It’s not quite a record, but Celtic are represented at this year's finals by eight players. That's just below the record of ten at France ‘98. Amazingly eight of those were in the Scotland squad, and the remaining two were with Denmark. It’s a much more widespread group this time.
Looking ahead to the finals, we listed here all eight Celtic players at World Cup 2026 a few weeks ago. Now, as the first round of Group matches are complete, it’s a good time to take a look at how each of them is getting on.
So far, as we might expect, it’s a mixed bag of outcomes. Of course there is plenty still to play for too. The chances of progress to the next stages remain good so far for most of the Celtic contingent. There aren't any great surprises yet in their performances, and as yet the needle hasn't shifted for any looking to seal a big money move. The leaves the club still pondering over what might happen next.
Celtic stars complete round 1 at World Cup 2026
Daizen Maeda
Daizen Maeda played 65 mins after starting for Japan in a 2-2 draw against Holland in Group F. Maeda looked like he played within himself somewhat, but was full of running as always. He didn't score, but he had Ally McCoist spluttering for words when his co-commentator reminded everyone of Maeda’s spectacular goal against Rangers. If he is to move on from Celtic this summer, he hasn't done his value any harm so far.
Benjamin Nygren
Group F has quite a Celtic collection. That's where Benjamin Nygren kicked off for Sweden. He had a quiet game, which won't surprise Celtic fans, and was substituted after 65 minutes. Nygren will be pleased with the Swedes hefty 5-1 win over Tunisia, but if he wants this to be a springboard for a move to the EPL, he’ll have to do more in the next games.
Sebastien Tounekti
Then there is Sebastian Tounekti. He didn't start for Tunisia, but came on after 72 minutes. His country were 3-1 down at that point, and conceded two more goals while he was on the pitch. He didn't really get a chance to impress nor set up a head to head on the pitch with Nygren. Tounekti apologised to fans for the teams display afterwards. We also saw Tunisia manager Sabri Lamouchi sacked after the defeat. A difficult start for the Celtic winger.
Group F still has all to play for. Tounekti looks likely to have the hardest task to progress. Hopes will be higher for Maeda and Nygren to get to the knockout stages.
Yang Hyun-jun
Listed among the subs, Yang wasn’t called up on for South Korea in a 2-1 comeback win over the Czech Republic. Ex Celtic forward Oh Hyeon-Gyu showing his progress with a great winning goal. That leaves South Korea joint top of Group A alongside hosts Mexico.
Auston Trusty
Another Celtic star who stayed on the bench for game one. USA had a strong 4-1 win over Paraguay in their opening Group D match. That leaves them well placed at this early stage. But may mean no step up for Trusty for the start of game 2 against Australia on Friday.
Alistair Johnston
Alistair Johnston started for Canada against Bosnia-Herzegovina. It was a tense affair with Canada securing an 80th minute equaliser for a 1-1 draw. Johnston did well, especially with an 11th-minute yellow card against him. We should also remember he is still on his way back after a long injury lay off. Group B remains tight with both matches ending 1-1. Canada, as joint hosts, face high expectations, but this was their first ever win at a World Cup finals match.
Anthony Ralston and Kieran Tierney
Neither of Celtic’s two Scotland stars featured in the narrow 1-0 win over Haiti. I’m sure their time will come with tough games to follow against Morocco and Brazil. It turned out to be a real nail-biter in the early hours of Sunday morning, but a win is a win and the three points leave a door open for progress. So far so good for the Celtic duo.
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