Six World Cup stars Fulham could target

The dusted has settled on the 2026 tournament - who were the gems we should look at?

There’s the age-old adage that you should never buy a player off the back of a major tournament. But, I’m going to throw caution to the wind and explore some potential signings who shone at the World Cup and could realistically sign for the Whites.

1. Keito Nakamura – Reims

Nakamura was quietly one of Japan’s most effective players, and crucial to their transitional style of play. His direct nature makes him difficult to track, and he has added a productivity to his game, quietly becoming one of the most effective forward in Ligue 1. He thrives in space, and loves attacking the back post – offering a serious some serious pace to a Fulham team that can be one-dimensional.

2. Nathan Saliba – Anderlecht

Fulham are starting to look shallow in midfield, particularly with players that can cover ground. Saliba does exactly that, but his ability to read and press proved pivotal once Canada were without Ismael Kone (someone else who could have featured in this article). He’d be an ideal understudy to Berge, and with TC and Harrison Reed disappearing into the sunset, could offer vital depth. More importantly, this feels like a project signing – something Fulham have been particularly good at over the last few seasons.

3. Alex Freeman – Villarreal

Freeman’s father played in the NFL and the transfer of athleticism is there for all to see. At 6”3, Freeman offers both height and pace. He played a crucial role in the USMNT’s run in the World Cup, scoring against Paraguay. His ability to slot in at either right-back or as a third centre-half makes him incredibly valuable. He gets forward well, wins duels and seems very well suited to the physicality of the Premier League. Although he recently moved to Villarreal, Fulham do need fresh blood out wide, and have a history with Americans…

4. Alistair Johnston – Celtic

Luc De Fougerolles won a lot of plaudits for his performances as Canada made a historic run to the knockout rounds, but his countryman Johnston was equally as impressive. His electric pace and consistent threat from wide areas often flipped the game on its head. When Canada were caught short, it was often Johnston clearing up the mess. Jesse Marsch relied on a highly transitional style of play, and Arbeloa will likely do the same – making him a great fit. Having spent time acclimatising to British football with Celtic, he could be ready for the step up to Premier League football.

5. Kaishu Sano - Mainz

Fulham have missed a true ball-winning midfield since Joao Palhinha departed, and Sano brings a lot of the same qualities. He is aggressive in the tackle, positionally excellent and composed in possession. Japan played a highly technical and transitional 3-4-3 at the World Cup, and he was a great progressor of the ball, helping to push Samurai Blue through the phases. At just 24, it feels like Sano is about to enter his prime and is showing signs of becoming an incredibly reliable defensive midfielder, like his compatriot Wataru Endo.

6. Nestory Irankunda – Watford

Irankunda left Bayern Munich for regular football, and found himself at Watford. Then he found himself scoring against Turkey in Vancouver to secure three points for Australia. Fast, direct and not afraid to try things, Irankunda is a work in progress but the ceiling looks to be very high. At just 20 years old, Irankunda is raw, but has the makings of an exciting winger and someone that could provide something imaginative to secure three points, or at the very least put defenders on the back foot.

Who stood out to you from the World Cup, that you’d like to see step out at Craven Cottage for the Whites?