italy"]}, {"player_id": 926, "team_id": 36, "fifa_code": "NOR", "team_name": "Norway", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 16, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Patrick Berg", "date_of_birth": "1997-11-24", "age": 28, "caps": 42, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Bodø/Glimt", "club_country": "Norway", "club_league": "Eliteserien", "height_cm": 180, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 41, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 3, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Eliteserien, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Bodø/Glimt captain; combined Eliteserien (29 apps, 1g, 3a) and Champions League run to knockout stage", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.sofascore.com/football/player/patrick-berg/355174 ; https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/clubs/players/250065292--patrick-berg/statistics/", "backstory": "Patrick Berg is a third-generation Bodø/Glimt captain, following his father Ørjan and grandfather Harald, both of whom also captained the Arctic club. After a difficult spell at Lens in Ligue 1, he returned home and has skippered Bodø/Glimt to multiple Eliteserien titles and a historic run to the Champions League knockout stage. He is a tidy, reliable midfield anchor.", "facts": ["Third-generation Bodø/Glimt captain after his father and grandfather", "Comes from a deep Bodø/Glimt footballing dynasty, including uncles and a great-uncle", "Helped Bodø/Glimt reach the Champions League knockout stage"], "data_rating": 72, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 927, "team_id": 36, "fifa_code": "NOR", "team_name": "Norway", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 17, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "RW", "player_name": "Oscar Bobb", "date_of_birth": "2003-07-12", "age": 22, "caps": 19, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Fulham", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 175, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 12, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League (12 apps for Fulham; also 9 PL apps for Man City before Jan 2026 transfer)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Joined Fulham from Manchester City January 2026 for £27m", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/oscar-bobb/3259/ ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/oscar-bobb/leistungsdaten/spieler/661207", "backstory": "Oslo-born Oscar Bobb, of Norwegian and Gambian descent, joined Manchester City from Vålerenga in 2019 and starred in their youth ranks before breaking into Pep Guardiola's first team. After 47 senior City appearances, he joined Fulham in January 2026 for around £27m to secure regular minutes. A skillful, low-centre-of-gravity winger, he is an exciting talent for Norway.", "facts": ["Came through the Manchester City academy under Pep Guardiola", "Of Norwegian and Gambian descent", "Joined Fulham from Manchester City for around £27m in January 2026"], "data_rating": 61, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 928, "team_id": 36, "fifa_code": "NOR", "team_name": "Norway", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 18, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "David Møller Wolfe", "date_of_birth": "2002-04-23", "age": 24, "caps": 21, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Wolverhampton Wanderers", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 180, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 22, "club_starts_2025_26": 11, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1047, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": 1, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Left-back; tied for most Wolves Premier League assists", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.premierleague.com/en/players/497949/david-m-ller-wolfe/stats ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/david-moller-wolfe/leistungsdaten/spieler/661427", "backstory": "Bergen-born David Møller Wolfe started at Brann in his hometown before a 2023 move to AZ Alkmaar, where he replaced Milos Kerkez as first-choice left-back and featured in every league and European fixture. In 2025 he joined Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League, where he has become a regular attacking wing-back for Norway and club.", "facts": ["Stepped into AZ Alkmaar's first XI as Milos Kerkez's replacement", "Tied for most Wolves Premier League assists this season"], "data_rating": 64, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 929, "team_id": 36, "fifa_code": "NOR", "team_name": "Norway", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 19, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Sondre Langås", "date_of_birth": "2001-02-02", "age": 25, "caps": 3, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Derby County", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "EFL Championship", "height_cm": 190, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 25, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "EFL Championship", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Scored 3 goals in first full season in England", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sondre_Lang%C3%A5s ; https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/sondre-langas/41155/", "backstory": "Sondre Langås took an unconventional route, starting in the rural club Spillum and rising through the lower divisions with Ranheim before a breakthrough move to Viking in 2023. In early 2025 he joined Derby County in the Championship, slotting into their back three and helping them survive relegation by a single point. He is a relative newcomer to the Norway setup.", "facts": ["Came through Norway's lower divisions before reaching the top flight", "Helped Derby County beat relegation by one point in his first season"], "data_rating": 63, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 930, "team_id": 36, "fifa_code": "NOR", "team_name": "Norway", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 20, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Morten Thorsby", "date_of_birth": "1996-05-05", "age": 30, "caps": 31, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Cremonese", "club_country": "Italy", "club_league": "Serie A", "height_cm": 187, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 24, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1374, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": 4, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Serie A (combined: 13 apps for Genoa, 11 for Cremonese after Feb 2026 transfer)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Joined Cremonese from Genoa Feb 2026; 24 Serie A apps total across both clubs", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/439148/morten-thorsby ; https://fbref.com/en/players/d1b49282/Morten-Thorsby", "backstory": "Morten Thorsby built his career in the Netherlands at Heerenveen before moving to Serie A with Sampdoria, then Union Berlin and Genoa, joining Cremonese in early 2026. A combative midfielder, he is equally known off the pitch as a leading climate activist who founded the We Play Green initiative and wears the number 2 to highlight the Paris Agreement's warming target.", "facts": ["Founded the climate initiative We Play Green and won BBC Green Sport Personality of the Year 2022", "Changed his shirt number to 2 to represent the Paris Agreement's 2°C target", "A European Climate Pact Ambassador"], "data_rating": 65, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Italy"]}, {"player_id": 931, "team_id": 36, "fifa_code": "NOR", "team_name": "Norway", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 21, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Thelo Aasgaard", "date_of_birth": "2002-05-02", "age": 24, "caps": 7, "international_goals": 5, "is_captain": false, "club": "Rangers", "club_country": "Scotland", "club_league": "Scottish Premiership", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 42, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 7, "club_assists_2025_26": 5, "club_yellow_2025_26": 4, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Scottish Premiership, Scottish Cup, Scottish League Cup, European competition", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Joined Rangers July 2025; 7 league goals, 4 of his 5 Norway goals came in an 11-1 win over Moldova", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/thelo-aasgaard/34239/ ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/thelo-aasgaard/leistungsdaten/spieler/647384", "backstory": "England-born Thelo Aasgaard came through Liverpool's youth setup before joining Wigan Athletic, where he scored 30 goals in 163 appearances. He moved to Luton Town, then to Rangers in 2025, enjoying a productive season in Scotland. He chose to represent Norway and announced himself spectacularly, scoring four goals in an 11-1 demolition of Moldova.", "facts": ["Scored four goals in Norway's 11-1 rout of Moldova", "Was once on Liverpool's books as a youngster", "Born in England but chose to play for Norway"], "data_rating": 74, "fun": ["⚡ 0.71 goals per cap", "🌍 Plays abroad · Scotland"]}, {"player_id": 932, "team_id": 36, "fifa_code": "NOR", "team_name": "Norway", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 22, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Henrik Falchener", "date_of_birth": "2003-05-08", "age": 23, "caps": 1, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Viking", "club_country": "Norway", "club_league": "Eliteserien", "height_cm": 194, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 39, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 6, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Eliteserien, Norwegian Cup, UEFA Conference League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Most goals of any centre-back in the 2025 Eliteserien (6); 39 apps across competitions", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henrik_Falchener ; https://fbref.com/en/players/57fe6b9b/Henrik-Falchener", "backstory": "A 1.94m centre-back, Henrik Falchener took a winding path, having reportedly been rejected by Strømsgodset's academy before playing in the Norwegian lower divisions with Ørn Horten and Egersund. He joined Viking in 2025 and had a breakout season, scoring six goals - the most of any centre-back in the Eliteserien - as Viking won the title. He made his Norway debut in 2026 and earned a shock World Cup call-up.", "facts": ["Scored six goals, most of any Eliteserien centre-back, in his breakout 2025 season", "Was reportedly rejected by Strømsgodset's youth academy", "Earned a World Cup spot with just one senior cap"], "data_rating": 68, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 933, "team_id": 36, "fifa_code": "NOR", "team_name": "Norway", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 23, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Sander Tangvik", "date_of_birth": "2002-11-29", "age": 23, "caps": 0, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Hamburger SV", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 193, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 1, "club_starts_2025_26": 1, "club_minutes_2025_26": 90, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 0, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": 1, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Third-choice keeper, uncapped; made Bundesliga debut and saved a penalty on the final matchday", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sander_Tangvik ; https://www.bundesliga.com/en/player/sander-tangvik", "backstory": "Sander Tangvik started at Byåsen before joining Rosenborg's academy in 2017, eventually becoming a first-team regular over five seasons and 69 league appearances. In January 2026 he moved to Hamburger SV, and made his Bundesliga debut on the final matchday against Bayer Leverkusen, saving a penalty from Patrik Schick in a 1-1 draw. Uncapped at senior level, the 1.93m keeper earned a surprise World Cup call-up as third choice.", "facts": ["Saved a Patrik Schick penalty on his Bundesliga debut", "Uncapped at senior level when named in the World Cup squad", "Came through the Rosenborg academy"], "data_rating": 53, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Germany"]}, {"player_id": 934, "team_id": 36, "fifa_code": "NOR", "team_name": "Norway", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 24, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "LW", "player_name": "Jens Petter Hauge", "date_of_birth": "1999-10-12", "age": 26, "caps": 15, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Bodø/Glimt", "club_country": "Norway", "club_league": "Eliteserien", "height_cm": 183, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 39, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 13, "club_assists_2025_26": 6, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Eliteserien, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Combined Eliteserien (27 apps, 7g, 4a) and Champions League (12 apps, 6g, 2a); scored v Tottenham and Inter", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/clubs/players/250193522--jens-petter-hauge/statistics/ ; https://www.sofascore.com/football/player/jens-petter-hauge/838805", "backstory": "Bodø-born Jens Petter Hauge scored a hat-trick on his Bodø/Glimt senior debut and became the club's youngest top-flight scorer. A standout display against AC Milan earned him a 2020 move to the Rossoneri, followed by Eintracht Frankfurt, where he won the 2022 Europa League. He returned to Bodø/Glimt and had a prolific season, scoring against Tottenham and Inter in the Champions League.", "facts": ["Scored a hat-trick on his Bodø/Glimt senior debut", "Won the 2022 Europa League with Eintracht Frankfurt", "Scored against Tottenham and Inter in the Champions League this season"], "data_rating": 77, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 935, "team_id": 36, "fifa_code": "NOR", "team_name": "Norway", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 25, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Alexander Sørloth", "date_of_birth": "1995-12-05", "age": 30, "caps": 71, "international_goals": 26, "is_captain": false, "club": "Atlético Madrid", "club_country": "Spain", "club_league": "La Liga", "height_cm": 195, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 18000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 54, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 20, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": 4, "club_red_2025_26": 1, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "La Liga, Copa del Rey, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Experienced forward at Atlético Madrid; 20 goals all competitions (13 La Liga, 6 Champions League)", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.sportbusy.com/players/soccer/188230/ ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/alexander-sorloth/profil/spieler/238407", "backstory": "Son of former Norway international Gøran Sørloth, Alexander Sørloth started at Rosenborg and journeyed through Groningen, Midtjylland, Crystal Palace, loans across Europe, RB Leipzig, Real Sociedad and Villarreal before joining Atlético Madrid in 2024. A powerful 1.95m striker, he had a 20-goal season for Atlético and is a vital scoring outlet alongside Haaland for Norway.", "facts": ["Son of former Norway striker Gøran Sørloth", "First player in La Liga history to score a hat-trick before the 12th minute, netting four against Real Sociedad", "Has played in seven different countries"], "data_rating": 78, "fun": ["🔥 Top 3% scorer at the Cup", "🎖️ Most-capped in the squad (71)", "🌍 Plays abroad · Spain", "🎯 20 club goals in 2025/26"]}, {"player_id": 936, "team_id": 36, "fifa_code": "NOR", "team_name": "Norway", "group_letter": "I", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 26, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Jørgen Strand Larsen", "date_of_birth": "2000-02-06", "age": 26, "caps": 27, "international_goals": 6, "is_captain": false, "club": "Crystal Palace", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 193, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 36, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 5, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League (combined: 22 apps for Wolves, 14 for Crystal Palace after Feb 2026 transfer)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Joined Crystal Palace from Wolves Feb 2026 for club-record fee up to £48m; won the Conference League with Palace", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J%C3%B8rgen_Strand_Larsen ; https://www.premierleague.com/en/players/247412/j-rgen-strand-larsen/overview", "backstory": "Jørgen Strand Larsen broke through at Sarpsborg before moving to Groningen, where he was named Player of the Year, then Celta Vigo, where he was their top La Liga scorer in 2023-24. After an impressive loan-to-permanent spell at Wolves, he joined Crystal Palace in February 2026 for a club-record fee of up to £48m. The tall target man scored the stoppage-time goal in a 4-1 win in Italy that sealed Norway's World Cup place.", "facts": ["Scored the goal that helped seal Norway's World Cup qualification in a 4-1 win over Italy", "Joined Crystal Palace for a club-record fee of up to £48m", "Won the UEFA Conference League with Crystal Palace"], "data_rating": 68, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 937, "team_id": 37, "fifa_code": "ARG", "team_name": "Argentina", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 1, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Juan Musso", "date_of_birth": "1994-05-06", "age": 32, "caps": 3, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Atlético Madrid", "club_country": "Spain", "club_league": "La Liga", "height_cm": 193, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 5000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 12, "club_starts_2025_26": 12, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 2, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 4, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": 18, "club_competitions_2025_26": "La Liga, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Third-choice goalkeeper", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/juan-musso/15666/ ; https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/clubs/players/250137521--juan-musso/statistics/", "backstory": "Born in San Nicolás de los Arroyos, Juan Musso rose through the Racing Club academy and won the 2014 Primera División title there before establishing himself as the first-choice keeper. A 2018 move to Udinese made his name in Serie A, and in 2021 he joined Atalanta, lifting the 2024 Europa League. Now at Atlético Madrid, the calm, commanding shot-stopper travels to the World Cup as Argentina's third-choice goalkeeper behind the established pair.", "facts": ["Won the 2024 Europa League with Atalanta", "Was part of Argentina's 2021 Copa América-winning squad", "As a 16-year-old on loan saved three of five penalties to win a local title shoot-out"], "data_rating": 63, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Spain"]}, {"player_id": 938, "team_id": 37, "fifa_code": "ARG", "team_name": "Argentina", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 2, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Leonardo Balerdi", "date_of_birth": "1999-01-26", "age": 27, "caps": 7, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Marseille", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Ligue 1", "height_cm": 188, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 35000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 26, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1998, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": 5, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue 1", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Marseille captain; suffered calf injury and withdrew from squad on 6 June 2026", "enrichment_sources": "https://tribuna.com/en/persons/leonardo-balerdi/stat/2025-2026/ligue-1/ ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/leonardo-balerdi/leistungsdaten/spieler/575998/saison/2025", "backstory": "Leonardo Balerdi came through Boca Juniors' academy and earned a high-profile move to Borussia Dortmund in 2019 before finding his form at Marseille, where he became captain and a commanding ball-playing centre-back. A combative, athletic defender, he had broken into Scaloni's wider squad on the back of strong Ligue 1 seasons. A calf injury forced him to withdraw from the World Cup squad on 6 June 2026.", "facts": ["Captains Marseille", "Moved from Boca Juniors to Borussia Dortmund as a teenager", "Withdrew from the 2026 World Cup squad with a calf injury"], "data_rating": 68, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · France"]}, {"player_id": 939, "team_id": 37, "fifa_code": "ARG", "team_name": "Argentina", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 3, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "LB", "player_name": "Nicolás Tagliafico", "date_of_birth": "1992-08-31", "age": 33, "caps": 75, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Lyon", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Ligue 1", "height_cm": 170, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": 6000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 27, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 3, "club_yellow_2025_26": 3, "club_red_2025_26": 2, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue 1, UEFA Europa League, Coupe de France", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Regular starting left-back", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/nicolas-tagliafico/20081/ ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/nicolas-tagliafico/leistungsdaten/spieler/131225", "backstory": "A late bloomer from Rafael Calzada in Greater Buenos Aires, Nicolás Tagliafico broke through at Banfield and Independiente, captaining the latter to the 2017 Copa Sudamericana before joining Ajax, where he won back-to-back Eredivisie titles. The tenacious, overlapping left-back was a starter in Argentina's 2021 Copa América and 2022 World Cup triumphs. Now at Lyon, the experienced campaigner returns for what is likely his second and final World Cup as a senior figure in the back line.", "facts": ["Won the 2022 World Cup and 2021 Copa América with Argentina", "Won two Eredivisie titles at Ajax", "Captained Independiente to the 2017 Copa Sudamericana"], "data_rating": 70, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · France"]}, {"player_id": 940, "team_id": 37, "fifa_code": "ARG", "team_name": "Argentina", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 4, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "RB", "player_name": "Gonzalo Montiel", "date_of_birth": "1997-01-01", "age": 29, "caps": 38, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "River Plate", "club_country": "Argentina", "club_league": "Primera División", "height_cm": 175, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 8000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 14, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 4, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Liga Profesional, Copa Argentina", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": "Returned to River Plate in 2025", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.transfermarkt.us/gonzalo-montiel/leistungsdaten/spieler/402733 ; https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/gonzalo-montiel/18881/", "backstory": "A River Plate academy product, Gonzalo Montiel won the 2018 Copa Libertadores with the club before moving to Sevilla in 2021. The right-back etched his name into Argentine folklore by converting the winning penalty in the 2022 World Cup final shoot-out against France. After a loan at Nottingham Forest, he returned to River Plate in 2025 and brings World Cup-winning nerve to the squad.", "facts": ["Scored the winning penalty in the 2022 World Cup final shoot-out", "Won the 2018 Copa Libertadores with River Plate", "Won the 2021 Copa América with Argentina"], "data_rating": 67, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 941, "team_id": 37, "fifa_code": "ARG", "team_name": "Argentina", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 5, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CDM", "player_name": "Leandro Paredes", "date_of_birth": "1994-06-29", "age": 31, "caps": 77, "international_goals": 5, "is_captain": false, "club": "Boca Juniors", "club_country": "Argentina", "club_league": "Primera División", "height_cm": 182, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 6000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 18, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1334, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": 3, "club_yellow_2025_26": 7, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Liga Profesional", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Midfield anchor; rejoined Boca Juniors in 2025", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.flashscore.com/player/paredes-leandro/lbNnSBiA/ ; https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/leandro-paredes/2135/", "backstory": "Leandro Paredes emerged from Boca Juniors before a long European journey took him to Roma, Zenit, Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus and Roma again. The deep-lying playmaker, known for his range of passing and set-piece delivery, was a key squad member in the 2021 Copa América and 2022 World Cup wins. He rejoined Boca Juniors in 2025 and anchors Argentina's midfield as a seasoned, title-laden presence.", "facts": ["Won the 2022 World Cup and 2021 Copa América with Argentina", "Came through the Boca Juniors academy and returned in 2025", "Played for PSG alongside Messi, Neymar and Mbappé"], "data_rating": 69, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 942, "team_id": 37, "fifa_code": "ARG", "team_name": "Argentina", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 6, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Lisandro Martínez", "date_of_birth": "1998-01-18", "age": 28, "caps": 26, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Manchester United", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 175, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": 35000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 17, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1140, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": 1, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Left-footed ball-playing centre-back; ACL injury Feb 2026 ended his season", "enrichment_sources": "https://footystats.org/players/argentina/lisandro-martinez ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/lisandro-martinez/leistungsdaten/spieler/480762", "backstory": "Nicknamed 'Lisandro the Butcher' for his ferocious tackling, Lisandro Martínez came through Newell's Old Boys, moved to Defensa y Justicia and then Ajax, where he won three Eredivisie titles before Manchester United signed him in 2022. A left-footed, aggressive ball-playing centre-back, he was integral to Argentina's 2022 World Cup triumph. An ACL injury in February 2026 cut short his club season, making his World Cup fitness a major storyline.", "facts": ["Won the 2022 World Cup with Argentina", "Won three Eredivisie titles at Ajax", "Suffered an ACL injury in February 2026"], "data_rating": 68, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 943, "team_id": 37, "fifa_code": "ARG", "team_name": "Argentina", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 7, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Rodrigo De Paul", "date_of_birth": "1994-05-24", "age": 32, "caps": 85, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Inter Miami CF", "club_country": "United States", "club_league": "Major League Soccer", "height_cm": 180, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 18000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 17, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 4, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Major League Soccer, Leagues Cup (2025 season after July arrival)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Box-to-box midfielder; reunited with Messi at Inter Miami; scored MLS Cup 2025 title-clinching goal", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rodrigo_De_Paul ; https://www.intermiamicf.com/players/rodrigo-de-paul-x0081/stats/", "backstory": "Rodrigo De Paul began at Racing Club and matured in Europe with Valencia and Udinese before Atlético Madrid signed the relentless box-to-box midfielder in 2021. Famously dubbed Messi's 'bodyguard' on the pitch, he was a driving force in the 2021 Copa América and 2022 World Cup victories. In 2025 he reunited with Messi at Inter Miami, scoring the goal that clinched the 2025 MLS Cup, and he remains Scaloni's midfield engine.", "facts": ["Won the 2022 World Cup and 2021 Copa América with Argentina", "Reunited with Messi at Inter Miami and scored the 2025 MLS Cup-clinching goal", "Known as Messi's on-pitch 'bodyguard'"], "data_rating": 71, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · United States"]}, {"player_id": 944, "team_id": 37, "fifa_code": "ARG", "team_name": "Argentina", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 8, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "LB", "player_name": "Valentín Barco", "date_of_birth": "2004-07-23", "age": 21, "caps": 2, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Strasbourg", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Ligue 1", "height_cm": 170, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": 25000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 38, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": 9, "club_yellow_2025_26": 5, "club_red_2025_26": 1, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue 1, UEFA Conference League, Coupe de France", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Young left-sided player at Strasbourg; led squad with 9 assists across all competitions", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.sofascore.com/news/valentin-barcos-2025-26-season-at-strasbourg-numbers-that-travel-well ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/valentin-barco/leistungsdaten/spieler/849410", "backstory": "Valentín 'Colo' Barco grew up in Norberto de la Riestra and joined Boca Juniors' academy in 2014, debuting at 16 and starting the 2023 Copa Libertadores final. Brighton signed him in 2024, but it was at Strasbourg, after loan spells, that the left-footer flourished, reinvented from adventurous full-back into one of Ligue 1's most inventive young midfielders. He led his club in assists in 2025-26 and heads to his first World Cup as an exciting young talent.", "facts": ["Made his Boca Juniors debut at 16", "Started the 2023 Copa Libertadores final aged 19", "Led Strasbourg in assists in 2025-26"], "data_rating": 71, "fun": ["⚡ 0.5 goals per cap", "🐣 Youngest in the squad (21)", "🌍 Plays abroad · France"]}, {"player_id": 945, "team_id": 37, "fifa_code": "ARG", "team_name": "Argentina", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 9, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Julián Álvarez", "date_of_birth": "2000-01-31", "age": 26, "caps": 51, "international_goals": 14, "is_captain": false, "club": "Atlético Madrid", "club_country": "Spain", "club_league": "La Liga", "height_cm": 173, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 100000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 49, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 20, "club_assists_2025_26": 9, "club_yellow_2025_26": 2, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "La Liga, UEFA Champions League, Copa del Rey", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Key Atlético Madrid forward", "enrichment_sources": "https://tribuna.com/en/persons/julian-alvarez/stat/2025-2026/ ; https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/julian-alvarez/marktwertverlauf/spieler/576024", "backstory": "From Calchín in Córdoba, Julián Álvarez rose through River Plate, winning the 2021 domestic title and finishing as top scorer before Manchester City signed him, where he won the Premier League, FA Cup and 2023 Champions League treble. A versatile, tireless forward, he scored four goals at the 2022 World Cup en route to glory. A 2024 move to Atlético Madrid made him a centrepiece, and he arrives as one of Argentina's most lethal attackers.", "facts": ["Won the 2022 World Cup with Argentina, scoring four goals", "Completed the Treble with Manchester City in 2023", "Won an Olympic gold with Argentina at Tokyo 2020"], "data_rating": 87, "fun": ["💎 Most valuable in the squad", "🌍 Plays abroad · Spain", "🎯 20 club goals in 2025/26"]}, {"player_id": 946, "team_id": 37, "fifa_code": "ARG", "team_name": "Argentina", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 10, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "RW", "player_name": "Lionel Messi", "date_of_birth": "1987-06-24", "age": 38, "caps": 198, "international_goals": 116, "is_captain": true, "club": "Inter Miami CF", "club_country": "United States", "club_league": "Major League Soccer", "height_cm": 170, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": 20000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 48, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 43, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Major League Soccer, Leagues Cup, Concacaf Champions Cup, FIFA Club World Cup (2025 calendar year)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Captain and all-time leader; sixth World Cup; 2025 MLS MVP and Golden Boot (29 league goals)", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/43935337/lionel-messi-2025-tracker-inter-miami-games-goals-assists-stats ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lionel_Messi", "backstory": "Widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, Lionel Messi left Rosario for Barcelona's La Masia at 13, going on to win a record number of Ballons d'Or, four Champions Leagues and an avalanche of titles. After a spell at PSG he joined Inter Miami in 2023, transforming MLS. Having captained Argentina to the 2021 Copa América and the 2022 World Cup, the all-time leading scorer and appearance maker leads the Albiceleste at a record sixth World Cup.", "facts": ["Captained Argentina to the 2022 World Cup and won the Golden Ball", "Argentina's all-time leader in caps and goals", "2025 MLS MVP and Golden Boot winner with Inter Miami"], "data_rating": 91, "fun": ["⚡ 0.59 goals per cap", "🔥 Top 1% scorer at the Cup", "🎖️ Most-capped in the squad (198)", "🧓 Veteran presence", "🌍 Plays abroad · United States"]}, {"player_id": 947, "team_id": 37, "fifa_code": "ARG", "team_name": "Argentina", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 11, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CAM", "player_name": "Giovani Lo Celso", "date_of_birth": "1996-04-09", "age": 30, "caps": 65, "international_goals": 4, "is_captain": false, "club": "Real Betis", "club_country": "Spain", "club_league": "La Liga", "height_cm": 177, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": 18000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 32, "club_starts_2025_26": 20, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": 3, "club_yellow_2025_26": 4, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "La Liga, UEFA Conference League, Copa del Rey", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Creative midfielder at Real Betis", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.transfermarkt.us/giovani-lo-celso/leistungsdaten/spieler/348795 ; https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/giovani-lo-celso/18515/", "backstory": "Giovani Lo Celso came through Rosario Central before PSG brought him to Europe, after which he developed at Real Betis and Tottenham Hotspur. A graceful, left-footed creative midfielder, he was part of Argentina's 2021 Copa América squad and featured in the 2022 World Cup build-up before injury ruled him out of the finals. Back at Real Betis and fit, he returns to a World Cup squad as a refined playmaking option.", "facts": ["Won the 2021 Copa América with Argentina", "Missed the 2022 World Cup through injury", "Came through the Rosario Central academy"], "data_rating": 73, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Spain"]}, {"player_id": 948, "team_id": 37, "fifa_code": "ARG", "team_name": "Argentina", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 12, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Gerónimo Rulli", "date_of_birth": "1992-05-20", "age": 34, "caps": 7, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Marseille", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Ligue 1", "height_cm": 189, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 8000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 36, "club_starts_2025_26": 36, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 3, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 8, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": 50, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue 1, UEFA Champions League, Coupe de France", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Backup goalkeeper; Marseille starter", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/geronimo-rulli/18508/ ; https://footystats.org/players/argentina/geronimo-rulli", "backstory": "Gerónimo Rulli graduated from Estudiantes and spent his prime years in Spain with Real Sociedad and Villarreal, winning the 2021 Europa League with the latter. The agile keeper later joined Ajax and then Marseille, where he became a reliable Ligue 1 and Champions League starter. A long-serving understudy for Argentina, he provides experienced cover behind the first-choice goalkeeper.", "facts": ["Won the 2021 Europa League with Villarreal", "Came through the Estudiantes academy", "Marseille's first-choice goalkeeper"], "data_rating": 70, "fun": ["🧓 Veteran presence", "🌍 Plays abroad · France"]}, {"player_id": 949, "team_id": 37, "fifa_code": "ARG", "team_name": "Argentina", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 13, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Cristian Romero", "date_of_birth": "1998-04-27", "age": 28, "caps": 49, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "Tottenham Hotspur", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 45000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 32, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 6, "club_assists_2025_26": 3, "club_yellow_2025_26": 12, "club_red_2025_26": 2, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Tottenham captain; first-choice centre-back", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.premierleague.com/en/players/221632/cristian-romero/stats ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/cristian-romero/profil/spieler/355915", "backstory": "Cristian 'Cuti' Romero began at Belgrano de Córdoba before moving to Genoa, then Atalanta, and a loan-to-permanent deal took him to Tottenham Hotspur, where he became captain. An aggressive, front-foot centre-back, he was a defensive cornerstone of Argentina's 2021 Copa América and 2022 World Cup triumphs. He arrives as a first-choice defender and one of the leaders of the back line.", "facts": ["Won the 2022 World Cup and 2021 Copa América with Argentina", "Captains Tottenham Hotspur", "Came through Belgrano de Córdoba's youth system"], "data_rating": 78, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 950, "team_id": 37, "fifa_code": "ARG", "team_name": "Argentina", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 14, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Exequiel Palacios", "date_of_birth": "1998-10-05", "age": 27, "caps": 38, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Bayer Leverkusen", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 177, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 22000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 18, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Central midfielder at Leverkusen", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.bundesliga.com/en/bundesliga/player/exequiel-palacios ; https://fbref.com/en/players/e82adcab/Exequiel-Palacios", "backstory": "Exequiel Palacios rose through River Plate, winning the 2018 Copa Libertadores before joining Bayer Leverkusen in 2020. A composed central midfielder, he was part of the historic Leverkusen side that went unbeaten to win the 2023-24 Bundesliga and German Cup double, and he scored two penalties in that cup final. A 2022 World Cup winner, he offers balance and quality in Argentina's midfield rotation.", "facts": ["Won the 2022 World Cup with Argentina", "Part of Leverkusen's unbeaten 2023-24 Bundesliga double winners", "Won the 2018 Copa Libertadores with River Plate"], "data_rating": 66, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Germany"]}, {"player_id": 951, "team_id": 37, "fifa_code": "ARG", "team_name": "Argentina", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 15, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "LW", "player_name": "Nicolás González", "date_of_birth": "1998-04-06", "age": 28, "caps": 50, "international_goals": 6, "is_captain": false, "club": "Atlético Madrid", "club_country": "Spain", "club_league": "La Liga", "height_cm": 180, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 22000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 24, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1455, "club_goals_2025_26": 5, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 5, "club_red_2025_26": 1, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "La Liga", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": "On loan at Atlético Madrid from Juventus", "enrichment_sources": "https://footystats.org/players/argentina/nicolas-gonzalez ; https://en.atleticodemadrid.com/jugadores/nicolas-ivan-gonzalez-2025-2026-2", "backstory": "Nicolás González came through Argentinos Juniors and made his name at Stuttgart before establishing himself at Fiorentina and later Juventus, joining Atlético Madrid on loan. A powerful, direct wide forward comfortable on either flank, he was named in Argentina's 2022 World Cup squad but missed the finals through injury. He returns offering pace, physicality and goal threat from the wing.", "facts": ["Won the 2021 Copa América with Argentina", "Came through the Argentinos Juniors academy", "Missed the 2022 World Cup finals through injury"], "data_rating": 68, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Spain"]}, {"player_id": 952, "team_id": 37, "fifa_code": "ARG", "team_name": "Argentina", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 16, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "CAM", "player_name": "Thiago Almada", "date_of_birth": "2001-04-26", "age": 25, "caps": 14, "international_goals": 4, "is_captain": false, "club": "Atlético Madrid", "club_country": "Spain", "club_league": "La Liga", "height_cm": 171, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 40000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 27, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1313, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": 2, "club_red_2025_26": 1, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "La Liga", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": "Attacking midfielder; joined Atlético in 2025", "enrichment_sources": "https://tribuna.com/en/persons/thiago-almada/stat/2025-2026/ ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/thiago-almada/leistungsdaten/spieler/576028/saison/2025", "backstory": "Thiago Almada emerged from Vélez Sarsfield and became the most expensive signing in MLS history when Atlanta United paid a record fee in 2022. A gifted left-footed attacking midfielder, he was an unused-then-substitute member of the 2022 World Cup winners, making him the first active MLS player to win the trophy. After spells at Botafogo and Lyon, he joined Atlético Madrid in 2025 and brings flair to Argentina's attack.", "facts": ["Became the first active MLS player to win a World Cup (2022)", "Won Olympic gold with Argentina at Paris 2024", "Was an MLS-record signing when he joined Atlanta United"], "data_rating": 67, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Spain"]}, {"player_id": 953, "team_id": 37, "fifa_code": "ARG", "team_name": "Argentina", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 17, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "RW", "player_name": "Giuliano Simeone", "date_of_birth": "2002-12-18", "age": 23, "caps": 11, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Atlético Madrid", "club_country": "Spain", "club_league": "La Liga", "height_cm": 173, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 35000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 31, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2109, "club_goals_2025_26": 4, "club_assists_2025_26": 6, "club_yellow_2025_26": 3, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "La Liga", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Energetic wide forward at Atlético Madrid", "enrichment_sources": "https://tribuna.com/en/persons/giuliano-simeone/stat/2025-2026/copa-del-rey/ ; https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/giuliano-simeone/18932/", "backstory": "Son of Atlético Madrid legend Diego Simeone, Giuliano Simeone came through River Plate's academy before following his father to Atlético, breaking into the first team after a loan at Alavés. A relentless, high-energy wide forward who mirrors his father's intensity, he forced his way into the Argentina squad with strong club form. He represents the next generation of the Simeone footballing dynasty at this World Cup.", "facts": ["Son of Atlético Madrid manager Diego Simeone", "Came through the River Plate academy", "Plays under his father at Atlético Madrid"], "data_rating": 68, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Spain"]}, {"player_id": 954, "team_id": 37, "fifa_code": "ARG", "team_name": "Argentina", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 18, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "CAM", "player_name": "Nico Paz", "date_of_birth": "2004-09-08", "age": 21, "caps": 8, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Como 1907", "club_country": "Italy", "club_league": "Serie A", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 65000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 35, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2887, "club_goals_2025_26": 12, "club_assists_2025_26": 6, "club_yellow_2025_26": 5, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Serie A", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Como playmaker wearing number 10; named best midfielder of Serie A 2025-26", "enrichment_sources": "https://tribuna.com/en/persons/nicolas-paz-martinez/stat/2025-2026/serie-a/ ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/nico-paz/profil/spieler/948294", "backstory": "Born in Spain to former Argentina international Pablo Paz, Nico Paz joined Real Madrid's La Fábrica in 2016 and even debuted for the first team before a 2024 move to Como unlocked his talent. A modern number 10 with dazzling dribbling and shooting, he was named the best midfielder of Serie A in 2025-26. The breakout playmaker arrives as one of the most exciting young creators in world football.", "facts": ["Son of 1998 World Cup defender Pablo Paz", "Came through Real Madrid's academy and debuted for the first team", "Named best midfielder of Serie A 2025-26"], "data_rating": 73, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Italy"]}, {"player_id": 955, "team_id": 37, "fifa_code": "ARG", "team_name": "Argentina", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 19, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Nicolás Otamendi", "date_of_birth": "1988-02-12", "age": 38, "caps": 130, "international_goals": 8, "is_captain": false, "club": "Benfica", "club_country": "Portugal", "club_league": "Primeira Liga", "height_cm": 183, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 3000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 40, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 3714, "club_goals_2025_26": 7, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": 7, "club_red_2025_26": 1, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Primeira Liga, UEFA Champions League, Taça de Portugal, Taça da Liga", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Veteran centre-back; Benfica captain", "enrichment_sources": "https://footystats.org/players/argentina/nicolas-otamendi ; https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/nicolas-otamendi/21366/", "backstory": "Nicolás Otamendi started at Vélez Sarsfield before a globe-spanning career took him to Porto, Valencia, Manchester City and, since 2020, Benfica, where he became captain. A no-nonsense, leader-type centre-back, 'El General' anchored Argentina's defence to the 2021 Copa América and 2022 World Cup titles. One of the most-capped players in the squad, the veteran still logs huge minutes and brings irreplaceable experience.", "facts": ["Won the 2022 World Cup and 2021 Copa América with Argentina", "One of Argentina's all-time most-capped players", "Captains Benfica"], "data_rating": 80, "fun": ["🧓 Veteran presence", "🌍 Plays abroad · Portugal"]}, {"player_id": 956, "team_id": 37, "fifa_code": "ARG", "team_name": "Argentina", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 20, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Alexis Mac Allister", "date_of_birth": "1998-12-24", "age": 27, "caps": 44, "international_goals": 6, "is_captain": false, "club": "Liverpool", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 176, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 70000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 49, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 5, "club_assists_2025_26": 5, "club_yellow_2025_26": 7, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Liverpool midfield regular", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.premierleague.com/en/players/243016/alexis-mac-allister/stats ; https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/clubs/players/250172672--alexis-mac-allister/statistics/", "backstory": "Raised in Argentina with English heritage through his grandfather, Alexis Mac Allister came through Argentinos Juniors before Brighton signed him, where he blossomed. A clever, two-footed midfielder, he scored in the 2022 World Cup final and was central to Argentina's title. Liverpool signed him in 2023, and he won the Premier League there. He is now a midfield linchpin for both club and country.", "facts": ["Won the 2022 World Cup with Argentina", "Won the Premier League with Liverpool", "Comes from a footballing family; his father and brothers are also footballers"], "data_rating": 79, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 957, "team_id": 37, "fifa_code": "ARG", "team_name": "Argentina", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 21, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "José Manuel López", "date_of_birth": "2000-12-06", "age": 25, "caps": 3, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Palmeiras", "club_country": "Brazil", "club_league": "Série A", "height_cm": 190, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 30000000, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 7, "club_assists_2025_26": 4, "club_yellow_2025_26": 2, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Brasileirão Série A, Campeonato Paulista, Copa do Brasil", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": "Palmeiras striker; 2025 South American Team of the Year; 2025 Copa Libertadores top scorer (7 goals across 12 apps)", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.transfermarkt.us/jose-manuel-lopez/leistungsdaten/spieler/844797 ; https://fbref.com/en/players/e1426a52/Jose-Manuel-Lopez", "backstory": "José Manuel 'Flaco' López was released by Independiente as a teenager after a back injury, then rebuilt his career at Lanús via a loan in the regional league of Tres Arroyos. His goals earned a move to Palmeiras in 2022, where he won back-to-back Brasileirão titles and became the 2025 Copa Libertadores top scorer and a South American Team of the Year pick. The tall striker earns a fairytale first World Cup call-up.", "facts": ["Released by Independiente as a youth before rebuilding his career", "2025 Copa Libertadores top scorer", "Named in the 2025 South American Team of the Year"], "data_rating": 65, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Brazil"]}, {"player_id": 958, "team_id": 37, "fifa_code": "ARG", "team_name": "Argentina", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 22, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Lautaro Martínez", "date_of_birth": "1997-08-22", "age": 28, "caps": 75, "international_goals": 36, "is_captain": false, "club": "Inter Milan", "club_country": "Italy", "club_league": "Serie A", "height_cm": 174, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 72000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 37, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 20, "club_assists_2025_26": 5, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Serie A, UEFA Champions League, Coppa Italia", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Inter Milan captain and main centre-forward; 2025-26 Serie A top scorer (17 goals)", "enrichment_sources": "https://tribuna.com/en/persons/lautaro-martinez/stat/2025-2026/ ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lautaro_Mart%C3%ADnez", "backstory": "Lautaro 'El Toro' Martínez emerged at Racing Club before Inter Milan signed him in 2018, where he became captain and a serial scorer, winning multiple Serie A titles and reaching the Champions League final. A sharp, all-action centre-forward, he was the Golden Boot winner at the 2024 Copa América and a key part of the 2021 and 2022 successes. He arrives as Argentina's main striker and Serie A's leading scorer in 2025-26.", "facts": ["Won the 2022 World Cup and 2024 Copa América (Golden Boot) with Argentina", "Captains Inter Milan", "2025-26 Serie A top scorer"], "data_rating": 89, "fun": ["🔥 Top 2% scorer at the Cup", "🌍 Plays abroad · Italy", "🎯 20 club goals in 2025/26"]}, {"player_id": 959, "team_id": 37, "fifa_code": "ARG", "team_name": "Argentina", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 23, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Emiliano Martínez", "date_of_birth": "1992-09-02", "age": 33, "caps": 59, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Aston Villa", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 195, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 22000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 32, "club_starts_2025_26": 32, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2836, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": 2, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 8, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": 37, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "First-choice goalkeeper", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.premierleague.com/en/players/98980/emiliano-martinez/stats ; https://footystats.org/players/argentina/emiliano-martinez", "backstory": "Emiliano 'Dibu' Martínez left Independiente for Arsenal at 17 and endured a decade of loans before a breakout 2019-20 season, then joined Aston Villa and exploded into a world-class keeper. His penalty heroics and saves were decisive in the 2021 Copa América and 2022 World Cup, where he won the Golden Glove. A larger-than-life shot-stopper and shoot-out specialist, he is Argentina's undisputed number one.", "facts": ["Won the 2022 World Cup Golden Glove", "Won the 2021 and 2024 Copa América with Argentina", "Twice named FIFA's best men's goalkeeper (The Best, 2022 and 2023)"], "data_rating": 87, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 960, "team_id": 37, "fifa_code": "ARG", "team_name": "Argentina", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 24, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Enzo Fernández", "date_of_birth": "2001-01-17", "age": 25, "caps": 40, "international_goals": 6, "is_captain": false, "club": "Chelsea", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 90000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 39, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 11, "club_assists_2025_26": 4, "club_yellow_2025_26": 10, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Central midfielder; key Chelsea starter", "enrichment_sources": "https://tribuna.com/en/persons/enzo-fernandez/stat/2025-2026/epl/ ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/enzo-fernandez/marktwertverlauf/spieler/648195", "backstory": "Enzo Fernández rose through River Plate, winning a domestic title, before a 2022 move to Benfica preceded a stunning World Cup in which he was named Best Young Player as Argentina lifted the trophy. Chelsea then made him a club-record signing in January 2023, and he won the 2025 Club World Cup there. A composed, progressive central midfielder, he is the metronome of Argentina's engine room.", "facts": ["Named Best Young Player of the 2022 World Cup", "Was a Chelsea club-record signing when he joined in 2023", "Came through the River Plate academy"], "data_rating": 81, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 961, "team_id": 37, "fifa_code": "ARG", "team_name": "Argentina", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 25, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Facundo Medina", "date_of_birth": "1999-05-28", "age": 27, "caps": 7, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Marseille", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Ligue 1", "height_cm": 184, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": 25000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 17, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1367, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": 7, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue 1", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Versatile defender at Marseille", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/facundo-medina/2271/ ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/facundo-medina/profil/spieler/474800", "backstory": "Born in Villa Fiorito, Facundo Medina began at River Plate before joining Talleres de Córdoba and then Lens, where the left-footed defender became a fan favourite and helped them finish second in Ligue 1. He moved to Marseille in 2025. Versatile across centre-back and left-back, and a 2020 Pre-Olympic champion, he provides defensive depth and flexibility for Argentina.", "facts": ["Won the 2020 CONMEBOL Pre-Olympic Tournament with Argentina's U23s", "Helped Lens finish second in Ligue 1 and reach the Champions League", "Can play both centre-back and left-back"], "data_rating": 65, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · France"]}, {"player_id": 962, "team_id": 37, "fifa_code": "ARG", "team_name": "Argentina", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 26, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "RB", "player_name": "Nahuel Molina", "date_of_birth": "1998-04-06", "age": 28, "caps": 58, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Atlético Madrid", "club_country": "Spain", "club_league": "La Liga", "height_cm": 175, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 25000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 26, "club_starts_2025_26": 13, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1320, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": 4, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "La Liga", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": "Starting right-back at Atlético Madrid", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/nahuel-molina/15949/ ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/nahuel-molina/leistungsdaten/spieler/424042", "backstory": "Nahuel Molina came through Boca Juniors but made his name at Udinese in Serie A before Atlético Madrid signed the attacking right-back in 2022. Quick and energetic on the overlap, he scored and assisted in the famous 2022 World Cup quarter-final against the Netherlands and was a starter throughout the winning campaign. He returns as Argentina's first-choice right-back.", "facts": ["Won the 2022 World Cup and 2021 Copa América with Argentina", "Scored in the 2022 World Cup quarter-final against the Netherlands", "Came through the Boca Juniors academy"], "data_rating": 71, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Spain"]}, {"player_id": 963, "team_id": 38, "fifa_code": "ALG", "team_name": "Algeria", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 1, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Melvin Mastil", "date_of_birth": "2000-02-19", "age": 26, "caps": 1, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Stade Nyonnais", "club_country": "Switzerland", "club_league": "Swiss Challenge League", "height_cm": 194, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 250000, "club_apps_2025_26": 29, "club_starts_2025_26": 29, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2880, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 0, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 6, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": 50, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Swiss Challenge League, Swiss Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/1285492/melvin-mastil ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/melvin-mastil/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/534398/saison/2025/wettbewerb/C2/verein/5507", "backstory": "Melvin Mastil was born in Thonon-les-Bains, France, and came up entirely through the Swiss system, starting at amateur side Echichens before joining Lausanne-Sport, where he sat as third-choice goalkeeper. To get game time he was loaned out repeatedly, landing at Stade Nyonnais in the Swiss Challenge League, where his shot-stopping turned heads. A late international call-up, he is a developmental keeper option for Algeria at the 2026 World Cup with just a single senior cap.", "facts": ["Born in France but came through the Swiss football pyramid", "Once earned a 9.5 Sofascore match rating after six saves in a 0-0 draw with FC Wil", "Extended his Lausanne-Sport contract to 2029 in January 2026"], "data_rating": 61, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Switzerland"]}, {"player_id": 964, "team_id": 38, "fifa_code": "ALG", "team_name": "Algeria", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 2, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Aissa Mandi", "date_of_birth": "1991-10-22", "age": 34, "caps": 117, "international_goals": 7, "is_captain": false, "club": "Lille OSC", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Ligue 1", "height_cm": 184, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": 1000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 40, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue 1, UEFA Europa League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 420, "career_club_goals": 24, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Algeria's most-capped player", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A%C3%AFssa_Mandi", "backstory": "Aissa Mandi was born in Chalons-en-Champagne to Algerian parents from Chlef and rose through the Reims academy, debuting in Ligue 2 in 2010 and helping the club win promotion. The composed centre-back built a long La Liga career at Real Betis and then Villarreal before returning to France with Lille in 2024. A 2019 AFCON winner, he is now Algeria's most-capped player of all time and the experienced leader at the heart of the World Cup defence.", "facts": ["Algeria's most-capped player of all time, with over 115 caps", "Won the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations", "Broke Rabah Madjer's AFCON appearance record alongside Riyad Mahrez in January 2026"], "data_rating": 73, "fun": ["🎖️ Most-capped in the squad (117)", "🧓 Veteran presence", "🌍 Plays abroad · France"]}, {"player_id": 965, "team_id": 38, "fifa_code": "ALG", "team_name": "Algeria", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 3, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Achref Abada", "date_of_birth": "1999-06-15", "age": 26, "caps": 7, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "USM Alger", "club_country": "Algeria", "club_league": "Algerian Ligue 1", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": 1000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 13, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": null, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Algerian Ligue 1", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Achref_Abada ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/achref-abada/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/949929/saison/2025/wettbewerb/ALG1/verein/13364", "backstory": "Achref Abada is a centre-back who made his name at ASO Chlef in the Algerian top flight, winning the Coupe Nationale in 2022-23. In January 2026 he joined USM Alger in what was reported as the most expensive domestic transfer in Algerian football history, and he quickly added a CAF Confederation Cup and another Coupe Nationale. He impressed at the 2025 FIFA Arab Cup and travels to the World Cup as a home-based defensive option.", "facts": ["His January 2026 move to USM Alger was reported as the most expensive transfer in Algerian football history", "Won the CAF Confederation Cup and Coupe Nationale in his first season at USM Alger"], "data_rating": 59, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 966, "team_id": 38, "fifa_code": "ALG", "team_name": "Algeria", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 4, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Mohamed Amine Tougai", "date_of_birth": "2000-01-22", "age": 26, "caps": 29, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Esperance de Tunis", "club_country": "Tunisia", "club_league": "Tunisian Ligue Professionnelle 1", "height_cm": 186, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": 1300000, "club_apps_2025_26": 21, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 4, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Tunisian Ligue Professionnelle 1, CAF Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 202, "career_club_goals": 15, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohamed_Amine_Tougai", "backstory": "Mohamed Amine Tougai was born in Bourouba, Algiers, and came through NA Hussein Dey before making a defining move to Tunisian giants Esperance de Tunis in 2020. A towering centre-back, he has racked up over 200 appearances and a string of Tunisian league titles, becoming a CAF Champions League regular. He is a key part of Algeria's central defence at the World Cup.", "facts": ["Won multiple Tunisian league titles with Esperance de Tunis", "Won the 2021 FIFA Arab Cup with Algeria", "Stands a commanding 1.86m at centre-back"], "data_rating": 65, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Tunisia"]}, {"player_id": 967, "team_id": 38, "fifa_code": "ALG", "team_name": "Algeria", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 5, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Zineddine Belaid", "date_of_birth": "1999-03-20", "age": 27, "caps": 10, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "JS Kabylie", "club_country": "Algeria", "club_league": "Algerian Ligue 1", "height_cm": 186, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": 1800000, "club_apps_2025_26": 21, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 2, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Algerian Ligue 1", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.transfermarkt.us/zineddine-belaid/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/625142/wettbewerb/ALG1/saison/2025 ; https://www.sofascore.com/football/player/zineddine-belaid/1018822", "backstory": "Zineddine Belaid is a centre-back who broke through at NA Hussein Dey before a 2020 move to USM Alger, where he became one of Algeria's most respected defenders and won the CAF Confederation Cup. After a spell in Belgium with Sint-Truiden, he returned home to sign for JS Kabylie in 2025. He featured in Algeria's run to the 2022 African Nations Championship final and provides defensive depth for the World Cup squad.", "facts": ["Played a pivotal role in USM Alger's CAF Confederation Cup triumph", "Reached the 2022 African Nations Championship final with Algeria, finishing runner-up to Senegal"], "data_rating": 62, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 968, "team_id": 38, "fifa_code": "ALG", "team_name": "Algeria", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 6, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CDM", "player_name": "Ramiz Zerrouki", "date_of_birth": "1998-05-26", "age": 28, "caps": 52, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "FC Twente", "club_country": "Netherlands", "club_league": "Eredivisie", "height_cm": 183, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": 6500000, "club_apps_2025_26": 35, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Eredivisie, KNVB Beker", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 176, "career_club_goals": 7, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramiz_Zerrouki", "backstory": "Ramiz Zerrouki was born in Amsterdam and began at the Ajax academy before moving to FC Twente, where he lived with a host family and developed into a dependable defensive midfielder. He earned a move to Feyenoord in 2023, winning the KNVB Cup, then returned to Twente on loan for 2025-26. A tidy, tactically aware anchor, he provides balance in Algeria's midfield at the World Cup.", "facts": ["Started out at the Ajax youth academy before joining FC Twente", "Won the KNVB Cup with Feyenoord"], "data_rating": 69, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Netherlands"]}, {"player_id": 969, "team_id": 38, "fifa_code": "ALG", "team_name": "Algeria", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 7, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "RW", "player_name": "Riyad Mahrez", "date_of_birth": "1991-02-21", "age": 35, "caps": 114, "international_goals": 38, "is_captain": true, "club": "Al-Ahli", "club_country": "Saudi Arabia", "club_league": "Saudi Pro League", "height_cm": 179, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": 5000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 44, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 8, "club_assists_2025_26": 8, "club_yellow_2025_26": 1, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Saudi Pro League, King's Cup, AFC Champions League Elite, Saudi Super Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 540, "career_club_goals": 139, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Captain and talisman, right winger", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Riyad_Mahrez ; https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/riyad-mahrez/3246/", "backstory": "Born in Clichy near Paris to an Algerian father, Riyad Mahrez took an unfashionable path through Quimper and Le Havre before a roughly 450,000-pound move to Leicester City in 2014. There he became a Premier League champion and PFA Player of the Year in the fairytale 2015-16 title, then won four more league titles and the Champions League at Manchester City before moving to Al-Ahli. Algeria's captain and talisman, the left-footed winger led the nation to the 2019 AFCON title and carries their hopes at the World Cup.", "facts": ["First African player to win the PFA Players' Player of the Year (2015-16)", "Reportedly thought Leicester City was a rugby club when he first signed", "Captained Algeria to the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations title"], "data_rating": 74, "fun": ["🔥 Top 2% scorer at the Cup", "🧓 Veteran presence", "🌍 Plays abroad · Saudi Arabia", "©️ Captain"]}, {"player_id": 970, "team_id": 38, "fifa_code": "ALG", "team_name": "Algeria", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 8, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CAM", "player_name": "Houssem Aouar", "date_of_birth": "1998-06-30", "age": 27, "caps": 20, "international_goals": 6, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al-Ittihad", "club_country": "Saudi Arabia", "club_league": "Saudi Pro League", "height_cm": 175, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": 8000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 35, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 15, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Saudi Pro League, King's Cup, AFC Champions League Elite, Saudi Super Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 270, "career_club_goals": 58, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Houssem_Aouar", "backstory": "Houssem Aouar was born in Lyon to Algerian parents and joined Olympique Lyonnais aged 11, eventually inheriting the symbolic number 8 once worn by club legend Juninho. He starred in Lyon's stunning 2019-20 Champions League run to the semi-finals before moving to Roma and then Al-Ittihad, winning the Saudi title. Having earlier played once for France, he switched to Algeria in 2023, saying it was 'just meant to be,' and is a creative midfield force at the World Cup.", "facts": ["Named to UEFA's Champions League Squad of the Season for 2019-20", "Switched international allegiance from France to Algeria in 2023, saying he 'regretted' his earlier choice", "Inherited the famous number 8 shirt at Lyon, previously worn by Juninho"], "data_rating": 73, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Saudi Arabia", "🎯 15 club goals in 2025/26"]}, {"player_id": 971, "team_id": 38, "fifa_code": "ALG", "team_name": "Algeria", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 9, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Amine Gouiri", "date_of_birth": "2000-02-16", "age": 26, "caps": 22, "international_goals": 8, "is_captain": false, "club": "Olympique Marseille", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Ligue 1", "height_cm": 180, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": 28000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 28, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 11, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue 1, Coupe de France, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": 65, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amine_Gouiri", "backstory": "Amine Gouiri was born in Bourgoin-Jallieu and came through the Lyon academy, announcing himself by finishing top scorer at the 2017 UEFA Under-17 Euros. After breaking out at Nice and starring for Rennes, he joined Marseille in 2025, where he marked his debut season with a hat-trick featuring an overhead kick. A former France youth international who switched to Algeria in 2023, he is a key centre-forward for the World Cup.", "facts": ["Top scorer at the 2017 UEFA European Under-17 Championship with 7 goals", "Won Ligue 1 Goal of the Year for 2024-25", "Scored a hat-trick including an overhead kick for Marseille against Brest"], "data_rating": 72, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · France"]}, {"player_id": 972, "team_id": 38, "fifa_code": "ALG", "team_name": "Algeria", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 10, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CAM", "player_name": "Fares Chaibi", "date_of_birth": "2002-11-28", "age": 23, "caps": 29, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "Eintracht Frankfurt", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 183, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": 15000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 38, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 140, "career_club_goals": 12, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Far%C3%A8s_Cha%C3%AFbi", "backstory": "Fares Chaibi was born in Bron near Lyon and developed at Toulouse, where he won the Coupe de France in 2023 before a roughly 17-million-euro move to Eintracht Frankfurt. A creative midfielder and winger, he rediscovered his best form in 2025-26 with a string of assists and his first Champions League involvement. Born in France, he chose Algeria in 2023 and is a key playmaker in their World Cup midfield.", "facts": ["Won the Coupe de France with Toulouse in his breakthrough 2022-23 season", "Scored his first Champions League goal in 2025-26"], "data_rating": 70, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Germany"]}, {"player_id": 973, "team_id": 38, "fifa_code": "ALG", "team_name": "Algeria", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 11, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "RW", "player_name": "Anis Hadj Moussa", "date_of_birth": "2002-02-11", "age": 24, "caps": 14, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Feyenoord", "club_country": "Netherlands", "club_league": "Eredivisie", "height_cm": 176, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": 23000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 40, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 14, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Eredivisie, UEFA Champions League/European", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 145, "career_club_goals": 30, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anis_Hadj_Moussa", "backstory": "Anis Hadj Moussa was born in Paris and came through RC Lens's youth setup before rebuilding his career in Belgium at Charleroi and then Patro Eisden. A loan to Vitesse showcased his attacking talent, prompting Feyenoord to sign him in 2024 in a record sale for Patro Eisden. The lively winger has become a goal threat in the Eredivisie and represents one of Algeria's exciting young attackers at the World Cup.", "facts": ["His move to Feyenoord was a record transfer fee for Belgian club Patro Eisden", "Scored his first senior international goal against the Netherlands in June 2026"], "data_rating": 71, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Netherlands"]}, {"player_id": 974, "team_id": 38, "fifa_code": "ALG", "team_name": "Algeria", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 12, "position": "FW", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Nadhir Benbouali", "date_of_birth": "2000-04-17", "age": 26, "caps": 3, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Gyori ETO", "club_country": "Hungary", "club_league": "Nemzeti Bajnoksag I", "height_cm": 190, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": 1200000, "club_apps_2025_26": 32, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2549, "club_goals_2025_26": 15, "club_assists_2025_26": 5, "club_yellow_2025_26": 4, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Nemzeti Bajnoksag I, UEFA Conference League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 150, "career_club_goals": 54, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Won 2025-26 Hungarian NB I title with Gyori ETO", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nadhir_Benbouali ; https://www.sofascore.com/football/player/ahmed-nadhir-benbouali/1177807", "backstory": "Ahmed Nadhir Benbouali was born in Chlef and came through the Paradou AC academy before a 2022 move to Belgian side Charleroi that brought limited returns. A loan to Hungarian club Gyori ETO transformed his career: the towering 1.90m striker became a focal point and fired the club to the 2025-26 Hungarian title, scoring the title-clinching goal on the final day. He earns his World Cup place on the back of that prolific season.", "facts": ["Scored the goal that clinched Gyori ETO the 2025-26 Hungarian league title on the final matchday", "Stands 1.90m (6'3\") as a target striker"], "data_rating": 66, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Hungary", "🎯 15 club goals in 2025/26"]}, {"player_id": 975, "team_id": 38, "fifa_code": "ALG", "team_name": "Algeria", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 13, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "LB", "player_name": "Jaouen Hadjam", "date_of_birth": "2003-03-26", "age": 23, "caps": 17, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "Young Boys", "club_country": "Switzerland", "club_league": "Swiss Super League", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": 7000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 30, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Swiss Super League, Swiss Cup, UEFA Europa League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 166, "career_club_goals": 6, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaouen_Hadjam", "backstory": "Jaouen Hadjam was born in Paris to Algerian parents and progressed through French academies including PSG's before turning professional at Paris FC and moving to Nantes. In 2024 he joined Swiss champions Young Boys, where the attacking left-back established himself in the Super League and European competition. A former France youth player who chose Algeria, he offers attacking thrust from full-back at the World Cup.", "facts": ["Came through the Paris Saint-Germain youth system", "Was once dropped by Nantes after refusing to break his Ramadan fast, an incident later resolved"], "data_rating": 68, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Switzerland"]}, {"player_id": 976, "team_id": 38, "fifa_code": "ALG", "team_name": "Algeria", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 14, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Hicham Boudaoui", "date_of_birth": "1999-09-23", "age": 26, "caps": 32, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "OGC Nice", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Ligue 1", "height_cm": 175, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": 12000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 32, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue 1, Coupe de France, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 212, "career_club_goals": 14, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hicham_Boudaoui", "backstory": "Hicham Boudaoui was born in Bechar, deep in southern Algeria, and developed at the renowned Paradou AC academy before joining OGC Nice in 2019. An energetic midfielder known for his work rate and ball distribution, he was named Nice's Young Player of the Season in his debut campaign and has become a Ligue 1 mainstay. A 2019 AFCON winner, he brings tireless running to Algeria's World Cup midfield.", "facts": ["A member of Algeria's 2019 Africa Cup of Nations winning squad", "Won OGC Nice's Young Player of the Season award in 2019-20"], "data_rating": 67, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · France"]}, {"player_id": 977, "team_id": 38, "fifa_code": "ALG", "team_name": "Algeria", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 15, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "LB", "player_name": "Rayan Ait-Nouri", "date_of_birth": "2001-06-06", "age": 25, "caps": 28, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Manchester City", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 180, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": 40000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 28, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 221, "career_club_goals": 12, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rayan_A%C3%AFt-Nouri", "backstory": "Rayan Ait-Nouri was born in Montreuil and grew up near Paris, joining the Angers academy in 2016 and debuting against PSG at 17. He moved to Wolves in 2020, scoring on his league debut, before a roughly 31.8-million-pound transfer to Manchester City in 2025 made him one of the most valuable Algerians in the squad. A former France youth player who switched to Algeria in 2023, the attacking left-back is a marquee name at the World Cup.", "facts": ["Scored on his league debut for Wolves", "Joined Manchester City in 2025 for an initial fee of around 31.8 million pounds", "Switched international allegiance from France to Algeria in January 2023"], "data_rating": 71, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 978, "team_id": 38, "fifa_code": "ALG", "team_name": "Algeria", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 16, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Oussama Benbot", "date_of_birth": "1994-10-11", "age": 31, "caps": 2, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "USM Alger", "club_country": "Algeria", "club_league": "Algerian Ligue 1", "height_cm": 188, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": 850000, "club_apps_2025_26": 11, "club_starts_2025_26": 11, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 4, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Algerian Ligue 1, CAF Confederation Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.espn.co.uk/football/player/_/id/299346/oussama-benbot ; https://footystats.org/players/algeria/oussama-benbot", "backstory": "Oussama Benbot is a goalkeeper who built his career across the Algerian leagues, with spells at clubs including JS Kabylie before settling at USM Alger in 2021. With USM Alger he won Algerian Cup titles, the CAF Confederation Cup and a CAF Super Cup. He earned his first senior call-up in 2023 and featured at two Africa Cup of Nations, providing goalkeeping cover for the World Cup squad.", "facts": ["Won the CAF Confederation Cup and CAF Super Cup with USM Alger", "Featured at both the 2023 and 2025 Africa Cup of Nations"], "data_rating": 59, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 979, "team_id": 38, "fifa_code": "ALG", "team_name": "Algeria", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 17, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "RB", "player_name": "Rafik Belghali", "date_of_birth": "2002-06-07", "age": 24, "caps": 12, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Hellas Verona", "club_country": "Italy", "club_league": "Serie A", "height_cm": 180, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": 7000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 19, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Serie A", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 117, "career_club_goals": 12, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rafik_Belghali", "backstory": "Rafik Belghali was born in Leuven, Belgium, to Algerian parents and passed through several academies including PSV and Sint-Truiden before launching his senior career at Lommel. After two seasons at KV Mechelen in the Belgian Pro League, the attacking right-back moved to Hellas Verona in Serie A in 2025. He made his senior Algeria debut in late 2025 and offers width and energy down the right at the World Cup.", "facts": ["Born in Belgium and developed across academies including PSV Eindhoven", "Scored on his way to 12 club career goals despite playing right-back", "Scored his first Algeria goal in a friendly against Saudi Arabia"], "data_rating": 64, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Italy"]}, {"player_id": 980, "team_id": 38, "fifa_code": "ALG", "team_name": "Algeria", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 18, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Mohamed Amoura", "date_of_birth": "2000-05-09", "age": 26, "caps": 45, "international_goals": 19, "is_captain": false, "club": "VfL Wolfsburg", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 170, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": 20000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 33, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1927, "club_goals_2025_26": 8, "club_assists_2025_26": 3, "club_yellow_2025_26": 2, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, Bundesliga relegation play-offs", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 186, "career_club_goals": 65, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Top scorer in qualifying with 10 goals", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohamed_Amoura ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/mohamed-amoura/leistungsdaten/spieler/746910", "backstory": "Mohamed Amoura was born in Taher and rose through JS Djijel and ES Setif, scoring on his professional debut before moving abroad to Lugano and then Union SG, where he was prolific. A move to Wolfsburg made him a Bundesliga forward, and despite his small 1.70m frame he is one of Algeria's deadliest finishers. He was Algeria's top scorer in World Cup qualifying and is a focal point of their attack.", "facts": ["Top scorer in Algeria's World Cup qualifying campaign with 10 goals", "Scored his first Algeria hat-trick against Mozambique in March 2025", "Won the Belgian Cup with Union SG and the Swiss Cup with Lugano"], "data_rating": 72, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Germany"]}, {"player_id": 981, "team_id": 38, "fifa_code": "ALG", "team_name": "Algeria", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 19, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CDM", "player_name": "Nabil Bentaleb", "date_of_birth": "1994-11-24", "age": 31, "caps": 59, "international_goals": 6, "is_captain": false, "club": "Lille OSC", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Ligue 1", "height_cm": 189, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": 4500000, "club_apps_2025_26": 37, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue 1, Coupe de France, UEFA Europa League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 320, "career_club_goals": 28, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nabil_Bentaleb", "backstory": "Nabil Bentaleb was born in Lille to Algerian parents and moved to Tottenham's academy as a teenager, breaking into the first team under Tim Sherwood. After spells at Schalke, Newcastle and Angers, the defensive midfielder returned to his boyhood club Lille in 2023. He suffered a cardiac arrest in 2024 but made a remarkable comeback, scoring minutes into his return, and brings resilience and experience to the World Cup squad.", "facts": ["Suffered a cardiac arrest in 2024 and scored four minutes into his competitive return", "Won the Bundesliga Goal of the Season for 2016-17 at Schalke", "Played for Algeria at the 2014 FIFA World Cup"], "data_rating": 69, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · France"]}, {"player_id": 982, "team_id": 38, "fifa_code": "ALG", "team_name": "Algeria", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 20, "position": "FW", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Adil Boulbina", "date_of_birth": "2003-05-02", "age": 23, "caps": 11, "international_goals": 6, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al-Duhail", "club_country": "Qatar", "club_league": "Qatar Stars League", "height_cm": 183, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": 3100000, "club_apps_2025_26": 31, "club_starts_2025_26": 12, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 11, "club_assists_2025_26": 5, "club_yellow_2025_26": 4, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Qatar Stars League, AFC Champions League Elite, Amir of Qatar Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adil_Boulbina ; https://www.panafricafootball.com/post/afc-champions-league-boulbina/ ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/1298669/adil-boulbina", "backstory": "Adil Boulbina was born in El Milia and emerged from the Paradou AC academy, where he became the top scorer of the 2024-25 Algerian Ligue 1. In June 2025 he joined Qatari side Al-Duhail in what was reported as a record transfer from Algeria, and he announced himself in Asia with a Champions League hat-trick. The versatile attacker is one of Algeria's emerging talents at the World Cup.", "facts": ["Top scorer of the 2024-25 Algerian Ligue 1", "Scored an AFC Champions League Elite hat-trick against Al-Ittihad", "His move to Al-Duhail was reported as a record transfer from Algerian football"], "data_rating": 68, "fun": ["⚡ 0.55 goals per cap", "🌍 Plays abroad · Qatar"]}, {"player_id": 983, "team_id": 38, "fifa_code": "ALG", "team_name": "Algeria", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 21, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "LB", "player_name": "Ramy Bensebaini", "date_of_birth": "1995-04-16", "age": 31, "caps": 81, "international_goals": 7, "is_captain": false, "club": "Borussia Dortmund", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 187, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": 7000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 32, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 7, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramy_Bensebaini", "backstory": "Ramy Bensebaini was born in Constantine and came through the Paradou AC academy, gaining early European experience on loan at Lierse and Montpellier before signing permanently for Rennes. He developed into a powerful, goal-scoring full-back at Borussia Monchengladbach and joined Borussia Dortmund on a free transfer in 2023. A 2019 AFCON winner, he anchors Algeria's left side at the World Cup.", "facts": ["Won the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations", "Scored a famous brace against Bayern Munich for Monchengladbach in 2019", "Known for his set-piece and penalty goal threat from defence"], "data_rating": 75, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Germany"]}, {"player_id": 984, "team_id": 38, "fifa_code": "ALG", "team_name": "Algeria", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 22, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CAM", "player_name": "Ibrahim Maza", "date_of_birth": "2005-11-24", "age": 20, "caps": 16, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Bayer Leverkusen", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 180, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": 45000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 43, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 5, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 103, "career_club_goals": 16, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ibrahim_Maza", "backstory": "Ibrahim Maza was born in Berlin and developed at Hertha BSC, debuting against Bayern Munich and impressing in Germany's second division. In 2025 he completed a roughly 12-million-euro move to Bayer Leverkusen and quickly became a Champions League contributor. A former Germany youth international, he chose Algeria in 2024 and scored at the 2025 AFCON, marking him as one of the squad's most exciting young talents at the World Cup.", "facts": ["Made his professional debut against Bayern Munich", "Chose Algeria over Germany despite playing for German youth teams", "Scored two goals at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations"], "data_rating": 73, "fun": ["💎 Most valuable in the squad", "🐣 Youngest in the squad (20)", "🌟 Wonderkid", "🌍 Plays abroad · Germany"]}, {"player_id": 985, "team_id": 38, "fifa_code": "ALG", "team_name": "Algeria", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 23, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Luca Zidane", "date_of_birth": "1998-05-13", "age": 28, "caps": 7, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Granada CF", "club_country": "Spain", "club_league": "Segunda Division", "height_cm": 183, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": 1000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 27, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Segunda Division, Copa del Rey", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 207, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Recovered from jaw fracture before tournament", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luca_Zidane", "backstory": "Luca Zidane, son of football legend Zinedine Zidane, was born in Aix-en-Provence and joined Real Madrid's academy at age six, making his first-team debut in 2018. The goalkeeper carved his own path through Spanish football at Racing Santander, Rayo Vallecano, Eibar and Granada. A 2015 Euro U17 winner with France, he switched to Algeria through his grandparents in 2025 and is a goalkeeping option at the World Cup after recovering from a jaw fracture.", "facts": ["Son of legendary footballer Zinedine Zidane", "All four Zidane brothers became professional footballers", "Switched his sporting nationality to Algeria in 2025 through his paternal grandparents"], "data_rating": 62, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Spain"]}, {"player_id": 986, "team_id": 38, "fifa_code": "ALG", "team_name": "Algeria", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 24, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Yacine Titraoui", "date_of_birth": "2003-08-26", "age": 22, "caps": 5, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Charleroi", "club_country": "Belgium", "club_league": "Belgian Pro League", "height_cm": 180, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": 7000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 35, "club_starts_2025_26": 33, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2904, "club_goals_2025_26": 5, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": 7, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Belgian Pro League, UEFA Conference League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 151, "career_club_goals": 20, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/1288907/yacine-titraoui ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yacine_Titraoui", "backstory": "Yacine Titraoui was born in M'Sila and came through the Paradou AC academy, debuting in 2021 and winning the FIFA Arab Cup with Algeria that same year. In 2024 the box-to-box midfielder moved to Belgian club Charleroi, where he became a regular starter logging heavy minutes. He provides energy and depth in Algeria's midfield at the World Cup.", "facts": ["Won the 2021 FIFA Arab Cup with Algeria", "Came through the prolific Paradou AC academy"], "data_rating": 66, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Belgium"]}, {"player_id": 987, "team_id": 38, "fifa_code": "ALG", "team_name": "Algeria", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 25, "position": "FW", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Fares Ghedjemis", "date_of_birth": "2002-09-06", "age": 23, "caps": 1, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Frosinone", "club_country": "Italy", "club_league": "Serie B", "height_cm": 183, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": 7500000, "club_apps_2025_26": 37, "club_starts_2025_26": 36, "club_minutes_2025_26": 3023, "club_goals_2025_26": 15, "club_assists_2025_26": 3, "club_yellow_2025_26": 4, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Serie B, Coppa Italia", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Frosinone top scorer in Serie B 2025-26", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/1523327/fares-ghedjemis", "backstory": "Fares Ghedjemis was born in Montreuil to Algerian parents and took a winding lower-league route through Troyes, Le Havre, Evreux and Vannes before earning a move to Italy. He became a star at Frosinone, finishing as the club's top scorer in Serie B and rejecting a January offer from Celtic to help drive a promotion push. The left-footed winger scored on his Algeria debut and is a fresh attacking option at the World Cup.", "facts": ["Scored on his senior international debut for Algeria", "Rejected an offer from Celtic to stay and help Frosinone push for promotion", "Frosinone's top scorer in Serie B in 2025-26"], "data_rating": 68, "fun": ["⚡ 1.0 goals per cap", "🌍 Plays abroad · Italy", "🎯 15 club goals in 2025/26"]}, {"player_id": 988, "team_id": 38, "fifa_code": "ALG", "team_name": "Algeria", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 26, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Samir Chergui", "date_of_birth": "1999-02-06", "age": 27, "caps": 4, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Paris FC", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Ligue 1", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 3000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 15, "club_starts_2025_26": 13, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1155, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 1, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue 1, Coupe de France", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/1039219/samir-chergui ; https://www.premierleague.com/en/players/482380/samir-chergui/stats", "backstory": "Samir Chergui was born in Arpajon near Paris and joined the Auxerre academy at 14, but his time there ended after a contract termination in 2020. He rebuilt his career at Paris FC, where he became a key centre-back known for his aerial ability and versatility, helping the club climb to Ligue 1 and amassing over 100 appearances. Born in France, he plays for Algeria and offers defensive depth at the World Cup.", "facts": ["Rebuilt his career at Paris FC after his Auxerre contract was terminated", "Made over 100 appearances for Paris FC"], "data_rating": 60, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · France"]}, {"player_id": 989, "team_id": 39, "fifa_code": "AUT", "team_name": "Austria", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 1, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Alexander Schlager", "date_of_birth": "1996-02-01", "age": 30, "caps": 26, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Red Bull Salzburg", "club_country": "Austria", "club_league": "Austrian Bundesliga", "height_cm": 189, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 21, "club_starts_2025_26": 21, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 5, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": 23, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Austrian Bundesliga", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Austria's first-choice goalkeeper", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Schlager ; https://footystats.org/players/austria/alexander-schlager", "backstory": "A Salzburg native, Alexander Schlager came through Red Bull Salzburg before establishing himself over six seasons and 150+ league games at LASK as one of the Austrian Bundesliga's most reliable shot-stoppers. He returned to Salzburg in 2023 and became their first-choice keeper. A knee injury cruelly ruled him out of Euro 2024, but he recovered to claim the Austria No.1 jersey heading into the 2026 World Cup.", "facts": ["Missed Euro 2024 with a knee injury", "Captained Austria's U21s at the 2019 U21 Euros", "Made over 150 league appearances for LASK"], "data_rating": 69, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 990, "team_id": 39, "fifa_code": "AUT", "team_name": "Austria", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 2, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "David Affengruber", "date_of_birth": "2001-03-19", "age": 25, "caps": 1, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Elche", "club_country": "Spain", "club_league": "La Liga", "height_cm": 191, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 34, "club_starts_2025_26": 31, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2772, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": 6, "club_red_2025_26": 1, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "La Liga", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Affengruber ; https://footystats.org/players/austria/david-affengruber ; https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/david-affengruber/6573/", "backstory": "Born in Scheibbs, David Affengruber came through Red Bull Salzburg's academy and FC Liefering before joining Sturm Graz in 2021, where he became a defensive mainstay and won silverware. In 2024 he made his first move abroad, signing for Spanish side Elche, and has since become a regular at La Liga level. A ball-playing centre-back, he earned his first senior Austria cap in 2026 and made the World Cup squad.", "facts": ["Scored 7 goals in 85 league games for Sturm Graz, a strong return for a defender", "First senior Austria cap came in 2026", "Holds an Austrian Cup winner's medal from his Red Bull Salzburg days"], "data_rating": 64, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Spain"]}, {"player_id": 991, "team_id": 39, "fifa_code": "AUT", "team_name": "Austria", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 3, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Kevin Danso", "date_of_birth": "1998-09-19", "age": 27, "caps": 32, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Tottenham Hotspur", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 190, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": null, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_Danso", "backstory": "Born in Voitsberg, Austria to Ghanaian parents, Kevin Danso moved to Milton Keynes, England aged six and developed through English academies before joining FC Augsburg, where he became the club's youngest-ever Bundesliga player. After loans and a standout spell at RC Lens in France, he joined Tottenham Hotspur in 2025. A commanding centre-back, he is a key part of Austria's back line.", "facts": ["Became FC Augsburg's youngest-ever Bundesliga player", "Won the 2024-25 Europa League with Tottenham", "Eligible for Ghana but chose Austria"], "data_rating": 59, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 992, "team_id": 39, "fifa_code": "AUT", "team_name": "Austria", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 4, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Xaver Schlager", "date_of_birth": "1997-09-28", "age": 28, "caps": 51, "international_goals": 4, "is_captain": false, "club": "RB Leipzig", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 176, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 26, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xaver_Schlager", "backstory": "Born in Linz, Xaver Schlager rose through Red Bull Salzburg's academy and was part of the side that reached the 2018 Europa League semi-final, before moving to VfL Wolfsburg and then RB Leipzig in 2022. A combative, ball-winning central midfielder, he helped Leipzig win the DFB-Pokal and Supercup in 2023. An ACL tear cost him Euro 2024, but he returned as a midfield engine for Austria.", "facts": ["Despite the shared surname, he is unrelated to goalkeeper Alexander Schlager", "An ACL injury ruled him out of Euro 2024", "Named to the 2022-23 kicker Bundesliga Team of the Season"], "data_rating": 69, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Germany"]}, {"player_id": 993, "team_id": 39, "fifa_code": "AUT", "team_name": "Austria", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 5, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "RB", "player_name": "Stefan Posch", "date_of_birth": "1997-05-14", "age": 29, "caps": 52, "international_goals": 5, "is_captain": false, "club": "Mainz 05", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 188, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 19, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga, UEFA Conference League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stefan_Posch", "backstory": "Born in Judenburg, Stefan Posch came through TSG Hoffenheim's youth system and made his name as a versatile defender there before joining Bologna in 2022, where he thrived in Serie A. He later moved to Mainz 05. Able to play centre-back or right-back, his aerial ability and set-piece threat make him a valuable squad option for Austria.", "facts": ["Scored six goals in his first Serie A season at Bologna, a remarkable tally for a defender", "Comfortable at both centre-back and right-back", "Has surpassed 50 caps for Austria"], "data_rating": 69, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Germany"]}, {"player_id": 994, "team_id": 39, "fifa_code": "AUT", "team_name": "Austria", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 6, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CDM", "player_name": "Nicolas Seiwald", "date_of_birth": "2001-05-04", "age": 25, "caps": 47, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "RB Leipzig", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicolas_Seiwald", "backstory": "Born in Kuchl, Nicolas Seiwald spent a decade in Red Bull Salzburg's academy before breaking through with FC Liefering and the Salzburg first team, winning two league titles and two cups. In 2023 he moved to RB Leipzig. A disciplined deep-lying midfielder and metronomic passer, he anchors Austria's midfield.", "facts": ["His international debut was marred by an own goal against Israel in 2021", "Named Austrian Bundesliga Breakthrough Player of the Year in 2021-22", "Won two league titles and two cups with Red Bull Salzburg"], "data_rating": 58, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Germany"]}, {"player_id": 995, "team_id": 39, "fifa_code": "AUT", "team_name": "Austria", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 7, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Marko Arnautović", "date_of_birth": "1989-04-19", "age": 37, "caps": 133, "international_goals": 47, "is_captain": false, "club": "Red Star Belgrade", "club_country": "Serbia", "club_league": "Serbian SuperLiga", "height_cm": 192, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 32, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 10, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Serbian SuperLiga, UEFA Champions League/Europa League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Austria's all-time record scorer and cap holder; vice-captain", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marko_Arnautovi%C4%87", "backstory": "Born in Vienna to a Serbian father and Austrian mother, Marko Arnautović began at Floridsdorfer AC and Austria Wien before a globe-trotting career took him through Twente, Werder Bremen, Stoke City, West Ham, Shanghai SIPG, Bologna, Inter Milan and Red Star Belgrade. A powerful, technical forward once compared to Zlatan Ibrahimović, he became Austria's all-time leading scorer in October 2025 and remains a talismanic figure as vice-captain.", "facts": ["Austria's all-time top scorer and most-capped player", "His brother Danijel is a former footballer and serves as his agent", "Has played at three European Championships (2016, 2020, 2024)"], "data_rating": 76, "fun": ["🔥 Top 1% scorer at the Cup", "🎖️ Most-capped in the squad (133)", "🧓 Veteran presence", "🌍 Plays abroad · Serbia"]}, {"player_id": 996, "team_id": 39, "fifa_code": "AUT", "team_name": "Austria", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 8, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "David Alaba", "date_of_birth": "1992-06-24", "age": 33, "caps": 113, "international_goals": 15, "is_captain": true, "club": "Real Madrid", "club_country": "Spain", "club_league": "La Liga", "height_cm": 180, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 16, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": 1, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "La Liga, Copa del Rey, UEFA Champions League, Supercopa de España", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 614, "career_club_goals": 41, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Captain; returned from long-term knee injury; announced May 2026 he would leave Real Madrid at season's end", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Alaba ; https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/david-alaba/18759/", "backstory": "Vienna-born David Alaba joined Austria Wien's academy aged 10 before moving to Bayern Munich in 2008, where over 13 years he won 10 Bundesliga titles and two Champions Leagues, evolving from the world's best left-back into an elite centre-back. He joined Real Madrid in 2021 and won La Liga and another Champions League. Austria's captain and finest-ever player, he returned from a serious knee injury to lead the side at the World Cup.", "facts": ["The only player in history to win the Champions League with two different clubs", "His father is a Nigerian musician/DJ and his mother emigrated from the Philippines", "Won Austrian Footballer of the Year ten times"], "data_rating": 73, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Spain", "©️ Captain"]}, {"player_id": 997, "team_id": 39, "fifa_code": "AUT", "team_name": "Austria", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 9, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Marcel Sabitzer", "date_of_birth": "1994-03-17", "age": 32, "caps": 98, "international_goals": 26, "is_captain": false, "club": "Borussia Dortmund", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 177, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 24, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 428, "career_club_goals": 88, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Austria's second-highest scorer; midfield driver", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marcel_Sabitzer", "backstory": "Born in Wels, Marcel Sabitzer developed in Austria before RB Leipzig signed him in 2014, where he eventually became captain and a goalscoring midfielder. Moves to Bayern Munich, a loan at Manchester United and then Borussia Dortmund followed. A versatile, hard-shooting midfielder, he is Austria's second-highest scorer and a driving force in their engine room.", "facts": ["His father Herfried Sabitzer was also an Austria international", "Scored twice against Tottenham to fire Leipzig into the 2020 Champions League quarter-finals", "Austria's second-highest international goalscorer"], "data_rating": 74, "fun": ["🔥 Top 3% scorer at the Cup", "🌍 Plays abroad · Germany"]}, {"player_id": 998, "team_id": 39, "fifa_code": "AUT", "team_name": "Austria", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 10, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CDM", "player_name": "Florian Grillitsch", "date_of_birth": "1995-08-07", "age": 30, "caps": 58, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Braga", "club_country": "Portugal", "club_league": "Primeira Liga", "height_cm": 188, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 37, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Primeira Liga, Taça de Portugal, UEFA Europa League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Signed two-season contract with Braga on 29 August 2025", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florian_Grillitsch", "backstory": "Born in Neunkirchen, Florian Grillitsch broke through at Werder Bremen before becoming a long-serving deep-lying midfielder at TSG Hoffenheim. After a brief spell at Ajax and a return to Hoffenheim, he joined Portuguese side Braga in 2025. A calm, line-breaking passer who can also fill in at centre-back, he provides composure in Austria's midfield.", "facts": ["Had a short stint at Ajax in 2022-23", "Can play both defensive midfield and centre-back", "Signed a two-year deal with Braga in 2025"], "data_rating": 72, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Portugal"]}, {"player_id": 999, "team_id": 39, "fifa_code": "AUT", "team_name": "Austria", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 11, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Michael Gregoritsch", "date_of_birth": "1994-04-18", "age": 32, "caps": 75, "international_goals": 24, "is_captain": false, "club": "FC Augsburg", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 193, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 17, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 6, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "On loan at Augsburg from Brøndby", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Gregoritsch", "backstory": "Born in Graz into a football family, Michael Gregoritsch is the son of long-time coach Werner Gregoritsch. He became the youngest goalscorer in Austrian Bundesliga history at 15, then built a Bundesliga career across Hamburg, Augsburg and Freiburg, with a move to Brøndby and a loan back to Augsburg. A tall, technically gifted forward, he is a proven international scorer for Austria.", "facts": ["Became the youngest goalscorer in Austrian Bundesliga history at 15", "Son of coach Werner Gregoritsch", "Has scored more than 20 goals for Austria"], "data_rating": 70, "fun": ["🔥 Top 4% scorer at the Cup", "🌍 Plays abroad · Germany"]}, {"player_id": 1000, "team_id": 39, "fifa_code": "AUT", "team_name": "Austria", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 12, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Florian Wiegele", "date_of_birth": "2001-03-21", "age": 25, "caps": 1, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Viktoria Plzeň", "club_country": "Czech Republic", "club_league": "Czech First League", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 3, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "UEFA Europa League (6 apps), UEFA Champions League qualifying (2 apps)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": "Backup goalkeeper; competing for No.1 spot at Viktoria Plzeň", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florian_Wiegele ; https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/clubs/players/250198278--florian-wiegele/", "backstory": "Born in Graz, Florian Wiegele rose through Austrian lower-division clubs including DSV Leoben before signing for Czech side Viktoria Plzeň in 2024, with a loan spell at Grazer AK where he became the No.1. A towering goalkeeper, he serves as a backup option in Austria's World Cup squad.", "facts": ["At around 2.05m, one of the tallest players ever named to a World Cup squad", "Cites Manuel Neuer as his idol", "Earned the nickname 'Langer' (the tall one)"], "data_rating": 57, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Czech Republic"]}, {"player_id": 1001, "team_id": 39, "fifa_code": "AUT", "team_name": "Austria", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 13, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Patrick Pentz", "date_of_birth": "1997-01-02", "age": 29, "caps": 18, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Brøndby", "club_country": "Denmark", "club_league": "Danish Superliga", "height_cm": 189, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 31, "club_starts_2025_26": 31, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2775, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 1, "club_red_2025_26": 1, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 11, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": 30, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Danish Superliga", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "2024 Danish Goalkeeper of the Year", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patrick_Pentz ; https://footystats.org/players/austria/patrick-pentz", "backstory": "Born in Salzburg, Patrick Pentz came through Red Bull Salzburg's academy before establishing himself as a top shot-stopper at Austria Wien. After spells at Reims and Bayer Leverkusen, he revitalised his career at Brøndby, earning a permanent move and major individual honours. He provides experienced goalkeeping cover for Austria.", "facts": ["Named 2024 Danish Goalkeeper of the Year", "Was also voted Brøndby's Player of the Year for 2024", "Kept 11 clean sheets during his first Brøndby loan season"], "data_rating": 75, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Denmark", "🧤 11 clean sheets in 2025/26"]}, {"player_id": 1002, "team_id": 39, "fifa_code": "AUT", "team_name": "Austria", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 14, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Saša Kalajdžić", "date_of_birth": "1997-07-07", "age": 28, "caps": 22, "international_goals": 4, "is_captain": false, "club": "LASK", "club_country": "Austria", "club_league": "Austrian Bundesliga", "height_cm": 200, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1103, "club_goals_2025_26": 6, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": 1, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Austrian Bundesliga", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "On loan at LASK from Wolverhampton Wanderers since 5 September 2025", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/858198/sasa-kalajdzic ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/sasa-kalajdzic/leistungsdaten/spieler/369567", "backstory": "Born in Vienna to Serbian parents, the towering Saša Kalajdžić converted from midfielder to striker and made his name at VfB Stuttgart, finishing among the Bundesliga's top scorers in 2020-21. A big-money move to Wolverhampton in 2022 was derailed by repeated serious knee injuries. On loan at LASK, he continues his comeback and provides an aerial focal point for Austria.", "facts": ["At 2.00m, one of the tallest forwards in the game, drawing Peter Crouch comparisons", "Suffered multiple ACL injuries after his move to Wolves", "Began his career as a midfielder before converting to striker"], "data_rating": 66, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 1003, "team_id": 39, "fifa_code": "AUT", "team_name": "Austria", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 15, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Philipp Lienhart", "date_of_birth": "1996-07-11", "age": 29, "caps": 41, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "SC Freiburg", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 188, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": null, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, UEFA Europa League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": "SC Freiburg reached the 2025-26 UEFA Europa League final (runners-up)", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philipp_Lienhart", "backstory": "Born in Lilienfeld, Philipp Lienhart joined Rapid Wien's academy and spent time with Real Madrid's youth and B teams before signing for SC Freiburg, where he has been a long-serving centre-back. Strong in the air and composed on the ball, he helped Freiburg reach the 2025-26 Europa League final and is a dependable defensive option for Austria.", "facts": ["Spent part of his development at Real Madrid Castilla", "Was a Europa League runner-up with Freiburg in 2025-26", "Scored his first Austria goal against Estonia in 2023"], "data_rating": 60, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Germany"]}, {"player_id": 1004, "team_id": 39, "fifa_code": "AUT", "team_name": "Austria", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 16, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "LB", "player_name": "Phillipp Mwene", "date_of_birth": "1994-01-29", "age": 32, "caps": 30, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Mainz 05", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 180, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 36, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga, UEFA Conference League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phillipp_Mwene", "backstory": "Born in Vienna with Kenyan and Austrian heritage, Phillipp Mwene developed in German football, rising through Stuttgart's system and earning his stripes at Kaiserslautern and Mainz before a trophy-laden spell at PSV Eindhoven. He later returned to Mainz. A versatile full-back, he offers experience and defensive flexibility for Austria.", "facts": ["Won back-to-back KNVB Cups with PSV Eindhoven", "Holds dual Kenyan and Austrian citizenship", "Did not make his senior Austria debut until age 27"], "data_rating": 72, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Germany"]}, {"player_id": 1005, "team_id": 39, "fifa_code": "AUT", "team_name": "Austria", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 17, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Carney Chukwuemeka", "date_of_birth": "2003-10-20", "age": 22, "caps": 3, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Borussia Dortmund", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 36, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Vienna-born, switched allegiance from England youth in March 2026; scored on Austria debut vs Ghana", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carney_Chukwuemeka", "backstory": "Born in Vienna to Nigerian parents, Carney Chukwuemeka grew up in England and progressed through Aston Villa's academy before a high-profile move to Chelsea as a teenager in 2022. After limited chances, he joined Borussia Dortmund, where the move became permanent in 2025. Having represented England at youth level, he switched to Austria in 2026 and scored on his debut against Ghana.", "facts": ["Scored on his Austria debut against Ghana in 2026", "Switched allegiance from England's youth teams", "Won the 2022 U19 Euros with England and made the Team of the Tournament"], "data_rating": 65, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Germany"]}, {"player_id": 1006, "team_id": 39, "fifa_code": "AUT", "team_name": "Austria", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 18, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CAM", "player_name": "Romano Schmid", "date_of_birth": "2000-01-27", "age": 26, "caps": 34, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "Werder Bremen", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 173, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 35, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 5, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romano_Schmid", "backstory": "Born in Graz, Romano Schmid came through Sturm Graz's academy before joining Red Bull Salzburg, then moved to Werder Bremen in 2019 via a loan at Wolfsberger AC. A small, creative attacking midfielder, he has become a long-serving and consistent presence in Bremen's Bundesliga side and a creative option for Austria.", "facts": ["Scored against the Netherlands at Euro 2024 as Austria won their group", "Has spent over seven years at Werder Bremen", "Began his youth career at Sturm Graz"], "data_rating": 71, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Germany"]}, {"player_id": 1007, "team_id": 39, "fifa_code": "AUT", "team_name": "Austria", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 20, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Konrad Laimer", "date_of_birth": "1997-05-27", "age": 29, "caps": 57, "international_goals": 7, "is_captain": false, "club": "Bayern Munich", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 180, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 47, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": 9, "club_yellow_2025_26": 9, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, UEFA Champions League, DFL-Supercup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 293, "career_club_goals": 30, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Regular for Bayern Munich; joint-4th for Bundesliga assists in 2025-26", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Konrad_Laimer ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/526827/konrad-laimer", "backstory": "Born in Salzburg, Konrad Laimer came through Red Bull Salzburg's academy before a six-year spell at RB Leipzig where he won two DFB-Pokal titles. He joined Bayern Munich on a free transfer in 2023 and reinvented himself, often deployed at right-back as well as in midfield. A relentless, high-energy box-to-box runner, he is a key all-action presence for Austria.", "facts": ["Named Austrian Footballer of the Year in 2025", "Joined Bayern Munich on a free transfer", "Frequently deployed as a right-back despite being a midfielder"], "data_rating": 81, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Germany"]}, {"player_id": 1008, "team_id": 39, "fifa_code": "AUT", "team_name": "Austria", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 21, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "LW", "player_name": "Patrick Wimmer", "date_of_birth": "2001-05-30", "age": 25, "caps": 30, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "VfL Wolfsburg", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 176, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 27, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 4, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 187, "career_club_goals": 23, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patrick_Wimmer", "backstory": "Born in Tulln, Patrick Wimmer developed at Austria Wien before moving to Germany with Arminia Bielefeld and then VfL Wolfsburg in 2022. A direct, pacey winger, he has become a regular Bundesliga performer and offers width and attacking thrust off the flanks for Austria.", "facts": ["Named Bundesliga Rookie of the Month in January 2022", "Plays primarily as a right winger", "Featured for Austria at Euro 2024"], "data_rating": 65, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Germany"]}, {"player_id": 1009, "team_id": 39, "fifa_code": "AUT", "team_name": "Austria", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 22, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Alexander Prass", "date_of_birth": "2001-05-26", "age": 25, "caps": 19, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "TSG Hoffenheim", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 184, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 32, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Prass", "backstory": "Born in Hellmonsödt, Alexander Prass developed through LASK and Red Bull Salzburg before establishing himself at Sturm Graz, where he won the Austrian league and back-to-back cups. He moved to TSG Hoffenheim in 2024. A left-footed midfielder who can also play left wing-back, his delivery and versatility make him a useful option for Austria.", "facts": ["Won the 2023-24 Austrian Bundesliga title with Sturm Graz", "Played all four of Austria's matches at Euro 2024", "Left-footed and comfortable as both a midfielder and wing-back"], "data_rating": 66, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Germany"]}, {"player_id": 1010, "team_id": 39, "fifa_code": "AUT", "team_name": "Austria", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 23, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Marco Friedl", "date_of_birth": "1998-03-16", "age": 28, "caps": 11, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Werder Bremen", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 187, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": null, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": "Werder Bremen captain", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marco_Friedl", "backstory": "Born in Kirchbichl, Tyrol, Marco Friedl came through Bayern Munich's academy before joining Werder Bremen on loan in 2018 and signing permanently a year later. A left-footed defender who plays centre-back or left-back, he became Werder's captain and brings leadership to Austria's defensive ranks.", "facts": ["Captains Werder Bremen", "Came through the Bayern Munich academy", "Scored his first Bundesliga goal against Borussia Dortmund"], "data_rating": 55, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Germany"]}, {"player_id": 1011, "team_id": 39, "fifa_code": "AUT", "team_name": "Austria", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 24, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CAM", "player_name": "Paul Wanner", "date_of_birth": "2005-12-23", "age": 20, "caps": 3, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "PSV Eindhoven", "club_country": "Netherlands", "club_league": "Eredivisie", "height_cm": 183, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 31, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": null, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Eredivisie, KNVB Cup, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Switched from Germany youth to Austria in March 2026; helped PSV win 2025-26 Eredivisie title", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Wanner", "backstory": "Born in Dornbirn to a German father and Austrian mother, Paul Wanner became Bayern Munich's youngest-ever Bundesliga player at 16. He developed through loans at Elversberg, Heidenheim and then a permanent move to PSV Eindhoven, where he won the 2025-26 Eredivisie title. A gifted left-footed attacking midfielder, he switched from Germany's youth ranks to Austria in 2026.", "facts": ["Bayern Munich's youngest-ever Bundesliga player at 16 years and 15 days", "Switched international allegiance from Germany to Austria in 2026", "Won the 2025-26 Eredivisie title with PSV"], "data_rating": 59, "fun": ["🐣 Youngest in the squad (20)", "🌟 Wonderkid", "🌍 Plays abroad · Netherlands"]}, {"player_id": 1012, "team_id": 39, "fifa_code": "AUT", "team_name": "Austria", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 25, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Michael Svoboda", "date_of_birth": "1998-10-15", "age": 27, "caps": 4, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Venezia", "club_country": "Italy", "club_league": "Serie B", "height_cm": 190, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 23, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1987, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": 6, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Serie B", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://footystats.org/players/austria/michael-svoboda ; https://www.sofascore.com/player/michael-svoboda/888340", "backstory": "Born in Vienna, Michael Svoboda came through Austrian football, winning a 2. Liga title with WSG Tirol, before joining Italian club Venezia in 2020, where he became a regular at the back. A tall, left-footed centre-back, he made his Austria debut in 2024 and earned a place in the World Cup squad.", "facts": ["Won the Austrian 2. Liga title with WSG Tirol", "A left-footed centre-back standing around 1.95m", "Made his Austria debut in 2024 against Kazakhstan"], "data_rating": 65, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Italy"]}, {"player_id": 1013, "team_id": 39, "fifa_code": "AUT", "team_name": "Austria", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 26, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Alessandro Schöpf", "date_of_birth": "1994-02-07", "age": 32, "caps": 35, "international_goals": 6, "is_captain": false, "club": "Wolfsberger AC", "club_country": "Austria", "club_league": "Austrian Bundesliga", "height_cm": 180, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 35, "club_starts_2025_26": 28, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2505, "club_goals_2025_26": 5, "club_assists_2025_26": 5, "club_yellow_2025_26": 3, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Austrian Bundesliga", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/461357/alessandro-schopf ; https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/alessandro-schopf/leistungsdaten/spieler/118397", "backstory": "Born in Umhausen, Tyrol, Alessandro Schöpf came through Bayern Munich's academy before building a Bundesliga career at Nuremberg, Schalke 04 and Arminia Bielefeld, followed by an MLS spell with Vancouver Whitecaps. He returned home to Wolfsberger AC in 2025. A hard-working midfielder, his international highlight was scoring Austria's only goal at Euro 2016.", "facts": ["Scored Austria's only goal of Euro 2016, against Iceland", "Came through the Bayern Munich academy", "Played in MLS with the Vancouver Whitecaps"], "data_rating": 75, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 1014, "team_id": 40, "fifa_code": "JOR", "team_name": "Jordan", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 1, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Yazeed Abulaila", "date_of_birth": "1993-01-08", "age": 33, "caps": 75, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al-Hussein", "club_country": "Jordan", "club_league": "Jordanian Pro League", "height_cm": 188, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": null, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Jordanian Pro League, AFC Champions League Two", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 86, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "First-choice national team goalkeeper", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yazeed_Abulaila ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/yazeed-abulaila/profil/spieler/261850", "backstory": "A product of Shabab Al-Ordon, where he turned professional in 2012, Yazeed Abulaila built his reputation as a title-winning goalkeeper at Al-Faisaly before moving to Al-Hussein in 2024. He emerged as Jordan's first-choice keeper and was a cornerstone of the historic run to the 2023 AFC Asian Cup final. The athletic 188cm shot-stopper carries that big-game experience into Jordan's debut World Cup.", "facts": ["Named to the 2023 AFC Asian Cup Team of the Tournament", "Won multiple Jordanian Pro League titles across his clubs"], "data_rating": 62, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 1015, "team_id": 40, "fifa_code": "JOR", "team_name": "Jordan", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 2, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Mohammad Abu Hashish", "date_of_birth": "1995-05-09", "age": 31, "caps": 55, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al-Karma", "club_country": "Iraq", "club_league": "Iraq Stars League", "height_cm": 177, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 7, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Iraq Stars League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Left-back", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohammad_Abu_Hashish ; https://www.soccerway.com/player/abu-hash-mohammad/Y5MDcskJ/", "backstory": "Born in Iraq and eligible for both nations, Mohammad Abu Hashish chose Jordan, rising through Al-Baqa'a, Al-Salt and Al-Wehdat before spells in Iraq and Lebanon and a move to Iraq's Al-Karma in 2025. The left-back has become a reliable presence on the flank for Jordan since his 2021 debut. He competes for a starting full-back role at the World Cup.", "facts": ["Born in Iraq but represents Jordan internationally", "Scored in Jordan's 3-0 win over Egypt at the 2025 FIFA Arab Cup", "Won the 2023 Lebanese Federation Cup with Al Ahed"], "data_rating": 62, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Iraq"]}, {"player_id": 1016, "team_id": 40, "fifa_code": "JOR", "team_name": "Jordan", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 3, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Abdallah Nasib", "date_of_birth": "1994-02-25", "age": 32, "caps": 64, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al-Zawraa", "club_country": "Iraq", "club_league": "Iraq Stars League", "height_cm": 184, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 12, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Iraq Stars League, AFC Champions League Two", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abdallah_Nasib ; https://www.sofascore.com/football/team/al-zawraa/35888", "backstory": "Abdallah Nasib worked his way up through That Ras, Al-Ramtha and Al-Wehdat before stints in Egypt and a return to Al-Hussein, later moving to Iraq's Al-Zawraa. The 184cm centre-back became a defensive anchor for Jordan and was one of the standout performers of the 2023 Asian Cup final run. He provides experience at the back for the World Cup.", "facts": ["Named to the 2023 AFC Asian Cup Team of the Tournament", "Won the Jordanian Pro League with Al-Wehdat and back-to-back titles with Al-Hussein"], "data_rating": 67, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Iraq"]}, {"player_id": 1017, "team_id": 40, "fifa_code": "JOR", "team_name": "Jordan", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 4, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Husam Abu Dahab", "date_of_birth": "2000-05-13", "age": 26, "caps": 17, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al-Faisaly", "club_country": "Jordan", "club_league": "Jordanian Pro League", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": null, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Jordanian Pro League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.olympics.com/en/news/fifa-world-cup-2026-jordan-all-players-full-squad-list-key-stats-schedule", "backstory": "Husam Abu Dahab is a centre-back who established himself at Al-Faisaly, winning several domestic trophies before being loaned to Kuwait's Al-Salmiya for the 2025-26 season. A standout defender in the Jordanian Pro League, he brings squad depth to Jordan's World Cup backline.", "facts": ["Scored in a 6-2 Al-Faisaly win over Shabab Al-Ordon in 2024", "Won four titles with Al-Faisaly including the 2022 league"], "data_rating": 56, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 1018, "team_id": 40, "fifa_code": "JOR", "team_name": "Jordan", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 5, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Yazan Al-Arab", "date_of_birth": "1996-01-31", "age": 30, "caps": 79, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "FC Seoul", "club_country": "South Korea", "club_league": "K League 1", "height_cm": 188, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 36, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "K League 1, Korean FA Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 155, "career_club_goals": 6, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Experienced centre-back, plays abroad in K League 1", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yazan_Al-Arab ; https://fbref.com/en/players/32878a09/Yazan-Al-Arab", "backstory": "After early years at Al-Jazeera and Al-Wehdat, Yazan Al-Arab took an unusual path abroad, with spells in Malaysia, Iraq and Qatar before joining FC Seoul in South Korea in 2024, where he flourished. The commanding 188cm centre-back has been a fixture in Jordan's defence since 2017 and a leader of the side. He anchors the backline at the World Cup.", "facts": ["Named to the K League 1 Best XI for 2025", "Scored against FC Barcelona in a July 2025 friendly in Korea", "Named to the 2023 AFC Asian Cup Team of the Tournament"], "data_rating": 76, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · South Korea"]}, {"player_id": 1019, "team_id": 40, "fifa_code": "JOR", "team_name": "Jordan", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 6, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Amer Jamous", "date_of_birth": "2002-07-03", "age": 23, "caps": 18, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al-Zawraa", "club_country": "Iraq", "club_league": "Iraq Stars League", "height_cm": 177, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 1, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Iraq Stars League, AFC Champions League Two", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "On loan at Al-Zawraa from Al-Wehdat; scored in AFC Champions League Two", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amer_Jamous ; https://www.sofascore.com/football/team/al-zawraa/35888", "backstory": "A youth product of Al-Jazeera, Amer Jamous moved to Al-Wehdat, where he helped win the 2023-24 Jordan FA Cup and earned a permanent deal, before going on loan to Iraq's Al-Zawraa in 2026. The young midfielder graduated from Jordan's U-23s to the senior side and offers fresh legs in the engine room at the World Cup.", "facts": ["Scored his first senior international goal against Tunisia in November 2025", "Won the 2023-24 Jordan FA Cup with Al-Wehdat"], "data_rating": 57, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Iraq"]}, {"player_id": 1020, "team_id": 40, "fifa_code": "JOR", "team_name": "Jordan", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 7, "position": "FW", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Mohammad Abu Zrayq", "date_of_birth": "1997-12-30", "age": 28, "caps": 40, "international_goals": 5, "is_captain": false, "club": "Raja Casablanca", "club_country": "Morocco", "club_league": "Botola Pro", "height_cm": 168, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 12, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 4, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Botola Pro (combined with Al-Ramtha before January 2026 move)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 104, "career_club_goals": 31, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Joined Raja Casablanca in January 2026 from Al-Ramtha; 10 apps & 4 goals for Al-Ramtha earlier in 2025-26", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohammad_Abu_Zrayq ; https://www.sofascore.com/football/player/mohammed-abu-zrayq/986341", "backstory": "Nicknamed 'Sharara' ('spark') for his dynamism, Mohammad Abu Zrayq came through Al-Ramtha and travelled widely across the Middle East and North Africa before joining Moroccan giants Raja Casablanca in January 2026. A diminutive, pacey winger, he was part of both the 2023 Asian Cup and 2025 Arab Cup final runs and provides flair off the flanks at the World Cup.", "facts": ["Nicknamed 'Sharara' ('spark') for his dynamic style", "Scored in Jordan's 7-0 World Cup qualifying rout of Pakistan", "Joined Raja Casablanca in January 2026"], "data_rating": 65, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Morocco"]}, {"player_id": 1021, "team_id": 40, "fifa_code": "JOR", "team_name": "Jordan", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 8, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Noor Al-Rawabdeh", "date_of_birth": "1997-02-24", "age": 29, "caps": 67, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "Selangor", "club_country": "Malaysia", "club_league": "Malaysia Super League", "height_cm": 179, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 20, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1354, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": 3, "club_yellow_2025_26": 2, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Malaysia Super League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://footystats.org/players/jordan/noor-al-deen-mahmoud-ali-al-rawabdeh ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noor_Al-Rawabdeh", "backstory": "Noor Al-Rawabdeh started at Al-Jazeera, winning the Jordan FA Cup, before a continental-title-winning spell at Bahrain's Al-Muharraq and a stint at Al-Faisaly. Since 2023 he has been a key midfielder for Malaysia's Selangor, contributing goals and assists. A reliable two-way midfielder, he was part of the 2023 Asian Cup final squad and features in the World Cup midfield.", "facts": ["Won the 2021 AFC Cup with Al-Muharraq", "Reached the 2023 AFC Asian Cup final with Jordan"], "data_rating": 70, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Malaysia"]}, {"player_id": 1022, "team_id": 40, "fifa_code": "JOR", "team_name": "Jordan", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 9, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Ali Olwan", "date_of_birth": "2000-03-26", "age": 26, "caps": 65, "international_goals": 29, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al-Sailiya", "club_country": "Qatar", "club_league": "Qatar Stars League", "height_cm": 184, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 2, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 126, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Qatar Stars League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 84, "career_club_goals": 29, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Prolific national team scorer; third-highest scorer in AFC qualifying with nine goals", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ali_Olwan ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/1028896/ali-iyad-olwan", "backstory": "Developed at Amman academies Al-Wehdat and Al-Jazeera, Ali Olwan turned pro at 18 and has since played in Qatar, Malaysia and Iraq, becoming Jordan's most prolific marksman with nearly 30 international goals. A tall striker who holds the ball up and dribbles in tight spaces, he was the third-top scorer in AFC World Cup qualifying. He spearheads Jordan's attack at the finals.", "facts": ["Won the Golden Boot at the 2025 FIFA Arab Cup with five goals", "Scored two international hat-tricks (vs Malaysia 2021, vs Oman 2025)"], "data_rating": 62, "fun": ["🔥 Top 3% scorer at the Cup", "🌍 Plays abroad · Qatar"]}, {"player_id": 1023, "team_id": 40, "fifa_code": "JOR", "team_name": "Jordan", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 10, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "RW", "player_name": "Musa Al-Taamari", "date_of_birth": "1997-06-10", "age": 29, "caps": 91, "international_goals": 24, "is_captain": true, "club": "Rennes", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Ligue 1", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 35, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2212, "club_goals_2025_26": 7, "club_assists_2025_26": 6, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue 1, Coupe de France", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 320, "career_club_goals": 63, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Captain and key winger for Rennes; 7 goals and 6 assists across competitions", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Musa_Al-Taamari ; https://fbref.com/en/players/f15f8b2b/Musa-Al-Taamari ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/mousa-tamari/leistungsdaten/spieler/551505", "backstory": "Born in Amman and shaped at Shabab Al-Ordon, Musa Al-Taamari exploded into view at APOEL in Cyprus before a move to Belgium's OH Leuven and then a trailblazing switch to Montpellier, becoming the first Jordanian in Ligue 1. Now at Rennes, the left-footed winger cuts inside with pace and trickery and is Jordan's captain and talisman. He is the face of the nation's first World Cup.", "facts": ["A Quran hafiz, earning the nickname 'Sheikh Mousa'", "Scored a hat-trick on his senior debut against Lebanon in 2016", "First Jordanian to play in and score in Ligue 1"], "data_rating": 74, "fun": ["🔥 Top 4% scorer at the Cup", "🎖️ Most-capped in the squad (91)", "🌍 Plays abroad · France", "©️ Captain"]}, {"player_id": 1024, "team_id": 40, "fifa_code": "JOR", "team_name": "Jordan", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 11, "position": "FW", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Odeh Al-Fakhouri", "date_of_birth": "2005-11-22", "age": 20, "caps": 6, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Pyramids", "club_country": "Egypt", "club_league": "Egyptian Premier League", "height_cm": 180, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 10, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 298, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Egyptian Premier League, CAF Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 77, "career_club_goals": 15, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Young forward who joined Pyramids in February 2026; scored on debut in CAF Champions League", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Odeh_Al-Fakhouri ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/1823348/odeh-al-fakhouri", "backstory": "Odeh Al-Fakhouri first kicked a ball aged six in Spain through Prince Ali bin Al Hussein's youth programmes, then developed at Amman FC and won a league title with Al-Hussein before joining Egyptian side Pyramids in 2026. A quick, direct forward strong at one-on-ones, the teenager scored on his Pyramids debut and represents the bright future of Jordanian football at the World Cup.", "facts": ["Became the youngest goalscorer in Jordan FA Cup history at 17", "Scored on his debut for Pyramids in the CAF Champions League", "Not related to Jordan goalkeeper Abdallah Al-Fakhouri despite the shared surname"], "data_rating": 56, "fun": ["🐣 Youngest in the squad (20)", "🌟 Wonderkid", "🌍 Plays abroad · Egypt"]}, {"player_id": 1025, "team_id": 40, "fifa_code": "JOR", "team_name": "Jordan", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 12, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Noor Bani Attiah", "date_of_birth": "1993-01-25", "age": 33, "caps": 4, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al-Faisaly", "club_country": "Jordan", "club_league": "Jordanian Pro League", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": null, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Jordanian Pro League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": "Backup goalkeeper", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.sofascore.com/team/football/al-faisaly-sc/47482", "backstory": "Noor Bani Attiah is a goalkeeper for Al-Faisaly who rose through Jordan's youth ranks before being named in the senior squad for the 2026 World Cup as a backup option. He comes from a footballing family.", "facts": ["His older brother Khalil Bani Attiah is also a Jordan international"], "data_rating": 56, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 1026, "team_id": 40, "fifa_code": "JOR", "team_name": "Jordan", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 13, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Mahmoud Al-Mardi", "date_of_birth": "1993-10-06", "age": 32, "caps": 68, "international_goals": 7, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al-Hussein", "club_country": "Jordan", "club_league": "Jordanian Pro League", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": null, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "UAE Pro League (on loan at Dibba Al-Fujairah from Al-Hussein for 2025-26)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": "Winger/midfielder; on loan at Dibba Al-Fujairah (UAE) for 2025-26", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahmoud_Al-Mardi ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/mahmoud-al-mardi/leistungsdaten/spieler/401086", "backstory": "A winger from Aqaba, Mahmoud Al-Mardi began at Ittihad Al-Zarqa and won a league-and-cup double at Al-Faisaly, with later silverware at Bahrain's Al-Muharraq and a goal-laden spell at Malaysia's Kedah. Based at Al-Hussein, he spent 2025-26 on loan at UAE side Dibba Al-Fujairah. One of Jordan's more experienced attackers, he offers width and goal threat at the World Cup.", "facts": ["Scored in the opening minutes of the 2021 AFC Cup final", "Scored a hat-trick for Kedah in the AFC Cup against Visakha"], "data_rating": 60, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 1027, "team_id": 40, "fifa_code": "JOR", "team_name": "Jordan", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 14, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Rajaei Ayed", "date_of_birth": "1993-07-25", "age": 32, "caps": 72, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al-Hussein", "club_country": "Jordan", "club_league": "Jordanian Pro League", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": null, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Jordanian Pro League, AFC Champions League Two", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": "7 appearances and 1 assist in AFC competition in 2025-26", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rajaei_Ayed ; https://footystats.org/players/jordan/rajaei-ayed-fadel-hasan", "backstory": "Rajaei Ayed is a midfielder who came through Al-Wehdat's youth system and made over 200 appearances for the club across nine seasons, with later experience in Thailand and Qatar before joining Al-Hussein. Capped since 2014, he is one of the longest-serving members of the squad and provides midfield experience at the World Cup.", "facts": ["Made more than 200 appearances for Al-Wehdat", "Featured in Jordan's 2015 and 2023 AFC Asian Cup squads"], "data_rating": 59, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 1028, "team_id": 40, "fifa_code": "JOR", "team_name": "Jordan", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 15, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Ibrahim Sa'deh", "date_of_birth": "2000-04-27", "age": 26, "caps": 56, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al-Karma", "club_country": "Iraq", "club_league": "Iraq Stars League", "height_cm": 175, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 17, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Iraq Stars League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ibrahim_Sadeh ; https://footystats.org/players/jordan/ibrahim-mohammad-sami", "backstory": "Ibrahim Sa'deh, from Zarqa, came up at Al-Jazeera before a well-travelled career taking in Al-Hussein, Al-Zawraa, Al-Khor and now Iraq's Al-Karma. A versatile midfielder capped since 2021, he was part of the 2023 Asian Cup final squad and adds depth to Jordan's midfield at the World Cup.", "facts": ["Scored against the Dominican Republic in a September 2025 friendly", "Has played across four national leagues: Jordan, Iraq, Qatar and Bahrain"], "data_rating": 65, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Iraq"]}, {"player_id": 1029, "team_id": 40, "fifa_code": "JOR", "team_name": "Jordan", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 16, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Mohammad Abualnadi", "date_of_birth": "2001-02-08", "age": 25, "caps": 17, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Selangor", "club_country": "Malaysia", "club_league": "Malaysia Super League", "height_cm": 186, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Malaysia Super League, ASEAN Club Championship", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mo_Abualnadi ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/mohammad-abualnadi/profil/spieler/658052", "backstory": "Born in Overland Park, Kansas to Jordanian parents, Mohammad Abualnadi came through the Sporting Kansas City academy and played college soccer at Notre Dame and Pittsburgh before turning pro. He won a Jordanian league title with Al-Hussein and then moved to Malaysia's Selangor in 2024. The 186cm centre-back offers cover for Jordan's defence at the World Cup.", "facts": ["Born in the USA and a former Sporting Kansas City academy player", "Scored one of the fastest opening goals in NCAA history (1:12) on his Notre Dame debut"], "data_rating": 56, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Malaysia"]}, {"player_id": 1030, "team_id": 40, "fifa_code": "JOR", "team_name": "Jordan", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 17, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Salim Obaid", "date_of_birth": "1992-01-17", "age": 34, "caps": 10, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al-Hussein", "club_country": "Jordan", "club_league": "Jordanian Pro League", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": null, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Jordanian Pro League, AFC Champions League Two", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.sofascore.com/team/football/al-hussein-irbid/117204", "backstory": "Salim Obaid is a left-back who progressed through Al-Arabi (Irbid), Mansheyat Bani Hasan and Al-Baqa'a before settling at Al-Hussein. He made his Jordan debut in 2019 and provides experienced depth on the flank for the World Cup squad.", "facts": ["Made his Jordan debut against Syria in March 2019"], "data_rating": 55, "fun": ["🧓 Veteran presence"]}, {"player_id": 1031, "team_id": 40, "fifa_code": "JOR", "team_name": "Jordan", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 18, "position": "FW", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Ibrahim Sabra", "date_of_birth": "2006-02-01", "age": 20, "caps": 4, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Lokomotiva Zagreb", "club_country": "Croatia", "club_league": "Croatian Football League", "height_cm": 183, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 4, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Croatian Football League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 34, "career_club_goals": 12, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Young striker on loan at Lokomotiva Zagreb from Goztepe; impressed at 2025 Arab Cup (ankle injury reported June 2026)", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ibrahim_Sabra ; https://fbref.com/en/players/eb63719c/Ibrahim-Sabra", "backstory": "Born in Sahab, Ibrahim Sabra came through Jordan Knights and Al-Wehdat, where he became the main striker, before a move to Turkey's Goztepe and a 2026 loan at Croatia's Lokomotiva Zagreb. A powerful, fast striker, the teenager scored his first senior goal against Costa Rica in 2026. An ankle injury reported just before the tournament cast doubt over his participation.", "facts": ["Scored a bicycle kick against Besiktas just 39 seconds after coming on", "Won national 100m and 200m sprint titles in 2023 before choosing football", "Scored his first international goal against Costa Rica in March 2026"], "data_rating": 57, "fun": ["🌟 Wonderkid", "🌍 Plays abroad · Croatia"]}, {"player_id": 1032, "team_id": 40, "fifa_code": "JOR", "team_name": "Jordan", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 19, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Saed Al-Rosan", "date_of_birth": "1997-02-01", "age": 29, "caps": 20, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al-Hussein", "club_country": "Jordan", "club_league": "Jordanian Pro League", "height_cm": 188, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": null, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Jordanian Pro League, AFC Champions League Two", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saed_Al-Rosan ; https://www.playmakerstats.com/player/saed-al-rosan/620807", "backstory": "Saed Al-Rosan came up through Al-Arabi (Irbid), Mansheyat Bani Hasan and Al-Baqa'a before joining Al-Hussein in 2021, where he became a cornerstone of a league-winning side. The 188cm centre-back, who can also cover defensive midfield, brings ball-playing ability to Jordan's defence at the World Cup.", "facts": ["Scored his first international goal in Jordan's 7-0 thrashing of Pakistan in World Cup qualifying", "Won the 2023-24 Jordanian Pro League with Al-Hussein"], "data_rating": 58, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 1033, "team_id": 40, "fifa_code": "JOR", "team_name": "Jordan", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 20, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Mohannad Abu Taha", "date_of_birth": "2003-02-02", "age": 23, "caps": 28, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya", "club_country": "Iraq", "club_league": "Iraq Stars League", "height_cm": 176, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": 450000, "club_apps_2025_26": 32, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 4, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Iraq Stars League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 65, "career_club_goals": 6, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Winger/left-back; 32 apps and 4 goals for Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya in 2025-26", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohannad_Abu_Taha ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/mohannad-abu-taha/profil/spieler/883111", "backstory": "A youth product of Al-Wehdat in his native Amman, Mohannad Abu Taha won two Jordan FA Cups before moving to Iraq's Al-Karkh in 2024, a loan in Saudi Arabia, and then Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya, with whom he won the Iraq Stars League. The left-footed player operates as a winger or left-back, and his versatility makes him a useful option at the World Cup.", "facts": ["Won the Iraq Stars League title with Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya in 2025-26", "Won the Jordan FA Cup twice with Al-Wehdat"], "data_rating": 63, "fun": ["💎 Most valuable in the squad", "🌍 Plays abroad · Iraq"]}, {"player_id": 1034, "team_id": 40, "fifa_code": "JOR", "team_name": "Jordan", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 21, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Nizar Al-Rashdan", "date_of_birth": "1999-03-23", "age": 27, "caps": 46, "international_goals": 4, "is_captain": false, "club": "Qatar SC", "club_country": "Qatar", "club_league": "Qatar Stars League", "height_cm": 183, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 11, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 965, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": 3, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Qatar Stars League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Defensive midfielder; joined Qatar SC in January 2026", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nizar_Al-Rashdan ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/1195369/nizar-al-rashdan", "backstory": "Nizar Al-Rashdan made his name at Al-Hussein and then Al-Faisaly, helping the latter to the 2022 Jordanian Pro League, before moving abroad and joining Qatar SC in January 2026. A defensive midfielder who breaks up play and recovers the ball, he produced one of the defining moments of Jordan's 2023 Asian Cup run. He shields the defence at the World Cup.", "facts": ["Scored the winning goal in Jordan's 3-2 victory over Iraq at the 2023 Asian Cup", "Has played in Jordan, Iraq, the UAE, Bahrain and Qatar"], "data_rating": 65, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Qatar"]}, {"player_id": 1035, "team_id": 40, "fifa_code": "JOR", "team_name": "Jordan", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 22, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Abdallah Al-Fakhouri", "date_of_birth": "2000-01-22", "age": 26, "caps": 11, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al-Wehdat", "club_country": "Jordan", "club_league": "Jordanian Pro League", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Jordanian Pro League, AFC Champions League Two", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": "Backup goalkeeper", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.transfermarkt.us/abdallah-al-fakhouri/leistungsdaten/spieler/658805/saison/2025 ; https://www.flashscore.com/player/al-fakhouri-abdallah/CEXX5FK9/", "backstory": "Long tipped as the heir to legendary keeper Amer Shafi, Abdallah Al-Fakhouri came through Al-Wehdat and signed his first pro deal there in 2018 after trials with European clubs. A brief 2023 move to Saudi side Al-Ain was followed by a return to Al-Wehdat, where he has collected several domestic honours. He travels to the World Cup as a goalkeeping option.", "facts": ["Became the youngest goalkeeper in Jordan's history when he debuted at 17 in January 2018", "Drew trial interest from Real Valladolid and Sporting Lisbon as a teenager"], "data_rating": 58, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 1036, "team_id": 40, "fifa_code": "JOR", "team_name": "Jordan", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 23, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Ihsan Haddad", "date_of_birth": "1994-02-05", "age": 32, "caps": 91, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al-Hussein", "club_country": "Jordan", "club_league": "Jordanian Pro League", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": null, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Jordanian Pro League, AFC Champions League Two", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": "Veteran defender and team captain returning from injury", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ihsan_Haddad ; https://fbref.com/en/players/85660a5d/Ihsan-Haddad", "backstory": "A graduate of Al-Arabi's academy in Irbid, Ihsan Haddad became a club legend at Al-Faisaly, collecting six titles, with later spells in Iraq at Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya and Al-Shorta. The versatile defender captained Jordan through their fairytale run to the 2023 Asian Cup final, eliminating Iraq and South Korea along the way. A veteran leader, he provides experience and steel at the World Cup.", "facts": ["First Jordanian captain to lead the team to a final at a major tournament (2023 Asian Cup)", "Named to the 2023 AFC Asian Cup Team of the Tournament"], "data_rating": 63, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 1037, "team_id": 40, "fifa_code": "JOR", "team_name": "Jordan", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 24, "position": "FW", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Ali Azaizeh", "date_of_birth": "2004-04-13", "age": 22, "caps": 3, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al-Shabab", "club_country": "Saudi Arabia", "club_league": "Saudi Pro League", "height_cm": 179, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 10, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Saudi Pro League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 112, "career_club_goals": 8, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Top scorer at 2025 Arab Cup (four goals); on loan at Al-Shabab from Kazma; born in Germany", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ali_Azaizeh ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/1642793/ali-al-azaizeh", "backstory": "Born in Germany to Jordanian parents who had moved there to study, Ali Azaizeh returned home and rose through Al-Ramtha's academy, winning a league title there, before moves to Kuwait's Kazma and a loan at Saudi club Al-Shabab. A winger with attacking instincts, he announced himself with a starring run at the 2025 Arab Cup. He adds youthful firepower to Jordan's World Cup attack.", "facts": ["Born in Germany but committed to Jordan, reportedly turning down a UAE switch", "Top scorer at the 2025 FIFA Arab Cup with four goals"], "data_rating": 56, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Saudi Arabia"]}, {"player_id": 1038, "team_id": 40, "fifa_code": "JOR", "team_name": "Jordan", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 25, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Mohammad Al-Dawoud", "date_of_birth": "1992-12-04", "age": 33, "caps": 12, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al-Wehdat", "club_country": "Jordan", "club_league": "Jordanian Pro League", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": null, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Jordanian Pro League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.besoccer.com/player/mohammad-al-daoud-3607181", "backstory": "Mohammad Al-Dawoud is a central midfielder for Al-Wehdat who debuted for Jordan back in 2011 at the Pan Arab Games. Tasked with dictating tempo, he had an early loan spell in Bahrain with Al-Hidd and brings veteran know-how to the World Cup squad. He follows his father into the national team.", "facts": ["His father, Rateb Al-Dawoud, also played for Al-Ramtha and the Jordan national team", "First capped for Jordan in 2011 at the Pan Arab Games"], "data_rating": 54, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 1039, "team_id": 40, "fifa_code": "JOR", "team_name": "Jordan", "group_letter": "J", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": 26, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Anas Badawi", "date_of_birth": "1997-09-13", "age": 28, "caps": 1, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al-Faisaly", "club_country": "Jordan", "club_league": "Jordanian Pro League", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": null, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Jordanian Pro League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.sofascore.com/team/football/al-faisaly-sc/47482", "backstory": "Anas Badawi is a right-back who began at Al-Ahli before three productive seasons at Shabab Al-Aqaba, then a spell at Al-Jazeera, before joining Al-Faisaly in 2025. A relative newcomer to the senior national team, he is included in Jordan's World Cup squad as a defensive option.", "facts": ["Contributed a goal and three assists for Al-Jazeera in 2024-25"], "data_rating": 50, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 1040, "team_id": 41, "fifa_code": "POR", "team_name": "Portugal", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 1, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Diogo Costa", "date_of_birth": "1999-09-19", "age": 26, "caps": 42, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "FC Porto", "club_country": "Portugal", "club_league": "Primeira Liga", "height_cm": 188, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 40000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 33, "club_starts_2025_26": 33, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2908, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 21, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": 13, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Primeira Liga (league only; 27 clean sheets in all competitions)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 240, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "First-choice goalkeeper for club and country", "enrichment_sources": "https://footystats.org/players/portugal/diogo-costa ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/diogo-costa/profil/spieler/357153 ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diogo_Costa", "backstory": "A Porto academy product born in Rothrist, Switzerland, Diogo Costa rose through the youth ranks at the Dragões before establishing himself as one of Europe's elite shot-stoppers. Renowned for his composure on the ball and reflex saves, he became Portugal's undisputed No. 1 under Roberto Martínez. He heads into the 2026 World Cup as the team's first-choice goalkeeper after another season of heavy clean-sheet returns at Porto.", "facts": ["Came through FC Porto's academy and is its long-term No. 1", "Saved three penalties in the Euro 2024 round-of-16 shootout against Slovenia", "Was born in Switzerland"], "data_rating": 80, "fun": ["💎 Most valuable in the squad", "🧤 21 clean sheets in 2025/26"]}, {"player_id": 1041, "team_id": 41, "fifa_code": "POR", "team_name": "Portugal", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 2, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "RB", "player_name": "Nélson Semedo", "date_of_birth": "1993-11-16", "age": 32, "caps": 49, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Fenerbahçe", "club_country": "Turkey", "club_league": "Süper Lig", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 26, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1944, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 3, "club_yellow_2025_26": 8, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Süper Lig (league only)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Experienced right-back", "enrichment_sources": "https://footystats.org/players/portugal/nelson-semedo ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/nelson-semedo/leistungsdaten/spieler/231572 ; https://www.fctables.com/players/nelson_semedo-290935/", "backstory": "A product of Sintrense and then Benfica's academy, Nélson Semedo broke through at Benfica before a big-money move to Barcelona in 2017. He later spent several seasons at Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League and then moved to Fenerbahçe in Turkey. A quick, attack-minded right-back, the veteran offers experience and depth on the flank for Portugal.", "facts": ["Joined Barcelona from Benfica in a deal worth around €30m in 2017", "Spent four seasons at Wolves before moving to Fenerbahçe"], "data_rating": 72, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Turkey"]}, {"player_id": 1042, "team_id": 41, "fifa_code": "POR", "team_name": "Portugal", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 3, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Rúben Dias", "date_of_birth": "1997-05-14", "age": 29, "caps": 75, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "Manchester City", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 187, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 33, "club_starts_2025_26": 30, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 3, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Defensive leader, regular starter", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.statmuse.com/fc/player/r%C3%BAben-dias-5509 ; https://www.premierleague.com/en/players/171314/ruben-dias/stats ; https://www.sportbusy.com/players/soccer/234878/", "backstory": "Raised in the Benfica academy in Lisbon, Rúben Dias emerged as a commanding centre-back before a 2020 move to Manchester City transformed their defence. He was named the Premier League's Player of the Season in his debut campaign in England, anchoring City's title-winning and treble-winning sides. A vocal leader and Portugal's defensive cornerstone, he is one of the team's most important figures at the World Cup.", "facts": ["Named FWA Footballer of the Year and Premier League Player of the Season in 2020-21, his first season in England", "Won the Champions League with Manchester City in 2023 as part of the treble", "Came through Benfica's academy"], "data_rating": 88, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 1043, "team_id": 41, "fifa_code": "POR", "team_name": "Portugal", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 4, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Tomás Araújo", "date_of_birth": "2002-05-16", "age": 24, "caps": 4, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Benfica", "club_country": "Portugal", "club_league": "Primeira Liga", "height_cm": 188, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 38, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": 3, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Primeira Liga, UEFA Champions League (all competitions combined)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Emerging centre-back", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.transfermarkt.us/tomas-araujo/leistungsdaten/spieler/504087 ; https://footystats.org/players/portugal/tomas-araujo ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/1187283/tomas-araujo", "backstory": "Born in Vila Nova de Famalicão, Tomás Araújo joined Benfica's academy as a teenager and was part of the side that won the 2021-22 UEFA Youth League, the club's first European trophy in 60 years. After a loan spell at Gil Vicente he returned to become a regular at the heart of Benfica's defence. A tall, right-footed centre-back, he is one of the emerging defenders in Portugal's squad.", "facts": ["Won the UEFA Youth League with Benfica in 2022", "Made his senior Portugal debut in 2024"], "data_rating": 68, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 1044, "team_id": 41, "fifa_code": "POR", "team_name": "Portugal", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 5, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "RB", "player_name": "Diogo Dalot", "date_of_birth": "1999-03-18", "age": 27, "caps": 34, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "Manchester United", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 183, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 38, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": 4, "club_yellow_2025_26": 5, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup (all competitions combined)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Versatile full-back", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.premierleague.com/en/players/216051/diogo-dalot/stats ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/diogo-dalot/leistungsdaten/spieler/357147 ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/751550/diogo-dalot", "backstory": "Born in Braga, Diogo Dalot came through Porto's academy and earned a move to Manchester United in 2018 as a highly rated young full-back. After a loan spell at AC Milan he returned to Old Trafford and established himself as a dependable, two-footed defender capable of playing on either flank. Reliable and versatile, he is a key part of Portugal's back line heading into the tournament.", "facts": ["Joined Manchester United from FC Porto in 2018", "Can play at both right-back and left-back", "Spent the 2020-21 season on loan at AC Milan"], "data_rating": 77, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 1045, "team_id": 41, "fifa_code": "POR", "team_name": "Portugal", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 6, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Matheus Nunes", "date_of_birth": "1998-08-27", "age": 27, "caps": 19, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Manchester City", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 183, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 34, "club_starts_2025_26": 32, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2864, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 5, "club_yellow_2025_26": 5, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League (league only)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Box-to-box midfielder, used across midfield and full-back", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.premierleague.com/en/players/465351/matheus-nunes/overview ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/matheus-nunes/leistungsdaten/spieler/601883 ; https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/matheus-nunes/21219/", "backstory": "Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Matheus Nunes moved to Portugal as a teenager and broke through at Sporting CP, helping them win the Primeira Liga in 2021. He earned Portuguese nationality and a senior cap, then moved to Wolves and later Manchester City. A powerful, ball-carrying midfielder who has also been deployed at right-back, he adds energy and versatility to Portugal's midfield.", "facts": ["Born in Brazil and naturalised as Portuguese", "Won the Primeira Liga with Sporting CP in 2021", "Has been used as both a midfielder and a full-back at Manchester City"], "data_rating": 71, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 1046, "team_id": 41, "fifa_code": "POR", "team_name": "Portugal", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 7, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Cristiano Ronaldo", "date_of_birth": "1985-02-05", "age": 41, "caps": 227, "international_goals": 143, "is_captain": true, "club": "Al-Nassr", "club_country": "Saudi Arabia", "club_league": "Saudi Pro League", "height_cm": 187, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 10000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 30, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 28, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Saudi Pro League (league only)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": 830, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Captain and all-time leading scorer, won Saudi Pro League title 2025/26; nearing 1,000 career goals (973 club+country)", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.sofascore.com/news/cristiano-ronaldos-2025-26-al-nassr-season-in-numbers ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/cristiano-ronaldo/leistungsdaten/spieler/8198/saison/2025 ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_career_achievements_by_Cristiano_Ronaldo", "backstory": "Born on the island of Madeira, Cristiano Ronaldo left Sporting CP for Manchester United in 2003 and went on to become one of the greatest players in history, starring at United, Real Madrid, Juventus, a United return, and now Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia. Portugal's captain and all-time record scorer, he led the nation to glory at Euro 2016 and the 2019 Nations League. At 41, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner is competing at a record-extending World Cup, chasing the international goals to push past the historic 1,000-goal career milestone.", "facts": ["Portugal's all-time leading scorer and the most-capped men's international in history", "Five-time Ballon d'Or winner", "Won Euro 2016 and the inaugural UEFA Nations League in 2019 with Portugal"], "data_rating": 87, "fun": ["⚡ 0.63 goals per cap", "🔥 Top 1% scorer at the Cup", "🎖️ Most-capped in the squad (227)", "🧓 Veteran presence", "🌍 Plays abroad · Saudi Arabia"]}, {"player_id": 1047, "team_id": 41, "fifa_code": "POR", "team_name": "Portugal", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 8, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CAM", "player_name": "Bruno Fernandes", "date_of_birth": "1994-09-08", "age": 31, "caps": 88, "international_goals": 29, "is_captain": false, "club": "Manchester United", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 179, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 35, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 3069, "club_goals_2025_26": 9, "club_assists_2025_26": 21, "club_yellow_2025_26": 5, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League (league only; PL Player of the Season, record 21 assists)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Creative hub, regular starter and goal threat; 2025/26 PL Player of the Season", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.premierleague.com/en/players/141746/bruno-fernandes/stats ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bruno_Fernandes ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/422685/bruno-fernandes", "backstory": "A late bloomer who developed in Portugal before making his name in Italy with Novara, Udinese and Sampdoria, Bruno Fernandes exploded at Sporting CP before a January 2020 move to Manchester United. He became United's talisman and captain, a relentless creator and goalscorer from midfield who was named Premier League Player of the Season in 2025-26 with a record assist tally. He is the creative engine of Portugal's team and one of its on-pitch leaders.", "facts": ["Named Premier League Player of the Season for 2025-26", "Built his early career in Italy at Novara, Udinese and Sampdoria", "Captain of Manchester United"], "data_rating": 93, "fun": ["🔥 Top 3% scorer at the Cup", "🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 1048, "team_id": 41, "fifa_code": "POR", "team_name": "Portugal", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 9, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Gonçalo Ramos", "date_of_birth": "2001-06-20", "age": 24, "caps": 24, "international_goals": 10, "is_captain": false, "club": "Paris Saint-Germain", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Ligue 1", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 35000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 30, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1309, "club_goals_2025_26": 6, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": 4, "club_red_2025_26": 1, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue 1 (league only)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Impact centre-forward", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.transfermarkt.us/goncalo-ramos/leistungsdaten/spieler/550550 ; https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/goncalo-ramos/9356/ ; https://footystats.org/players/portugal/goncalo-ramos", "backstory": "Born in Olhão in the Algarve, Gonçalo Ramos came through Benfica's academy and announced himself to the world with a hat-trick on his first World Cup start, replacing Cristiano Ronaldo in Portugal's 6-1 win over Switzerland in 2022. He moved to Paris Saint-Germain the following year, winning multiple French titles and the Champions League. A strong, instinctive No. 9, he offers Portugal a focal point in attack.", "facts": ["Scored a hat-trick on his first World Cup start, against Switzerland in 2022", "Was the first player to score a World Cup hat-trick on his first start since Miroslav Klose in 2002", "Came through Benfica's academy"], "data_rating": 70, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · France"]}, {"player_id": 1049, "team_id": 41, "fifa_code": "POR", "team_name": "Portugal", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 10, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "RW", "player_name": "Bernardo Silva", "date_of_birth": "1994-08-10", "age": 31, "caps": 108, "international_goals": 14, "is_captain": false, "club": "Manchester City", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 173, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": 22000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 38, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2886, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": 4, "club_yellow_2025_26": 10, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League (league only)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Senior playmaker and 2025/26 club captain, regular starter", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.premierleague.com/en/players/165809/bernardo-silva/stats ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/bernardo-silva/leistungsdaten/spieler/241641 ; https://www.sportbusy.com/players/soccer/199833/", "backstory": "Born in Lisbon, Bernardo Silva came through Benfica's academy but made his breakthrough at Monaco, helping them to a shock Ligue 1 title and Champions League semi-final in 2017 before joining Manchester City. A creative, hard-working playmaker, he has won multiple Premier League titles and the Champions League, and became City's captain. One of Portugal's most experienced and intelligent footballers, he is central to their midfield.", "facts": ["Won Ligue 1 with Monaco in 2017 before joining Manchester City", "Won the Champions League with City in 2023", "Became Manchester City captain"], "data_rating": 87, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 1050, "team_id": 41, "fifa_code": "POR", "team_name": "Portugal", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 11, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "SS", "player_name": "João Félix", "date_of_birth": "1999-11-10", "age": 26, "caps": 53, "international_goals": 12, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al-Nassr", "club_country": "Saudi Arabia", "club_league": "Saudi Pro League", "height_cm": 181, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 33, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2908, "club_goals_2025_26": 20, "club_assists_2025_26": 13, "club_yellow_2025_26": 7, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Saudi Pro League and cups (all competitions combined)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Attacking forward, prolific debut season at Al-Nassr", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/794427/joao-felix ; https://footystats.org/players/portugal/joao-felix ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/joao-felix/leistungsdaten/spieler/462250", "backstory": "A Benfica academy graduate from Viseu, João Félix became one of the most expensive teenagers in history when Atlético Madrid signed him for around €126m in 2019. After loan spells at Chelsea and Barcelona and a difficult period in Spain, he revived his career on a prolific debut season at Al-Nassr alongside Cristiano Ronaldo. A gifted, creative forward, he brings flair and goals off the bench or in support of the attack.", "facts": ["Joined Atlético Madrid from Benfica for around €126m in 2019, then one of the most expensive teenagers ever", "Won the Golden Boy award in 2019", "Now plays alongside Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr"], "data_rating": 81, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Saudi Arabia", "🎯 20 club goals in 2025/26"]}, {"player_id": 1051, "team_id": 41, "fifa_code": "POR", "team_name": "Portugal", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 12, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "José Sá", "date_of_birth": "1993-01-17", "age": 33, "caps": 5, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Wolverhampton Wanderers", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 193, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 22, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 4, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": 36, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League (league only)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Backup goalkeeper for Portugal; first-choice at Wolves", "enrichment_sources": "https://footystats.org/players/portugal/jose-sa ; https://www.premierleague.com/players/15715/Jos%C3%A9-S%C3%A1/stats ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/jose-sa/leistungsdaten/spieler/249994", "backstory": "Born in Braga, José Sá developed at Marítimo before joining Porto, where he served as understudy to Iker Casillas, then won titles at Olympiacos in Greece. He moved to Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2021 and became their first-choice goalkeeper in the Premier League. Tall and a strong shot-stopper, he provides experienced cover behind Diogo Costa for Portugal.", "facts": ["Was Iker Casillas's understudy during his time at FC Porto", "Won two Greek league titles with Olympiacos", "First-choice goalkeeper at Wolves"], "data_rating": 66, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 1052, "team_id": 41, "fifa_code": "POR", "team_name": "Portugal", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 13, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Renato Veiga", "date_of_birth": "2003-07-29", "age": 22, "caps": 12, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Villarreal", "club_country": "Spain", "club_league": "La Liga", "height_cm": 191, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 40, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 3201, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "La Liga, UEFA Champions League (all competitions combined: 32 LaLiga + 8 UCL)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Versatile defender/midfielder, joined Villarreal August 2025", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.transfermarkt.us/renato-veiga/leistungsdaten/spieler/805714 ; https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/clubs/players/250164935--renato-veiga/ ; https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/renato-veiga/56191/", "backstory": "Born near Lisbon, Renato Veiga came through Sporting CP's academy and built his career via loans and moves to Augsburg, Basel, Chelsea and a loan at Juventus, before a club-record transfer to Villarreal in 2025. A tall, left-footed defender who can play centre-back, left-back or defensive midfield, his versatility is a major asset. He won the UEFA Nations League with Portugal in 2025.", "facts": ["Joined Villarreal in 2025 in a reported club-record deal", "Can play centre-back, left-back and defensive midfield", "Won the UEFA Nations League with Portugal in 2025"], "data_rating": 71, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Spain"]}, {"player_id": 1053, "team_id": 41, "fifa_code": "POR", "team_name": "Portugal", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 14, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Gonçalo Inácio", "date_of_birth": "2001-08-25", "age": 24, "caps": 21, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Sporting CP", "club_country": "Portugal", "club_league": "Primeira Liga", "height_cm": 186, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 24, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2506, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": 3, "club_yellow_2025_26": 4, "club_red_2025_26": 1, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Primeira Liga (league only)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Ball-playing centre-back", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/1165710/goncalo-inacio ; https://footystats.org/players/portugal/goncalo-inacio ; https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/clubs/players/250136464--goncalo-inacio/", "backstory": "A Sporting CP academy graduate, Gonçalo Inácio rose to become one of the Primeira Liga's finest centre-backs, helping Sporting to league titles. A composed, ball-playing defender who is comfortable bringing the ball out and dangerous from set pieces, he has long been linked with moves to bigger leagues. He offers Portugal a modern, left-footed option in central defence.", "facts": ["Came through Sporting CP's academy and won the Primeira Liga with the club", "A left-footed, ball-playing centre-back"], "data_rating": 72, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 1054, "team_id": 41, "fifa_code": "POR", "team_name": "Portugal", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 15, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "João Neves", "date_of_birth": "2004-09-27", "age": 21, "caps": 21, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "Paris Saint-Germain", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Ligue 1", "height_cm": 174, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 29, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 6, "club_assists_2025_26": 4, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue 1, UEFA Champions League (all competitions combined: 18 L1 + 11 UCL)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Young midfield starter, Champions League winner", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.sportbusy.com/players/soccer/355061/ ; https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/clubs/players/250164991--joao-neves/statistics/ ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/1342757/joao-neves", "backstory": "Born in Tavira in the Algarve, João Neves joined Benfica's academy as a child and won the 2021-22 UEFA Youth League before breaking into the first team and earning rave reviews. He moved to Paris Saint-Germain in 2024 and was a key figure as PSG won the Champions League and a continental treble in 2025. A tenacious, technically refined midfielder, he is one of Portugal's brightest young talents.", "facts": ["Won the Champions League with PSG as part of a continental treble in 2025", "Won the UEFA Youth League with Benfica in 2022", "Joined PSG from Benfica in 2024 for around €60m"], "data_rating": 73, "fun": ["🐣 Youngest in the squad (21)", "🌍 Plays abroad · France"]}, {"player_id": 1055, "team_id": 41, "fifa_code": "POR", "team_name": "Portugal", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 16, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "RW", "player_name": "Francisco Trincão", "date_of_birth": "1999-12-29", "age": 26, "caps": 17, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "Sporting CP", "club_country": "Portugal", "club_league": "Primeira Liga", "height_cm": 183, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 34, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2851, "club_goals_2025_26": 7, "club_assists_2025_26": 11, "club_yellow_2025_26": 1, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Primeira Liga and cups (all competitions combined)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Wide attacker", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.sportbusy.com/players/soccer/274159/ ; https://footystats.org/players/portugal/francisco-trincao ; https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/clubs/players/250112122--francisco-trincao/", "backstory": "Born in Viana do Castelo, Francisco Trincão came through Sporting de Braga before a 2020 transfer to Barcelona. After loans at Wolves and Sporting CP, his move to Sporting became permanent and he flourished as a creative wide attacker, racking up goals and assists. A right-footed winger with an eye for a pass, he provides width and creativity for Portugal.", "facts": ["Joined Barcelona from Sporting de Braga in 2020", "Spent a season on loan at Wolves before establishing himself at Sporting CP"], "data_rating": 71, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 1056, "team_id": 41, "fifa_code": "POR", "team_name": "Portugal", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 17, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "LW", "player_name": "Rafael Leão", "date_of_birth": "1999-06-10", "age": 27, "caps": 44, "international_goals": 5, "is_captain": false, "club": "AC Milan", "club_country": "Italy", "club_league": "Serie A", "height_cm": 188, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 31, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 10, "club_assists_2025_26": 3, "club_yellow_2025_26": 5, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Serie A and cups (all competitions combined: 29 Serie A + cups)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Pacey left winger, Milan top scorer 2025/26", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.sportbusy.com/players/soccer/258917/ ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rafael_Le%C3%A3o ; https://www.acmilan.com/en/teams/men-first-team/players/rafael-leao/statistics", "backstory": "Born in Almada, Rafael Leão came through Sporting CP's academy and left for Lille amid the turmoil following an attack on Sporting's training ground in 2018. He joined AC Milan in 2019 and became their star man, winning the Serie A title in 2022 and being named the league's MVP. A pacey, powerful left winger and a constant top scorer for Milan, he gives Portugal explosive attacking threat.", "facts": ["Named Serie A MVP after helping AC Milan win the 2021-22 Scudetto", "Came through Sporting CP's academy before joining Lille", "Milan's top scorer in 2025-26"], "data_rating": 72, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Italy"]}, {"player_id": 1057, "team_id": 41, "fifa_code": "POR", "team_name": "Portugal", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 18, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "RW", "player_name": "Pedro Neto", "date_of_birth": "2000-03-09", "age": 26, "caps": 24, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Chelsea", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 172, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 34, "club_starts_2025_26": 30, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2641, "club_goals_2025_26": 5, "club_assists_2025_26": 6, "club_yellow_2025_26": 1, "club_red_2025_26": 1, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League (league only)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Winger", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.premierleague.com/en/players/247632/pedro-neto/stats ; https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/pedro-neto/21153/ ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/pedro-neto/leistungsdaten/spieler/487465", "backstory": "Born in Viana do Castelo, Pedro Neto began at Sporting CP before moving to Italy with Lazio and then to Wolves, where he developed into an exciting Premier League winger. He joined Chelsea in 2024 and won the Conference League with the Blues. Quick and direct with the ability to beat defenders, he offers Portugal pace and unpredictability out wide.", "facts": ["Started his senior career at Sporting CP before moving to Lazio and then Wolves", "Joined Chelsea in 2024"], "data_rating": 68, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 1058, "team_id": 41, "fifa_code": "POR", "team_name": "Portugal", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 19, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "LW", "player_name": "Gonçalo Guedes", "date_of_birth": "1996-11-29", "age": 29, "caps": 34, "international_goals": 8, "is_captain": false, "club": "Real Sociedad", "club_country": "Spain", "club_league": "La Liga", "height_cm": 179, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 32, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1830, "club_goals_2025_26": 8, "club_assists_2025_26": 4, "club_yellow_2025_26": 3, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "La Liga (league only)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Forward", "enrichment_sources": "https://footystats.org/players/portugal/goncalo-guedes ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/goncalo-guedes/leistungsdaten/spieler/225122 ; https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/goncalo-guedes/18724/", "backstory": "Born in Benavente, Gonçalo Guedes came through Benfica's academy before a 2017 move to Paris Saint-Germain. He made his name on loan and then permanently at Valencia, helping them win the Copa del Rey, and later played for Wolves and Benfica before settling at Real Sociedad. A versatile, powerful forward, he adds depth and experience to Portugal's attacking options.", "facts": ["Won the Copa del Rey with Valencia in 2019", "Came through Benfica's academy before joining PSG"], "data_rating": 71, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Spain"]}, {"player_id": 1059, "team_id": 41, "fifa_code": "POR", "team_name": "Portugal", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 20, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "RB", "player_name": "João Cancelo", "date_of_birth": "1994-05-27", "age": 32, "caps": 67, "international_goals": 12, "is_captain": false, "club": "Barcelona", "club_country": "Spain", "club_league": "La Liga", "height_cm": 182, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 16, "club_starts_2025_26": 11, "club_minutes_2025_26": 952, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": 1, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "La Liga (Barcelona, league only; joined on loan Jan 2026)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Attacking full-back; joined Barcelona on loan from Al-Hilal January 2026", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/joao-cancelo/3241/ ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/joao-cancelo/leistungsdaten/spieler/182712 ; https://www.fctables.com/players/joao_cancelo-257039/", "backstory": "Born in Barreiro, João Cancelo came through Benfica's academy before moves to Valencia, Inter Milan and then Manchester City, where he won multiple Premier League titles and was regarded as one of the world's best full-backs. After spells at Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Al-Hilal, he returned to Barcelona on loan in January 2026. An attacking, two-footed full-back, he gives Portugal quality and goal threat from defence.", "facts": ["Named to the PFA Premier League Team of the Year during his Manchester City days", "Came through Benfica's academy", "Has played for Valencia, Inter, Man City, Bayern, Barcelona and Al-Hilal"], "data_rating": 71, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Spain"]}, {"player_id": 1060, "team_id": 41, "fifa_code": "POR", "team_name": "Portugal", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 21, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CDM", "player_name": "Rúben Neves", "date_of_birth": "1997-03-13", "age": 29, "caps": 66, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al-Hilal", "club_country": "Saudi Arabia", "club_league": "Saudi Pro League", "height_cm": 180, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 27, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2390, "club_goals_2025_26": 11, "club_assists_2025_26": 6, "club_yellow_2025_26": 4, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Saudi Pro League (league only)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Deep-lying midfielder", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/ruben-neves/21149/ ; https://footystats.org/players/portugal/ruben-neves ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/ruben-neves/leistungsdaten/spieler/225161", "backstory": "Born in Santa Maria da Feira, Rúben Neves came through Porto's academy and became Porto's youngest-ever Champions League captain as a teenager. He moved to Wolves in 2017, captaining them in the Premier League, before transferring to Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia in 2023. A deep-lying midfielder famed for his passing range and long-range strikes, he brings control and leadership to Portugal's midfield.", "facts": ["Became the youngest captain in UEFA Champions League history with Porto in 2015", "Famous for spectacular long-range goals at Wolves", "Moved to Al-Hilal in 2023"], "data_rating": 79, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Saudi Arabia"]}, {"player_id": 1061, "team_id": 41, "fifa_code": "POR", "team_name": "Portugal", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 22, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Rui Silva", "date_of_birth": "1994-02-07", "age": 32, "caps": 3, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Sporting CP", "club_country": "Portugal", "club_league": "Primeira Liga", "height_cm": 191, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 32, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2880, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 14, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Primeira Liga (league only; 14 league + 3 UCL clean sheets)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Listed as third-choice for Portugal; first-choice keeper at Sporting CP in 2025/26", "enrichment_sources": "https://footystats.org/players/portugal/rui-silva ; https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/rui-silva/18411/ ; https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/clubs/players/250062141--rui-silva/statistics/", "backstory": "Born in Sátão, Rui Silva began his professional career at Nacional before moving to Spain, where he won the Zamora Trophy as the best goalkeeper in Spain's second tier with Granada and reached a Europa League quarter-final. He later joined Real Betis and returned to Portugal with Sporting CP, winning the Primeira Liga and Taça de Portugal. Experienced and reliable, he provides goalkeeping cover for Portugal.", "facts": ["Won the Zamora Trophy as Spain's best second-tier goalkeeper with Granada", "Won the Primeira Liga and Taça de Portugal with Sporting CP"], "data_rating": 74, "fun": ["🧤 14 clean sheets in 2025/26"]}, {"player_id": 1062, "team_id": 41, "fifa_code": "POR", "team_name": "Portugal", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 23, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Vitinha", "date_of_birth": "2000-02-13", "age": 26, "caps": 37, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Paris Saint-Germain", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Ligue 1", "height_cm": 172, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 44, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 7, "club_assists_2025_26": 8, "club_yellow_2025_26": 2, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue 1, UEFA Champions League (all competitions combined: 27 L1 + 17 UCL)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Midfield metronome, Champions League winner", "enrichment_sources": "https://statz.ai/player/vitinha/4545430 ; https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/clubs/players/250101444--vitinha/statistics/ ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/1061249/vitinha", "backstory": "Born in Santo Tirso, Vitinha came through Porto's academy and, after a loan spell at Wolves, joined Paris Saint-Germain in 2022. He became the metronome of PSG's midfield, central to the team that won the Champions League and a continental treble in 2025. A small, technically gifted deep playmaker with exceptional ball retention, he is a vital part of Portugal's midfield.", "facts": ["Won the Champions League with PSG as part of a continental treble in 2025", "Came through FC Porto's academy", "Had a brief loan spell at Wolves before joining PSG"], "data_rating": 78, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · France"]}, {"player_id": 1063, "team_id": 41, "fifa_code": "POR", "team_name": "Portugal", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 24, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CDM", "player_name": "Samú Costa", "date_of_birth": "2000-11-27", "age": 25, "caps": 5, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Mallorca", "club_country": "Spain", "club_league": "La Liga", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 34, "club_starts_2025_26": 31, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2707, "club_goals_2025_26": 7, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": 11, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "La Liga and Copa del Rey (all competitions combined)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Defensive midfielder", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/samu-costa/19205/ ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/samu-costa/leistungsdaten/spieler/657430 ; https://www.sofascore.com/football/player/samuel-costa/988351", "backstory": "Born in Aveiro, Samú Costa developed at Beira-Mar and then Sporting de Braga before making his breakthrough on loan at Almería in Spain, who signed him permanently. He moved to Mallorca in 2023 and became a key defensive midfielder in La Liga. A combative, ball-winning midfielder, he earned his first senior Portugal call-up in 2024 and adds steel to the squad.", "facts": ["Made his name in Spain with Almería and then Mallorca", "Earned his first Portugal senior call-up in 2024"], "data_rating": 72, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Spain"]}, {"player_id": 1064, "team_id": 41, "fifa_code": "POR", "team_name": "Portugal", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 25, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "LB", "player_name": "Nuno Mendes", "date_of_birth": "2002-06-19", "age": 23, "caps": 43, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Paris Saint-Germain", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Ligue 1", "height_cm": 180, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 39, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 6, "club_assists_2025_26": 7, "club_yellow_2025_26": 1, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue 1, UEFA Champions League (all competitions combined: 19 L1 + 20 UCL)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "First-choice left-back, Champions League winner", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.sportbusy.com/players/soccer/290591/ ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/nuno-mendes/leistungsdaten/spieler/616341 ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/1158945/nuno-mendes", "backstory": "Born near Lisbon, Nuno Mendes came through Sporting CP's academy and burst onto the scene as a teenager, helping Sporting win the Primeira Liga in 2021. He joined Paris Saint-Germain, initially on loan, and developed into one of the world's best left-backs, winning the Champions League and a treble in 2025. Quick, athletic and attacking, he is Portugal's first-choice left-back.", "facts": ["Won the Primeira Liga with Sporting CP as a teenager in 2021", "Won the Champions League with PSG as part of a continental treble in 2025", "Came through Sporting CP's academy"], "data_rating": 82, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · France"]}, {"player_id": 1065, "team_id": 41, "fifa_code": "POR", "team_name": "Portugal", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 26, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "RW", "player_name": "Francisco Conceição", "date_of_birth": "2002-12-14", "age": 23, "caps": 16, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "Juventus", "club_country": "Italy", "club_league": "Serie A", "height_cm": 168, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 31, "club_starts_2025_26": 27, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2099, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": 4, "club_yellow_2025_26": 3, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Serie A (league only)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Winger", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/francisco-conceicao/21255/ ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/francisco-conceicao/leistungsdaten/spieler/487474/saison/2025 ; https://www.sofascore.com/football/player/francisco-conceicao/979222", "backstory": "Born in Coimbra, Francisco Conceição is the son of former Porto coach Sérgio Conceição and came through Porto's academy, winning a domestic double in 2022. After a spell at Ajax he returned to Porto and then joined Juventus, where the move became permanent in 2025. A small, direct dribbler who loves to take on defenders, he gives Portugal an explosive wide attacking option.", "facts": ["Son of former Porto and Juventus coach Sérgio Conceição", "Came through FC Porto's academy and won a league-and-cup double in 2022", "Joined Juventus permanently in 2025"], "data_rating": 65, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Italy"]}, {"player_id": 1066, "team_id": 42, "fifa_code": "COD", "team_name": "DR Congo", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 1, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Lionel Mpasi", "date_of_birth": "1994-08-01", "age": 31, "caps": 27, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Le Havre", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Ligue 1", "height_cm": 182, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": 400000, "club_apps_2025_26": 4, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue 1", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 187, "career_club_goals": 1, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "First-choice DR Congo goalkeeper", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lionel_Mpasi", "backstory": "Born in Meaux outside Paris to Congolese parents, Lionel Mpasi came through PSG's academy before grinding out a career largely in the French lower leagues, becoming a dependable Ligue 2 goalkeeper across nearly a decade at Rodez. He earned a Ligue 1 move to Le Havre in 2025, but his real platform has been DR Congo, whom he chose over France in 2022 and for whom he became first-choice, starting at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. He heads to the 2026 World Cup as the Leopards' number one.", "facts": ["Came through the PSG academy", "Switched from France's youth setup to play for DR Congo", "Played every group game and the Egypt knockout tie at the 2023 AFCON"], "data_rating": 58, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · France"]}, {"player_id": 1067, "team_id": 42, "fifa_code": "COD", "team_name": "DR Congo", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 2, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "RB", "player_name": "Aaron Wan-Bissaka", "date_of_birth": "1997-11-26", "age": 28, "caps": 11, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "West Ham United", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 183, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 15000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 27, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, FA Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 294, "career_club_goals": 4, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Premier League regular right-back", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaron_Wan-Bissaka", "backstory": "Raised in New Addington, Croydon, Aaron Wan-Bissaka joined Crystal Palace at 11 as a winger before converting to right-back, a switch that turned him into one of England's finest one-on-one defenders. A 50 million pound move to Manchester United in 2019 brought an EFL Cup and FA Cup, before he rebuilt his career at West Ham, winning the club's Player of the Year. Capped by England at youth level but never senior, he committed to DR Congo in August 2025 and is now a key part of their backline.", "facts": ["Joined Crystal Palace at 11 as a winger before becoming a right-back", "Was the most expensive uncapped English player when he joined Man United for 50m pounds", "Switched to DR Congo in 2025 after never winning a senior England cap"], "data_rating": 66, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 1068, "team_id": 42, "fifa_code": "COD", "team_name": "DR Congo", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 3, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Steve Kapuadi", "date_of_birth": "1998-04-30", "age": 28, "caps": 4, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Widzew Lodz", "club_country": "Poland", "club_league": "Ekstraklasa", "height_cm": 196, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": 2500000, "club_apps_2025_26": 12, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ekstraklasa, Polish Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 129, "career_club_goals": 5, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Kapuadi", "backstory": "Born in Le Mans to Congolese parents, the towering 1.96m centre-back Steve Kapuadi took an unusual route through Le Mans, Angers and Belgian youth setups before making his professional debut in Slovakia with AS Trencin. He built his reputation in Poland, winning silverware with Legia Warsaw before a record inter-club transfer to Widzew Lodz. He made his DR Congo debut in 2025 and quickly forced his way into the World Cup squad.", "facts": ["At 1.96m, the tallest outfield player in the squad", "Won the Polish Cup and Super Cup with Legia Warsaw", "Moved to Widzew Lodz in a record fee between Polish clubs"], "data_rating": 59, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Poland"]}, {"player_id": 1069, "team_id": 42, "fifa_code": "COD", "team_name": "DR Congo", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 4, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Axel Tuanzebe", "date_of_birth": "1997-11-14", "age": 28, "caps": 13, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Burnley", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 5000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 16, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, EFL Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 151, "career_club_goals": 2, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Axel_Tuanzebe", "backstory": "Born in Bunia in eastern DR Congo, Axel Tuanzebe moved to England aged five and rose through Manchester United's academy from age eight, earning the club's young player of the year award and a senior debut under Jose Mourinho. Injuries and loan spells at Aston Villa, Napoli and others shaped a stop-start career, before promotions with Ipswich and a move to Burnley. After playing for England's youth teams, he switched to DR Congo and wrote himself into history by scoring the winner against Jamaica that sealed World Cup qualification.", "facts": ["Born in DR Congo, came through the Man United academy from age 8", "Scored the goal against Jamaica that sent DR Congo to the World Cup", "Once held a Guinness World Record for fastest Hungry Hungry Hippos"], "data_rating": 63, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 1070, "team_id": 42, "fifa_code": "COD", "team_name": "DR Congo", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 5, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Dylan Batubinsika", "date_of_birth": "1996-02-15", "age": 30, "caps": 14, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "AEL Larissa", "club_country": "Greece", "club_league": "Super League Greece", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": 600000, "club_apps_2025_26": 8, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Super League Greece", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 258, "career_club_goals": 11, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dylan_Batubinsika", "backstory": "A Paris-region product born in Cergy-Pontoise, Dylan Batubinsika joined PSG's academy at 10 and spent over a decade there before launching his senior career at Royal Antwerp, where he won the Belgian Cup. He went on to win the Israeli title on loan at Maccabi Haifa and spent two seasons at Saint-Etienne before moving to Greece. Having played for France's youth teams, he switched to DR Congo in 2023 and featured at that year's AFCON.", "facts": ["Spent over a decade in the PSG academy from age 10", "Won the Israeli league title on loan at Maccabi Haifa", "Switched from France's youth setup to DR Congo at 27"], "data_rating": 58, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Greece"]}, {"player_id": 1071, "team_id": 42, "fifa_code": "COD", "team_name": "DR Congo", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 6, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Ngal'ayel Mukau", "date_of_birth": "2004-11-03", "age": 21, "caps": 13, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Lille", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Ligue 1", "height_cm": 188, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": 15000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 42, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue 1, Coupe de France, UEFA Europa League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 87, "career_club_goals": 1, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Highly rated young midfielder", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ngal%27ayel_Mukau", "backstory": "Born in Mechelen, Belgium, of Congolese descent, Ngal'ayel Mukau came through KV Mechelen, where he made his senior breakthrough before a 2024 move to Lille. A tall, energetic box-to-box midfielder, he announced himself with a Champions League brace against Bologna in his first professional goals. Having played for Belgium's youth teams, he chose DR Congo and at 21 is one of the squad's most highly rated young talents.", "facts": ["Scored his first professional goals as a brace against Bologna in the Champions League", "Came through KV Mechelen before joining Lille", "Chose DR Congo over Belgium despite being born in Belgium"], "data_rating": 67, "fun": ["🐣 Youngest in the squad (21)", "🌍 Plays abroad · France"]}, {"player_id": 1072, "team_id": 42, "fifa_code": "COD", "team_name": "DR Congo", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 7, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "RW", "player_name": "Nathanael Mbuku", "date_of_birth": "2002-03-16", "age": 24, "caps": 13, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Montpellier", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Ligue 2", "height_cm": 170, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 2000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 27, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue 2, Coupe de France", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 156, "career_club_goals": 13, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nathanael_Mbuku", "backstory": "Born in Villeneuve-Saint-Georges near Paris, Nathanael Mbuku broke through at Stade de Reims as a teenager, scoring a spectacular acrobatic goal against Montpellier, before moves to Augsburg and back to France. A quick, technical attacker, he starred for France at the 2019 U17 World Cup before switching to DR Congo in 2024.", "facts": ["Won the Silver Boot at the 2019 U17 World Cup with France, including a round-of-16 hat-trick", "Scored a memorable acrobatic goal for Reims against Montpellier", "Switched from France to DR Congo in 2024"], "data_rating": 61, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · France"]}, {"player_id": 1073, "team_id": 42, "fifa_code": "COD", "team_name": "DR Congo", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 8, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Samuel Moutoussamy", "date_of_birth": "1996-08-12", "age": 29, "caps": 53, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Atromitos", "club_country": "Greece", "club_league": "Super League Greece", "height_cm": 176, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": 1200000, "club_apps_2025_26": 24, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Super League Greece, Greek Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 329, "career_club_goals": 14, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samuel_Moutoussamy", "backstory": "Paris-born Samuel Moutoussamy, of Congolese and Indo-Guadeloupean heritage, came through Lyon's youth system before making his name over seven seasons at Nantes, where he won the Coupe de France. The defensive midfielder later moved to Turkey and then Greece's Atromitos. A DR Congo international since 2019, he provides experience and structure in midfield.", "facts": ["Won the Coupe de France with Nantes in 2022", "Has French, Congolese and Indo-Guadeloupean Tamil heritage", "One of the squad's most-capped midfielders"], "data_rating": 64, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Greece"]}, {"player_id": 1074, "team_id": 42, "fifa_code": "COD", "team_name": "DR Congo", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 9, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Brian Cipenga", "date_of_birth": "1998-03-11", "age": 28, "caps": 7, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Castellon", "club_country": "Spain", "club_league": "Segunda Division", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": 2000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 28, "club_starts_2025_26": 22, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 6, "club_assists_2025_26": 9, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Segunda Division", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Winger", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/brian-kibambe-cipenga/67854/ ; https://fbref.com/en/players/e4787d6f/Brian-Cipenga", "backstory": "Born in Kinshasa, left winger Brian Cipenga moved to Portugal young and graduated from Boavista's youth setup, working his way up through Portuguese clubs before a 2024 move to Spanish side CD Castellon. He became a Segunda Division standout, named the division's player of the month for February with a strong return of goals and assists. He was part of the squad that secured DR Congo's historic World Cup qualification.", "facts": ["A Boavista youth graduate who moved to Portugal as a child", "Named Segunda Division player of the month for February", "Posted 6 goals and 9 assists in the 2025-26 LaLiga2 season"], "data_rating": 67, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Spain"]}, {"player_id": 1075, "team_id": 42, "fifa_code": "COD", "team_name": "DR Congo", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 10, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "LW", "player_name": "Theo Bongonda", "date_of_birth": "1995-11-20", "age": 30, "caps": 32, "international_goals": 6, "is_captain": false, "club": "Spartak Moscow", "club_country": "Russia", "club_league": "Russian Premier League", "height_cm": 177, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 3000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 6, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Russian Premier League, Russian Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 314, "career_club_goals": 71, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Winger", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theo_Bongonda", "backstory": "Born in Charleroi to a Congolese father and Belgian mother, Theo Bongonda emerged at Zulte Waregem before a move to Spain with Celta Vigo and a standout spell at Genk, where he scored a Belgian Cup final winner. After Cadiz, he joined Spartak Moscow, winning the Russian Cup. A direct, pacy winger, he switched from Belgium's youth teams to DR Congo in 2022.", "facts": ["Scored the winning goal in the 2021 Belgian Cup final for Genk", "Won the Russian Cup with Spartak Moscow", "Switched from Belgium's youth setup to DR Congo"], "data_rating": 61, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Russia"]}, {"player_id": 1076, "team_id": 42, "fifa_code": "COD", "team_name": "DR Congo", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 11, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CAM", "player_name": "Gael Kakuta", "date_of_birth": "1991-06-21", "age": 34, "caps": 30, "international_goals": 5, "is_captain": false, "club": "AEL Larissa", "club_country": "Greece", "club_league": "Super League Greece", "height_cm": 173, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": 250000, "club_apps_2025_26": 1, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Super League Greece", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 391, "career_club_goals": 64, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Experienced playmaker", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gael_Kakuta", "backstory": "Born in Lille, Gael Kakuta was a teenage sensation at RC Lens before a controversial 2007 move to Chelsea triggered a FIFA transfer ban on the club, later overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Mentored by Didier Drogba, he never quite fulfilled that promise at Stamford Bridge and embarked on a globe-trotting career across England, France, Italy, Spain, China, Iran and Turkey. A France youth champion, he switched to DR Congo in 2017 and remains a creative veteran option.", "facts": ["His 2007 Chelsea transfer triggered (later overturned) FIFA sanctions on the club", "Was mentored by Didier Drogba on arriving at Chelsea", "Won the 2010 UEFA U19 Championship and its Golden Player award with France"], "data_rating": 55, "fun": ["🧓 Veteran presence", "🌍 Plays abroad · Greece"]}, {"player_id": 1077, "team_id": 42, "fifa_code": "COD", "team_name": "DR Congo", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 12, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "LB", "player_name": "Joris Kayembe", "date_of_birth": "1994-08-08", "age": 31, "caps": 25, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Genk", "club_country": "Belgium", "club_league": "Belgian Pro League", "height_cm": 180, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": 2000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 39, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Belgian Pro League, UEFA Europa League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 324, "career_club_goals": 19, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joris_Kayembe", "backstory": "Brussels-born Joris Kayembe developed through Belgian youth football before joining Porto's setup in 2013, earning a senior appearance and loan moves around Portugal. After an injury-hit spell at Nantes, he found consistency at Charleroi and then Genk as a reliable left-back and wing-back. Capped twice by Belgium in 2020, he switched to DR Congo in 2023 and played at the AFCON, and now brings versatility down the left for the World Cup.", "facts": ["Came through Porto's youth system", "Won two senior caps for Belgium before switching to DR Congo", "Has scored 19 goals across more than 320 club appearances from full-back"], "data_rating": 68, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Belgium"]}, {"player_id": 1078, "team_id": 42, "fifa_code": "COD", "team_name": "DR Congo", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 13, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "RW", "player_name": "Meschack Elia", "date_of_birth": "1997-08-06", "age": 28, "caps": 46, "international_goals": 9, "is_captain": false, "club": "Alanyaspor", "club_country": "Turkey", "club_league": "Super Lig", "height_cm": 173, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 1500000, "club_apps_2025_26": 20, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 722, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 1, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Super Lig, Turkish Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 358, "career_club_goals": 73, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Scored in CAF play-off final vs Nigeria", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meschak_Elia ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/694060/meschack-elia", "backstory": "Born in Kinshasa, Meschack Elia rose through Congolese football at Don Bosco and TP Mazembe, winning CAF Confederation Cups and the best-player award at the 2016 African Nations Championship. He spent five productive seasons at Swiss club Young Boys before moves to Nantes and Alanyaspor. A direct, hard-running forward, he scored in the decisive 2026 World Cup qualifier against Nigeria.", "facts": ["Named best player of the 2016 African Nations Championship", "Scored against Nigeria in the 2026 World Cup play-off", "Made around 200 appearances for Young Boys before leaving"], "data_rating": 63, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Turkey"]}, {"player_id": 1079, "team_id": 42, "fifa_code": "COD", "team_name": "DR Congo", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 14, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CDM", "player_name": "Noah Sadiki", "date_of_birth": "2004-12-17", "age": 21, "caps": 18, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Sunderland", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 173, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 35000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 35, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, FA Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 176, "career_club_goals": 2, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Young midfielder, highest squad market value", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noah_Sadiki", "backstory": "Brussels-born Noah Sadiki joined Anderlecht's academy at six and caught Vincent Kompany's eye before a move to Union Saint-Gilloise, where he was part of a Belgian title-winning squad. A combative defensive midfielder, he earned a 2025 Premier League switch to Sunderland and carries the highest market value in the squad. Having played for Belgium's youth teams, he committed to DR Congo in 2023.", "facts": ["Joined Anderlecht's academy at age six", "Carries the highest market value in the DR Congo squad", "Switched from Belgium's youth teams to DR Congo"], "data_rating": 68, "fun": ["💎 Most valuable in the squad", "🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 1080, "team_id": 42, "fifa_code": "COD", "team_name": "DR Congo", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 15, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Aaron Tshibola", "date_of_birth": "1995-01-02", "age": 31, "caps": 16, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Kilmarnock", "club_country": "Scotland", "club_league": "Scottish Premiership", "height_cm": 190, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 150000, "club_apps_2025_26": 14, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Scottish Premiership", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 180, "career_club_goals": 8, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaron_Tshibola", "backstory": "Born in Beckton, London, the 1.90m defensive midfielder Aaron Tshibola came through Reading's academy and earned a move to Aston Villa in 2016, though loan spells followed before he settled in Scotland with Kilmarnock across multiple stints. Capped by England at U18 level, he represents DR Congo through his ancestry and offers physical steel in midfield.", "facts": ["Came through Reading's academy and once trialled with Man United", "Has had multiple spells at Scottish side Kilmarnock", "Capped by England's U18s before choosing DR Congo"], "data_rating": 55, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Scotland"]}, {"player_id": 1081, "team_id": 42, "fifa_code": "COD", "team_name": "DR Congo", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 16, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Timothy Fayulu", "date_of_birth": "1999-07-24", "age": 26, "caps": 3, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "FC Noah", "club_country": "Armenia", "club_league": "Armenian Premier League", "height_cm": 192, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": 800000, "club_apps_2025_26": 4, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 1, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": 5, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Armenian Premier League, UEFA Conference League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 97, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": "Backup goalkeeper, on loan at FC Noah from Sion", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timothy_Fayulu ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/976996/timothy-fayulu", "backstory": "Geneva-born Timothy Fayulu started out as a forward and only switched to goalkeeping after a growth spurt, eventually standing 1.92m. He developed in Swiss football at Servette and Sion, where he turned professional, and is now on loan at Armenian side FC Noah. After representing Switzerland at U21 level, he made his senior DR Congo debut in 2025 and became a national hero by saving a penalty in the decisive World Cup qualifier against Nigeria.", "facts": ["Started his career as a striker before switching to goalkeeper", "Saved a penalty from Nigeria's Semi Ajayi in a 2025 World Cup qualifier", "Came through Switzerland's youth system before choosing DR Congo"], "data_rating": 57, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Armenia"]}, {"player_id": 1082, "team_id": 42, "fifa_code": "COD", "team_name": "DR Congo", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 17, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Cedric Bakambu", "date_of_birth": "1991-04-11", "age": 35, "caps": 67, "international_goals": 21, "is_captain": false, "club": "Real Betis", "club_country": "Spain", "club_league": "La Liga", "height_cm": 182, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 1200000, "club_apps_2025_26": 27, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 4, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "La Liga, Copa del Rey, UEFA Europa League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 399, "career_club_goals": 154, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Veteran striker, 21 international goals", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cedric_Bakambu", "backstory": "Born in Vitry-sur-Seine to Congolese parents, Cedric Bakambu came through Sochaux before exploding into a prolific scorer at Bursaspor and Villarreal, where he became La Liga's first African Player of the Month. A big-money move to Beijing Guoan made him the club's all-time top scorer, and he later played for Marseille, Olympiacos, Galatasaray and Real Betis. A France youth champion turned DR Congo talisman since 2015, he is the team's leading active goalscorer.", "facts": ["First African player named La Liga Player of the Month", "Beijing Guoan's all-time leading scorer", "Top scorer for DR Congo with 21 international goals"], "data_rating": 66, "fun": ["🔥 Top 4% scorer at the Cup", "🧓 Veteran presence", "🌍 Plays abroad · Spain"]}, {"player_id": 1083, "team_id": 42, "fifa_code": "COD", "team_name": "DR Congo", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 18, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CDM", "player_name": "Charles Pickel", "date_of_birth": "1997-05-15", "age": 29, "caps": 24, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Espanyol", "club_country": "Spain", "club_league": "La Liga", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": 2500000, "club_apps_2025_26": 19, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "La Liga, Copa del Rey", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 399, "career_club_goals": 13, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Pickel", "backstory": "Born in Solothurn, Switzerland, Charles Pickel came through Basel's academy, winning two Swiss titles, before rebuilding his career at Grasshopper and Grenoble and stepping up to Serie A with Cremonese. He now plays in La Liga with Espanyol. A versatile defensive midfielder who can also fill in at full-back, he switched from Switzerland's youth teams to DR Congo in 2023.", "facts": ["Won two Swiss titles with Basel", "Marked his DR Congo debut with an assist in a 2-0 win over Sudan", "Switched from Switzerland's youth setup to DR Congo"], "data_rating": 62, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Spain"]}, {"player_id": 1084, "team_id": 42, "fifa_code": "COD", "team_name": "DR Congo", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 19, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Fiston Mayele", "date_of_birth": "1994-06-28", "age": 31, "caps": 37, "international_goals": 6, "is_captain": false, "club": "Pyramids", "club_country": "Egypt", "club_league": "Egyptian Premier League", "height_cm": 180, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 1800000, "club_apps_2025_26": 36, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 11, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Egyptian Premier League, Egypt Cup, CAF Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 161, "career_club_goals": 100, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Prolific CAF Champions League scorer", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiston_Mayele", "backstory": "Born in Mbuji-Mayi, Fiston Mayele built his career entirely in Africa, scoring freely in Congo's lower divisions and at Vita Club before becoming a sensation at Tanzania's Young Africans and then Egyptian giants Pyramids FC. Nicknamed 'Mr. Goal', he was the 2024-25 CAF Champions League top scorer as Pyramids won their first continental title and was named African Inter-Club Player of the Year. He brings cutting-edge finishing to the Leopards' attack.", "facts": ["Top scorer of the 2024-25 CAF Champions League as Pyramids won the title", "Named 2025 African Inter-Club Player of the Year", "His father was a goalkeeper for AS Bantous in the 1980s"], "data_rating": 68, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Egypt"]}, {"player_id": 1085, "team_id": 42, "fifa_code": "COD", "team_name": "DR Congo", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 20, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "LW", "player_name": "Yoane Wissa", "date_of_birth": "1996-09-03", "age": 29, "caps": 37, "international_goals": 9, "is_captain": false, "club": "Newcastle United", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 176, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 25000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 28, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 294, "career_club_goals": 121, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Key attacker, joined Newcastle from Brentford for ~GBP50m in September 2025", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoane_Wissa", "backstory": "Born near Paris in Epinay-sous-Senart to Congolese parents, Yoane Wissa started as a goalkeeper before becoming a forward, developing at Chateauroux and winning Ligue 2 with Lorient. He became Brentford's record Premier League goalscorer before a 50 million pound move to Newcastle in 2025. Versatile and explosive, he was named in the 2023 AFCON Team of the Tournament and is one of DR Congo's most dangerous attackers.", "facts": ["Survived an acid attack in 2021 that required emergency eye surgery before joining Brentford", "Brentford's record Premier League goalscorer", "Named in the 2023 AFCON Team of the Tournament"], "data_rating": 68, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 1086, "team_id": 42, "fifa_code": "COD", "team_name": "DR Congo", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 21, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Matthieu Epolo", "date_of_birth": "2005-01-15", "age": 21, "caps": 1, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Standard Liege", "club_country": "Belgium", "club_league": "Belgian Pro League", "height_cm": 183, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": 8000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 22, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2520, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 6, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": 30, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Belgian Pro League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 100, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Young first-choice goalkeeper at Standard Liege", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthieu_Epolo ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/1257080/matthieu-epolo", "backstory": "Brussels-born Matthieu Epolo joined Standard Liege's academy at 14 from Anderlecht and rose to become the club's regular starter as a teenager, drawing attention for a remarkable run of clean sheets early in the 2024-25 season. Of Congolese descent, he switched allegiance from Belgium's youth teams in late 2025 and made his DR Congo debut against Zambia that December. At just 21, he is the youngest goalkeeper in the squad and one of the team's brightest prospects.", "facts": ["Joined Standard Liege's academy at age 14", "Switched from Belgium's youth teams to DR Congo in November 2025", "Became Standard Liege's regular starting keeper as a teenager"], "data_rating": 66, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Belgium"]}, {"player_id": 1087, "team_id": 42, "fifa_code": "COD", "team_name": "DR Congo", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 22, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Chancel Mbemba", "date_of_birth": "1994-08-08", "age": 31, "caps": 108, "international_goals": 7, "is_captain": true, "club": "Lille", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Ligue 1", "height_cm": 182, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 2000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 21, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue 1, UEFA Europa League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 380, "career_club_goals": 31, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Captain and most-capped player", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chancel_Mbemba", "backstory": "Born and raised in Kinshasa, captain Chancel Mbemba broke through at Anderlecht in a title-winning season before commanding moves to Newcastle, Porto, Marseille and now Lille. A composed, athletic centre-back, he won two Portuguese titles and scored both goals in a Taca de Portugal final win over Benfica. As DR Congo's leader and most-capped player ever, he carries the Leopards into their first World Cup in 52 years.", "facts": ["DR Congo's most-capped player and first to reach 100 caps, in November 2025", "Scored both goals in Porto's 2020 Taca de Portugal final win over Benfica", "A 2013 CNN report found documents listing four different birth dates for him"], "data_rating": 69, "fun": ["🎖️ Most-capped in the squad (108)", "🌍 Plays abroad · France", "©️ Captain"]}, {"player_id": 1088, "team_id": 42, "fifa_code": "COD", "team_name": "DR Congo", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 23, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Simon Banza", "date_of_birth": "1996-08-13", "age": 29, "caps": 14, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al Jazira", "club_country": "United Arab Emirates", "club_league": "UAE Pro League", "height_cm": 189, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 10000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 18, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 7, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": 1, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "UAE Pro League (all competitions)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 288, "career_club_goals": 102, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Joined Al Jazira from Braga in September 2025", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simon_Banza ; https://tribuna.com/en/persons/simon-banza/stat/ ; https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/simon-banza/34761/", "backstory": "Born in Creil in northern France to Congolese parents, Simon Banza came through Lens's academy and lower-league loans before breaking out on loan at Famalicao. A 21-goal season at Braga equalled a club record, followed by a prolific loan at Trabzonspor and a move to Al Jazira in the UAE. A tall, physical striker, he has represented DR Congo since 2023.", "facts": ["Equalled Braga's single-season scoring record with 21 goals", "Came through the Lens academy", "Won Primeira Liga Player of the Month in his first month at Braga"], "data_rating": 66, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · United Arab Emirates"]}, {"player_id": 1089, "team_id": 42, "fifa_code": "COD", "team_name": "DR Congo", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 24, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "RB", "player_name": "Gedeon Kalulu", "date_of_birth": "1997-08-29", "age": 28, "caps": 28, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Aris Limassol", "club_country": "Cyprus", "club_league": "Cypriot First Division", "height_cm": 179, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 1000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 11, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Cypriot First Division, Cypriot Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 241, "career_club_goals": 5, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gedeon_Kalulu", "backstory": "Lyon-born Gedeon Kalulu came through his hometown club's academy before establishing himself as a combative right-back at Ajaccio and then Lorient, where he won the Ligue 2 title. He moved to Cyprus with Aris Limassol in 2025. A DR Congo international since 2020, he has played at the AFCON and is part of a remarkable football family.", "facts": ["Brother of Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu; all four Kalulu brothers are pro footballers", "Came through Lyon's academy", "Won the Ligue 2 title with Lorient"], "data_rating": 61, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Cyprus"]}, {"player_id": 1090, "team_id": 42, "fifa_code": "COD", "team_name": "DR Congo", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 25, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CDM", "player_name": "Edo Kayembe", "date_of_birth": "1998-06-03", "age": 28, "caps": 40, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Watford", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "EFL Championship", "height_cm": 183, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": 4000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 33, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 4, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "EFL Championship, EFL Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 210, "career_club_goals": 21, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Regular for Championship side Watford", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edo_Kayembe", "backstory": "Born in Kananga, DR Congo, Edo Kayembe moved to Belgium with Anderlecht before establishing himself at Eupen and then Watford, where he has become a long-serving Championship midfielder. A tidy, ball-winning presence, he made his DR Congo debut in 2019 and featured at the 2025 AFCON. He brings English football know-how to the Leopards' engine room.", "facts": ["Joined Watford on a long-term deal in January 2022", "Scored his first Watford goal in a 5-0 win over Rotherham", "Made his DR Congo debut against Algeria in 2019"], "data_rating": 67, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 1091, "team_id": 42, "fifa_code": "COD", "team_name": "DR Congo", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 26, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "LB", "player_name": "Arthur Masuaku", "date_of_birth": "1993-11-07", "age": 32, "caps": 45, "international_goals": 4, "is_captain": false, "club": "Lens", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Ligue 1", "height_cm": 179, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": 2000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 6, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue 1, Coupe de France", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 349, "career_club_goals": 8, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_Masuaku", "backstory": "Born in Lille to Congolese parents, Arthur Masuaku emerged at Valenciennes before winning back-to-back Greek titles with Olympiacos and earning a move to West Ham, where he spent seven years as an attacking left-back. Later silverware came at Besiktas, and he won the Coupe de France on loan at Lens in 2026. Having played for France's youth teams, he switched to DR Congo in 2017 and is a senior figure in the squad.", "facts": ["Won back-to-back Greek league titles with Olympiacos", "Scored a famous fluke winner against Chelsea for West Ham in 2021", "Won the Coupe de France with Lens in 2026"], "data_rating": 63, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · France"]}, {"player_id": 1092, "team_id": 43, "fifa_code": "UZB", "team_name": "Uzbekistan", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": null, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Utkir Yusupov", "date_of_birth": "1991-01-04", "age": 35, "caps": 39, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Navbahor Namangan", "club_country": "Uzbekistan", "club_league": "Uzbekistan Super League", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": 500000, "club_apps_2025_26": 9, "club_starts_2025_26": 9, "club_minutes_2025_26": 810, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 4, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Uzbekistan Super League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utkir_Yusupov ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/utkir-yusupov/leistungsdaten/spieler/311958 ; https://footystats.org/players/uzbekistan/utkir-yusupov", "backstory": "Born in the Kazakh SSR in 1991, Utkir Yusupov moved to Uzbekistan as a young child and took Uzbek citizenship in 2017. He built his reputation as a dependable goalkeeper over a long spell at Navbahor Namangan, even spending time in Iran's top flight with Foolad before returning home. A veteran of the 2019 and 2023 Asian Cups, he travels to Uzbekistan's first-ever World Cup as an experienced option between the posts.", "facts": ["Born in Kazakhstan, he became an Uzbekistan international after taking citizenship in 2017", "Won the 2025 CAFA Nations Cup with Uzbekistan", "One of few Uzbek players to play in Iran's Persian Gulf Pro League"], "data_rating": 63, "fun": ["🧓 Veteran presence"]}, {"player_id": 1093, "team_id": 43, "fifa_code": "UZB", "team_name": "Uzbekistan", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": null, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Abduvohid Nematov", "date_of_birth": "2001-03-20", "age": 25, "caps": 13, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Nasaf Qarshi", "club_country": "Uzbekistan", "club_league": "Uzbekistan Super League", "height_cm": 183, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 9, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 1, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Uzbekistan Super League, Uzbekistan Super Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abduvohid_Nematov ; https://footystats.org/players/uzbekistan/abduvohid-nematov", "backstory": "A product of the Nasaf Qarshi system that he joined in 2018, Abduvohid Nematov grew up in Jizzakh and became a regular for the Qarshi club in the Uzbekistan Super League. He was part of the Nasaf side that swept up multiple domestic cups and a league title, and earned recognition at youth level before breaking into the senior squad. He heads to the 2026 World Cup as a backup goalkeeper.", "facts": ["Named Best Goalkeeper at the AFC U-23 Asian Cup as Uzbekistan finished runners-up", "Played at the Paris 2024 Olympics", "Won multiple Uzbekistan Cups and the league title with Nasaf"], "data_rating": 63, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 1094, "team_id": 43, "fifa_code": "UZB", "team_name": "Uzbekistan", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": null, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Botirali Ergashev", "date_of_birth": "1995-06-23", "age": 30, "caps": 3, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Neftchi Fergana", "club_country": "Uzbekistan", "club_league": "Uzbekistan Super League", "height_cm": 187, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 9, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 1, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Uzbekistan Super League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Botirali_Ergashev ; https://www.flashscore.com/player/ergashev-botirali/CAT3TEXE/", "backstory": "A late-blooming goalkeeper, Botirali Ergashev bounced between several Uzbek clubs including Kokand 1912 and Dinamo Samarqand before settling at Neftchi Fergana in 2024. He made his international debut back in 2019 against Iran but has remained a fringe national-team figure. Strong domestic form, leading the league in clean sheets, helped earn him a place in Uzbekistan's first World Cup squad.", "facts": ["Made his Uzbekistan debut in a 2019 friendly against Iran", "Led the 2026 Uzbekistan Super League in clean sheets early in the season", "At 1.87m, one of the taller keepers in the squad"], "data_rating": 60, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 1095, "team_id": 43, "fifa_code": "UZB", "team_name": "Uzbekistan", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": null, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Abdukodir Khusanov", "date_of_birth": "2004-02-29", "age": 22, "caps": 25, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Manchester City", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 186, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 37, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 2, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 116, "career_club_goals": 5, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Premier League defender, squad's standout name", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abdukodir_Khusanov ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/abdukodir-khusanov/leistungsdaten/spieler/763079/saison/2025 ; https://www.premierleague.com/en/players/578153/abdukodir-khusanov/stats", "backstory": "Raised in Tashkent and schooled at Bunyodkor's academy, Abdukodir Khusanov took an unusual route to the top, launching his pro career in Belarus with Energetik-BGU before RC Lens made him the first Uzbek to play in France's Ligue 1. In January 2025 Manchester City signed the centre-back for a reported club-record fee for an Uzbek, making him the first from his country in the Premier League. Quick, aggressive and composed on the ball, he is the standout name and defensive anchor of Uzbekistan's debut World Cup squad.", "facts": ["First Uzbekistan player to feature in Ligue 1 and in the Premier League", "Won the 2023 AFC U-20 Asian Cup with Uzbekistan", "Joined Manchester City from Lens in January 2025"], "data_rating": 71, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 1096, "team_id": 43, "fifa_code": "UZB", "team_name": "Uzbekistan", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": null, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "RB", "player_name": "Khojiakbar Alijonov", "date_of_birth": "1997-04-19", "age": 29, "caps": 51, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "Pakhtakor Tashkent", "club_country": "Uzbekistan", "club_league": "Uzbekistan Super League", "height_cm": 180, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 26, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Uzbekistan Super League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 235, "career_club_goals": 11, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khojiakbar_Alijonov", "backstory": "A one-club man, Khojiakbar Alijonov came through Pakhtakor's youth setup and has spent his entire senior career at the Tashkent giants. A reliable, attacking right-back, he was a fixture during Pakhtakor's run of five straight league titles from 2019 to 2023. He capped a fine 2025 by being named the CAFA Nations Cup's Best Player and arrives at the World Cup as a trusted full-back.", "facts": ["Named Best Player of the 2025 CAFA Nations Cup", "Won five consecutive Uzbekistan Super League titles with Pakhtakor", "Has spent his whole senior career at Pakhtakor"], "data_rating": 71, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 1097, "team_id": 43, "fifa_code": "UZB", "team_name": "Uzbekistan", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": null, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Farrukh Sayfiev", "date_of_birth": "1991-01-17", "age": 35, "caps": 64, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Neftchi Fergana", "club_country": "Uzbekistan", "club_league": "Uzbekistan Super League", "height_cm": 180, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 11, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Uzbekistan Super League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 339, "career_club_goals": 26, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Farrukh_Sayfiev", "backstory": "One of the squad's most-capped outfield veterans, left-back Farrukh Sayfiev rose through Nasaf before a long, trophy-laden spell at Pakhtakor and a 2025 move to Neftchi Fergana. An Uzbekistan international since 2014, he has featured across multiple Asian Cups and added a 2025 CAFA Nations Cup winner's medal to his collection. His experience on the flank is a steadying presence for the team's first World Cup.", "facts": ["Uzbekistan international since 2014", "His only international goal came against Sri Lanka in 2022", "Won the 2025 CAFA Nations Cup"], "data_rating": 67, "fun": ["🧓 Veteran presence"]}, {"player_id": 1098, "team_id": 43, "fifa_code": "UZB", "team_name": "Uzbekistan", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": null, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Rustam Ashurmatov", "date_of_birth": "1996-07-07", "age": 29, "caps": 47, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Esteghlal", "club_country": "Iran", "club_league": "Persian Gulf Pro League", "height_cm": 188, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 22, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Persian Gulf Pro League, Hazfi Cup, AFC Champions League Two", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 276, "career_club_goals": 14, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rustam_Ashurmatov", "backstory": "A well-travelled centre-back, Rustam Ashurmatov developed at Bunyodkor before a globe-trotting career took him through South Korea (Gwangju and Gangwon), back home to Navbahor, Russia's Rubin Kazan, and on to Esteghlal in Iran in 2025. A commanding 1.88m defender, he scored in the final of the 2018 AFC U-23 Championship that Uzbekistan won. He is a key part of the back line for the country's maiden World Cup.", "facts": ["Scored in the final of the 2018 AFC U-23 Championship triumph", "Named to the 2019 K League 2 Best XI in South Korea", "Has played league football in five different countries"], "data_rating": 69, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Iran"]}, {"player_id": 1099, "team_id": 43, "fifa_code": "UZB", "team_name": "Uzbekistan", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": null, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Umar Eshmurodov", "date_of_birth": "1992-11-30", "age": 33, "caps": 39, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Nasaf Qarshi", "club_country": "Uzbekistan", "club_league": "Uzbekistan Super League", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 15, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Uzbekistan Super League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 210, "career_club_goals": 6, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Umar_Eshmurodov", "backstory": "Centre-back Umar Eshmurodov started out at Shurtan Guzar, winning an early league title, before becoming a defensive mainstay at Nasaf Qarshi across several stints. He briefly tried his luck abroad with Selangor in Malaysia in 2024 before returning to Nasaf. A late international bloomer who debuted in 2020, he offers experienced cover at the back for Uzbekistan in 2026.", "facts": ["Won the Uzbekistan Pro League title with Shurtan in 2014", "Has scored six career goals despite being a centre-back", "Had a brief 2024 stint with Selangor in Malaysia"], "data_rating": 65, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 1100, "team_id": 43, "fifa_code": "UZB", "team_name": "Uzbekistan", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": null, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Sherzod Nasrullaev", "date_of_birth": "1998-07-23", "age": 27, "caps": 35, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Pakhtakor Tashkent", "club_country": "Uzbekistan", "club_league": "Uzbekistan Super League", "height_cm": 180, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 23, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Uzbekistan Super League (Nasaf Qarshi)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 134, "career_club_goals": 7, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": "2025 season largely played at Nasaf Qarshi (23 apps, 3 goals); joined Pakhtakor Jan 2026", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sherzod_Nasrullaev ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/sherzod-nasrullaev/leistungsdaten/spieler/608537", "backstory": "Left-back Sherzod Nasrullaev came through Nasaf Qarshi's academy and established himself as a regular defender there, helping the club win three straight Uzbekistan Cups. He broke into the senior national team in 2022 and featured at the 2023 Asian Cup. He moved to Pakhtakor in January 2026 and brings attacking energy from full-back to the World Cup squad.", "facts": ["Won three consecutive Uzbekistan Cups with Nasaf", "Scored against Turkmenistan in World Cup qualifying", "Joined Pakhtakor in January 2026"], "data_rating": 70, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 1101, "team_id": 43, "fifa_code": "UZB", "team_name": "Uzbekistan", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": null, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Abdulla Abdullaev", "date_of_birth": "1997-09-01", "age": 28, "caps": 27, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Dibba Al-Hisn", "club_country": "United Arab Emirates", "club_league": "UAE Pro League", "height_cm": 183, "preferred_foot": "right", "market_value_eur": 650000, "club_apps_2025_26": 9, "club_starts_2025_26": 8, "club_minutes_2025_26": 750, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "UAE Pro League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/1294120/abdulla-abdullaev ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/abdulla-abdullaev/profil/spieler/570272", "backstory": "A versatile defender who can also operate in midfield, Abdulla Abdullaev came through Bunyodkor before moves around Uzbek football and, more recently, the UAE Pro League with Dibba Al-Hisn. He made his senior Uzbekistan debut against Sweden in 2021 and was part of the side that reached the 2023 CAFA Nations Cup final. He provides defensive flexibility for the World Cup squad.", "facts": ["Made his senior debut against Sweden in 2021", "Reached the 2023 CAFA Nations Cup final with Uzbekistan", "Can play across defence and defensive midfield"], "data_rating": 60, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · United Arab Emirates"]}, {"player_id": 1102, "team_id": 43, "fifa_code": "UZB", "team_name": "Uzbekistan", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": null, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Avazbek Ulmasaliev", "date_of_birth": "2000-03-27", "age": 26, "caps": 0, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "AGMK", "club_country": "Uzbekistan", "club_league": "Uzbekistan Super League", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 16, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Uzbekistan Super League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 128, "career_club_goals": 10, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": "Uncapped at selection", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avazbek_Ulmasaliev", "backstory": "Centre-back Avazbek Ulmasaliev was schooled at the Neftchi Children's Football Academy in his native Fergana and went on to play for Lokomotiv Tashkent, Bunyodkor (where he captained the side) and, since 2024, AGMK. A commanding 1.85m defender, he was uncapped at senior level when selected but had been part of the 2025 CAFA Nations Cup-winning group. His call-up to the World Cup squad is a notable career milestone.", "facts": ["Was uncapped at senior level when named in the World Cup squad", "Captained Bunyodkor", "Part of Uzbekistan's 2025 CAFA Nations Cup-winning group"], "data_rating": 55, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 1103, "team_id": 43, "fifa_code": "UZB", "team_name": "Uzbekistan", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": null, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Jakhongir Urozov", "date_of_birth": "2004-01-18", "age": 22, "caps": 2, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Dinamo Samarqand", "club_country": "Uzbekistan", "club_league": "Uzbekistan Super League", "height_cm": 190, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 32, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Uzbekistan Super League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 62, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jakhongir_Urozov ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/jakhongir-urozov/leistungsdaten/spieler/989069", "backstory": "A tall, 1.90m full-back, Jakhongir Urozov came through Bunyodkor, won a Turkish second-tier title with Eyupspor, and then established himself at Dinamo Samarqand. He had a dream introduction to senior international football in March 2026, scoring on his debut in a 3-1 win over Gabon. At 22, he was rewarded with a place in Uzbekistan's first World Cup squad.", "facts": ["Scored on his senior international debut against Gabon in 2026", "Won the TFF 1. Lig title during his spell with Eyupspor", "At 1.90m, one of the tallest full-backs in the squad"], "data_rating": 65, "fun": ["⚡ 0.5 goals per cap"]}, {"player_id": 1104, "team_id": 43, "fifa_code": "UZB", "team_name": "Uzbekistan", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": null, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Behruz Karimov", "date_of_birth": "2007-08-07", "age": 18, "caps": 2, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Surkhon Termez", "club_country": "Uzbekistan", "club_league": "Uzbekistan Super League", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 21, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Uzbekistan Super League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 21, "career_club_goals": 3, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": "Teenage right-back", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.flashscore.com/player/karimov-bekhruz/tYdoTuF8/ ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bekhruz_Karimov", "backstory": "The squad's youngest defender, right-back Bekhruz Karimov was born in 2007 and began in the Uzbekistan Super League with Olympic Tashkent before a breakout 2025 season at Surkhon Termez. A regular through Uzbekistan's youth ranks at U-17 and U-23 level, he earned his first senior call-ups in March 2026 and, as a teenager, made the cut for the country's debut World Cup.", "facts": ["Born in 2007, the youngest defender in the squad", "Broke out at Surkhon Termez after starting at Olympic Tashkent", "Played at the AFC U-17 Asian Cup in 2023"], "data_rating": 61, "fun": ["🐣 Youngest in the squad (18)", "🌟 Wonderkid"]}, {"player_id": 1105, "team_id": 43, "fifa_code": "UZB", "team_name": "Uzbekistan", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": null, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Akmal Mozgovoy", "date_of_birth": "1999-04-02", "age": 27, "caps": 23, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Pakhtakor Tashkent", "club_country": "Uzbekistan", "club_league": "Uzbekistan Super League", "height_cm": 180, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 11, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "UAE Pro League (Baniyas)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 174, "career_club_goals": 13, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": "2025-26 apps recorded at Baniyas (UAE); joined Pakhtakor for 2026", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akmal_Mozgovoy", "backstory": "Midfielder Akmal Mozgovoy, born in Qarshi, spent the bulk of his career at hometown-region club Nasaf, where he won the league and three cups, before moving to the UAE with Baniyas and then joining Pakhtakor in 2026. He debuted for Uzbekistan in 2020 and was part of the 2025 CAFA Nations Cup-winning squad. He offers depth in the engine room for the World Cup.", "facts": ["Won the 2024 Uzbekistan Super League with Nasaf", "Scored in a 4-0 win over Kyrgyzstan at the 2025 CAFA Nations Cup", "Joined Pakhtakor in 2026"], "data_rating": 60, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 1106, "team_id": 43, "fifa_code": "UZB", "team_name": "Uzbekistan", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": null, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Otabek Shukurov", "date_of_birth": "1996-06-22", "age": 29, "caps": 86, "international_goals": 9, "is_captain": false, "club": "Baniyas", "club_country": "United Arab Emirates", "club_league": "UAE Pro League", "height_cm": 182, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "UAE Pro League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 285, "career_club_goals": 22, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": "Joined Baniyas Oct 2025", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Otabek_Shukurov", "backstory": "One of Uzbekistan's most-capped players, Otabek Shukurov made his name during a four-year spell at Sharjah in the UAE and has since played in Turkey, Saudi Arabia and the UAE again with Baniyas. A scoring midfielder who debuted in 2016, he was part of the 2018 AFC U-23 Championship-winning team and the 2025 CAFA Nations Cup triumph. His experience is central to the World Cup midfield.", "facts": ["Won the AFC U-23 Championship with Uzbekistan in 2018", "Scored his first international goal against China in 2016", "One of the most-capped players in the squad with 86 caps"], "data_rating": 62, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · United Arab Emirates"]}, {"player_id": 1107, "team_id": 43, "fifa_code": "UZB", "team_name": "Uzbekistan", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": null, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Jamshid Iskanderov", "date_of_birth": "1993-10-16", "age": 32, "caps": 42, "international_goals": 4, "is_captain": false, "club": "Neftchi Fergana", "club_country": "Uzbekistan", "club_league": "Uzbekistan Super League", "height_cm": 168, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 17, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Uzbekistan Super League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 277, "career_club_goals": 45, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamshid_Iskanderov", "backstory": "A diminutive, technically gifted midfielder, Jamshid Iskanderov trained at Pakhtakor and became a key creative figure there, winning three league titles, before stints at Lokomotiv Tashkent, South Korea's Seongnam, Navbahor and now Neftchi Fergana. He was named Uzbekistan Footballer of the Year in 2014 and again in 2022. The veteran playmaker adds craft to the World Cup squad.", "facts": ["Named Uzbekistan Footballer of the Year in 2014 and 2022", "Won three Uzbekistan Super League titles with Pakhtakor", "At 1.68m, one of the shortest players in the squad"], "data_rating": 66, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 1108, "team_id": 43, "fifa_code": "UZB", "team_name": "Uzbekistan", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": null, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Odiljon Hamrobekov", "date_of_birth": "1996-02-13", "age": 30, "caps": 71, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Tractor", "club_country": "Iran", "club_league": "Persian Gulf Pro League", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 19, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Persian Gulf Pro League (and continental)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 232, "career_club_goals": 4, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Odiljon_Hamrobekov", "backstory": "A box-to-box midfielder, Odiljon Hamrobekov launched his career at Nasaf before joining Pakhtakor, where he won four consecutive league titles, with a UAE spell at Shabab Al-Ahli in between. Since 2025 he has played in Iran for Tractor, winning the Iranian Super Cup. The MVP of the 2018 AFC U-23 Championship, he is a workhorse in Uzbekistan's World Cup midfield.", "facts": ["Named MVP of the 2018 AFC U-23 Championship", "Won four straight Uzbekistan Super League titles with Pakhtakor", "Won the 2025 CAFA Nations Cup"], "data_rating": 66, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Iran"]}, {"player_id": 1109, "team_id": 43, "fifa_code": "UZB", "team_name": "Uzbekistan", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": null, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "LW", "player_name": "Jaloliddin Masharipov", "date_of_birth": "1993-09-01", "age": 32, "caps": 73, "international_goals": 12, "is_captain": false, "club": "Esteghlal", "club_country": "Iran", "club_league": "Persian Gulf Pro League", "height_cm": 173, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 2, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Persian Gulf Pro League, Hazfi Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 366, "career_club_goals": 53, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Limited 2025-26 minutes; cruciate ligament injury reported", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaloliddin_Masharipov ; https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/jaloliddin-masharipov/32445/", "backstory": "An elusive winger nicknamed for his dribbling, Jaloliddin Masharipov spent the formative years of his career at Pakhtakor, where a stunning 2020 campaign of nine goals and 22 assists made him Uzbekistan Footballer of the Year. He later moved to Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia and then Esteghlal in Iran. A creative force named to the 2023 Asian Cup Team of the Tournament, his recent cruciate ligament injury clouds his readiness for the World Cup.", "facts": ["Won Uzbekistan Footballer of the Year in 2020", "Wore number 77 at Al Nassr after Cristiano Ronaldo arrived and took number 7", "Named to the 2023 AFC Asian Cup Team of the Tournament"], "data_rating": 64, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Iran"]}, {"player_id": 1110, "team_id": 43, "fifa_code": "UZB", "team_name": "Uzbekistan", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": null, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Oston Urunov", "date_of_birth": "2000-12-19", "age": 25, "caps": 42, "international_goals": 10, "is_captain": false, "club": "Persepolis", "club_country": "Iran", "club_league": "Persian Gulf Pro League", "height_cm": 181, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 21, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Persian Gulf Pro League, Hazfi Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 209, "career_club_goals": 33, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oston_Urunov ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/1057486/oston-urunov", "backstory": "An attacking midfielder and winger, Oston Urunov came through Pakhtakor's academy and emerged at Navbahor before earning a move to Russia with Ufa and a transfer to Spartak Moscow. After returning to Navbahor he joined Iranian giants Persepolis in 2024. A 2024 Olympian and 2025 CAFA Nations Cup winner, his pace and goals make him a key creative outlet at the World Cup.", "facts": ["Won the 2025 CAFA Nations Cup with Uzbekistan", "Has played in both the Russian Premier League and Iran's top flight", "Was an overage player at the 2024 Olympics"], "data_rating": 68, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Iran"]}, {"player_id": 1111, "team_id": 43, "fifa_code": "UZB", "team_name": "Uzbekistan", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": null, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "LW", "player_name": "Dostonbek Khamdamov", "date_of_birth": "1996-07-24", "age": 29, "caps": 35, "international_goals": 5, "is_captain": false, "club": "Pakhtakor Tashkent", "club_country": "Uzbekistan", "club_league": "Uzbekistan Super League", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 26, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 5, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Uzbekistan Super League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 248, "career_club_goals": 73, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dostonbek_Khamdamov ; https://www.soccerway.com/player/khamdanov-dostonbek/C6RMHH5l/", "backstory": "Winger Dostonbek Khamdamov first made waves at the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup, earning a nomination as Asian Young Footballer of the Year. After Bunyodkor and a brief spell in Russia with Anzhi, he returned to become a key attacker at Pakhtakor, with loan stints in the UAE and Qatar. Pacey and direct, the 2018 U-23 champion brings flair to Uzbekistan's World Cup attack.", "facts": ["First Uzbek player nominated for Asian Young Footballer of the Year (2015)", "Won the 2018 AFC U-23 Championship, Uzbekistan's first U-23 trophy", "Won gold at the 2012 AFC U-16 Championship"], "data_rating": 70, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 1112, "team_id": 43, "fifa_code": "UZB", "team_name": "Uzbekistan", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": null, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Azizjon Ganiev", "date_of_birth": "1998-02-22", "age": 28, "caps": 22, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al Bataeh", "club_country": "United Arab Emirates", "club_league": "UAE Pro League", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 25, "club_starts_2025_26": 24, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2150, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": 3, "club_yellow_2025_26": 2, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "UAE Pro League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/629823/azizjon-ganiev ; https://www.sofascore.com/football/player/azizjon-ganiev/793857", "backstory": "A defensive-minded midfielder, Azizjon Ganiev came through Nasaf's academy and debuted as a teenager before a productive move to the UAE, winning a league title with Shabab Al-Ahli and later joining Al Bataeh. A gold medallist at the 2018 AFC U-23 Championship, he is a steady, ball-winning presence who provides balance to the World Cup midfield.", "facts": ["Won the 2018 AFC U-23 Championship with Uzbekistan", "Won a UAE league title with Shabab Al-Ahli", "Debuted for Nasaf at just 16"], "data_rating": 68, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · United Arab Emirates"]}, {"player_id": 1113, "team_id": 43, "fifa_code": "UZB", "team_name": "Uzbekistan", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": null, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CAM", "player_name": "Abbosbek Fayzullaev", "date_of_birth": "2003-10-03", "age": 22, "caps": 30, "international_goals": 8, "is_captain": false, "club": "Istanbul Basaksehir", "club_country": "Turkey", "club_league": "Super Lig", "height_cm": 167, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": null, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Super Lig, Turkish Cup, UEFA Conference League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 113, "career_club_goals": 18, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": "Attacking midfielder/winger, key creative player; joined Basaksehir July 2025", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abbosbek_Fayzullaev ; https://www.uzdaily.uz/en/shomurodov-and-fayzullaev-secure-win-for-istanbul-basaksehir/", "backstory": "A diminutive, creative attacking midfielder, Abbosbek Fayzullaev burst out of Pakhtakor's academy as a teenager, winning three straight league titles and starring as MVP of the 2023 AFC U-20 Asian Cup, where he won the decisive penalty in the final. A move to CSKA Moscow followed, then a 2025 transfer to Istanbul Basaksehir. Twice Uzbekistan Footballer of the Year, he is one of the team's biggest attacking talents for the World Cup.", "facts": ["Named MVP of the 2023 AFC U-20 Asian Cup, won the penalty that sealed the final", "Twice Uzbekistan Player of the Year (2023, 2024)", "At 1.67m, the shortest player in the squad"], "data_rating": 58, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Turkey"]}, {"player_id": 1114, "team_id": 43, "fifa_code": "UZB", "team_name": "Uzbekistan", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": null, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Sherzod Esanov", "date_of_birth": "2003-02-01", "age": 23, "caps": 0, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Bukhara", "club_country": "Uzbekistan", "club_league": "Uzbekistan Super League", "height_cm": 190, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 4, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Uzbekistan Super League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 52, "career_club_goals": 4, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": "Uncapped at selection", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sherzod_Esanov", "backstory": "A tall, 1.90m central midfielder from Navoi, Sherzod Esanov earned a move to Russian Premier League newcomers Akron Tolyatti in 2024, debuting in the top flight before leaving by mutual consent in 2025 and returning home to Bukhara. Uncapped at senior level when selected, his inclusion in Uzbekistan's first World Cup squad is a breakthrough moment.", "facts": ["Played in the Russian Premier League with Akron Tolyatti", "Was uncapped at senior level when named in the World Cup squad", "At 1.90m, unusually tall for a central midfielder"], "data_rating": 50, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 1115, "team_id": 43, "fifa_code": "UZB", "team_name": "Uzbekistan", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": null, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Eldor Shomurodov", "date_of_birth": "1995-06-29", "age": 30, "caps": 90, "international_goals": 44, "is_captain": true, "club": "Istanbul Basaksehir", "club_country": "Turkey", "club_league": "Super Lig", "height_cm": 190, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": 7000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 44, "club_starts_2025_26": 34, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 23, "club_assists_2025_26": 5, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Super Lig, Turkish Cup, UEFA Conference League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 316, "career_club_goals": 73, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Captain and all-time top scorer (44 goals); joint Super Lig top scorer 2025-26 with 22 league goals (on loan from AS Roma)", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eldor_Shomurodov ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/eldor-shomurodov/leistungsdaten/spieler/358166/saison/2025", "backstory": "Uzbekistan's captain and all-time leading scorer with 44 goals, Eldor Shomurodov began at Mash'al Mubarek and Bunyodkor before establishing himself at Rostov in Russia, then breaking into Serie A with Genoa and earning a big move to AS Roma, winning the 2022 Conference League. Now starring on loan at Istanbul Basaksehir as a joint Super Lig top scorer, the powerful forward dubbed the 'Uzbek Messi' carries his nation's hopes as captain at their first World Cup.", "facts": ["Uzbekistan's all-time top scorer with 44 international goals", "Won the 2022 UEFA Europa Conference League with Roma", "Scored Uzbekistan's first-ever Olympic goal in 2024"], "data_rating": 78, "fun": ["🔥 Top 2% scorer at the Cup", "🎖️ Most-capped in the squad (90)", "💎 Most valuable in the squad", "🌍 Plays abroad · Turkey", "🎯 23 club goals in 2025/26"]}, {"player_id": 1116, "team_id": 43, "fifa_code": "UZB", "team_name": "Uzbekistan", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": null, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Igor Sergeev", "date_of_birth": "1993-04-30", "age": 33, "caps": 81, "international_goals": 24, "is_captain": false, "club": "Persepolis", "club_country": "Iran", "club_league": "Persian Gulf Pro League", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 6, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Persian Gulf Pro League (Persepolis); Uzbekistan Super League (Pakhtakor)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 317, "career_club_goals": 153, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Joined Persepolis Jan 2026; spent first half of 2025-26 at Pakhtakor (29 apps, 20 goals; 2025 league top scorer)", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Igor_Sergeev ; https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/522487/Igor-Sergeev-officially-joins-Persepolis", "backstory": "A prolific striker, Igor Sergeev made his Pakhtakor debut in 2011 and became one of Uzbek football's most consistent goalscorers across multiple spells, with stints in China, Kazakhstan and Thailand along the way. After top-scoring the 2025 Uzbek league with 20 goals, he joined Persepolis in Iran in 2026. The 2025 CAFA Nations Cup top scorer, he is a proven finisher and target for the World Cup.", "facts": ["First Uzbek to score in the UEFA Conference League (2021)", "Twice Uzbek league top scorer (2015 and 2025)", "Top scorer of the 2025 CAFA Nations Cup as Uzbekistan won the title"], "data_rating": 66, "fun": ["🔥 Top 4% scorer at the Cup", "🌍 Plays abroad · Iran"]}, {"player_id": 1117, "team_id": 43, "fifa_code": "UZB", "team_name": "Uzbekistan", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "AFC", "shirt_number": null, "position": "FW", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Azizbek Amonov", "date_of_birth": "1997-10-30", "age": 28, "caps": 11, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Bukhara", "club_country": "Uzbekistan", "club_league": "Uzbekistan Super League", "height_cm": 174, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 14, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Uzbekistan Super League, Uzbekistan Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 159, "career_club_goals": 27, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Azizbek_Amonov", "backstory": "Forward Azizbek Amonov came through Lokomotiv Tashkent's academy and won two league titles there before a championship-winning spell at Esteghlal in Iran and moves through the UAE, with his current club Bukhara back home. A versatile attacker who debuted for Uzbekistan in 2021 and featured at the 2023 Asian Cup, he provides additional firepower off the bench at the World Cup.", "facts": ["Won league titles in both Uzbekistan (Lokomotiv) and Iran (Esteghlal)", "Featured at the 2023 AFC Asian Cup", "Career spanning Central Asia and the Middle East"], "data_rating": 58, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 1118, "team_id": 44, "fifa_code": "COL", "team_name": "Colombia", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 1, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "David Ospina", "date_of_birth": "1988-08-31", "age": 37, "caps": 130, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Atlético Nacional", "club_country": "Colombia", "club_league": "Categoría Primera A", "height_cm": 183, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": 400000, "club_apps_2025_26": 10, "club_starts_2025_26": 10, "club_minutes_2025_26": 900, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 6, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": 5, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Categoría Primera A", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Veteran starter, most-capped Colombia player", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/david-ospina/16563/ ; https://footystats.org/players/colombia/david-ospina-ramirez ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Ospina", "backstory": "Raised in Medellín, David Ospina came through Atlético Nacional's academy and won the league as a teenager before moving to France with Nice, where six steady seasons earned him the nickname 'the wall of Nice'. He went on to win FA Cups at Arsenal and the Coppa Italia at Napoli, then a spell at Al-Nassr alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, before returning home to Atlético Nacional. An agile, ball-playing shot-stopper, the veteran is Colombia's most-capped player ever and a calming presence for one last World Cup.", "facts": ["Most-capped player in Colombia history with 130 caps", "Won the FA Cup twice with Arsenal (2015, 2017)", "Was once brother-in-law to James Rodríguez, who married his sister"], "data_rating": 67, "fun": ["🎖️ Most-capped in the squad (130)", "🧓 Veteran presence"]}, {"player_id": 1119, "team_id": 44, "fifa_code": "COL", "team_name": "Colombia", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 2, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "RB", "player_name": "Daniel Muñoz", "date_of_birth": "1996-05-26", "age": 30, "caps": 45, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "Crystal Palace", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 30000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 46, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 5, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": 6, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, UEFA Conference League, FA Cup, Community Shield", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 312, "career_club_goals": 34, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Regular starter at right-back/wing-back", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_Mu%C3%B1oz_(footballer) ; https://www.premierleague.com/en/players/247348/daniel-munoz/overview ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/daniel-munoz/leistungsdaten/spieler/493003", "backstory": "Daniel Muñoz took the long road, passing through Envigado and Rionegro Águilas before joining his boyhood club Atlético Nacional, where he became one of Colombia's most productive right-backs. A €4.5m move to Belgian side Genk in 2020 led to the Premier League with Crystal Palace, where his marauding wing-back play helped deliver the club's first major trophy. He is a relentless, athletic right-back who provides goals and assists from deep.", "facts": ["Was once a member of Atlético Nacional's Los del Sur supporters' group before signing for the club", "Provided the assist in Crystal Palace's 2025 FA Cup final win — their first major trophy", "Won the Belgian Cup with Genk in 2021"], "data_rating": 79, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 1120, "team_id": 44, "fifa_code": "COL", "team_name": "Colombia", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 3, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Jhon Lucumí", "date_of_birth": "1998-06-26", "age": 27, "caps": 36, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Bologna", "club_country": "Italy", "club_league": "Serie A", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": 28000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 28, "club_starts_2025_26": 25, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2197, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 5, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Serie A (league only)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Regular starter at centre-back", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.flashscoreusa.com/player/lucumi-jhon/O8NaVz3G/ ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jhon_Lucum%C3%AD ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/jhon-lucumi/leistungsdaten/spieler/413565", "backstory": "Jhon Lucumí joined Deportivo Cali's academy in 2007 and broke through there before moving to Belgium's Genk in 2018, winning the league and a cup. A 2022 transfer to Bologna turned him into a defensive cornerstone in Serie A, where he won the 2025 Coppa Italia. A composed, left-footed centre-back, he brings calm distribution to Colombia's back line.", "facts": ["Scored Bologna's first goal of their 2024-25 Champions League campaign — the club's return to the competition after six decades", "Won gold with Colombia at the 2014 South American U-17 Games", "Was a 2024 Copa América finalist"], "data_rating": 71, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Italy"]}, {"player_id": 1121, "team_id": 44, "fifa_code": "COL", "team_name": "Colombia", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 4, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "RB", "player_name": "Santiago Arias", "date_of_birth": "1992-01-13", "age": 34, "caps": 67, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Independiente", "club_country": "Argentina", "club_league": "Primera División", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 800000, "club_apps_2025_26": 12, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 824, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": 1, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Liga Profesional Argentina (2026 Apertura)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Experienced right-back", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/207642/santiago-arias ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santiago_Arias ; https://www.flashscoreusa.com/player/arias-santiago/82iJTw7N/", "backstory": "Santiago Arias started at Colombia's La Equidad before Sporting CP took him to Portugal in 2011 and PSV Eindhoven made him a star, winning three Eredivisie titles and Player of the Year. After moving to Atlético Madrid he had loans at Bayer Leverkusen and Granada, then MLS spells, before settling in Argentina with Independiente. An attacking right-back, he is back in the squad after a long recovery from injury.", "facts": ["Named Eredivisie Player of the Year for the 2017-18 season", "Suffered a fractured fibula on international duty in 2020 that derailed his Leverkusen loan", "Won the 2023 MLS Supporters' Shield with FC Cincinnati"], "data_rating": 63, "fun": ["🧓 Veteran presence", "🌍 Plays abroad · Argentina"]}, {"player_id": 1122, "team_id": 44, "fifa_code": "COL", "team_name": "Colombia", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 5, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CDM", "player_name": "Kevin Castaño", "date_of_birth": "2000-09-29", "age": 25, "caps": 25, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "River Plate", "club_country": "Argentina", "club_league": "Primera División", "height_cm": 183, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 9000000, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 843, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Liga Profesional Argentina", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": "Defensive midfielder", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/kevin-castano/33799/ ; https://scoutingstats.ai/player/kevin-castano-37546144/ ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/kevin-castano/profil/spieler/857948", "backstory": "Kevin Castaño joined Águilas Doradas at age 12 and rose through the academy to the first team before a 2023 move to Cruz Azul in Mexico. He then joined Krasnodar and won the Russian Premier League in his first season — the club's first-ever league title — before signing for River Plate in 2025. He is a tidy, ball-winning defensive midfielder still in the early stages of his international career.", "facts": ["Won the Russian Premier League with Krasnodar in his debut season — the club's first ever title", "Came through the Águilas Doradas academy from age 12", "Was part of Colombia's 2024 Copa América runners-up squad"], "data_rating": 62, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Argentina"]}, {"player_id": 1123, "team_id": 44, "fifa_code": "COL", "team_name": "Colombia", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 6, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Richard Ríos", "date_of_birth": "2000-06-02", "age": 26, "caps": 31, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Benfica", "club_country": "Portugal", "club_league": "Primeira Liga", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 35000000, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 6, "club_assists_2025_26": 6, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Primeira Liga, UEFA Champions League, Taça de Portugal, Taça da Liga", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Key central midfielder", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/richard-rios/44865/ ; https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/clubs/players/250194566--richard-rios/statistics/ ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/richard-rios/leistungsdaten/spieler/735573", "backstory": "Born poor in Vegachí, Richard Ríos grew up playing futsal — the small-sided game that sharpened his close control — before Flamengo spotted him at the 2018 South American U-20s. After Flamengo and a rebuild at Guarani, he broke through at Palmeiras, winning the Brasileirão, then earned a €30m move to Benfica in 2025. A dynamic, technical box-to-box midfielder, he is central to Colombia's engine room.", "facts": ["Grew up playing futsal rather than eleven-a-side football", "Joined Benfica from Palmeiras for around €30m in 2025", "Was a 2024 Copa América finalist"], "data_rating": 71, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Portugal"]}, {"player_id": 1124, "team_id": 44, "fifa_code": "COL", "team_name": "Colombia", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 7, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "LW", "player_name": "Luis Díaz", "date_of_birth": "1997-01-13", "age": 29, "caps": 73, "international_goals": 22, "is_captain": false, "club": "Bayern Munich", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": 70000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 32, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 15, "club_assists_2025_26": 14, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga, UEFA Champions League, DFB-Pokal", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Star winger, key creative and goal threat", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.bundesliga.com/en/player/luis-diaz ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/luis-diaz/leistungsdaten/spieler/480692 ; https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/clubs/players/250132811--luis-diaz/statistics/", "backstory": "Luis Díaz hails from Barrancas in La Guajira and is of Wayuu indigenous heritage, rising through Barranquilla and Atlético Junior before Porto signed him in 2019. He became a star at Liverpool, winning the Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup, then joined Bayern Munich in 2025 for around €75m and won the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal in his first season. A pacy, fearless winger, he is Colombia's most dangerous attacker.", "facts": ["Shared the 2021 Copa América Golden Boot with Lionel Messi", "Was first selected for Colombia via a 2015 tournament for indigenous peoples due to his Wayuu heritage", "His parents were kidnapped in 2023; his father was held for 11 days before release"], "data_rating": 80, "fun": ["🔥 Top 4% scorer at the Cup", "💎 Most valuable in the squad", "🌍 Plays abroad · Germany", "🎯 15 club goals in 2025/26"]}, {"player_id": 1125, "team_id": 44, "fifa_code": "COL", "team_name": "Colombia", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 8, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CAM", "player_name": "Jorge Carrascal", "date_of_birth": "1998-05-25", "age": 28, "caps": 23, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Flamengo", "club_country": "Brazil", "club_league": "Série A", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": 12000000, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 616, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": 1, "club_red_2025_26": 2, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Série A (2026 season)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Attacking midfielder", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/jorge-carrascal/9990/ ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/jorge-carrascal/leistungsdaten/spieler/354145 ; https://www.sofascore.com/football/player/jorge-carrascal/590392", "backstory": "A Millonarios youth product from Cartagena, Jorge Carrascal debuted as a 16-year-old before moving to Sevilla and a loan in Ukraine. He made his name at River Plate, winning the Argentine title and continental honours, then passed through CSKA and Dynamo Moscow before joining Flamengo, where he won the 2025 Copa Libertadores. A left-footed attacking midfielder, he offers flair and unpredictability off the bench.", "facts": ["Made his professional debut at just 16 for Millonarios", "Won the 2025 Copa Libertadores with Flamengo", "Won the Russian Cup with CSKA Moscow"], "data_rating": 64, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Brazil"]}, {"player_id": 1126, "team_id": 44, "fifa_code": "COL", "team_name": "Colombia", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 9, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Jhon Córdoba", "date_of_birth": "1993-05-11", "age": 33, "caps": 21, "international_goals": 6, "is_captain": false, "club": "Krasnodar", "club_country": "Russia", "club_league": "Russian Premier League", "height_cm": 188, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 12000000, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2484, "club_goals_2025_26": 17, "club_assists_2025_26": 6, "club_yellow_2025_26": 4, "club_red_2025_26": 2, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Russian Premier League (league only)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Target-man striker, 2025-26 RPL top scorer", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/291425/jhon-cordoba ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jhon_C%C3%B3rdoba ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/jhon-cordoba/leistungsdaten/spieler/185245", "backstory": "Jhon Córdoba came through Envigado before launching a long European career across Spain and Germany, scoring 20 goals to fire Köln to promotion in 2018-19. He found his peak at Krasnodar, helping the club win its first-ever Russian title in 2024-25 and becoming a fan idol. A powerful, Drogba-style target man, he arrives at the World Cup as one of Russia's top scorers.", "facts": ["Helped Krasnodar win their first-ever Russian Premier League title and was voted Russian Footballer of the Year", "Became Krasnodar's all-time top scorer, overtaking Fyodor Smolov", "His father Manuel was also a professional striker"], "data_rating": 73, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Russia", "🎯 17 club goals in 2025/26"]}, {"player_id": 1127, "team_id": 44, "fifa_code": "COL", "team_name": "Colombia", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 10, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CAM", "player_name": "James Rodríguez", "date_of_birth": "1991-07-12", "age": 34, "caps": 125, "international_goals": 31, "is_captain": true, "club": "Minnesota United", "club_country": "United States", "club_league": "Major League Soccer", "height_cm": 181, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": 4000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 20, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Liga MX (León, 14 apps 3 goals), MLS (Minnesota United, 6 apps 0 goals)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 556, "career_club_goals": 136, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Captain and playmaker; 2025 at Club León, joined Minnesota United Feb 2026", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Rodr%C3%ADguez ; https://www.flashscoreusa.com/player/rodriguez-james/MPaioN57/ ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/james-rodriguez/leistungsdaten/spieler/88103", "backstory": "James Rodríguez emerged at Envigado before becoming the youngest foreign player in Argentine history at Banfield, then starring at Porto and Monaco. His six-goal 2014 World Cup, including a Puskás Award volley, earned a record move to Real Madrid, where he won La Liga and the Champions League before spells at Bayern, Everton and beyond. Now Colombia's captain and chief playmaker, the left-footed maestro leads the side after a 2025-26 spell in Mexico and a move to Minnesota United.", "facts": ["Won the 2014 World Cup Golden Boot with six goals", "His volley against Uruguay at the 2014 World Cup won the FIFA Puskás Award", "Set a Copa América assist record with six assists in 2024, surpassing Messi"], "data_rating": 71, "fun": ["🔥 Top 3% scorer at the Cup", "🧓 Veteran presence", "🌍 Plays abroad · United States", "©️ Captain"]}, {"player_id": 1128, "team_id": 44, "fifa_code": "COL", "team_name": "Colombia", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 11, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "RW", "player_name": "Jhon Arias", "date_of_birth": "1997-09-21", "age": 28, "caps": 37, "international_goals": 4, "is_captain": false, "club": "Palmeiras", "club_country": "Brazil", "club_league": "Série A", "height_cm": 173, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 22000000, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1016, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 4, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Série A (Palmeiras, 2026); previously Premier League (Wolverhampton)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Wide attacking midfielder; at Wolverhampton H2 2025, joined Palmeiras Feb 2026", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/jhon-arias/5518/ ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jhon_Arias_(footballer) ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/jhon-arias/profil/spieler/588989", "backstory": "Jhon Arias rose through Patriotas and América de Cali before a move to Fluminense, where he became the heartbeat of their historic 2023 Copa Libertadores triumph. After a 2025 stint at Wolverhampton, he joined Palmeiras in early 2026. A tireless, creative wide forward, he supplies energy and chances on Colombia's flanks.", "facts": ["Scored on his senior Colombia debut, a 3-2 win over Romania in March 2024", "Won the 2023 Copa Libertadores with Fluminense", "Named to the Team of the Tournament at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup"], "data_rating": 67, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Brazil"]}, {"player_id": 1129, "team_id": 44, "fifa_code": "COL", "team_name": "Colombia", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 12, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Camilo Vargas", "date_of_birth": "1989-03-09", "age": 37, "caps": 41, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Atlas", "club_country": "Mexico", "club_league": "Liga MX", "height_cm": 182, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 450000, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1620, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Liga MX (Apertura + Clausura)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": "First-choice goalkeeper", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/50207/camilo-vargas ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/camilo-vargas/leistungsdaten/spieler/74113 ; https://www.sofascore.com/player/camilo-vargas/125787", "backstory": "Bogotá-born Camilo Vargas built his reputation at Independiente Santa Fe and Deportivo Cali, winning multiple Colombian titles, before moving to Mexico's Atlas in 2019. A reliable, commanding shot-stopper, he provides experienced goalkeeping cover for Colombia.", "facts": ["Won three Colombian league titles before moving abroad", "Has been Atlas's first-choice goalkeeper since 2019"], "data_rating": 63, "fun": ["🧓 Veteran presence", "🌍 Plays abroad · Mexico"]}, {"player_id": 1130, "team_id": 44, "fifa_code": "COL", "team_name": "Colombia", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 13, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Yerry Mina", "date_of_birth": "1994-09-23", "age": 31, "caps": 53, "international_goals": 8, "is_captain": false, "club": "Cagliari", "club_country": "Italy", "club_league": "Serie A", "height_cm": 195, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 4000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 26, "club_starts_2025_26": 26, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2155, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": 2, "club_red_2025_26": 1, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 7, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Serie A (league only)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Experienced centre-back", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/yerry-mina/33645/ ; https://footystats.org/players/colombia/yerry-mina ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/yerry-mina/leistungsdaten/spieler/289446", "backstory": "Towering centre-back Yerry Mina rose through Deportivo Pasto and Independiente Santa Fe before winning the Brazilian title at Palmeiras and earning a move to Barcelona, where he won La Liga and the Copa del Rey. After five seasons at Everton he moved to Italy, now with Cagliari. Famous for his headers and his dancing celebrations, he is a set-piece threat at both ends.", "facts": ["Scored three headers at the 2018 World Cup, equalling the record for goals by a defender at a single tournament", "At 1.95m he is one of the tallest players in the squad", "Both his father and uncle were professional goalkeepers"], "data_rating": 74, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Italy"]}, {"player_id": 1131, "team_id": 44, "fifa_code": "COL", "team_name": "Colombia", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 14, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Gustavo Puerta", "date_of_birth": "2003-07-23", "age": 22, "caps": 5, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Racing Santander", "club_country": "Spain", "club_league": "Segunda División", "height_cm": 183, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 4000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 32, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2669, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Segunda División (LaLiga2)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Midfielder, regular starter in Segunda División", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/gustavo-puerta/61851/ ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gustavo_Puerta ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/gustavo-puerta/profil/spieler/936981", "backstory": "Gustavo Puerta came through Bogotá FC and earned a move to Bayer Leverkusen in 2023, lifting the Bundesliga title in his first season before loan spells in Germany and England. He is now a regular for Racing Santander in Spain's second tier. A composed young midfielder, he captained Colombia's U-20s and is among the squad's emerging talents.", "facts": ["Won the 2023-24 Bundesliga with Leverkusen as a young squad member", "Was rejected by Independiente Santa Fe in a 2019 trial before turning pro", "Captained Colombia's U-20 team"], "data_rating": 67, "fun": ["🐣 Youngest in the squad (22)", "🌍 Plays abroad · Spain"]}, {"player_id": 1132, "team_id": 44, "fifa_code": "COL", "team_name": "Colombia", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 15, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Juan Portilla", "date_of_birth": "1998-09-12", "age": 27, "caps": 9, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Athletico Paranaense", "club_country": "Brazil", "club_league": "Série A", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 3000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 17, "club_starts_2025_26": 12, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": null, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Série A / Campeonato Paranaense (2026)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": "Defensive midfielder; joined Athletico-PR Jan 2026 from Talleres", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.transfermarkt.us/juan-portilla/profil/spieler/585747 ; https://www.bemparana.com.br/esportes/atletico-paranaense/portilla-pode-perder-a-vaga-no-athletico-odair-explica/ ; https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/94976/juan-portilla", "backstory": "Juan Portilla took a winding route through lower-league sides in Colombia, the United States and Chile before América de Cali, then established himself in Argentina with Talleres. He moved to Brazil's Athletico Paranaense in early 2026. A combative defensive midfielder, he is a relatively new face in the senior setup.", "facts": ["Made his Colombia debut as a stoppage-time substitute in a 2-1 World Cup qualifying win over Argentina in 2024", "Played in the United States and Chile early in his career before establishing himself in South America"], "data_rating": 59, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Brazil"]}, {"player_id": 1133, "team_id": 44, "fifa_code": "COL", "team_name": "Colombia", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 16, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CDM", "player_name": "Jefferson Lerma", "date_of_birth": "1994-10-25", "age": 31, "caps": 64, "international_goals": 5, "is_captain": false, "club": "Crystal Palace", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 179, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 14000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 26, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1724, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": 7, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League (league figures); also UEFA Conference League, FA Cup, Community Shield", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Defensive midfielder, regular starter", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.flashscore.co.uk/player/lerma-jefferson/Es8aeBs4/ ; https://www.premierleague.com/en/players/152551/jefferson-lerma/stats ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/jefferson-lerma/leistungsdaten/spieler/262980", "backstory": "Jefferson Lerma developed at Atlético Huila before Levante took him to Spain, where he won promotion. A then club-record €30m move took him to Bournemouth, and after five seasons he joined Crystal Palace on a free, winning the 2025 FA Cup. A tough-tackling, no-nonsense defensive midfielder, he is the shield in front of Colombia's defence.", "facts": ["Won the 2025 FA Cup with Crystal Palace, beating Manchester City", "Scored the fastest goal by a newly promoted side in Premier League history", "Scored the semi-final winner against Uruguay at the 2024 Copa América"], "data_rating": 69, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 1134, "team_id": 44, "fifa_code": "COL", "team_name": "Colombia", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 17, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "LB", "player_name": "Johan Mojica", "date_of_birth": "1992-08-21", "age": 33, "caps": 44, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Mallorca", "club_country": "Spain", "club_league": "La Liga", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": 3000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 35, "club_starts_2025_26": 30, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2724, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 4, "club_yellow_2025_26": 6, "club_red_2025_26": 1, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "La Liga (league only)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Left-back", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/johan-mojica/19025/ ; https://fbref.com/en/players/608f2092/Johan-Mojica ; https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/stats/_/id/173247/johan-mojica", "backstory": "Johan Mojica climbed from Colombia's lower divisions through a string of Spanish clubs — Rayo Vallecano, Valladolid, Girona, Elche, Villarreal, Osasuna and now Mallorca — with a stint at Atalanta in Italy. An attacking left-back known for his pace and stamina, he was even retrained as a winger early on, and is a reliable, energetic option down the left.", "facts": ["Scored a dramatic 91st-minute indirect free-kick winner for Mallorca against Las Palmas in 2024", "Played as a left winger during a loan at Valladolid, scoring seven goals in 2014-15", "Was part of Colombia's 2018 World Cup and 2024 Copa América finalist squads"], "data_rating": 70, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Spain"]}, {"player_id": 1135, "team_id": 44, "fifa_code": "COL", "team_name": "Colombia", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 18, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Willer Ditta", "date_of_birth": "1998-01-23", "age": 28, "caps": 4, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Cruz Azul", "club_country": "Mexico", "club_league": "Liga MX", "height_cm": 186, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 5000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 38, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": 11, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 10, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": 41, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Liga MX (Apertura + Clausura)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Centre-back, regular starter", "enrichment_sources": "https://footystats.org/players/colombia/willer-emilio-ditta-perez ; https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/stats/_/id/270229/willer-ditta ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/965205/willer-ditta", "backstory": "Willer Ditta began at Barranquilla FC before joining Atlético Junior, winning two Colombian titles, then moved to Argentina's Newell's Old Boys and on to Cruz Azul in 2023. A solid, aerially strong centre-back, he helped Cruz Azul win the CONCACAF Champions Cup and remains a back-up defensive option for Colombia.", "facts": ["Won the 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup with Cruz Azul", "Won two Categoría Primera A titles with Atlético Junior"], "data_rating": 72, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Mexico", "🧤 10 clean sheets in 2025/26"]}, {"player_id": 1136, "team_id": 44, "fifa_code": "COL", "team_name": "Colombia", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 19, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Cucho Hernández", "date_of_birth": "1999-04-20", "age": 27, "caps": 8, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Real Betis", "club_country": "Spain", "club_league": "La Liga", "height_cm": 175, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": 15000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 32, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2594, "club_goals_2025_26": 11, "club_assists_2025_26": 3, "club_yellow_2025_26": 5, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "La Liga, UEFA Europa League, Copa del Rey", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Forward, leading scorer for Betis", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.sportbusy.com/players/soccer/336809/ ; https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/336809/cucho-hernandez ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/cucho/leistungsdaten/spieler/459463", "backstory": "Cucho Hernández was spotted as a teenager in Pereira and captained Deportivo Pereira at 17 before a move to Spain via Granada, with prolific loans at Huesca and elsewhere. After Watford he became a record signing for Columbus Crew, winning the MLS Cup, before joining Real Betis in 2025. A clever, technical forward, he is Betis's leading scorer and an emerging option up front for Colombia.", "facts": ["Scored 16 goals on loan at Huesca to win the club's first-ever promotion to La Liga", "Won the 2023 MLS Cup with Columbus Crew, scoring 58 goals across his spell", "Was named Deportivo Pereira captain at just 17"], "data_rating": 69, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Spain"]}, {"player_id": 1137, "team_id": 44, "fifa_code": "COL", "team_name": "Colombia", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 20, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CAM", "player_name": "Juan Fernando Quintero", "date_of_birth": "1993-01-18", "age": 33, "caps": 48, "international_goals": 6, "is_captain": false, "club": "River Plate", "club_country": "Argentina", "club_league": "Primera División", "height_cm": 169, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": 5000000, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": null, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Liga Profesional Argentina, Copa Libertadores", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": "Creative midfielder", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/juan-fernando-quintero/24685/ ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/juan-fernando-quintero/leistungsdaten/spieler/122582 ; https://www.flashscore.com/player/quintero-juan/SQPKfPk1/", "backstory": "Juan Fernando Quintero came through Envigado and Atlético Nacional before European spells at Pescara and Porto. He became a Colombian icon at River Plate, scoring the unforgettable extra-time winner in the 2018 Copa Libertadores final against Boca Juniors. After a stint in China and moves around South America, he is back at River. A diminutive, left-footed creator, he provides set-piece and final-third quality.", "facts": ["Scored the iconic extra-time winner in River Plate's 2018 Copa Libertadores final victory over Boca Juniors", "First Colombian to score at two different World Cups (2014 and 2018)", "His free-kick at the 2013 U-20 World Cup was voted the tournament's best goal"], "data_rating": 60, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Argentina"]}, {"player_id": 1138, "team_id": 44, "fifa_code": "COL", "team_name": "Colombia", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 21, "position": "FW", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Jaminton Campaz", "date_of_birth": "2000-05-24", "age": 26, "caps": 9, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Rosario Central", "club_country": "Argentina", "club_league": "Primera División", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 5000000, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 151, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Liga Profesional Argentina (2026 Apertura)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": "Left winger", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/jaminton-campaz/47415/ ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/837870/jaminton-campaz ; https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/jaminton-campaz/leistungsdaten/spieler/491553", "backstory": "Jaminton Campaz emerged from Tumaco at Deportes Tolima before moving to Brazil with Grêmio, then joining Rosario Central in Argentina. A direct, tricky winger comfortable on either flank, he is a depth option in Colombia's attack.", "facts": ["Won the Argentine league title (Liga Profesional)", "Twice a Campeonato Gaúcho champion during his time in Brazil"], "data_rating": 58, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Argentina"]}, {"player_id": 1139, "team_id": 44, "fifa_code": "COL", "team_name": "Colombia", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 22, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "LB", "player_name": "Deiver Machado", "date_of_birth": "1993-09-02", "age": 32, "caps": 15, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Nantes", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Ligue 1", "height_cm": 175, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": 2500000, "club_apps_2025_26": 14, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1186, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": 3, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 2, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue 1 (league only)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Left-back; joined Nantes Dec 2025", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/578756/deiver-machado ; https://ligue1.com/en/player-sheet/l1_championship_player_2025_12_91746/statistics ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/deiver-machado/profil/spieler/332560", "backstory": "Deiver Machado, born in Tadó, came through Colombian football with Millonarios and Deportivo Cali before building a career in France with Lens, Toulouse and now Nantes. A left-footed, attacking left-back, he offers experienced cover on the flank for Colombia.", "facts": ["Has spent most of his European career in France's Ligue 1", "Won the Colombian league and cup before moving to Europe"], "data_rating": 62, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · France"]}, {"player_id": 1140, "team_id": 44, "fifa_code": "COL", "team_name": "Colombia", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 23, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Davinson Sánchez", "date_of_birth": "1996-06-12", "age": 29, "caps": 78, "international_goals": 4, "is_captain": false, "club": "Galatasaray", "club_country": "Turkey", "club_league": "Süper Lig", "height_cm": 187, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 16000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 37, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 4189, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Süper Lig, UEFA Champions League, Turkish Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Centre-back, regular starter", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/davinson-sanchez/26059/ ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/davinson-sanchez/leistungsdaten/spieler/341429/saison/2025 ; https://www.fctables.com/players/davinson_sanchez-226708/", "backstory": "Davinson Sánchez won the 2016 Copa Libertadores at Atlético Nacional before a move to Ajax, where he was named Player of the Year and reached a European final. Tottenham then made him a record signing — the first Colombian to play for the club — before he joined Galatasaray, winning consecutive Turkish titles. A quick, composed centre-back, he anchors Colombia's defence.", "facts": ["Was Tottenham's record signing in 2017 and the first Colombian to play for the club", "Won the 2016 Copa Libertadores with Atlético Nacional", "Scored his first Champions League goal in a 5-2 Galatasaray win over Juventus in 2026"], "data_rating": 80, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Turkey"]}, {"player_id": 1141, "team_id": 44, "fifa_code": "COL", "team_name": "Colombia", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 24, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Álvaro Montero", "date_of_birth": "1995-03-29", "age": 31, "caps": 11, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Vélez Sarsfield", "club_country": "Argentina", "club_league": "Primera División", "height_cm": 190, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 2500000, "club_apps_2025_26": 17, "club_starts_2025_26": 17, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 7, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Liga Profesional Argentina (2026 Apertura)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Backup goalkeeper; on loan at Vélez from Millonarios", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/alvaro-montero/33694/ ; https://theanalyst.com/players/10636/alvaro-montero ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/alvaro-montero/leistungsdaten/spieler/292985", "backstory": "Álvaro Montero built his career at Deportes Tolima and Millonarios, winning multiple Colombian titles, before moving to Argentina on loan with Vélez Sarsfield. A tall, commanding goalkeeper, he provides cover behind Colombia's senior options.", "facts": ["Won three Colombian league titles during his domestic career", "Stands 1.90m tall (listed up to 2.01m on some profiles)"], "data_rating": 65, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Argentina"]}, {"player_id": 1142, "team_id": 44, "fifa_code": "COL", "team_name": "Colombia", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 25, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Luis Suárez", "date_of_birth": "1997-12-02", "age": 28, "caps": 11, "international_goals": 5, "is_captain": false, "club": "Sporting CP", "club_country": "Portugal", "club_league": "Primeira Liga", "height_cm": 184, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 30000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 53, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 38, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Primeira Liga, UEFA Champions League, Taça de Portugal, Taça da Liga, Supertaça", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 371, "career_club_goals": 139, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Striker; 2025-26 Primeira Liga top scorer (28 league goals)", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luis_Su%C3%A1rez_(footballer,_born_1997) ; https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/luis-suarez/26759/ ; https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/clubs/players/250147458--luis-suarez/statistics/", "backstory": "Not to be confused with the famous Uruguayan, this Luis Suárez rose through Colombian football and Granada's reserves, with prolific loans culminating in a 27-goal, Pichichi-winning season in Spain's second tier. After spells at Marseille and Almería he joined Sporting CP, where he exploded with a league-topping 28 goals in 2025-26. An explosive, direct centre-forward, he gives Colombia a red-hot striking option.", "facts": ["Won the 2025-26 Primeira Liga top-scorer award with 28 goals for Sporting CP", "Won the Segunda División Pichichi with 27 goals in 2024-25", "Shares his name with the legendary Uruguayan striker but is no relation"], "data_rating": 78, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Portugal", "🎯 38 club goals in 2025/26"]}, {"player_id": 1143, "team_id": 44, "fifa_code": "COL", "team_name": "Colombia", "group_letter": "K", "confederation": "CONMEBOL", "shirt_number": 26, "position": "FW", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Andrés Gómez", "date_of_birth": "2002-09-12", "age": 23, "caps": 7, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Vasco da Gama", "club_country": "Brazil", "club_league": "Série A", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": 8000000, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": 15, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1322, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": 6, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Série A (2026 season)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Left winger; on loan then permanent at Vasco (Jan 2026)", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/1353421/andres-gomez ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/andres-gomez/leistungsdaten/spieler/957461 ; https://www.sofascore.com/football/player/andres-gomez/1160386", "backstory": "Andrés Gómez broke through at Millonarios, winning the 2022 Copa Colombia, before a breakout 2024 season at Real Salt Lake earned an MLS All-Star nod and a move to Rennes. Limited minutes in France led to a loan at Vasco da Gama, made permanent in 2026. A direct young winger, he is among Colombia's promising attacking talents.", "facts": ["Was an MLS All-Star in 2024 after a 13-goal season for Real Salt Lake", "Won the 2022 Copa Colombia with Millonarios", "Scored twice in his first seven caps for Colombia"], "data_rating": 62, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Brazil"]}, {"player_id": 1144, "team_id": 45, "fifa_code": "ENG", "team_name": "England", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 1, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Jordan Pickford", "date_of_birth": "1994-03-07", "age": 32, "caps": 83, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Everton", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 38, "club_starts_2025_26": 38, "club_minutes_2025_26": 3420, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 4, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 11, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": 45, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 514, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "England's established No. 1 with consistent shot-stopping", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.premierleague.com/en/players/111234/jordan-pickford/stats ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jordan_Pickford", "backstory": "Born in Washington, Tyne and Wear, Jordan Pickford came through the Sunderland academy and toughened up across loan spells in the lower leagues before establishing himself as the Black Cats' No. 1. A £25m move to Everton in 2017 made him then the most expensive British goalkeeper, and he has been England's undisputed first-choice keeper ever since, starring at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups and Euro 2020 and 2024 finals. An agile, vocal shot-stopper and renowned penalty specialist, he arrives in 2026 as the experienced foundation of Tuchel's side.", "facts": ["Was the most expensive British goalkeeper when he joined Everton in 2017", "Saved penalties in the Euro 2020 and Euro 2024 shootouts for England", "Came through the Sunderland academy in his native North East"], "data_rating": 82, "fun": ["🧤 11 clean sheets in 2025/26"]}, {"player_id": 1145, "team_id": 45, "fifa_code": "ENG", "team_name": "England", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 2, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Ezri Konsa", "date_of_birth": "1997-10-23", "age": 28, "caps": 18, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Aston Villa", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 183, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 48, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": 1, "club_red_2025_26": 1, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, UEFA Europa League, FA Cup, EFL Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 419, "career_club_goals": 13, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Valued for versatility at right-back and centre-back", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/ezri-konsa/30507/ ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ezri_Konsa", "backstory": "Born in London, Ezri Konsa came through the Charlton Athletic academy before a move to Brentford and then Aston Villa, where he developed into a calm, athletic defender. His versatility across centre-back and right-back has made him a valued tournament squad option, and he featured at Euro 2024. He helped Villa return to the Champions League and brings tactical flexibility to England's defence in 2026.", "facts": ["Came through the Charlton Athletic academy", "Can play both centre-back and right-back", "Part of England's Euro 2024 squad"], "data_rating": 75, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 1146, "team_id": 45, "fifa_code": "ENG", "team_name": "England", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 3, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Nico O'Reilly", "date_of_birth": "2005-03-13", "age": 21, "caps": 3, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Manchester City", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 34, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2649, "club_goals_2025_26": 5, "club_assists_2025_26": 3, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Breakout Premier League performer with tactical flexibility; PL Young Player of the Season 2025/26", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/1300526/nico-oreilly ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nico_O'Reilly", "backstory": "A lifelong Manchester City fan, Nico O'Reilly grew up in Manchester just miles from the Etihad and joined the City academy at age nine as an attacking midfielder. Repurposed as an unorthodox, goalscoring left-back, he seized a regular first-team role under Pep Guardiola, scoring a brace in the 2026 EFL Cup final win over Arsenal and winning the Premier League Young Player of the Season. His breakout 2025/26 campaign earned him an England call-up and a likely starting berth at his first World Cup.", "facts": ["Converted from attacking midfielder to left-back at Manchester City", "Scored twice in the 2026 EFL Cup final against Arsenal", "Named Premier League Young Player of the Season for 2025/26"], "data_rating": 69, "fun": ["🐣 Youngest in the squad (21)"]}, {"player_id": 1147, "team_id": 45, "fifa_code": "ENG", "team_name": "England", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 4, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CDM", "player_name": "Declan Rice", "date_of_birth": "1999-01-14", "age": 27, "caps": 72, "international_goals": 5, "is_captain": false, "club": "Arsenal", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 55, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 5, "club_assists_2025_26": 7, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, UEFA Champions League, FA Cup, EFL Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 313, "career_club_goals": 25, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Arguably England's most important player; crucial midfielder", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Declan_Rice ; https://www.sportbusy.com/players/soccer/238262/", "backstory": "Declan Rice was released by Chelsea's academy as a teenager before West Ham United transformed him into one of the world's premier midfielders, where he captained the club to the 2023 Europa Conference League title. A British-record £105m move to Arsenal followed, and he has become a complete two-way midfielder with a growing eye for spectacular goals. Combative, intelligent and tireless, Rice is arguably England's most indispensable player heading into the World Cup.", "facts": ["Was released by Chelsea's academy as a teenager", "Became Britain's most expensive player with his £105m move to Arsenal", "Could have represented the Republic of Ireland, for whom he won three senior caps before switching to England"], "data_rating": 87, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 1148, "team_id": 45, "fifa_code": "ENG", "team_name": "England", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 5, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "John Stones", "date_of_birth": "1994-05-28", "age": 32, "caps": 87, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "Manchester City", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 188, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 9, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 439, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, UEFA Champions League, FA Cup, EFL Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 281, "career_club_goals": 11, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Defensive linchpin with elite ball progression; fitness concerns", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/263653/john-stones ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Stones", "backstory": "A Barnsley native, John Stones broke through at his hometown club before Everton signed him as one of England's most promising ball-playing defenders. A 2016 move to Manchester City turned him into a serial trophy winner, claiming multiple Premier League titles and the 2023 Champions League, where Pep Guardiola often deployed him as an inverted full-back. A composed, technically gifted centre-back with over 80 caps, Stones is a defensive leader for England despite recurring fitness concerns.", "facts": ["Won the treble with Manchester City in 2023, including the Champions League", "Pioneered the inverted-full-back role under Pep Guardiola", "Started his career at hometown club Barnsley"], "data_rating": 67, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 1149, "team_id": 45, "fifa_code": "ENG", "team_name": "England", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 6, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Marc Guéhi", "date_of_birth": "2000-07-13", "age": 25, "caps": 27, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Manchester City", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 182, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 3150, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": 3, "club_yellow_2025_26": 6, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League (Crystal Palace then Manchester City from Jan 2026)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Made seamless transition from Crystal Palace in January", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/844425/marc-guehi ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marc_Gu%C3%A9hi", "backstory": "Born in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, Marc Guéhi moved to England as a child and came through the Chelsea academy, earning regular football on loan at Swansea City before a permanent move to Crystal Palace in 2021. He captained Palace to their first major trophy, the 2025 FA Cup, and his commanding, composed defending earned a January 2026 transfer to Manchester City. A leader at the back, he is a key centre-back for Tuchel's England.", "facts": ["Born in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, and moved to England as a child", "Captained Crystal Palace to the 2025 FA Cup, their first major trophy", "Came through the Chelsea academy"], "data_rating": 76, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 1150, "team_id": 45, "fifa_code": "ENG", "team_name": "England", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 7, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "RW", "player_name": "Bukayo Saka", "date_of_birth": "2001-09-05", "age": 24, "caps": 48, "international_goals": 12, "is_captain": false, "club": "Arsenal", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 49, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 11, "club_assists_2025_26": 6, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, UEFA Champions League, FA Cup, EFL Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 316, "career_club_goals": 82, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Undisputed starter; squad leader despite inconsistent season", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bukayo_Saka ; https://www.premierleague.com/en/players/223340/bukayo-saka/stats", "backstory": "Born in Ealing to Nigerian parents, Bukayo Saka is a homegrown Arsenal hero who rose through the Hale End academy to become the club's talisman. A relentless, two-footed winger known as 'Starboy,' he is one of the Premier League's most productive attackers and a model of resilience after the abuse he faced following his missed penalty in the Euro 2020 final. An undisputed starter and squad leader, he is central to England's attacking hopes.", "facts": ["Came through Arsenal's famed Hale End academy", "Showed remarkable resilience after his missed penalty in the Euro 2020 final", "Nicknamed 'Starboy'"], "data_rating": 87, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 1151, "team_id": 45, "fifa_code": "ENG", "team_name": "England", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 8, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Elliot Anderson", "date_of_birth": "2002-11-06", "age": 23, "caps": 7, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Nottingham Forest", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 38, "club_starts_2025_26": 37, "club_minutes_2025_26": 3334, "club_goals_2025_26": 4, "club_assists_2025_26": 4, "club_yellow_2025_26": 8, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Energetic, aggressive Tuchel-style midfielder", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.premierleague.com/en/players/215379/elliot-anderson/stats ; https://www.sportbusy.com/players/soccer/238472/", "backstory": "Raised in Whitley Bay, Elliot Anderson joined Newcastle United at age eight and broke into the first team after a productive loan at Bristol Rovers. Of Scottish descent, he represented Scotland at youth level before switching to England, and a 2024 move to Nottingham Forest for around £35m allowed him to thrive as an energetic, aggressive central midfielder. His high-tempo style fits Tuchel's vision, earning him a place in the World Cup squad.", "facts": ["Joined Newcastle United at age eight, his boyhood club", "Represented Scotland at youth level before switching to England", "Eligible for Scotland through a Glasgow-born grandmother"], "data_rating": 70, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 1152, "team_id": 45, "fifa_code": "ENG", "team_name": "England", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 9, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Harry Kane", "date_of_birth": "1993-07-28", "age": 32, "caps": 112, "international_goals": 74, "is_captain": true, "club": "Bayern Munich", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 188, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 31, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 36, "club_assists_2025_26": 5, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga (31 apps, 36 goals); also UEFA Champions League, DFB-Pokal", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 411, "career_club_goals": 311, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Captain and all-time record goalscorer; 36 goals in 31 Bundesliga games", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.bundesliga.com/en/player/harry-kane ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Kane", "backstory": "Captain and talisman, Harry Kane is a Tottenham academy product from Walthamstow who endured several lower-league loans before becoming one of the world's deadliest strikers and Spurs' all-time top scorer. After a 2023 move to Bayern Munich he kept up a staggering scoring rate, plundering 36 league goals in 2025/26. England's all-time record goalscorer with over 70 international goals, the relentless finisher and supreme creator leads his country in pursuit of a first major trophy.", "facts": ["England's all-time record goalscorer", "Scored 36 Bundesliga goals in the 2025/26 season for Bayern Munich", "Was loaned out four times early in his Tottenham career"], "data_rating": 90, "fun": ["⚡ 0.66 goals per cap", "🔥 Top 1% scorer at the Cup", "🎖️ Most-capped in the squad (112)", "🌍 Plays abroad · Germany", "🎯 36 club goals in 2025/26"]}, {"player_id": 1153, "team_id": 45, "fifa_code": "ENG", "team_name": "England", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 10, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CAM", "player_name": "Jude Bellingham", "date_of_birth": "2003-06-29", "age": 22, "caps": 46, "international_goals": 9, "is_captain": false, "club": "Real Madrid", "club_country": "Spain", "club_league": "La Liga", "height_cm": 186, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 40, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 8, "club_assists_2025_26": 5, "club_yellow_2025_26": 3, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "La Liga, UEFA Champions League, Copa del Rey, Supercopa", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "One of England's biggest stars despite indifferent form and injury concerns; recovered from July 2025 shoulder surgery", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jude_Bellingham ; https://www.sportbusy.com/players/soccer/291281/ ; https://tribuna.com/ (2025-26 season stats, all competitions)", "backstory": "A generational talent from Stourbridge, Jude Bellingham made his debut for boyhood club Birmingham City at 16 before a move to Borussia Dortmund accelerated his rise. A 2023 transfer to Real Madrid saw him explode into world-class form, winning La Liga and the Champions League and establishing himself among the planet's best midfielders. A driving, goalscoring No. 10 with relentless intensity, he is one of England's marquee stars, returning to fitness after July 2025 shoulder surgery.", "facts": ["Birmingham City retired the No. 22 shirt in his honour when he left at age 17", "Won La Liga and the Champions League in his time at Real Madrid", "Younger brother Jobe Bellingham is also a professional footballer"], "data_rating": 90, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Spain"]}, {"player_id": 1154, "team_id": 45, "fifa_code": "ENG", "team_name": "England", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 11, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "LW", "player_name": "Marcus Rashford", "date_of_birth": "1997-10-31", "age": 28, "caps": 70, "international_goals": 17, "is_captain": false, "club": "Barcelona", "club_country": "Spain", "club_league": "La Liga", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2288, "club_goals_2025_26": 12, "club_assists_2025_26": 10, "club_yellow_2025_26": 3, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "La Liga (32 apps, 8 goals), UEFA Champions League, Copa del Rey", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 329, "career_club_goals": 97, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Revitalized at Barcelona this season", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/696365/marcus-rashford ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marcus_Rashford", "backstory": "A Manchester United academy graduate from Wythenshawe, Marcus Rashford burst onto the scene as a teenager, scoring twice on both his club and Europa League debuts. He became a senior England regular and a celebrated campaigner for child food poverty, earning an MBE off the pitch. After a difficult period at United, a move to Barcelona in 2025 revitalized his career, restoring the pace and directness that make him a dangerous forward for England.", "facts": ["Scored twice on his Manchester United debut as an 18-year-old", "Awarded an MBE for his campaign against child food poverty", "Revived his career with a move to Barcelona in 2025"], "data_rating": 77, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Spain"]}, {"player_id": 1155, "team_id": 45, "fifa_code": "ENG", "team_name": "England", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 12, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "RB", "player_name": "Tino Livramento", "date_of_birth": "2002-11-12", "age": 23, "caps": 5, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Newcastle United", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 31, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1327, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, UEFA Champions League, FA Cup, EFL Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Reliable performer; recently recovered from thigh injury", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.premierleague.com/en/players/441191/tino-livramento/stats ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/tino-livramento/leistungsdaten/spieler/503981", "backstory": "Born in Slough, Tino Livramento came through the Chelsea academy before a move to Southampton, where he impressed at right-back until a serious knee injury interrupted his progress. He rebuilt his career at Newcastle United following a 2023 transfer, establishing himself as a quick, attacking full-back and reaching the Champions League. Now an England international, he offers pace and energy down the right.", "facts": ["Came through the Chelsea academy", "Recovered from a serious ACL injury early in his career", "Won the 2025 League Cup with Newcastle United"], "data_rating": 61, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 1156, "team_id": 45, "fifa_code": "ENG", "team_name": "England", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 13, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Dean Henderson", "date_of_birth": "1997-03-12", "age": 29, "caps": 4, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Crystal Palace", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 188, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 37, "club_starts_2025_26": 37, "club_minutes_2025_26": 3330, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 5, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 10, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": 48, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Primary backup keeper after impressive season at Selhurst Park", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.premierleague.com/en/players/172649/dean-henderson/stats ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dean_Henderson", "backstory": "A product of the Carlisle United and Manchester City academies, Dean Henderson built his reputation on a series of loans, most notably at Sheffield United where his form earned a move into the Manchester United first team. After being unable to displace David de Gea and Andre Onana, he joined Crystal Palace and rediscovered his best form, helping the club win the 2025 FA Cup. A bold, command-the-box keeper, he serves as England's primary backup in 2026.", "facts": ["Came through the Manchester City academy as a boy", "Won the FA Cup with Crystal Palace in 2025", "Made his England debut after years of loan moves"], "data_rating": 74, "fun": ["🧤 10 clean sheets in 2025/26"]}, {"player_id": 1157, "team_id": 45, "fifa_code": "ENG", "team_name": "England", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 14, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Jordan Henderson", "date_of_birth": "1990-06-17", "age": 35, "caps": 89, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "Brentford", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 182, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 31, "club_starts_2025_26": 21, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1863, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 3, "club_yellow_2025_26": 5, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Brought back for tournament experience; record-equalling fourth World Cup", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.premierleague.com/en/players/56979/jordan-henderson/stats ; https://theanalyst.com/players/6468/jordan-henderson", "backstory": "A veteran born in Sunderland, Jordan Henderson came through his hometown club before a 2011 move to Liverpool, where he captained the side to the 2019 Champions League and the 2020 Premier League title, ending the club's 30-year league drought. After spells at Al-Ettifaq and Ajax, he returned to the Premier League with Brentford. Brought back into the England fold for his leadership and experience, the long-serving midfielder is set to feature at a record-equalling fourth World Cup.", "facts": ["Captained Liverpool to the 2019 Champions League and 2020 Premier League titles", "Set to appear at a record-equalling fourth World Cup", "Lifted the Champions League trophy as Liverpool captain in Madrid"], "data_rating": 72, "fun": ["🧓 Veteran presence"]}, {"player_id": 1158, "team_id": 45, "fifa_code": "ENG", "team_name": "England", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 15, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Dan Burn", "date_of_birth": "1992-05-09", "age": 34, "caps": 6, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Newcastle United", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 201, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 44, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": 11, "club_red_2025_26": 1, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, UEFA Champions League, FA Cup, EFL Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 461, "career_club_goals": 16, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Commanding aerial presence; started six of seven Euro 2024 games", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.transfermarkt.us/dan-burn/leistungsdaten/spieler/134270 ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dan_Burn", "backstory": "One of football's great late bloomers, Dan Burn worked at a supermarket while playing non-league before turning professional with Darlington and Blyth Spartans. He climbed the divisions through Fulham, Wigan and Brighton before a 2022 move to boyhood club Newcastle United, where the 201cm defender helped end the club's long trophy drought by winning the 2025 League Cup. He made his England debut at 32 and started six of seven matches at Euro 2024, bringing aerial dominance and a remarkable underdog story to the squad.", "facts": ["At 201cm, one of the tallest outfield players in England history", "Once stacked supermarket shelves while playing non-league football", "Made his England debut aged 32"], "data_rating": 72, "fun": ["🧓 Veteran presence"]}, {"player_id": 1159, "team_id": 45, "fifa_code": "ENG", "team_name": "England", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 16, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Kobbie Mainoo", "date_of_birth": "2005-04-19", "age": 21, "caps": 12, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Manchester United", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 175, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 28, "club_starts_2025_26": 16, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": 2, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Revitalized under Michael Carrick; forced way back into squad", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.sportbusy.com/players/soccer/328466/ ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/1292810/kobbie-mainoo", "backstory": "Born in Stockport to Ghanaian parents, Kobbie Mainoo rose through the Manchester United academy and burst onto the scene in the 2023/24 season, scoring a stunning late winner against Liverpool and netting in the FA Cup final win over Manchester City. A composed, press-resistant central midfielder, he announced himself on the world stage at Euro 2024 aged just 19. After a period out of the side, he revitalized his form under Michael Carrick at United to force his way back into the squad.", "facts": ["Scored in Manchester United's 2024 FA Cup final win over Manchester City", "Started the Euro 2024 final aged 19", "Born in Stockport to Ghanaian parents"], "data_rating": 64, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 1160, "team_id": 45, "fifa_code": "ENG", "team_name": "England", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 17, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CAM", "player_name": "Morgan Rogers", "date_of_birth": "2002-07-26", "age": 23, "caps": 13, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Aston Villa", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 37, "club_starts_2025_26": 30, "club_minutes_2025_26": 3285, "club_goals_2025_26": 10, "club_assists_2025_26": 6, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League (league figures; also scored in UEFA Europa League final)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Ever-present for Villa with strong goal contributions; UEFA Europa League Player of the Season", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.premierleague.com/en/players/244850/morgan-rogers/stats ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morgan_Rogers", "backstory": "Born in Halesowen, Morgan Rogers came through the West Bromwich Albion academy before a move to Manchester City, then dropped to Middlesbrough to rebuild his career. A 2024 transfer to Aston Villa proved transformative, as the powerful, creative attacking midfielder became one of the Premier League's breakout performers, scoring in the Europa League final and being named that competition's Player of the Season. His all-action style and goal contributions earned him a key role for England.", "facts": ["Named UEFA Europa League Player of the Season for 2025/26", "Came through the West Bromwich Albion academy", "Rebuilt his career at Middlesbrough before starring at Aston Villa"], "data_rating": 75, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 1161, "team_id": 45, "fifa_code": "ENG", "team_name": "England", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 18, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "LW", "player_name": "Anthony Gordon", "date_of_birth": "2001-02-24", "age": 25, "caps": 17, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Barcelona", "club_country": "Spain", "club_league": "La Liga", "height_cm": 183, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 26, "club_starts_2025_26": 24, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1814, "club_goals_2025_26": 6, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": 3, "club_red_2025_26": 1, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League with Newcastle United (joined Barcelona late May 2026; 2025/26 club stats are Newcastle PL)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Signed by Barcelona from Newcastle in late May 2026; 2025/26 club stats are from Newcastle United", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.premierleague.com/en/players/232826/anthony-gordon/stats ; https://www.flickstat.com/player/anthony-gordon", "backstory": "Born in Liverpool, Anthony Gordon came through the Everton academy before a 2023 move to Newcastle United transformed him into one of the Premier League's most direct and energetic wingers, helping the club win the 2025 League Cup. He won Olympic gold-medal experience with Team GB pathways at youth level and broke into the senior England side at Euro 2024. He signed for Barcelona in late May 2026, taking his explosive pace and pressing into the World Cup.", "facts": ["Came through the Everton academy in his native Liverpool", "Won the 2025 League Cup with Newcastle United", "Joined Barcelona from Newcastle in late May 2026"], "data_rating": 65, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Spain"]}, {"player_id": 1162, "team_id": 45, "fifa_code": "ENG", "team_name": "England", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 19, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Ollie Watkins", "date_of_birth": "1995-12-30", "age": 30, "caps": 20, "international_goals": 6, "is_captain": false, "club": "Aston Villa", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 180, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 55, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 21, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": 3, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League (35 apps, 12 goals), UEFA Europa League, FA Cup, EFL Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 524, "career_club_goals": 193, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Elite backup striker with top-level work rate and fitness", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ollie_Watkins ; https://www.sportbusy.com/players/soccer/198825/", "backstory": "A late developer from Torquay, Ollie Watkins rose from non-league Weston-super-Mare through Exeter City and Brentford before a club-record move to Aston Villa, where he became a prolific Premier League striker and helped fire Villa back into the Champions League. He etched his name into England folklore with a dramatic late winner against the Netherlands in the Euro 2024 semi-final. A tireless, fit and clinical forward, he is England's elite backup to Harry Kane.", "facts": ["Scored the stoppage-time winner against the Netherlands in the Euro 2024 semi-final", "Started his career in non-league football with Weston-super-Mare", "Began as a winger before becoming a No. 9"], "data_rating": 77, "fun": ["🎯 21 club goals in 2025/26"]}, {"player_id": 1163, "team_id": 45, "fifa_code": "ENG", "team_name": "England", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 20, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "RW", "player_name": "Noni Madueke", "date_of_birth": "2002-03-10", "age": 24, "caps": 10, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Arsenal", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 180, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 16, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1217, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": 0, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League (16 apps, 3 goals); also UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Premier League champion; selection a surprise given limited output", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.premierleague.com/en/players/248857/noni-madueke/stats ; https://www.sportbusy.com/players/soccer/293236/", "backstory": "Born in London to Nigerian parents, Noni Madueke left Tottenham's academy as a teenager to join PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands, where he developed into an exciting winger and won the Eredivisie. He returned to England with Chelsea before a 2025 move to Arsenal, where he won the Premier League title. A quick, confident dribbler, his selection raised eyebrows given limited minutes, but his ceiling makes him a wildcard attacking option.", "facts": ["Left Tottenham's academy to join PSV Eindhoven as a teenager", "Won the Eredivisie title in the Netherlands", "Won the Premier League with Arsenal in 2025/26"], "data_rating": 60, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 1164, "team_id": 45, "fifa_code": "ENG", "team_name": "England", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 21, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CAM", "player_name": "Eberechi Eze", "date_of_birth": "1998-06-29", "age": 27, "caps": 16, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Arsenal", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 7, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": 1, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League (32 apps, 7 goals); also UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 303, "career_club_goals": 66, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Premier League champion; in pole position for No. 10 role", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eberechi_Eze ; https://www.sportbusy.com/players/soccer/251400/", "backstory": "A south Londoner of Nigerian heritage, Eberechi Eze was released by several academies, including Arsenal, as a youngster before working his way up via non-league and Queens Park Rangers. A move to Crystal Palace established him as a mesmeric, left-footed attacking midfielder, and he scored the winner in the club's 2025 FA Cup final triumph. He finally joined Arsenal in 2025, winning the Premier League title, and is in pole position for the No. 10 role at the World Cup.", "facts": ["Was released by Arsenal's academy as a youngster before signing for them years later", "Scored the winning goal in Crystal Palace's 2025 FA Cup final", "Won the Premier League with Arsenal in his first season at the club"], "data_rating": 63, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 1165, "team_id": 45, "fifa_code": "ENG", "team_name": "England", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 22, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Ivan Toney", "date_of_birth": "1996-03-16", "age": 30, "caps": 7, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al-Ahli", "club_country": "Saudi Arabia", "club_league": "Saudi Pro League", "height_cm": 179, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 49, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 42, "club_assists_2025_26": 7, "club_yellow_2025_26": 4, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Saudi Pro League (32 apps, 32 goals), AFC Champions League Elite, domestic cups", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Surprise third-striker option after strong Saudi Pro League season", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.transfermarkt.us/ivan-toney/leistungsdaten/spieler/251664 ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ivan_Toney", "backstory": "Born in Northampton, Ivan Toney's path to the top was unconventional, rising through Northampton Town and a string of loans before Peterborough United and then Brentford, where he scored 31 Championship goals in 2020/21 to fire them into the Premier League. A powerful, intelligent striker and ice-cool penalty taker, he scored on his England debut. After serving a betting ban, he moved to Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia, where prolific goalscoring earned him a surprise World Cup recall as a third-striker option.", "facts": ["Scored 31 goals in Brentford's 2020/21 promotion-winning Championship season", "Renowned for his distinctive, methodical penalty technique", "Returned to international contention after a season in the Saudi Pro League"], "data_rating": 81, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Saudi Arabia", "🎯 42 club goals in 2025/26"]}, {"player_id": 1166, "team_id": 45, "fifa_code": "ENG", "team_name": "England", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 23, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "James Trafford", "date_of_birth": "2002-10-10", "age": 23, "caps": 1, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Manchester City", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 196, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 4, "club_starts_2025_26": 4, "club_minutes_2025_26": 360, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 0, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 1, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": 6, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Third-choice keeper who performed well in cup competitions", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/1187213/james-trafford ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/trafford/leistungsdaten/spieler/566799/saison/2025", "backstory": "Raised in a farming family in Cumbria, James Trafford switched from midfield to goalkeeper at age nine and joined Manchester City at 12 after starting at Carlisle United. He honed his craft on loan at Bolton Wanderers before a permanent move to Burnley, where in 2024/25 he equalled the English record of 29 clean sheets in a single season. City activated a buy-back clause to re-sign him in 2025, and the towering 196cm keeper travels to the World Cup as England's third-choice option.", "facts": ["Equalled the English record of 29 clean sheets in a single season at Burnley", "Grew up in a farming family in Cumbria and switched from midfield to goalkeeper at age nine", "Manchester City re-signed him via a buy-back clause in 2025"], "data_rating": 57, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 1167, "team_id": 45, "fifa_code": "ENG", "team_name": "England", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 24, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "RB", "player_name": "Reece James", "date_of_birth": "1999-12-08", "age": 26, "caps": 22, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Chelsea", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 182, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 29, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1960, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": 5, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "First choice at right-back when fit; strong both ways", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.premierleague.com/en/players/225796/reece-james/stats ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reece_James", "backstory": "A product of the Chelsea academy, Reece James made his name as a dynamic, powerful right-back capable of playing across the back line and in midfield. He has won the Champions League and Club World Cup with Chelsea and was named club captain, though his career has been repeatedly interrupted by serious injuries. When fit, he is one of the world's most complete full-backs, and England will hope to keep him healthy for a deep World Cup run.", "facts": ["Won the Champions League with Chelsea in 2021", "Came through the Chelsea academy and was named club captain", "Booming long passer and set-piece threat from right-back"], "data_rating": 71, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 1168, "team_id": 45, "fifa_code": "ENG", "team_name": "England", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 25, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Djed Spence", "date_of_birth": "2000-08-09", "age": 25, "caps": 4, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Tottenham Hotspur", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 184, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 29, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1966, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 4, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Somewhat surprising inclusion; versatile across both flanks", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.premierleague.com/en/players/232859/djed-spence/stats ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/894803/djed-spence", "backstory": "After starting at Fulham's academy, Djed Spence broke through at Middlesbrough and earned a starring loan at Nottingham Forest, helping them win promotion to the Premier League in 2022 and making the Championship Team of the Season. A £20m move to Tottenham initially stalled, with loans away and limited minutes, but he revived his career in 2024/25, becoming a regular and helping Spurs win the Europa League. A marauding full-back comfortable on both flanks, his international rise earned a surprise World Cup call.", "facts": ["Helped Nottingham Forest win promotion on loan in 2022", "Won the 2025 Europa League with Tottenham", "Can play at both right-back and left-back"], "data_rating": 62, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 1169, "team_id": 45, "fifa_code": "ENG", "team_name": "England", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 26, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Jarell Quansah", "date_of_birth": "2003-01-29", "age": 23, "caps": 1, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Bayer Leverkusen", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 190, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 27, "club_starts_2025_26": 24, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2210, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": 9, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Preferred over Harry Maguire; solid in Leverkusen's back line", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.bundesliga.com/en/bundesliga/player/jarell-quansah ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jarell_Quansah", "backstory": "A product of the Liverpool academy, Warrington-born Jarell Quansah broke into the first team and impressed as a young centre-back before a 2025 transfer to Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga. The composed, athletic 190cm defender has flourished in Germany, earning a place in England's World Cup squad ahead of more experienced options. He brings ball-playing quality and aerial presence to the back line.", "facts": ["Came through the Liverpool academy", "Moved to Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga in 2025", "Selected ahead of Harry Maguire for the 2026 squad"], "data_rating": 63, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Germany"]}, {"player_id": 1170, "team_id": 46, "fifa_code": "CRO", "team_name": "Croatia", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 1, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Dominik Livakovic", "date_of_birth": "1995-01-09", "age": 31, "caps": 74, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Dinamo Zagreb", "club_country": "Croatia", "club_league": "HNL", "height_cm": 188, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 4000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 17, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 6, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Prva HNL, Croatian Cup, UEFA competition", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 493, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "First-choice national team goalkeeper; rejoined Dinamo Zagreb on loan from Fenerbahce in Jan 2026", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dominik_Livakovic ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/dominik-livakovic/leistungsdaten/spieler/205927 ; https://www.footballcritic.com/dominik-livakovic/player-matches/19587/season-2025-2026/66028", "backstory": "A product of Zagreb's Hrvatski Dragovoljac, Dominik Livakovic became Croatia's undisputed number one through his years as Dinamo Zagreb's captain and shot-stopper. He announced himself to the world at the 2022 World Cup, saving three penalties in the shootout win over Japan to drag Croatia to the semi-finals. After a spell at Fenerbahce he returned to Dinamo on loan in January 2026 to secure regular football ahead of the tournament, where he remains Croatia's first-choice keeper.", "facts": ["Saved three penalties in the 2022 World Cup last-16 shootout against Japan", "Spent the bulk of his career as Dinamo Zagreb's captain before moving to Fenerbahce"], "data_rating": 69, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 1171, "team_id": 46, "fifa_code": "CRO", "team_name": "Croatia", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 2, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "RB", "player_name": "Josip Stanisic", "date_of_birth": "2000-04-02", "age": 26, "caps": 30, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Bayern Munich", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 40000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 26, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 3156, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": 3, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga, UEFA Champions League, DFB-Pokal", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Versatile full-back rotation option at Bayern", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.transfermarkt.us/josip-stanisic/leistungsdaten/spieler/483046 ; https://www.bundesliga.com/en/bundesliga/player/josip-stanisic ; https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/clubs/players/250112220--josip-stanisic/statistics/", "backstory": "Born in Munich to Croatian parents, Josip Stanisic came through Bayern Munich's academy and has spent his senior career at the club, aside from a successful 2023-24 loan at Bayer Leverkusen where he won the Bundesliga as part of an unbeaten season. A versatile defender who can play on either flank or in the centre, he chose to represent Croatia over Germany. At this World Cup he offers Zlatko Dalic flexible cover across the back line.", "facts": ["Born in Munich and a graduate of the Bayern academy", "Won an unbeaten Bundesliga title on loan at Bayer Leverkusen in 2023-24", "Eligible for Germany but opted to play for Croatia"], "data_rating": 76, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Germany"]}, {"player_id": 1172, "team_id": 46, "fifa_code": "CRO", "team_name": "Croatia", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 3, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Marin Pongracic", "date_of_birth": "1997-09-11", "age": 28, "caps": 19, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Fiorentina", "club_country": "Italy", "club_league": "Serie A", "height_cm": 193, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 35, "club_starts_2025_26": 33, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2920, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 12, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Serie A", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Centre-back at Fiorentina; most yellow cards in Serie A this season", "enrichment_sources": "https://fbref.com/en/players/2a6cd437/Marin-Pongracic ; https://tribuna.com/en/persons/marin-pongracic/stat/2025-2026/serie-a/ ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/marin-pongracic/leistungsdaten/spieler/282144", "backstory": "A towering centre-back, Marin Pongracic spent his youth in Germany and broke through at RB Salzburg before a big-money move to Wolfsburg in 2019. After loans and a stint at Borussia Dortmund and Lecce, he found a settled home at Fiorentina in Serie A. Aggressive and physical, he has been a regular starter in Florence, though his combative style saw him top the Serie A yellow-card charts this season.", "facts": ["Came through the Red Bull Salzburg setup before a move to Wolfsburg", "Picked up the most yellow cards in Serie A in 2025-26"], "data_rating": 70, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Italy"]}, {"player_id": 1173, "team_id": 46, "fifa_code": "CRO", "team_name": "Croatia", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 4, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Josko Gvardiol", "date_of_birth": "2002-01-23", "age": 24, "caps": 47, "international_goals": 4, "is_captain": false, "club": "Manchester City", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": 70000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 18, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1374, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": 2, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 5, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, UEFA Champions League, FA Cup, EFL Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Regular starter at Manchester City (apps/minutes shown are Premier League)", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.transfermarkt.us/josko-gvardiol/leistungsdaten/spieler/475959/saison/2025 ; https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/josko-gvardiol/28465/ ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/1070712/josko-gvardiol", "backstory": "Josko Gvardiol rose through Dinamo Zagreb's academy before moving to RB Leipzig in 2021, where his commanding displays as a ball-playing centre-back earned him a place in Croatia's 2022 World Cup squad at just 20. In 2023 Manchester City signed him for around 77 million pounds, then a world-record fee for a defender. Comfortable at centre-back or left-back and dangerous going forward, he is now a cornerstone of Croatia's defence.", "facts": ["Signed by Manchester City in 2023 for a then world-record fee for a defender (~£77m)", "Came through the Dinamo Zagreb academy", "Reached the 2022 World Cup semi-finals as a 20-year-old"], "data_rating": 76, "fun": ["💎 Most valuable in the squad", "🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 1174, "team_id": 46, "fifa_code": "CRO", "team_name": "Croatia", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 5, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Duje Caleta-Car", "date_of_birth": "1996-09-17", "age": 29, "caps": 38, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Real Sociedad", "club_country": "Spain", "club_league": "La Liga", "height_cm": 193, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1700, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 4, "club_red_2025_26": 1, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "La Liga", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Centre-back at Real Sociedad, on loan from Lyon (stats shown are La Liga)", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/557799/duje-caleta-car ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/duje-caleta-car/leistungsdaten/spieler/238266", "backstory": "Born in Sibenik, Duje Caleta-Car developed at RB Salzburg before establishing himself at Marseille in Ligue 1, where he spent several seasons as a dependable centre-back. Spells at Southampton and Lyon followed before he joined Real Sociedad in La Liga. Tall and strong in the air, the 193cm defender adds experience and aerial presence to Croatia's options at the back.", "facts": ["Developed at Red Bull Salzburg before a long spell at Marseille", "Has played in Austria, France, England and Spain"], "data_rating": 68, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Spain"]}, {"player_id": 1175, "team_id": 46, "fifa_code": "CRO", "team_name": "Croatia", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 6, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Josip Sutalo", "date_of_birth": "2000-02-28", "age": 26, "caps": 32, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Ajax", "club_country": "Netherlands", "club_league": "Eredivisie", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 30, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1707, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Eredivisie, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Centre-back at Ajax (24 Eredivisie + 6 Champions League apps)", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/josip-sutalo/6331/ ; https://fbref.com/en/players/33a6a650/Josip-Sutalo ; https://footystats.org/players/croatia/josip-sutalo", "backstory": "A Dinamo Zagreb academy graduate, Josip Sutalo became a key centre-back for the Croatian champions and earned a move to Ajax in 2023 for one of the bigger fees in the club's history. He has been a regular at the heart of the Ajax defence, featuring in both the Eredivisie and the Champions League. Composed on the ball, he is part of the next generation anchoring Croatia's back line.", "facts": ["Came through the Dinamo Zagreb academy", "Joined Ajax in 2023 in a high-profile transfer from Dinamo Zagreb"], "data_rating": 68, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Netherlands"]}, {"player_id": 1176, "team_id": 46, "fifa_code": "CRO", "team_name": "Croatia", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 7, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CDM", "player_name": "Nikola Moro", "date_of_birth": "1998-03-12", "age": 28, "caps": 10, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Bologna", "club_country": "Italy", "club_league": "Serie A", "height_cm": 183, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 30, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1799, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 1, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Serie A, UEFA Europa League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Defensive midfielder at Bologna (apps/minutes/goals shown are Serie A)", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/nikola-moro/9839/ ; https://fbref.com/en/players/ff579c7e/Nikola-Moro ; https://footystats.org/players/croatia/nikola-moro", "backstory": "Nikola Moro graduated from Dinamo Zagreb's academy and won four consecutive Croatian league titles with the senior side before moving to Dynamo Moscow in 2020. He joined Bologna in 2022, initially on loan, and made the move permanent, becoming a reliable defensive midfielder in Serie A. A tidy holding player, he provides cover in central midfield for Croatia.", "facts": ["Won four straight Croatian league titles with Dinamo Zagreb", "Spent two years at Dynamo Moscow before joining Bologna"], "data_rating": 62, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Italy"]}, {"player_id": 1177, "team_id": 46, "fifa_code": "CRO", "team_name": "Croatia", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 8, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Mateo Kovacic", "date_of_birth": "1994-05-06", "age": 32, "caps": 112, "international_goals": 5, "is_captain": false, "club": "Manchester City", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 10000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 6, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Central midfielder at Manchester City; limited apps after returning from Achilles surgery (PL stats shown)", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/mateo-kovacic/29924/ ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/mateo-kovacic/leistungsdaten/spieler/51471 ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mateo_Kovacic", "backstory": "Born in Linz, Austria, to Croatian parents who had fled the war, Mateo Kovacic returned to Croatia as a teenager and broke through at Dinamo Zagreb, becoming the club's youngest-ever first-team player. His silky midfield play took him to Inter, Real Madrid and Chelsea, where he won multiple Champions League titles, before joining Manchester City in 2023. A double Premier League and Champions League winner, he is back in contention after Achilles surgery and brings elite pedigree to Croatia's midfield.", "facts": ["Was once Dinamo Zagreb's youngest-ever debutant", "Has won the Champions League with both Real Madrid and Chelsea", "Born in Linz, Austria, to a Croatian refugee family"], "data_rating": 67, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 1178, "team_id": 46, "fifa_code": "CRO", "team_name": "Croatia", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 9, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "SS", "player_name": "Andrej Kramaric", "date_of_birth": "1991-06-19", "age": 34, "caps": 115, "international_goals": 36, "is_captain": false, "club": "TSG Hoffenheim", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 34, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 14, "club_assists_2025_26": 6, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Veteran forward and key scorer at Hoffenheim; double figures for a 9th time in 10 Bundesliga seasons", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.bundesliga.com/en/player/andrej-kramaric ; https://www.sportbusy.com/players/soccer/139520/ ; https://fbref.com/en/players/603cb947/matchlogs/2025-2026/c20/Andrej-Kramaric-Match-Logs", "backstory": "Andrej Kramaric started out at Dinamo Zagreb and made his name with a prolific spell at Rijeka before a move to Leicester City. After struggling for minutes in England, he found his home at Hoffenheim, where he has become the club's all-time leading scorer and one of the most consistent forwards in the Bundesliga. A clever, two-footed finisher, the veteran remains a key goal threat and is among Croatia's all-time top scorers.", "facts": ["Hoffenheim's all-time leading goalscorer", "Scored a hat-trick for Croatia against Cameroon at the 2014 World Cup", "Was part of Leicester City's squad before establishing himself in the Bundesliga"], "data_rating": 79, "fun": ["🔥 Top 2% scorer at the Cup", "🧓 Veteran presence", "🌍 Plays abroad · Germany"]}, {"player_id": 1179, "team_id": 46, "fifa_code": "CRO", "team_name": "Croatia", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 10, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Luka Modric", "date_of_birth": "1985-09-09", "age": 40, "caps": 197, "international_goals": 28, "is_captain": true, "club": "AC Milan", "club_country": "Italy", "club_league": "Serie A", "height_cm": 173, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": 3500000, "club_apps_2025_26": 34, "club_starts_2025_26": 32, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2713, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": 3, "club_yellow_2025_26": 4, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Serie A, Coppa Italia", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Captain and playmaker, first season at AC Milan at age 40 (apps/minutes shown are Serie A)", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.transfermarkt.us/luka-modric/leistungsdaten/spieler/27992 ; https://www.sofascore.com/news/vintage-modric-elite-stats-and-ratings-in-milan-colors-at-40 ; https://www.sportbusy.com/players/soccer/76762/", "backstory": "Raised in war-torn Zadar, where his family lived as refugees, Luka Modric overcame a slight frame and doubts about his size to become one of the greatest midfielders of his generation. After starring at Dinamo Zagreb and Tottenham, he spent 13 trophy-laden years at Real Madrid, winning six Champions Leagues and the 2018 Ballon d'Or, ending the Messi-Ronaldo duopoly. Now 40 and in his first season at AC Milan, Croatia's captain and most-capped player leads the side at what is expected to be his final World Cup.", "facts": ["Won the 2018 Ballon d'Or, the first player other than Messi or Ronaldo to do so since 2007", "Croatia's all-time most-capped player and captain", "Won six Champions League titles at Real Madrid"], "data_rating": 76, "fun": ["🔥 Top 3% scorer at the Cup", "🎖️ Most-capped in the squad (197)", "🧓 Veteran presence", "🌍 Plays abroad · Italy", "©️ Captain"]}, {"player_id": 1180, "team_id": 46, "fifa_code": "CRO", "team_name": "Croatia", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 11, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Ante Budimir", "date_of_birth": "1991-07-22", "age": 34, "caps": 37, "international_goals": 6, "is_captain": false, "club": "Osasuna", "club_country": "Spain", "club_league": "La Liga", "height_cm": 191, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 37, "club_starts_2025_26": 35, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2953, "club_goals_2025_26": 17, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 4, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "La Liga", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Target-man striker at Osasuna; club top scorer and 3rd in La Liga scoring charts", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/251269/ante-budimir ; https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/stats/_/id/207288/ante-budimir ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/ante-budimir/leistungsdaten/spieler/46413/saison/2025", "backstory": "A late bloomer, Ante Budimir spent his early career in Croatia and Italy at clubs including Sampdoria and Crotone before moving to Spain. He has flourished as a target man at Osasuna, becoming one of La Liga's most reliable strikers and the club's talisman. Strong in the air and a focal point of attack, the 191cm forward enjoyed a standout scoring season that put him among La Liga's top marksmen heading into the World Cup.", "facts": ["Finished among La Liga's top scorers in 2025-26 with Osasuna", "Built his career through Italy before becoming a star in Spain"], "data_rating": 76, "fun": ["🧓 Veteran presence", "🌍 Plays abroad · Spain", "🎯 17 club goals in 2025/26"]}, {"player_id": 1181, "team_id": 46, "fifa_code": "CRO", "team_name": "Croatia", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 12, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Ivor Pandur", "date_of_birth": "2000-03-25", "age": 26, "caps": 0, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Hull City", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Championship", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 47, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "EFL Championship, FA Cup, EFL Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": "Backup goalkeeper, uncapped; regular starter at Hull City", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ivor_Pandur ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/ivor-pandur/profil/spieler/371013 ; https://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=113860", "backstory": "Born in Rijeka, Ivor Pandur came through his hometown club and became its first-choice goalkeeper before moving to Italy with Hellas Verona, where he served mainly as backup. After a permanent spell at Fortuna Sittard in the Netherlands, he joined Championship side Hull City in 2024 and quickly won the club's Player of the Year awards in his first full season. Uncapped at senior level, he is part of Croatia's goalkeeping cover.", "facts": ["Swept Hull City's Player of the Year, Players' Player and Supporters' Player awards in 2024-25", "Uncapped at senior international level heading into the tournament"], "data_rating": 64, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 1182, "team_id": 46, "fifa_code": "CRO", "team_name": "Croatia", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 13, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CAM", "player_name": "Nikola Vlasic", "date_of_birth": "1997-10-04", "age": 28, "caps": 62, "international_goals": 10, "is_captain": false, "club": "Torino", "club_country": "Italy", "club_league": "Serie A", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 34, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2785, "club_goals_2025_26": 8, "club_assists_2025_26": 3, "club_yellow_2025_26": 7, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Serie A", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Attacking midfielder at Torino; team's main creative threat (Serie A stats shown)", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/nikola-vlasic/29263/ ; https://footystats.org/players/croatia/nikola-vlasic ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/557677/nikola-vlasic", "backstory": "Nikola Vlasic, son of former Croatia international Josko Vlasic and brother of high-jump world champion Blanka Vlasic, came through Hajduk Split's academy before a move to Everton. After a hugely productive loan and permanent spell at CSKA Moscow, he settled at Torino in Serie A. An attacking midfielder with an eye for goal, he provides creativity and a goal threat from midfield for Croatia.", "facts": ["Brother of high-jump world and Olympic medallist Blanka Vlasic", "Came through the Hajduk Split academy", "Father Josko was also a Croatia international"], "data_rating": 79, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Italy"]}, {"player_id": 1183, "team_id": 46, "fifa_code": "CRO", "team_name": "Croatia", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 14, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "LW", "player_name": "Ivan Perisic", "date_of_birth": "1989-02-02", "age": 37, "caps": 153, "international_goals": 38, "is_captain": false, "club": "PSV Eindhoven", "club_country": "Netherlands", "club_league": "Eredivisie", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": "Both", "market_value_eur": 1200000, "club_apps_2025_26": 25, "club_starts_2025_26": 25, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2218, "club_goals_2025_26": 7, "club_assists_2025_26": 12, "club_yellow_2025_26": 5, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Eredivisie", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Veteran winger, strong creative contributor at PSV (Eredivisie stats shown)", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/163670/ivan-perisic ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/ivan-perisic/leistungsdaten/spieler/42460 ; https://eredivisie.com/clubs/psv/players/ivan-perisic/", "backstory": "Ivan Perisic began at Hajduk Split before building his career across Europe at Club Brugge, Borussia Dortmund, Wolfsburg and Inter Milan, where he became a fan favourite. A relentless, two-footed winger, he later played at Tottenham and Hajduk before joining PSV Eindhoven, where he won the Eredivisie. One of Croatia's all-time top scorers, the veteran remains a vital creative and goalscoring presence at his fourth World Cup.", "facts": ["One of Croatia's all-time top scorers", "Scored in the 2018 World Cup final against France", "Won the Champions League with Bayern Munich in 2020"], "data_rating": 71, "fun": ["🔥 Top 2% scorer at the Cup", "🧓 Veteran presence", "🌍 Plays abroad · Netherlands"]}, {"player_id": 1184, "team_id": 46, "fifa_code": "CRO", "team_name": "Croatia", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 15, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Mario Pasalic", "date_of_birth": "1995-02-09", "age": 31, "caps": 84, "international_goals": 11, "is_captain": false, "club": "Atalanta", "club_country": "Italy", "club_league": "Serie A", "height_cm": 188, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 28, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1685, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": 4, "club_yellow_2025_26": 2, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Serie A", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Box-to-box midfielder at Atalanta (Serie A stats shown)", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/mario-pasalic/15664/ ; https://fbref.com/en/players/e599253a/Mario-Pasalic ; https://www.sofascore.com/football/player/mario-pasalic/190437", "backstory": "Born in Germany to Croatian parents, Mario Pasalic started at Hajduk Split before Chelsea signed him in 2014. He never played for Chelsea, instead going on a string of loans across Europe to Elche, Monaco, AC Milan, Spartak Moscow and Atalanta, where he finally signed permanently in 2020. A versatile, goalscoring midfielder, he has become Atalanta's all-time leading scorer in the Champions League.", "facts": ["Joined Chelsea in 2014 but never played a competitive game for them, going out on five loans", "Atalanta's all-time top scorer in the Champions League", "Born in Germany to Croatian parents"], "data_rating": 75, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Italy"]}, {"player_id": 1185, "team_id": 46, "fifa_code": "CRO", "team_name": "Croatia", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 16, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CAM", "player_name": "Martin Baturina", "date_of_birth": "2003-02-16", "age": 23, "caps": 18, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Como", "club_country": "Italy", "club_league": "Serie A", "height_cm": 173, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 29, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1569, "club_goals_2025_26": 6, "club_assists_2025_26": 3, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Serie A", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Young attacking midfielder at Como; 3rd in squad scoring (Serie A stats shown)", "enrichment_sources": "https://tribuna.com/en/persons/martin-baturina/stat/2025-2026/serie-a/ ; https://footystats.org/players/croatia/martin-baturina ; https://www.fotmob.com/en-GB/players/1215064/martin-baturina", "backstory": "Born in Zurich during his father's playing days in Switzerland and raised in Split, Martin Baturina is the son of former Croatia international Mate Baturina. He came through the Dinamo Zagreb academy and became a creative fulcrum for the club, winning multiple league titles, before joining Como in Serie A in 2025. A diminutive, technically gifted attacking midfielder, he represents the future of Croatia's playmaking.", "facts": ["Son of former Croatia international Mate Baturina", "Born in Zurich while his father played for Grasshoppers", "Won four league titles with Dinamo Zagreb before joining Como"], "data_rating": 69, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Italy"]}, {"player_id": 1186, "team_id": 46, "fifa_code": "CRO", "team_name": "Croatia", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 17, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Petar Sucic", "date_of_birth": "2003-10-25", "age": 22, "caps": 16, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Inter Milan", "club_country": "Italy", "club_league": "Serie A", "height_cm": 183, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1765, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": 5, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Serie A", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Young midfielder at Inter Milan, first season in Serie A (Serie A stats shown)", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/1382000/petar-sucic ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/petar-sucic/leistungsdaten/spieler/668207 ; https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/petar-sucic/51007/", "backstory": "Born in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Petar Sucic developed at Dinamo Zagreb and became one of the most promising young midfielders in Croatia before Inter Milan signed him in 2025. A composed central midfielder, he is viewed at Inter as a potential long-term successor to Hakan Calhanoglu at the base of midfield. He is the younger cousin of Croatia teammate Luka Sucic.", "facts": ["Younger cousin of Croatia teammate Luka Sucic", "Signed by Inter Milan from Dinamo Zagreb in 2025", "Born in Bosnia and Herzegovina"], "data_rating": 65, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Italy"]}, {"player_id": 1187, "team_id": 46, "fifa_code": "CRO", "team_name": "Croatia", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 18, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Kristijan Jakic", "date_of_birth": "1997-05-14", "age": 29, "caps": 17, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "FC Augsburg", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 180, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 26, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1469, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": 4, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Versatile defender/midfielder at Augsburg (Bundesliga stats shown)", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.bundesliga.com/en/player/kristijan-jakic ; https://fbref.com/en/players/a8ee54ad/Kristijan-Jakic ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/643448/kristijan-jakic", "backstory": "A native of Runovici, Kristijan Jakic worked his way up through RNK Split and Lokomotiva before joining Dinamo Zagreb, then moved to Eintracht Frankfurt in 2021. He won the Europa League with Frankfurt in 2022 before settling at Augsburg, initially on loan and then permanently. A versatile defender who can play across the back line and in defensive midfield, he gives Croatia tactical flexibility.", "facts": ["Won the 2021-22 Europa League with Eintracht Frankfurt", "Can play at centre-back, right-back or defensive midfield"], "data_rating": 66, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Germany"]}, {"player_id": 1188, "team_id": 46, "fifa_code": "CRO", "team_name": "Croatia", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 19, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Toni Fruk", "date_of_birth": "2001-03-09", "age": 25, "caps": 7, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Rijeka", "club_country": "Croatia", "club_league": "HNL", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2130, "club_goals_2025_26": 12, "club_assists_2025_26": 3, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Prva HNL", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Attacking midfielder at Rijeka; left-footed despite right listing per FotMob (HNL stats shown)", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/1300358/toni-fruk ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/toni-fruk/leistungsdaten/spieler/432758/saison/2025/plus/1 ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toni_Fruk", "backstory": "Born in Nasice, Toni Fruk spent time in the youth setups of Belgium's Mouscron and Italy's Fiorentina before returning to Croatia. After loan spells in the lower leagues he joined Rijeka in 2023, where he became a central playmaker wearing the iconic number 10. He scored a long-range strike on the final day to help Rijeka clinch the 2024-25 league title, their first in years, earning his place in the Croatia squad.", "facts": ["Scored in the title-clinching match as Rijeka won the 2024-25 Croatian league", "Came through the youth academies of Mouscron and Fiorentina"], "data_rating": 72, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 1189, "team_id": 46, "fifa_code": "CRO", "team_name": "Croatia", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 20, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Igor Matanovic", "date_of_birth": "2003-03-31", "age": 23, "caps": 8, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "SC Freiburg", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 193, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1561, "club_goals_2025_26": 11, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Young forward at Freiburg, breakout scoring season (Bundesliga stats shown)", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.bundesliga.com/en/bundesliga/player/igor-matanovic ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/1210893/igor-matanovic ; https://www.kicker.de/igor-matanovic-2/spieler", "backstory": "Born in Germany, Igor Matanovic came through the youth ranks at FC St. Pauli and signed for Eintracht Frankfurt in 2021. A productive loan at Karlsruher SC in the 2. Bundesliga marked him out as a striker prospect before Freiburg made him their record striker signing in 2025. Tall and mobile, the young forward enjoyed a breakout scoring season in the Bundesliga to force his way into the Croatia squad.", "facts": ["Became SC Freiburg's most expensive striker signing in 2025", "Came through the FC St. Pauli academy", "Born in Germany but represents Croatia"], "data_rating": 67, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Germany"]}, {"player_id": 1190, "team_id": 46, "fifa_code": "CRO", "team_name": "Croatia", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 21, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Luka Sucic", "date_of_birth": "2002-09-08", "age": 23, "caps": 20, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Real Sociedad", "club_country": "Spain", "club_league": "La Liga", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1018, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": 1, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "La Liga", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Midfielder at Real Sociedad (La Liga stats shown)", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/959597/luka-sucic ; https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/luka-sucic/6483/ ; https://www.footballcritic.com/luka-sucic/player-matches/274572/season-2025-2026/69145", "backstory": "Born in Linz, Austria, to Bosnian Croat parents, Luka Sucic came through Red Bull Salzburg, where he established himself as a creative midfielder and won multiple Austrian titles. In 2024 he joined Real Sociedad in La Liga. Eligible for Austria and Bosnia as well, he chose Croatia. He is the older cousin of Inter Milan's Petar Sucic.", "facts": ["Older cousin of Croatia teammate Petar Sucic", "Eligible for Austria and Bosnia but chose Croatia", "Came through the Red Bull Salzburg academy"], "data_rating": 63, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Spain"]}, {"player_id": 1191, "team_id": 46, "fifa_code": "CRO", "team_name": "Croatia", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 22, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Luka Vuskovic", "date_of_birth": "2007-02-24", "age": 19, "caps": 5, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Hamburger SV", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 193, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 28, "club_starts_2025_26": 27, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2442, "club_goals_2025_26": 6, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 6, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Teenage centre-back prospect; named in 2025-26 Bundesliga Team of the Season, highest-scoring defender (on loan from Tottenham)", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.bundesliga.com/en/player/luka-vuskovic ; https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/luka-vuskovic/63253/ ; https://theanalyst.com/players/5816/luka-vuskovic", "backstory": "Born in 2007, Luka Vuskovic is one of the most hyped young defenders in the world. A product of Hajduk Split's academy, he became the youngest player to feature in Croatia's top flight and the youngest to play in an Eternal derby, and agreed a move to Tottenham in 2023 to join in 2025. Sent on loan to Hamburger SV, the goalscoring centre-back was named in the Bundesliga Team of the Season as the division's highest-scoring defender, a remarkable feat for a teenager.", "facts": ["Named in the 2025-26 Bundesliga Team of the Season as the highest-scoring defender, aged 18", "Became the youngest player ever to appear in a Croatian Eternal derby", "Owned by Tottenham, on loan at Hamburger SV"], "data_rating": 70, "fun": ["🐣 Youngest in the squad (19)", "🌟 Wonderkid", "🌍 Plays abroad · Germany"]}, {"player_id": 1192, "team_id": 46, "fifa_code": "CRO", "team_name": "Croatia", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 23, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Dominik Kotarski", "date_of_birth": "2000-02-10", "age": 26, "caps": 4, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Copenhagen", "club_country": "Denmark", "club_league": "Danish Superliga", "height_cm": 191, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 30, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 4, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Danish Superliga, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Backup goalkeeper; first-choice keeper at Copenhagen (22 Superliga + 8 Champions League apps; clean sheets are Superliga)", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/dominik-kotarski/31409/ ; https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/clubs/players/250096795--dominik-kotarski/ ; https://fbref.com/en/players/b298716e/Dominik-Kotarski", "backstory": "Dominik Kotarski joined Dinamo Zagreb's academy as a boy before signing for Ajax in 2017, where he won Dutch titles as a squad goalkeeper and gained experience on loan at Gorica. He earned his big break at PAOK, winning the Greek league and being named the division's Goalkeeper of the Season in 2023-24, then moved to FC Copenhagen in 2025. He provides goalkeeping depth for Croatia.", "facts": ["Named Greek Super League Goalkeeper of the Season for 2023-24 with PAOK", "Came through the Dinamo Zagreb academy before joining Ajax"], "data_rating": 67, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Denmark"]}, {"player_id": 1193, "team_id": 46, "fifa_code": "CRO", "team_name": "Croatia", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 24, "position": "FW", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Marco Pasalic", "date_of_birth": "2000-09-14", "age": 25, "caps": 14, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Orlando City", "club_country": "United States", "club_league": "MLS", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": "Left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 33, "club_starts_2025_26": 32, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2593, "club_goals_2025_26": 11, "club_assists_2025_26": 4, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "MLS", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Winger at Orlando City; 2025 MLS All-Star, instant impact in debut season (2025 MLS regular season stats shown)", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.orlandocitysc.com/players/marco-pasalic/ ; https://themaneland.com/2025/11/14/2025-orlando-city-season-in-review-marco-pasalic/ ; https://www.mlssoccer.com/players/marco-pasalic/", "backstory": "Born in Karlsruhe to a Croatian refugee family who fled the Yugoslav wars, Marco Pasalic was schooled in the academies of VfB Stuttgart and Borussia Dortmund without breaking through. He revived his career by moving to Rijeka in 2022, earning a Designated Player move to Orlando City in MLS in 2025. The left-footed winger made an immediate impact in America, becoming a 2025 MLS All-Star in his debut season.", "facts": ["Named a 2025 MLS All-Star in his debut season with Orlando City", "Born in Germany to a Croatian refugee family", "Came through the VfB Stuttgart and Borussia Dortmund academies"], "data_rating": 70, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · United States"]}, {"player_id": 1194, "team_id": 46, "fifa_code": "CRO", "team_name": "Croatia", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 25, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Martin Erlic", "date_of_birth": "1998-01-24", "age": 28, "caps": 12, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Midtjylland", "club_country": "Denmark", "club_league": "Danish Superliga", "height_cm": 193, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 26, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2092, "club_goals_2025_26": 5, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 5, "club_red_2025_26": 1, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Danish Superliga, UEFA Europa League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Centre-back at Midtjylland (18 Superliga + 8 Europa League apps; cards are Superliga)", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/martin-erlic/17157/ ; https://footystats.org/players/croatia/martin-erlic ; https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/clubs/players/250081634--martin-erlic/", "backstory": "From the village of Tinj, Martin Erlic was scouted by Dinamo Zagreb and Rijeka before moving to Italy as a teenager, joining Parma and then Sassuolo. He built his reputation as a centre-back at Spezia and Sassuolo in Serie A, later playing for Bologna before a club-record move to Midtjylland in Denmark in 2025. Tall and aerially strong, he adds defensive depth to Croatia's squad.", "facts": ["Became Midtjylland's most expensive signing when he joined in 2025", "Moved to Italy aged 16, joining Parma before Sassuolo"], "data_rating": 69, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Denmark"]}, {"player_id": 1195, "team_id": 46, "fifa_code": "CRO", "team_name": "Croatia", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "UEFA", "shirt_number": 26, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Petar Musa", "date_of_birth": "1998-03-04", "age": 28, "caps": 11, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "FC Dallas", "club_country": "United States", "club_league": "MLS", "height_cm": 191, "preferred_foot": "Right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 18, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "MLS", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Striker at FC Dallas; team top scorer with 18 goals in 2025 MLS season", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.livescore.com/en/season-stats/petar-musa/21038/ ; https://www.mlssoccer.com/players/petar-musa/ ; https://www.fcdallas.com/players/petar-musa/stats/", "backstory": "Born in Zagreb, Petar Musa came up through Croatian youth football before moving to the Czech Republic with Slavia Prague and impressing on loan. A prolific spell at Boavista earned him a transfer to Benfica, where he won a Portuguese title, before FC Dallas made him their club-record signing in 2024. The 191cm striker has been a consistent scorer in MLS, leading FC Dallas in goals.", "facts": ["FC Dallas's club-record signing when he joined in 2024", "Won the Primeira Liga title with Benfica", "Led FC Dallas in scoring in the 2025 MLS season"], "data_rating": 69, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · United States", "🎯 18 club goals in 2025/26"]}, {"player_id": 1196, "team_id": 47, "fifa_code": "GHA", "team_name": "Ghana", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 1, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Lawrence Ati-Zigi", "date_of_birth": "1996-11-29", "age": 29, "caps": 29, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "FC St. Gallen", "club_country": "Switzerland", "club_league": "Swiss Super League", "height_cm": 188, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": 2500000, "club_apps_2025_26": 33, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": 1, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 8, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": 43, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Swiss Super League, Swiss Cup, UEFA competitions", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 281, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lawrence_Ati-Zigi ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/615411/lawrence-ati-zigi", "backstory": "Born in Tamale, Ati-Zigi came through Red Bull Ghana's academy before joining the Salzburg system in 2015, where a loan to Liefering and a Bundesliga title medal launched his European career. After a spell at Sochaux in France he settled at St. Gallen from 2020, becoming the Swiss club's first-choice keeper across more than 200 appearances. His heroics against South Korea secured Ghana's only 2022 World Cup win, and he arrives in 2026 as the Black Stars' established No. 1.", "facts": ["Made several crucial saves to secure Ghana's 3-2 win over South Korea at the 2022 World Cup", "Won the 2015-16 Austrian Bundesliga title in the Red Bull Salzburg system", "Named Swiss Super League Player of the Month in November 2022"], "data_rating": 70, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Switzerland"]}, {"player_id": 1197, "team_id": 47, "fifa_code": "GHA", "team_name": "Ghana", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 2, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "RB", "player_name": "Alidu Seidu", "date_of_birth": "2000-06-04", "age": 26, "caps": 24, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Stade Rennais FC", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Ligue 1", "height_cm": 173, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": 6000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 15, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 815, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue 1", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 125, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alidu_Seidu ; https://fbref.com/en/players/cea59f02/Alidu-Seidu ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/alidu-seidu/leistungsdaten/spieler/798404", "backstory": "Born in Kumasi, Seidu came through the JMG Academy before joining Clermont Foot in 2019, breaking into the first team in 2020 and developing into a regular Ligue 2 then Ligue 1 defender. In January 2024 he moved up to Rennes, where his pace and versatility across full-back and centre-back make him a dependable option. A 2022 World Cup and 2023 AFCON veteran, he returns for a second World Cup at 25.", "facts": ["Came through the JMG Academy in Ghana", "Played at both the 2022 World Cup and the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations"], "data_rating": 63, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · France"]}, {"player_id": 1198, "team_id": 47, "fifa_code": "GHA", "team_name": "Ghana", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 3, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Caleb Yirenkyi", "date_of_birth": "2006-01-15", "age": 20, "caps": 11, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "FC Nordsjælland", "club_country": "Denmark", "club_league": "Danish Superliga", "height_cm": 182, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 34, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Danish Superliga, Danish Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 47, "career_club_goals": 4, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Danish Superliga Young Player of the Year 2025-26", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caleb_Yirenkyi", "backstory": "Born in Bechem, Yirenkyi joined the Right to Dream Academy aged 11 in 2017 before stepping up to FC Nordsjaelland's first team in 2024. A powerful, versatile midfielder who can also play full-back, he drew comparisons to Michael Essien and exploded in 2025-26, sweeping individual honours. Still a teenager, he is one of the brightest young pieces of Ghana's World Cup midfield.", "facts": ["Danish Superliga Young Player of the Year 2025-26", "Joined the Right to Dream Academy aged 11", "Scored his first international goal in a June 2026 friendly draw with Wales"], "data_rating": 65, "fun": ["🐣 Youngest in the squad (20)", "🌟 Wonderkid", "🌍 Plays abroad · Denmark"]}, {"player_id": 1199, "team_id": 47, "fifa_code": "GHA", "team_name": "Ghana", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 4, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Jonas Adjetey", "date_of_birth": "2003-12-13", "age": 22, "caps": 10, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "VfL Wolfsburg", "club_country": "Germany", "club_league": "Bundesliga", "height_cm": 188, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 4, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Bundesliga", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 110, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Signed for VfL Wolfsburg in February 2026; 2025-26 club apps split with FC Basel", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonas_Adjetey", "backstory": "Born in Accra, Adjetey progressed through local sides Teshie Academy and Great Olympics, then Berekum Chelsea, before signing for FC Basel in 2022. He broke into Basel's top flight in late 2023 and helped them win the 2024-25 Swiss title, earning a roughly EUR 10m move to Bundesliga side Wolfsburg in February 2026. A tall, mobile centre-back who can also fill in at full-back, he debuted for Ghana in October 2024.", "facts": ["Won the 2024-25 Swiss Super League title with FC Basel", "Joined VfL Wolfsburg in February 2026"], "data_rating": 58, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Germany"]}, {"player_id": 1200, "team_id": 47, "fifa_code": "GHA", "team_name": "Ghana", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 5, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CDM", "player_name": "Thomas Partey", "date_of_birth": "1993-06-13", "age": 32, "caps": 58, "international_goals": 16, "is_captain": false, "club": "Villarreal CF", "club_country": "Spain", "club_league": "La Liga", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": "right", "market_value_eur": 15000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 32, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "La Liga, Copa del Rey, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 457, "career_club_goals": 34, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Partey ; https://www.footballtransfers.com/en/players/thomas-partey", "backstory": "Born in Krobo Odumase, Partey rose from local football to Atletico Madrid's academy in 2012, becoming a Europa League winner and the first African to score in the Champions League for Atletico. In 2020 Arsenal triggered his £45m release clause, making him the most expensive Ghanaian player ever, before he joined Villarreal on a free in 2025. A commanding, physically dominant defensive midfielder, he is the experienced engine of Ghana's side.", "facts": ["Most expensive Ghanaian player ever after his £45m move to Arsenal in 2020", "First African to score in the Champions League for Atletico Madrid", "Made a chief of the Manya Krobo people in 2022"], "data_rating": 70, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Spain"]}, {"player_id": 1201, "team_id": 47, "fifa_code": "GHA", "team_name": "Ghana", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 6, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Abdul Mumin", "date_of_birth": "1998-06-06", "age": 28, "caps": 5, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Rayo Vallecano", "club_country": "Spain", "club_league": "La Liga", "height_cm": 188, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 3, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "La Liga", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 184, "career_club_goals": 4, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Limited 2025-26 appearances after March 2025 cruciate ligament injury", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abdul_Mumin", "backstory": "Born in Accra, Mumin developed at the Right to Dream Academy, winning back-to-back Gothia Cups, before joining Nordsjaelland and later Vitoria de Guimaraes in Portugal. He moved to La Liga's Rayo Vallecano in 2022 and even won the league's Goal of the Month in September 2024. A 1.88m centre-back, his 2026 build-up was disrupted by a cruciate ligament injury suffered in March 2025.", "facts": ["Won back-to-back Gothia Cup titles with the Right to Dream Academy", "Won La Liga Goal of the Month for September 2024"], "data_rating": 56, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Spain"]}, {"player_id": 1202, "team_id": 47, "fifa_code": "GHA", "team_name": "Ghana", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 7, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "RW", "player_name": "Abdul Fatawu Issahaku", "date_of_birth": "2004-03-08", "age": 22, "caps": 28, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "Leicester City", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "EFL Championship", "height_cm": 177, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 44, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 9, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "EFL Championship", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 133, "career_club_goals": 41, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abdul_Fatawu_Issahaku", "backstory": "Born in Tamale, Fatawu burst onto the scene as a teenager at Steadfast FC, racking up goals and assists before being named best player of the 2021 U-20 AFCON, which Ghana won. Sporting CP signed him with a EUR 60m release clause, and after a standout loan he joined Leicester City permanently. A direct, pacey winger, he was a key creative force in Leicester's 2025-26 Championship campaign.", "facts": ["Named Best Player at the 2021 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations", "Signed by Sporting CP with a EUR 60m release clause"], "data_rating": 71, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 1203, "team_id": 47, "fifa_code": "GHA", "team_name": "Ghana", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 8, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Kwasi Sibo", "date_of_birth": "1998-06-24", "age": 27, "caps": 8, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Real Oviedo", "club_country": "Spain", "club_league": "La Liga", "height_cm": 182, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": null, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "La Liga", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kwasi_Sibo", "backstory": "Born in Wa, Sibo began with Ghana's Cheetah FC before a winding European journey through Armenia, England's Watford, and loans in Albania and Spain. He rebuilt his career in Spain's lower tiers with Betis B and Amorebieta, earning a 2024 move to La Liga side Real Oviedo. A box-to-box midfielder, he is a lower-profile depth option in Ghana's midfield.", "facts": ["Helped SD Amorebieta win promotion to the Segunda Division", "His younger brother Simon Zibo is also a professional footballer"], "data_rating": 52, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Spain"]}, {"player_id": 1204, "team_id": 47, "fifa_code": "GHA", "team_name": "Ghana", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 9, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Jordan Ayew", "date_of_birth": "1991-09-11", "age": 34, "caps": 120, "international_goals": 34, "is_captain": true, "club": "Leicester City", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "EFL Championship", "height_cm": 182, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 45, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 6, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "EFL Championship, FA Cup, EFL Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 605, "career_club_goals": 97, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Equalled Ghana record for most international caps (120) on 2 June 2026", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jordan_Ayew", "backstory": "Born in Marseille to Ghanaian football royalty, Jordan Ayew trained at Lyon Duchere and Marseille's academy, scoring on his senior debut in 2009. After spells at Lorient, Aston Villa and Swansea, he became Ghana's leading Premier League scorer at Crystal Palace before joining Leicester. Now Ghana's captain, the hard-working forward and relentless presser leads the Black Stars at his third World Cup.", "facts": ["Son of legend Abedi Pele and brother of Andre Ayew", "Scored on his senior Marseille debut in 2009", "Equalled Ghana's record of 120 international caps in June 2026"], "data_rating": 74, "fun": ["🔥 Top 2% scorer at the Cup", "🎖️ Most-capped in the squad (120)", "🧓 Veteran presence", "🌍 Plays abroad · England", "©️ Captain"]}, {"player_id": 1205, "team_id": 47, "fifa_code": "GHA", "team_name": "Ghana", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 10, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Brandon Thomas-Asante", "date_of_birth": "1998-12-29", "age": 27, "caps": 8, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Coventry City", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "EFL Championship", "height_cm": 180, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 33, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 12, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "EFL Championship, EFL Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 294, "career_club_goals": 63, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "EFL Championship Player of the Month for October 2025", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brandon_Thomas-Asante", "backstory": "Born in Milton Keynes, Thomas-Asante joined the MK Dons academy aged 12 and rebuilt his career in non-league before scoring prolifically at Salford City. He earned a move to West Bromwich Albion and then Coventry City in 2024, where he became a Championship goal machine. Of Ghanaian and Jamaican heritage, he chose to represent Ghana, debuting in June 2024.", "facts": ["EFL Championship Player of the Month for October 2025", "Won West Brom's Goal of the Year for a volley against Stoke City", "Holds Ghanaian and Jamaican heritage"], "data_rating": 68, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 1206, "team_id": 47, "fifa_code": "GHA", "team_name": "Ghana", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 11, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "RW", "player_name": "Antoine Semenyo", "date_of_birth": "2000-01-07", "age": 26, "caps": 34, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "Manchester City", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "Premier League", "height_cm": 185, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": 80000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 27, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 11, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 272, "career_club_goals": 59, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Signed for Manchester City from Bournemouth in January 2026 for ~£64m; 2025-26 figures reflect his Manchester City spell", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antoine_Semenyo ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/antoine-semenyo/profil/spieler/583255", "backstory": "Born in Chelsea, London, to Ghanaian heritage, Semenyo was rejected by several academies before Bristol City gave him a chance in 2017. After loan spells he broke through at Bristol City, earned a move to Bournemouth in 2023, and exploded as a Premier League winger. In January 2026 Manchester City paid around £64m for him, and he immediately won Player of the Month and scored in an FA Cup final. A powerful, direct attacker, he is one of Ghana's marquee names.", "facts": ["Signed for Manchester City for around £64m in January 2026", "Premier League Player of the Month for February 2026", "Rejected by Arsenal, Tottenham, Millwall and Crystal Palace as a youngster"], "data_rating": 76, "fun": ["💎 Most valuable in the squad", "🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 1207, "team_id": 47, "fifa_code": "GHA", "team_name": "Ghana", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 12, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Joseph Anang", "date_of_birth": "2000-06-08", "age": 26, "caps": 1, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "St Patrick's Athletic", "club_country": "Ireland", "club_league": "League of Ireland Premier Division", "height_cm": 190, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 19, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "League of Ireland Premier Division", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 104, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Anang", "backstory": "Born in Teshie, Accra, Anang moved to England as a teenager and joined West Ham's academy in 2017, though he never made a senior league appearance there. He found his form at St Patrick's Athletic in the League of Ireland, racking up clean sheets and man-of-the-match displays. A former England U20 keeper, he switched to Ghana and debuted in November 2025.", "facts": ["Switched from England youth level to Ghana's senior team", "Starred in a 2022 UEFA Conference League penalty shootout for St Patrick's Athletic"], "data_rating": 60, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Ireland"]}, {"player_id": 1208, "team_id": 47, "fifa_code": "GHA", "team_name": "Ghana", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 13, "position": "FW", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Christopher Bonsu Baah", "date_of_birth": "2004-12-14", "age": 21, "caps": 9, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al Qadsiah FC", "club_country": "Saudi Arabia", "club_league": "Saudi Pro League", "height_cm": 172, "preferred_foot": "left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 27, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Saudi Pro League, King Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 101, "career_club_goals": 6, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "2025-26 club totals reflect his first season at Al-Qadsiah (joined July 2025)", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christopher_Bonsu_Baah", "backstory": "Born in 2004, Bonsu Baah developed through Accra Shooting Stars before moving to Norway's Sarpsborg 08 in 2023, where he scored on debut and led the Eliteserien in successful dribbles. A swift, left-footed right-winger, he earned a move to Belgian side Genk within months and then to Saudi club Al-Qadsiah in 2025. He debuted for Ghana in 2025.", "facts": ["Led the Norwegian Eliteserien in successful dribbles during his Sarpsborg spell", "Named on the 2023 Golden Boy award longlist"], "data_rating": 61, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Saudi Arabia"]}, {"player_id": 1209, "team_id": 47, "fifa_code": "GHA", "team_name": "Ghana", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 14, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "LB", "player_name": "Gideon Mensah", "date_of_birth": "1998-07-18", "age": 27, "caps": 40, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "AJ Auxerre", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Ligue 1", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 30, "club_starts_2025_26": 26, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2333, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": 8, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue 1", "team_wins_2025_26": 8, "team_draws_2025_26": 10, "team_losses_2025_26": 16, "career_club_apps": 193, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gideon_Mensah_(footballer,_born_1998) ; https://ligue1.com/en/player-sheet/l1_championship_player_2025_2_94516/statistics", "backstory": "Born in Accra, Mensah began at the West African Football Academy before joining the Red Bull system, spending years on loan across Austria, Belgium, Portugal and France with Bordeaux. Since 2022 he has been a regular left-back at Auxerre, helping them win promotion from Ligue 2. A 2021 AFCON, 2022 World Cup and 2023 AFCON veteran, he brings experience to Ghana's defence.", "facts": ["Came through the West African Football Academy", "Played at the 2021 AFCON, 2022 World Cup and 2023 AFCON"], "data_rating": 72, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · France"]}, {"player_id": 1210, "team_id": 47, "fifa_code": "GHA", "team_name": "Ghana", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 15, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CDM", "player_name": "Elisha Owusu", "date_of_birth": "1997-11-07", "age": 28, "caps": 20, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "AJ Auxerre", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Ligue 1", "height_cm": 182, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 29, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2344, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue 1", "team_wins_2025_26": 8, "team_draws_2025_26": 10, "team_losses_2025_26": 16, "career_club_apps": 206, "career_club_goals": 1, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elisha_Owusu ; https://fbref.com/en/players/e2781082/Elisha-Owusu", "backstory": "Born in Montreuil, France, to Ghanaian heritage, Owusu came through Lyon's academy before establishing himself at Belgium's Gent, where he won the Belgian Cup. He joined Auxerre in 2023 and helped them win the Ligue 2 title. A disciplined defensive midfielder, he chose Ghana over France and featured at the 2022 World Cup and 2023 AFCON.", "facts": ["Came through the Lyon academy", "Won the Belgian Cup with Gent"], "data_rating": 64, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · France"]}, {"player_id": 1211, "team_id": 47, "fifa_code": "GHA", "team_name": "Ghana", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 16, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Benjamin Asare", "date_of_birth": "1992-07-13", "age": 33, "caps": 11, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Accra Hearts of Oak", "club_country": "Ghana", "club_league": "Ghana Premier League", "height_cm": 188, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 19, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ghana Premier League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": 0, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Only home-based player in Ghana's 2026 World Cup squad; SWAG Male Home-Based Footballer of the Year 2025", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benjamin_Asare ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/benjamin-asare/profil/spieler/837368", "backstory": "Born in 1992, Asare is the lone home-based player in Ghana's squad, having risen through Accra City Stars and Great Olympics before joining Accra Hearts of Oak in 2024. A commanding goalkeeper, he made his Ghana debut in March 2025 World Cup qualifiers with clean sheets against Chad and Madagascar. His 2025 form earned him a sweep of domestic awards.", "facts": ["Only home-based player in Ghana's 2026 World Cup squad", "SWAG Male Home-Based Footballer of the Year 2025", "Ghana Football Awards Goalkeeper of the Year 2025"], "data_rating": 64, "fun": []}, {"player_id": 1212, "team_id": 47, "fifa_code": "GHA", "team_name": "Ghana", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 17, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "LB", "player_name": "Abdul Rahman Baba", "date_of_birth": "1994-07-02", "age": 31, "caps": 51, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "PAOK FC", "club_country": "Greece", "club_league": "Super League Greece", "height_cm": 180, "preferred_foot": "left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 25, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1915, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": 3, "club_yellow_2025_26": 3, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Super League Greece (plus UEFA Europa League apps)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 233, "career_club_goals": 15, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "League-only figures shown; additional UEFA Europa League appearances not included in apps count", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abdul_Rahman_Baba ; https://www.sofascore.com/football/player/abdul-baba-rahman/239632 ; https://footystats.org/players/ghana/abdul-rahman-baba", "backstory": "Born in Tamale, Baba started with Young Meteors and Dreams FC before a title-winning loan at Asante Kotoko, then moved to Germany with Greuther Furth and Augsburg, where he led the Bundesliga in tackles. Chelsea paid £14m in 2015 but he spent years on loan at clubs including Schalke and PAOK, joining the Greek side permanently in 2023 and winning the league. An attacking left-back, he is a long-serving Black Star.", "facts": ["Recorded more tackles than any other Bundesliga player in 2014-15", "Won the 2023-24 Super League Greece title with PAOK"], "data_rating": 73, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Greece"]}, {"player_id": 1213, "team_id": 47, "fifa_code": "GHA", "team_name": "Ghana", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 18, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Jerome Opoku", "date_of_birth": "1998-10-14", "age": 27, "caps": 11, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "İstanbul Başakşehir", "club_country": "Turkey", "club_league": "Süper Lig", "height_cm": 197, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 28, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2425, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": 7, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Süper Lig", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 206, "career_club_goals": 12, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": null, "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerome_Opoku ; https://www.sofascore.com/player/inaki-williams", "backstory": "Born in Lambeth, London, to Ghanaian parents, Opoku grew up wanting to be a winger before Fulham's academy converted the towering teenager into a centre-back. After loans and a move to Portugal's Arouca, he found a home at Istanbul Basaksehir, signing permanently in 2024. At 1.97m he is an aerial presence, and the English-born defender debuted for Ghana in 2023.", "facts": ["Captained Fulham's U16s to the 2014 Premier League International Cup, beating Chelsea in the final", "At 1.97m he is the tallest player in Ghana's squad"], "data_rating": 68, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Turkey"]}, {"player_id": 1214, "team_id": 47, "fifa_code": "GHA", "team_name": "Ghana", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 19, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Iñaki Williams", "date_of_birth": "1994-06-15", "age": 31, "caps": 26, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Athletic Bilbao", "club_country": "Spain", "club_league": "La Liga", "height_cm": 186, "preferred_foot": "right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 39, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 4, "club_assists_2025_26": 6, "club_yellow_2025_26": 2, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "La Liga, Copa del Rey, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 560, "career_club_goals": 142, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Club totals all competitions; assists (6) from La Liga only", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I%C3%B1aki_Williams ; https://www.sportbusy.com/players/soccer/214412/", "backstory": "Born in Bilbao to Ghanaian immigrant parents, Williams grew up in Pamplona and rose through Athletic Bilbao's academy to become the club's first black player to score and, later, its first black captain. A pacey, athletic forward, he set a La Liga record of 251 consecutive appearances. After one Spain cap he switched to Ghana in 2022, and he features at his second World Cup alongside that famous family name.", "facts": ["Holds the La Liga record of 251 consecutive appearances", "Brother of Spain international Nico Williams", "First black captain in Athletic Bilbao's history"], "data_rating": 68, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Spain"]}, {"player_id": 1215, "team_id": 47, "fifa_code": "GHA", "team_name": "Ghana", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 20, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Augustine Boakye", "date_of_birth": "2000-11-03", "age": 25, "caps": 0, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "AS Saint-Étienne", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Ligue 2", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": "left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 31, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2476, "club_goals_2025_26": 5, "club_assists_2025_26": 9, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue 2", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 156, "career_club_goals": 35, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Saint-Étienne played in Ligue 2 in 2025-26", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augustine_Boakye ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/1211610/augustine-boakye ; https://www.playmakerstats.com/player/augustine-boakye/910685", "backstory": "Born in Bompata, Boakye began at the West African Football Academy before moving to Austria's Wolfsberger AC in 2021 and then Saint-Etienne in 2024. A creative winger with an eye for goals and assists, he enjoyed a productive 2025-26 in Ligue 2. He earned his first senior Ghana call-up and remains uncapped heading into the World Cup squad.", "facts": ["Came through the West African Football Academy", "Uncapped at senior level when named in the 2026 World Cup squad"], "data_rating": 66, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · France"]}, {"player_id": 1216, "team_id": 47, "fifa_code": "GHA", "team_name": "Ghana", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 21, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Kojo Peprah Oppong", "date_of_birth": "2004-06-04", "age": 22, "caps": 4, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "OGC Nice", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Ligue 1", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 29, "club_starts_2025_26": 28, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2428, "club_goals_2025_26": null, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue 1 (plus cup/European appearances)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Signed for Nice ahead of 2025-26; maiden Ghana call-up October 2025", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.ogcnice.com/en/fiche/5432/kojo-peprah-oppong.html ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kojo_Peprah_Oppong", "backstory": "Born in Accra with Ghanaian and French nationality, Peprah Oppong started at the Attram De Visser academy before moving to Sweden with Norrkoping and a loan at Sundsvall. He stepped up to Ligue 1 with OGC Nice in 2025, quickly becoming a regular. A versatile, physical centre-back, he made his Ghana debut in a World Cup qualifier in October 2025.", "facts": ["Made his Ghana debut in an October 2025 World Cup qualifier against Comoros", "Began his career at the Attram De Visser academy in Ghana"], "data_rating": 64, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · France"]}, {"player_id": 1217, "team_id": 47, "fifa_code": "GHA", "team_name": "Ghana", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 22, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "LW", "player_name": "Kamaldeen Sulemana", "date_of_birth": "2002-02-15", "age": 24, "caps": 28, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Atalanta BC", "club_country": "Italy", "club_league": "Serie A", "height_cm": 174, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": 17000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 37, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Serie A, Coppa Italia, UEFA Champions League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 201, "career_club_goals": 27, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Joined Atalanta July 2025", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kamaldeen_Sulemana ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/kamaldeen-sulemana/leistungsdaten/spieler/746695", "backstory": "Born in Techiman, Sulemana developed at the Right to Dream Academy before joining FC Nordsjaelland and earning a Danish-record EUR 20m move to Rennes in 2021. After spells at Southampton he joined Atalanta in 2025. A quick, skilful left winger known for his dribbling, he featured at the 2022 World Cup and returns as an attacking threat for Ghana.", "facts": ["His EUR 20m move to Rennes was a Danish league transfer record", "Came through the Right to Dream Academy"], "data_rating": 67, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Italy"]}, {"player_id": 1218, "team_id": 47, "fifa_code": "GHA", "team_name": "Ghana", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 23, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Derrick Luckassen", "date_of_birth": "1995-07-03", "age": 30, "caps": 1, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Pafos FC", "club_country": "Cyprus", "club_league": "Cypriot First Division", "height_cm": 188, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 46, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 6, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Cypriot First Division, Cypriot Cup, UEFA Champions League, Cypriot Super Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 340, "career_club_goals": 21, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Switched allegiance from Netherlands youth to Ghana senior team in 2026", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derrick_Luckassen", "backstory": "Born in Amsterdam to Ghanaian-descent parents, Luckassen captained AZ Alkmaar's youth and broke through there before a move to PSV, where he won the Eredivisie, followed by loans across Germany, Belgium and Turkey. He found new life at Cypriot side Pafos, winning their first league title and scoring the historic header that beat Villarreal in the Champions League. A former Netherlands youth international, he switched to Ghana in 2026.", "facts": ["Scored the header that gave Pafos a Champions League win over Villarreal", "Switched from Netherlands youth teams to Ghana's senior side in 2026"], "data_rating": 71, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Cyprus"]}, {"player_id": 1219, "team_id": 47, "fifa_code": "GHA", "team_name": "Ghana", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 24, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "LW", "player_name": "Ernest Nuamah", "date_of_birth": "2003-11-01", "age": 22, "caps": 18, "international_goals": 4, "is_captain": false, "club": "Olympique Lyonnais", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Ligue 1", "height_cm": 178, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 3, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue 1", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 117, "career_club_goals": 29, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Limited 2025-26 minutes recovering from April 2025 ACL rupture", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ernest_Nuamah", "backstory": "Born in Kumasi, Nuamah came through the Right to Dream Academy before joining Nordsjaelland, where he scored on debut, won Danish Superliga Player of the Year and netted a hat-trick. A record-breaking sale took him via RWD Molenbeek to Lyon, who made the move permanent for EUR 28.5m. A direct, exciting winger, his 2026 build-up was hampered by an ACL rupture suffered in April 2025.", "facts": ["Danish Superliga Player of the Year 2022-23", "Became Nordsjaelland's highest-grossing sale"], "data_rating": 58, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · France"]}, {"player_id": 1220, "team_id": 47, "fifa_code": "GHA", "team_name": "Ghana", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 25, "position": "FW", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Prince Kwabena Adu", "date_of_birth": "2003-09-23", "age": 22, "caps": 5, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "FC Viktoria Plzeň", "club_country": "Czech Republic", "club_league": "Czech First League", "height_cm": 179, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": null, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Czech First League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 95, "career_club_goals": 30, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": "2025-26 season-specific split not isolated in available sources", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prince_Kwabena_Adu", "backstory": "Born in Sampa, Adu came through Bechem United before a journeyman path through Belarus and Ukraine, joining Czech side Viktoria Plzen in 2024. A goal-getting forward, he was named in The Guardian's Next Generation 2020 list. He earned his first Ghana call-ups in late 2025 ahead of the World Cup squad.", "facts": ["Named in The Guardian's Next Generation 2020 list", "Played in Belarus and Ukraine before moving to the Czech First League"], "data_rating": 50, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Czech Republic"]}, {"player_id": 1221, "team_id": 47, "fifa_code": "GHA", "team_name": "Ghana", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "CAF", "shirt_number": 26, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Marvin Senaya", "date_of_birth": "2001-01-28", "age": 25, "caps": 2, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "AJ Auxerre", "club_country": "France", "club_league": "Ligue 1", "height_cm": 179, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 25, "club_starts_2025_26": 20, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1780, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 5, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Ligue 1", "team_wins_2025_26": 8, "team_draws_2025_26": 10, "team_losses_2025_26": 16, "career_club_apps": 139, "career_club_goals": 3, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Joined Auxerre July 2025", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marvin_Senaya ; https://fbref.com/en/players/1d383c10/Marvin-Senaya ; https://theanalyst.com/players/3556/marvin-senaya", "backstory": "Born in Saint-Maurice, France, to Ghanaian and Togolese parents, Senaya came through Strasbourg's academy, with loans at Sochaux and Rodez before establishing himself in Ligue 1. He joined Auxerre in 2025 as a regular right-back. Courted by both Ghana and Togo in March 2026, he chose the Black Stars and was named in their World Cup squad.", "facts": ["Son of retired Togolese international Yao Mawuko Senaya", "Chose Ghana over Togo after both nations called him up in March 2026"], "data_rating": 61, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · France"]}, {"player_id": 1222, "team_id": 48, "fifa_code": "PAN", "team_name": "Panama", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 1, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Luis Mejía", "date_of_birth": "1991-03-16", "age": 35, "caps": 56, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Nacional", "club_country": "Uruguay", "club_league": "Primera División", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 27, "club_starts_2025_26": 27, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 8, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Primera División (Uruguay)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Primary goalkeeper for Nacional; 27 apps and 8 clean sheets in the 2025 Uruguayan Primera División season.", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luis_Mej%C3%ADa ; https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/124521/luis-mejia", "backstory": "Nicknamed 'Manotas', Luis Mejía came through Tauro in Panama City and was the revelation of the 2007 U-20 World Cup as the youngest goalkeeper in the tournament. He built his career almost entirely in Uruguay with Fénix and Nacional, winning league and Super Copa titles, and reclaimed the Nacional number one shirt in 2024 after Sergio Rochet's move to Internacional. A vastly experienced veteran, he heads to 2026 as one of Panama's senior goalkeeping options.", "facts": ["Was the youngest goalkeeper at the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup", "Has spent most of his career in Uruguay, winning titles with Nacional", "Briefly on the books at Toulouse as a young man without breaking into the first team"], "data_rating": 74, "fun": ["🧓 Veteran presence", "🌍 Plays abroad · Uruguay"]}, {"player_id": 1223, "team_id": 48, "fifa_code": "PAN", "team_name": "Panama", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 2, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "RB", "player_name": "César Blackman", "date_of_birth": "1998-04-02", "age": 28, "caps": 39, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "Slovan Bratislava", "club_country": "Slovakia", "club_league": "Slovak Super Liga", "height_cm": 174, "preferred_foot": "right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 40, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Slovak Super Liga, Slovak Cup, UEFA Champions League/Europa League/Conference League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 266, "career_club_goals": 10, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Right-back; 40 apps/3 goals across all competitions in 2025/26 (27 league apps with 2 goals, 12 European apps).", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C%C3%A9sar_Blackman ; https://fbref.com/en/players/c2b11050/Cesar-Blackman", "backstory": "César Blackman started out at Chorrillo FC in Panama before moving to Europe at 19, joining Slovakia's DAC Dunajská Streda where he spent six seasons establishing himself as a dependable right-back. In 2023 he switched to rivals Slovan Bratislava, winning back-to-back Slovak titles and featuring in European competition. An attacking full-back, he is one of Panama's most Europe-tested defenders for the 2026 finals.", "facts": ["Made his Panama debut as a substitute in a 2019 friendly against Brazil", "Won consecutive Slovak Super Liga titles with Slovan Bratislava"], "data_rating": 76, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Slovakia"]}, {"player_id": 1224, "team_id": 48, "fifa_code": "PAN", "team_name": "Panama", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 3, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "José Córdoba", "date_of_birth": "2001-06-03", "age": 25, "caps": 32, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Norwich City", "club_country": "England", "club_league": "EFL Championship", "height_cm": 189, "preferred_foot": "left", "market_value_eur": 5000000, "club_apps_2025_26": 28, "club_starts_2025_26": 24, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2250, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "EFL Championship", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Centre-back; 28 Championship apps (24 starts), 1 goal, 1 assist, 2,250 minutes in 2025/26. Market value €5.0m.", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/matches/_/id/286667/jose-cordoba ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/jose-cordoba/profil/spieler/698415", "backstory": "José Córdoba began at Independiente de La Chorrera before a move to Celta Vigo's reserves, then rebuilt his career in Bulgaria with Etar and Levski Sofia. A tall, left-footed centre-back, he earned a transfer to Norwich City, becoming a regular in the EFL Championship. Still in his mid-twenties, he is a cornerstone of Panama's defence heading into the World Cup.", "facts": ["Came up through Independiente de La Chorrera in Panama", "Rebuilt his career in Bulgaria with Etar and Levski Sofia before reaching English football", "Stands 1.89m and is left-footed"], "data_rating": 68, "fun": ["💎 Most valuable in the squad", "🌍 Plays abroad · England"]}, {"player_id": 1225, "team_id": 48, "fifa_code": "PAN", "team_name": "Panama", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 4, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Fidel Escobar", "date_of_birth": "1995-01-09", "age": 31, "caps": 98, "international_goals": 4, "is_captain": false, "club": "Saprissa", "club_country": "Costa Rica", "club_league": "Liga FPD", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 20, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": 3, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Liga FPD (Primera División)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Centre-back; 20 league apps, 1 goal, 2 assists, 3 yellows in 2025/26 Liga FPD.", "enrichment_sources": "https://footystats.org/players/panama/fidel-escobar-mendieta ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fidel_Escobar", "backstory": "Born in Panama City, Fidel Escobar graduated from San Francisco FC's youth setup and debuted at 18, later earning a loan to Sporting CP's B team in Portugal and an MLS spell with the New York Red Bulls. A veteran of Panama's historic 2018 World Cup squad, the centre-back has since played in Mexico, Spain and Costa Rica with Saprissa. Approaching 100 caps, he brings major-tournament experience to the back line.", "facts": ["Came through San Francisco FC and once trained with Sporting CP's reserves in Portugal", "Part of Panama's first-ever World Cup squad in 2018", "Has earned close to 100 caps for Panama"], "data_rating": 73, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Costa Rica"]}, {"player_id": 1226, "team_id": 48, "fifa_code": "PAN", "team_name": "Panama", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 5, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Edgardo Fariña", "date_of_birth": "2001-10-19", "age": 24, "caps": 17, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Pari Nizhny Novgorod", "club_country": "Russia", "club_league": "Russian Premier League", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 14, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1084, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Russian Premier League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Centre-back; joined Pari NN July 2025, 14 RPL apps, 1,084 minutes, no goals/assists in 2025/26.", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edgardo_Fari%C3%B1a ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/edgardo-farina/profil/spieler/923177", "backstory": "Edgardo Fariña developed at Atlético Nacional in Panama's lower divisions and CAI before moving abroad to Russia, joining Pari Nizhny Novgorod in 2025. A versatile young defender comfortable across the back line, he became a Russian Premier League regular in his debut season. He is one of the emerging names in Panama's defensive ranks for the World Cup.", "facts": ["Moved from Panama directly to the Russian Premier League", "A versatile defender who can also operate in midfield"], "data_rating": 62, "fun": ["🐣 Youngest in the squad (24)", "🌍 Plays abroad · Russia"]}, {"player_id": 1227, "team_id": 48, "fifa_code": "PAN", "team_name": "Panama", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 6, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CM", "player_name": "Cristian Martínez", "date_of_birth": "1997-02-06", "age": 29, "caps": 65, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Ironi Kiryat Shmona", "club_country": "Israel", "club_league": "Israeli Premier League", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1853, "club_goals_2025_26": 4, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 5, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Israeli Premier League (Ligat Ha'al)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Defensive midfielder; 4 goals, 1,853 minutes, 5 yellows in 2025/26 Ligat Ha'al (exact appearance count unconfirmed).", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.sofascore.com/player/cesar-blackman/841006 ; https://www.fotmob.com/players/727101/christian-martinez", "backstory": "Cristian Martínez joined his local Chorrillo academy aged eight and went on to a wandering professional career taking in Saudi Arabia (Najran, Al-Jandal), Panama and most recently Israel with Ironi Kiryat Shmona. A combative central midfielder with a knack for goals from deep, he was on Panama's preliminary 2018 World Cup radar and now competes for a midfield spot at the 2026 finals.", "facts": ["Joined the Chorrillo youth academy at the age of eight", "Has played club football in Saudi Arabia, Panama and Israel"], "data_rating": 70, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Israel"]}, {"player_id": 1228, "team_id": 48, "fifa_code": "PAN", "team_name": "Panama", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 7, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "LW", "player_name": "José Luis Rodríguez", "date_of_birth": "1998-06-19", "age": 27, "caps": 69, "international_goals": 8, "is_captain": false, "club": "FC Juárez", "club_country": "Mexico", "club_league": "Liga MX", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 33, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2617, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": 7, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Liga MX (Apertura + Clausura)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Left winger; 33 Liga MX apps, 3 goals, 7 assists, 2,617 minutes in 2025/26.", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/940333/jose-luis-rodriguez ; https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/238763/jose-luis-rodriguez", "backstory": "Known as 'Puma', José Luis Rodríguez grew up in the El Chorrillo district of Panama City and joined Belgian club Gent as a teenager, signing permanently in 2016. A quick left winger, he had spells at clubs including Crvena Zvezda, Famalicão, Alavés and Sporting Gijón before settling in Liga MX with FC Juárez. A 2018 World Cup squad member, he returns to the global stage as a creative wide threat.", "facts": ["Moved from Chorrillo to Belgium's Gent as a teenager", "Was part of Panama's debut 2018 World Cup squad", "Has played in Belgium, Serbia, Portugal, Spain and Mexico"], "data_rating": 78, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Mexico"]}, {"player_id": 1229, "team_id": 48, "fifa_code": "PAN", "team_name": "Panama", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 8, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CDM", "player_name": "Adalberto Carrasquilla", "date_of_birth": "1998-11-28", "age": 27, "caps": 73, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "UNAM", "club_country": "Mexico", "club_league": "Liga MX", "height_cm": 171, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": 4000000, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": null, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Liga MX (Apertura + Clausura)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": "Central midfielder; key Pumas UNAM player, reached Clausura 2026 final (scored penalty in final). Market value €4.0m. Detailed apps/goals not verified.", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.transfermarkt.us/adalberto-carrasquilla/profil/spieler/375300 ; https://www.fmfstateofmind.com/unam-pumas-features/27131/cruz-azul-win-the-clausura-2026-liga-mx-title", "backstory": "Adalberto 'Coco' Carrasquilla debuted for Tauro at just 16 and became Panama's midfield metronome, moving via a loan in Spain to MLS with Houston Dynamo, where he won the 2023 US Open Cup. In January 2025 he transferred to Pumas UNAM for a record fee in Dynamo history. The reigning CONCACAF Men's Player of the Year, he is the creative heartbeat of Panama's 2026 side.", "facts": ["First Panamanian named CONCACAF Men's Player of the Year (2023/24)", "Scored the decisive shootout penalty against the USA in the 2023 Gold Cup semifinal", "His 2025 move to Pumas UNAM was a record sale for Houston Dynamo"], "data_rating": 60, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Mexico"]}, {"player_id": 1230, "team_id": 48, "fifa_code": "PAN", "team_name": "Panama", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 9, "position": "FW", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Tomás Rodríguez", "date_of_birth": "1999-03-09", "age": 27, "caps": 13, "international_goals": 4, "is_captain": false, "club": "Saprissa", "club_country": "Costa Rica", "club_league": "Liga FPD", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 22, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1563, "club_goals_2025_26": 6, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Liga FPD (Primera División)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Forward; 22 apps, 6 goals, 1,563 minutes in 2025/26 Liga FPD.", "enrichment_sources": "https://footystats.org/players/panama/tomas-abdiel-rodriguez-mena ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom%C3%A1s_Rodr%C3%ADguez_(footballer)", "backstory": "Tomás Rodríguez is a forward who built his reputation in Panamanian and Central American football before joining Costa Rican giants Saprissa in 2026. He announced himself internationally at the 2025 Gold Cup, scoring in his first three appearances at the tournament. Sharp in the box, he provides attacking depth for Panama at the World Cup.", "facts": ["First Panamanian to score in each of his first three Gold Cup appearances (2025)", "Scored against Guadeloupe, Guatemala and Jamaica at the 2025 Gold Cup"], "data_rating": 65, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Costa Rica"]}, {"player_id": 1231, "team_id": 48, "fifa_code": "PAN", "team_name": "Panama", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 10, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Ismael Díaz", "date_of_birth": "1997-05-12", "age": 29, "caps": 56, "international_goals": 17, "is_captain": false, "club": "León", "club_country": "Mexico", "club_league": "Liga MX", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 27, "club_starts_2025_26": 22, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1933, "club_goals_2025_26": 10, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Liga MX", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Attacker; 27 Liga MX apps (22 starts), 10 goals, 1,933 minutes in 2025/26.", "enrichment_sources": "https://theanalyst.com/players/10304/ismael-diaz ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/ismael-diaz/leistungsdaten/spieler/243298", "backstory": "Ismael Díaz made his professional debut for Tauro at just 15 and earned a move to FC Porto's setup, where he won a Segunda Liga title with the B team. After years in Ecuador with Universidad Católica he joined León in Liga MX in 2025. A prolific, two-footed attacker wearing Panama's number 10, he is one of the team's most reliable goalscorers heading into the World Cup.", "facts": ["Debuted professionally for Tauro aged 15", "Came through FC Porto's B team, winning the Segunda Liga", "Panama's top scorer in qualifying-era form with 17 international goals"], "data_rating": 77, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Mexico"]}, {"player_id": 1232, "team_id": 48, "fifa_code": "PAN", "team_name": "Panama", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 11, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "RW", "player_name": "Yoel Bárcenas", "date_of_birth": "1993-10-23", "age": 32, "caps": 103, "international_goals": 10, "is_captain": false, "club": "Mazatlán", "club_country": "Mexico", "club_league": "Liga MX", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 30, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2250, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": 3, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Liga MX", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Winger; 30 Liga MX apps, 3 goals, 1 assist, 2,250 minutes, 3 yellows in 2025/26.", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.sofascore.com/football/player/yoel-barcenas/833352 ; https://footystats.org/players/panama/edgar-yoel-barcenas-herrera", "backstory": "Born in Colón, Yoel (Édgar) Bárcenas started at hometown club Árabe Unido before a breakout loan at Real Oviedo in Spain's Segunda División, where he scored freely and earned a permanent move. A fast, versatile winger, he played all of Panama's matches at the 2018 World Cup and later moved to Liga MX. One of Panama's most-capped players, he passed the 100-cap mark and brings tournament pedigree.", "facts": ["Has surpassed 100 caps for Panama", "Played every match of Panama's 2018 World Cup campaign", "Made his name at Real Oviedo in Spain"], "data_rating": 75, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Mexico"]}, {"player_id": 1233, "team_id": 48, "fifa_code": "PAN", "team_name": "Panama", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 12, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "César Samudio", "date_of_birth": "1994-02-23", "age": 32, "caps": 5, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Marathón", "club_country": "Honduras", "club_league": "Liga Nacional", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 30, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2638, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Liga Nacional (Honduras)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Primary goalkeeper; 30 apps, 2,638 minutes in 2025/26 Liga Nacional.", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C%C3%A9sar_Samudio ; https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/328403/cesar-samudio", "backstory": "César Samudio is a goalkeeper who rose through several Panamanian clubs, winning the 2022 Liga Panameña title with CAI and being named the league's MVP. He moved abroad to Honduras in 2023, becoming the first-choice keeper at Marathón. A relative latecomer to the national team, he provides goalkeeping cover for Panama at the 2026 finals.", "facts": ["Named MVP of the Panamanian league while winning the 2022 title with CAI", "Established himself as Marathón's starting keeper in Honduras"], "data_rating": 67, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Honduras"]}, {"player_id": 1234, "team_id": 48, "fifa_code": "PAN", "team_name": "Panama", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 13, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Jiovany Ramos", "date_of_birth": "1997-01-26", "age": 29, "caps": 22, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "Puerto Cabello", "club_country": "Venezuela", "club_league": "Liga FUTVE", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 630, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 1, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Liga FUTVE (Clausura)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": "Defender; joined Puerto Cabello July 2025, 630 minutes and 1 yellow in 2025 Clausura first stage. Exact apps unconfirmed.", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.fotmob.com/players/688448/jiovany-ramos ; https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/291014/jiovany-ramos", "backstory": "Jiovany Ramos is a centre-back who came through Panamanian football and won league titles with Independiente de La Chorrera before moving to Venezuela, where he lifted a title with Deportivo Táchira. On loan from CAI, he plays for Puerto Cabello. He offers defensive depth for Panama at the World Cup.", "facts": ["Won a Venezuelan Primera División title with Deportivo Táchira", "Won the Panamanian league with Independiente de La Chorrera"], "data_rating": 62, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Venezuela"]}, {"player_id": 1235, "team_id": 48, "fifa_code": "PAN", "team_name": "Panama", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 14, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CDM", "player_name": "Carlos Harvey", "date_of_birth": "2000-02-03", "age": 26, "caps": 27, "international_goals": 3, "is_captain": false, "club": "Minnesota United", "club_country": "United States", "club_league": "MLS", "height_cm": 184, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": 600000, "club_apps_2025_26": 25, "club_starts_2025_26": 16, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "MLS", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Defensive midfielder; 25 apps (16 starts), 2 goals, 1 assist in 2025 MLS season. Market value €600k.", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.mnufc.com/players/carlos-harvey/ ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/carlos-harvey/profil/spieler/628806", "backstory": "Carlos Harvey came through Tauro in Panama before an early move to the US, developing with LA Galaxy's setup and later Phoenix Rising. He joined Minnesota United in 2024, becoming a useful defensive midfielder and one of Panama's two MLS-based players in the squad. Energetic and combative, he adds balance to Panama's midfield.", "facts": ["Developed through the LA Galaxy organization after leaving Panama", "One of two MLS-based players in Panama's 2026 squad alongside Aníbal Godoy"], "data_rating": 65, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · United States"]}, {"player_id": 1236, "team_id": 48, "fifa_code": "PAN", "team_name": "Panama", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 15, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "LB", "player_name": "Eric Davis", "date_of_birth": "1991-03-31", "age": 35, "caps": 106, "international_goals": 9, "is_captain": false, "club": "Plaza Amador", "club_country": "Panama", "club_league": "Liga Panameña de Fútbol", "height_cm": 180, "preferred_foot": "left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Liga Panameña de Fútbol, CONCACAF Central American Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": "Left-back; joined Plaza Amador July 2025, 8 apps and 1 goal in Central American Cup as of Oct 2025. Full league apps unconfirmed.", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_Davis_(Panamanian_footballer) ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/eric-davis/profil/spieler/121791", "backstory": "Eric Davis began at Árabe Unido and spent eight seasons in Slovakia with DAC Dunajská Streda, racking up nearly 200 appearances as an attacking left-back. A starter at the 2018 World Cup, the veteran later returned home to Plaza Amador. With over 100 caps, he is one of the most experienced figures in the squad.", "facts": ["Earned over 100 caps for Panama", "Spent eight seasons in Slovakia with DAC Dunajská Streda", "Started for Panama at the 2018 World Cup"], "data_rating": 68, "fun": ["🧓 Veteran presence"]}, {"player_id": 1237, "team_id": 48, "fifa_code": "PAN", "team_name": "Panama", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 16, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CAM", "player_name": "Andrés Andrade", "date_of_birth": "1998-10-16", "age": 27, "caps": 49, "international_goals": 1, "is_captain": false, "club": "LASK", "club_country": "Austria", "club_league": "Austrian Bundesliga", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 36, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": 1, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Austrian Bundesliga, ÖFB-Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Won Austrian Bundesliga and cup double with LASK in 2025/26: ~30 league apps (1 goal, ~2-3 assists) plus 6 cup apps (2 goals).", "enrichment_sources": "https://fbref.com/en/players/6ea23758/Andres-Andrade-Cedeno ; https://www.sofascore.com/football/player/andres-andrade/841802", "backstory": "Andrés Andrade is a left-footed centre-back who came through San Francisco FC before moving to Austria, developing in LASK's system and with Arminia Bielefeld in Germany. He became a regular at LASK and won an Austrian league and cup double in 2025/26. Composed on the ball, he strengthens Panama's options at the back for the World Cup.", "facts": ["Won an Austrian Bundesliga and cup double with LASK in 2025/26", "A left-footed centre-back comfortable bringing the ball out"], "data_rating": 76, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Austria"]}, {"player_id": 1238, "team_id": 48, "fifa_code": "PAN", "team_name": "Panama", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 17, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "José Fajardo", "date_of_birth": "1993-08-18", "age": 32, "caps": 67, "international_goals": 17, "is_captain": false, "club": "Universidad Católica", "club_country": "Ecuador", "club_league": "LigaPro", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 26, "club_starts_2025_26": 8, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 9, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "LigaPro Serie A (Ecuador)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Forward (on loan); 26 LigaPro apps (8 starts), 9 goals, 1 assist in 2025.", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/stats/_/id/267996/jose-fajardo ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/jose-fajardo/leistungsdaten/spieler/546803", "backstory": "José Fajardo broke through with CA Independiente in Panama, winning two Clausura titles, before going abroad and finishing as Peru's second-tier top scorer with Cusco. After an MLS spell at DC United he moved to Ecuador's Universidad Católica. A natural goalscorer, he shone at the 2023 Gold Cup as Panama reached the final and is a key forward option in 2026.", "facts": ["Was the top scorer in Peru's Liga 2 in 2022 with Cusco", "Scored twice as Panama reached the 2023 Gold Cup final"], "data_rating": 73, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Ecuador"]}, {"player_id": 1239, "team_id": 48, "fifa_code": "PAN", "team_name": "Panama", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 18, "position": "FW", "position_detail": "ST", "player_name": "Cecilio Waterman", "date_of_birth": "1991-04-13", "age": 35, "caps": 54, "international_goals": 15, "is_captain": false, "club": "Universidad de Concepción", "club_country": "Chile", "club_league": "Primera B", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 2, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Liga de Primera (Chile)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Striker; rejoined Universidad de Concepción Dec 2025, 2 apps in early 2026. In 2025 he scored 9 goals in 25 league apps for title-winning Coquimbo Unido.", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cecilio_Waterman ; https://www.transfermarkt.us/cecilio-waterman/alletore/spieler/177064", "backstory": "Cecilio Waterman is a veteran striker whose journey took him through Uruguay, Chile, Peru and back to Chile, winning the 2025 Chilean title with Coquimbo Unido. He became a national hero by scoring a 93rd-minute winner that knocked the USA out of the 2024/25 CONCACAF Nations League, then ran to kiss his idol Thierry Henry in celebration. A clutch finisher, he is one of Panama's most beloved attackers.", "facts": ["Scored a stoppage-time winner to eliminate the USA from the CONCACAF Nations League, celebrating by kissing his idol Thierry Henry", "Won the 2025 Chilean Primera División title with Coquimbo Unido", "Scored in Panama's run to the 2023 Gold Cup final"], "data_rating": 61, "fun": ["🧓 Veteran presence", "🌍 Plays abroad · Chile"]}, {"player_id": 1240, "team_id": 48, "fifa_code": "PAN", "team_name": "Panama", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 19, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "RW", "player_name": "Alberto Quintero", "date_of_birth": "1987-12-18", "age": 38, "caps": 141, "international_goals": 7, "is_captain": false, "club": "Plaza Amador", "club_country": "Panama", "club_league": "Liga Panameña de Fútbol", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 14, "club_starts_2025_26": 14, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 3, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 4, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Liga Panameña de Fútbol", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Right winger; 14 apps (14 starts), 3 goals, 4 yellows in the 2026 LPF season.", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.transfermarkt.us/alberto-quintero/profil/spieler/126019 ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alberto_Quintero_(footballer)", "backstory": "Nicknamed 'Negrito', Alberto Quintero began at Chorrillo and moved to Spain as a young man, later starring for six seasons at Peru's Universitario where he scored 33 goals. Named to Panama's 2018 World Cup squad, he tragically suffered a fractured foot in a pre-tournament friendly and missed the finals. Now the most-capped outfield veteran in the group, he gets a long-awaited World Cup chance in 2026.", "facts": ["One of Panama's most-capped players, with over 140 caps", "Missed the 2018 World Cup after fracturing his foot in a warm-up friendly against Norway", "Scored 33 goals over six seasons with Peru's Universitario"], "data_rating": 72, "fun": ["🧓 Veteran presence"]}, {"player_id": 1241, "team_id": 48, "fifa_code": "PAN", "team_name": "Panama", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 20, "position": "MF", "position_detail": "CDM", "player_name": "Aníbal Godoy", "date_of_birth": "1990-02-10", "age": 36, "caps": 159, "international_goals": 4, "is_captain": true, "club": "San Diego FC", "club_country": "United States", "club_league": "MLS", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 33, "club_starts_2025_26": 29, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "MLS", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": 266, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Captain; defensive midfielder. 33 apps (29 starts), 1 goal, 2 assists in San Diego FC's inaugural 2025 MLS season.", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.sandiegofc.com/news/get-to-know-panama-captain-and-sdfc-midfielder-anibal-godoy ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/An%C3%ADbal_Godoy", "backstory": "Captain Aníbal Godoy started at Chepo, was voted Panama's Player of the Year, then went abroad to Argentina and Hungary before a long MLS career with San Jose, Nashville and now San Diego FC. A tireless defensive midfielder, he is Panama's all-time most-capped player and the leader who guided Los Canaleros to the 2026 finals. He wears the armband at his second World Cup.", "facts": ["Panama's all-time record cap holder", "Captains the national team and played at the 2018 World Cup", "Joined MLS expansion side San Diego FC for their inaugural 2025 season"], "data_rating": 76, "fun": ["🎖️ Most-capped in the squad (159)", "🧓 Veteran presence", "🌍 Plays abroad · United States", "©️ Captain"]}, {"player_id": 1242, "team_id": 48, "fifa_code": "PAN", "team_name": "Panama", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 21, "position": "MF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "César Yanis", "date_of_birth": "1996-01-28", "age": 30, "caps": 56, "international_goals": 5, "is_captain": false, "club": "Cobresal", "club_country": "Chile", "club_league": "Primera División", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 22, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Primera División (Chile)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Winger; 22 league apps, 1 goal, 2 assists in 2025 Chilean Primera División.", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C%C3%A9sar_Yanis ; https://www.sofascore.com/football/player/cesar-yanis/1021117", "backstory": "César Yanis is a left winger who played for several Panama City clubs before moving abroad, including a loan to Spain's Real Zaragoza and a move to Chile with Cobresal. Quick and direct, he scored his first international goal against Honduras in 2021. He offers attacking width off Panama's bench for the World Cup.", "facts": ["Had a loan spell at Spain's Real Zaragoza", "Scored his first Panama goal against Honduras in 2021"], "data_rating": 69, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Chile"]}, {"player_id": 1243, "team_id": 48, "fifa_code": "PAN", "team_name": "Panama", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 22, "position": "GK", "position_detail": "GK", "player_name": "Orlando Mosquera", "date_of_birth": "1994-12-25", "age": 31, "caps": 47, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Al-Fayha", "club_country": "Saudi Arabia", "club_league": "Saudi Pro League", "height_cm": 191, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 32, "club_starts_2025_26": 32, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": 0, "club_assists_2025_26": 0, "club_yellow_2025_26": 1, "club_red_2025_26": 0, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": 7, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Saudi Pro League, King's Cup", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "high", "form_note": "Goalkeeper; 32 apps, 7 clean sheets, 96 saves, 1 yellow in 2025/26 Saudi Pro League.", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.spl.com.sa/en/players/84187/orlando-mosquera ; https://footystats.org/players/panama/orlando-mosquera", "backstory": "Known as 'Kuty', Orlando Mosquera won three Panamanian league titles with Tauro before a globe-trotting career through Turkey, Bolivia, Venezuela and Israel, where he won the Israeli title with Maccabi Tel Aviv. Now the imposing 1.91m goalkeeper at Saudi side Al-Fayha, he has been part of five Gold Cup squads and started Panama's 2024 Copa América matches. He is a strong contender for the starting role in 2026.", "facts": ["Stands 1.91m tall", "Won the Israeli Premier League title with Maccabi Tel Aviv", "Started all of Panama's group matches at the 2024 Copa América"], "data_rating": 74, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Saudi Arabia"]}, {"player_id": 1244, "team_id": 48, "fifa_code": "PAN", "team_name": "Panama", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 23, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "RB", "player_name": "Michael Amir Murillo", "date_of_birth": "1996-02-11", "age": 30, "caps": 93, "international_goals": 9, "is_captain": false, "club": "Beşiktaş", "club_country": "Turkey", "club_league": "Süper Lig", "height_cm": 183, "preferred_foot": "right", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 12, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 867, "club_goals_2025_26": 1, "club_assists_2025_26": 1, "club_yellow_2025_26": 4, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Süper Lig", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Right-back; joined Beşiktaş Feb 2026 for ~€5m. 12 Süper Lig apps, 1 goal, 1 assist, 867 minutes, 4 yellows in 2025/26 (includes time at Marseille earlier in season).", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Amir_Murillo ; https://www.sofascore.com/football/player/michael-murillo/839493", "backstory": "Michael Amir Murillo graduated from San Francisco FC's youth setup and made history in MLS with the New York Red Bulls, becoming the first Panamanian to play in an MLS All-Star Game. He then moved to Europe with Anderlecht and Marseille before joining Beşiktaş in 2026. An athletic, attacking right-back and a 2018 World Cup veteran, he is a mainstay of Panama's defence.", "facts": ["First Panamanian to feature in an MLS All-Star Game", "Has played in Belgium (Anderlecht), France (Marseille) and Turkey (Beşiktaş)", "Started for Panama at the 2018 World Cup"], "data_rating": 71, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Turkey"]}, {"player_id": 1245, "team_id": 48, "fifa_code": "PAN", "team_name": "Panama", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 24, "position": "FW", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Azarias Londoño", "date_of_birth": "2001-06-21", "age": 24, "caps": 10, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Universidad Católica", "club_country": "Ecuador", "club_league": "LigaPro", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 33, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 2263, "club_goals_2025_26": 8, "club_assists_2025_26": 7, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "LigaPro Serie A (Ecuador)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "medium", "form_note": "Forward (on loan); 33 apps, 8 goals, 7 assists, 2,263 minutes in 2025 LigaPro.", "enrichment_sources": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Azarias_Londo%C3%B1o ; https://footystats.org/players/panama/azarias-londono", "backstory": "Azarias Londoño is a young forward who started at Alianza, winning the 2022 Panamanian league, then went on loan spells in the Dominican Republic, Guatemala and Portugal before joining Ecuador's Universidad Católica, where he won the 2025 Copa Ecuador. A pacey attacker with a growing assist tally, he is one of Panama's promising young options up front.", "facts": ["Won the 2025 Copa Ecuador with Universidad Católica", "Won the Panamanian league with Alianza in 2022"], "data_rating": 67, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Ecuador"]}, {"player_id": 1246, "team_id": 48, "fifa_code": "PAN", "team_name": "Panama", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 25, "position": "DF", "position_detail": "CB", "player_name": "Roderick Miller", "date_of_birth": "1992-04-03", "age": 34, "caps": 50, "international_goals": 2, "is_captain": false, "club": "Turan Tovuz", "club_country": "Azerbaijan", "club_league": "Azerbaijan Premier League", "height_cm": 190, "preferred_foot": null, "market_value_eur": 175000, "club_apps_2025_26": null, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": null, "club_goals_2025_26": null, "club_assists_2025_26": null, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Azerbaijan Premier League", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": "Centre-back (shirt #5 at club); regular starter for Turan Tovuz in 2025/26 but exact apps/goals unconfirmed. Market value €175k.", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.transfermarkt.us/roderick-miller/leistungsdaten/spieler/157154 ; https://www.sofascore.com/player/roderick-miller/159939", "backstory": "Roderick Miller is a tall centre-back who enjoyed a trophy-laden spell at Colombia's Atlético Nacional, winning the 2016 Copa Libertadores among other honours. A globetrotter who has also played in Iraq, Kazakhstan, Portugal, Peru and Mexico, he now lines up for Azerbaijan's Turan Tovuz. A long-serving international since 2011, he provides defensive cover and experience.", "facts": ["Won the 2016 Copa Libertadores with Atlético Nacional", "Has played club football across South America, the Middle East, Europe and Central Asia", "International debutant for Panama back in 2011"], "data_rating": 56, "fun": ["🧓 Veteran presence", "🌍 Plays abroad · Azerbaijan"]}, {"player_id": 1247, "team_id": 48, "fifa_code": "PAN", "team_name": "Panama", "group_letter": "L", "confederation": "CONCACAF", "shirt_number": 26, "position": "DF", "position_detail": null, "player_name": "Jorge Gutiérrez", "date_of_birth": "1998-09-01", "age": 27, "caps": 18, "international_goals": 0, "is_captain": false, "club": "Deportivo La Guaira", "club_country": "Venezuela", "club_league": "Liga FUTVE", "height_cm": null, "preferred_foot": "left", "market_value_eur": null, "club_apps_2025_26": 12, "club_starts_2025_26": null, "club_minutes_2025_26": 1080, "club_goals_2025_26": 2, "club_assists_2025_26": 2, "club_yellow_2025_26": null, "club_red_2025_26": null, "club_clean_sheets_2025_26": null, "club_goals_conceded_2025_26": null, "club_competitions_2025_26": "Liga FUTVE (Venezuela)", "team_wins_2025_26": null, "team_draws_2025_26": null, "team_losses_2025_26": null, "career_club_apps": null, "career_club_goals": null, "enrichment_confidence": "low", "form_note": "Left-back; 12 apps, 2 goals, 2 assists, 1,080 minutes in 2025 Liga FUTVE (figures vary by source/stage).", "enrichment_sources": "https://www.transfermarkt.us/jorge-gutierrez/leistungsdaten/spieler/443379 ; https://www.cospanama.com/futbol/panama-jorge-gutierrez-y-su-destacado-paso-venezuela-n6039219", "backstory": "Jorge Gutiérrez is a left-footed full-back who came through Tauro, winning multiple Panamanian titles, and had a loan in Spain with Melilla before settling in Venezuela at Deportivo La Guaira, where he won the Copa Venezuela and Supercopa. After a few years away, he returned to the national team in 2025 and forced his way into the 2026 World Cup squad.", "facts": ["Won the Copa Venezuela and Supercopa with Deportivo La Guaira", "Returned to the Panama squad in 2025 after a three-year absence"], "data_rating": 64, "fun": ["🌍 Plays abroad · Venezuela"]}], "agg": {"positions": {"DF": 420, "MF": 371, "FW": 311, "GK": 145}, "by_confederation": {"UEFA": 415, "CAF": 260, "AFC": 234, "CONCACAF": 156, "CONMEBOL": 156, "OFC": 26}, "by_club_country": {"England": 199, "Germany": 108, "Spain": 86, "France": 86, "Italy": 71, "Saudi Arabia": 50, "Netherlands": 38, "United States": 35, "Portugal": 32, "Brazil": 32, "Turkey": 30, "Belgium": 29, "Qatar": 29, "Mexico": 27, "Iran": 23}, "by_league": {"Premier League": 162, "Bundesliga": 100, "La Liga": 80, "Ligue 1": 79, "Serie A": 66, "Saudi Pro League": 48, "Major League Soccer": 38, "Süper Lig": 36, "EFL Championship": 35, "Eredivisie": 33, "Qatar Stars League": 29, "Belgian Pro League": 28, "Liga MX": 27, "Primeira Liga": 27, "Persian Gulf Pro League": 23}, "by_club": {"Manchester City": 19, "Bayern Munich": 17, "Paris Saint-Germain": 16, "Arsenal": 16, "Barcelona": 15, "Atlético Madrid": 11, "Borussia Dortmund": 11, "Liverpool": 11, "Manchester United": 11, "Crystal Palace": 11, "Fenerbahçe": 10, "PSV Eindhoven": 10, "Slavia Prague": 10, "Real Madrid": 10, "Galatasaray": 10, "Al-Hilal": 10, "Flamengo": 9, "Al Ahly": 9, "Aston Villa": 9, "Al-Nassr": 9}, "age_buckets": {"≤20": 48, "21-24": 274, "25-28": 445, "29-32": 321, "33+": 159, "?": 0}, "avg_age_per_team": {"CIV": 25.4, "ECU": 25.6, "BIH": 25.9, "MAR": 26.1, "TUN": 26.2, "ESP": 26.2, "RSA": 26.3, "NOR": 26.3, "CAN": 26.4, "USA": 26.4, "GHA": 26.4, "ALG": 26.5, "FRA": 26.6, "SEN": 26.6, "ENG": 26.6, "IRQ": 26.7, "AUS": 26.9, "SWE": 27.0, "HAI": 27.1, "CZE": 27.2, "TUR": 27.2, "JPN": 27.2, "BEL": 27.2, "NED": 27.3, "MEX": 27.5, "KOR": 27.5, "CUR": 27.5, "POR": 27.5, "GER": 27.6, "NZL": 27.6, "SUI": 27.8, "CRO": 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