Which San Diego FC players will play in the World Cup?
Credit: SDFC
We are less than one month away from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
National teams are starting to announce their 26-man rosters ahead of the tournament.
Which begs the question: Will any San Diego FC players have the honor to represent their nation on the biggest stage?
The short answer is “Yes”. But how many?
Let’s take a deep dive into who is a “lock” for the World Cup, who is still on the bubble, and who is on the outside looking in.
Anibal Godoy: Panama
An absolute lock. Not only is Godoy the captain of his nation, but he also has the most appearances of all time for Panama. A very impressive 159 Caps.
This will be Godoy’s second World Cup (Russia 2018). At 36 years old, it is expected to be his last opportunity to play in a World Cup.
Eagle-eyed fans will notice that Godoy has already added a tattoo of the 2026 World Cup to his right arm. It pairs nicely with the 2018 World Cup tattoo on his left arm.
Panama is in a tough group with Ghana, Croatia, and England. I am looking forward to Godoy lining up against some of the best midfielders in the game. Modric, Bellingham, Rice, etc.
The Panama roster announcement is expected by May 26.
Manu Duah: Ghana
Saying Duah is “on the bubble” would be generous. The young center back was just recently called up to the Ghanaian national team for a friendly outside of an official FIFA International Window. (Against Mexico on May 22).
It is a great sign that Duah is on the radar of the Ghana staff. But he has yet to make his international debut. Given that, it is very unlikely he will make the 26-man World Cup squad.
The 20-year-old defender is still very inexperienced but has a bright future ahead of him.
Until the Ghana roster is officially revealed, SDFC fans can dream of an Anibal Godoy – Manu Duah World Cup match-up when Ghana faces Panama in Toronto on June 17.
CJ Dos Santos: Cape Verde
This is an interesting one. I will say Dos Santos is “On the Bubble” with a slim chance to get the call-up.
For those who need a geography refresher: Cape Verde is an island nation off the west coast of Africa. It was under Portuguese rule until it gained independence in 1975. It can also be referred to as “Cabo Verde”. This is their first-ever World Cup.
Dos Santos, born in Philadelphia, played for the Under-17 and Under-20 USA Youth National Teams. But he is also eligible for Cape Verde (reportedly because of his father). The 25-year-old goalkeeper was called up to the Cape Verde national team in March for the first time. He did not appear in either of the two friendly games.
On May 13th, Dos Santos officially switched his FIFA alliance from the USA to Cape Verde. I interpret this as a strong signal that he will receive further call-ups to the Cape Verde team.
Dos Santos has not had the best start to the MLS season. He lost his starting position to Duran Ferree and has had another head injury. But CJ Dos Santos may be our best chance to see two San Diego FC players make a World Cup roster.
A Few Players Who Will Not Make a World Cup Roster:
Anders Dreyer: Denmark
Denmark did not qualify for the World Cup. They were knocked out heartbreakingly in a playoff against the Czech Republic. They lost on penalties. Dreyer came on as a 2nd half substitute and got an assist. But he unfortunately missed his penalty in the shootout.
Anisse Saidi: Tunisia
The 17-year-old forward has only made a few appearances for SDFC, but that was enough to catch the eye of the Tunisia National Team. He was called up in March for a couple of friendlies but did not get any playing time. Tunisia was one of the first nations to announce its roster, and Saidi did not make the cut.
Hirving Lozano: Mexico
Lozano was able to claw his way back into the Mexico squad for a few friendlies in 2025. But a lot has happened since then. Chucky seems to be at peace with never playing for Mexico again.
The World Cup is always special, but it hits a little differently when players from your own club are stepping onto that stage wearing their country’s colors.
Jack Lamont. I have been a soccer fan my whole life. With an emphasis on MLS, Premier League and US Soccer. Living in San Diego since 2022. Before that I spent time living in Portland, OR working for the Timbers and in Las Vegas, NV working for the Raiders.