Brighton could have an abundance of players representing their nation at the World Cup this summer. Sometimes sentences are worth reading twice!

From being a small club in the lower leagues to a global brand, Brighton are now recognised as one of the star clubs to be home to many elite young talents, who go on to thrive and later be sold for record figures.

Usually ones from unknown quantities, like Ecuadorian midfield general, Moisés Caicedo, and previous Argentine World Cup Winner, Alexis Mac Allister.

As always, the World Cup allows an opportunity for players who were previously unheard of to become international superstars. Much like Mac Allister in 2022, 2026 presents itself to a handful of young Albion players.

In full, Brighton could have:

- Ferdi Kadioglu (25), Turkey

- Bart Verburggen (22), Netherlands

- Yasin Ayari (23), Sweden

- Jan Paul Van Hecke (25), Netherlands

- Kaoru Mitoma (28), Japan

- Pascal Groß (33), Germany

- Maxim De Cuyper (25), Belgium

- Diego Gomez (23), Paraguay

- A slot for Danny Welbeck in the England camp, perhaps?

First and foremost, Jan Paul Van Hecke could have a breakthrough campaign during this World Cup, alongside Bart Verbruggen. The Dutch duo have become a staple of Fabian Hürzeler's side.

Verbruggen has had a mass upturn in form, producing match-winning saves and even last-minute penalties!

Van Hecke is the type of player who is a future captain at the club. Although his contract expires in 2027 and there's no sign of a renewal, big clubs will most likely be sniffing around him as the summer comes around.

The World Cup provides a huge platform to shine, and a player who is as composed with the ball at his feet as he is making a crunching challenge, Van Hecke is an incredibly well-rounded modern centre-half.

Yasin Ayari and Diego Gomez are the Albion dark horses.

Brighton are a noticeably much better side when Ayari is playing for them, and he remains one of the surprise breakout players under Hürzeler's reign. Composed on the ball and technically wonderful, he can create chances and occupy small spaces very well. But for a bit of a stronger physical side to his game, Ayari could be a shining light for Graham Potter's Swedes.

Gomez has had a good season at the Amex. A demon in front of goal, notably his four wonder strikes against Barnsley, has shaped him into becoming a very good box-crashing midfielder. Someone who can take set pieces and contribute towards vital moments when his team needs him the most. He may not be as easy on the eye as Ayari, but his determination and clinical edge make him a serious one to watch for tournament football.

The final special mentions go towards Kaoru Mitoma and Ferdi Kadioglu. Mitoma is Brighton. By far one of the best Brighton players to represent the Seagulls for a very long time. As far as technical ability goes, Mitoma has it in abundance. His goal was created and finished by him against England the other night, and that is Mitoma personified.

Capable of something out of nothing, and most importantly, you can rely on him to carry your team forward. Japan are an incredibly well-oiled and gifted side, and Mitoma is the spearhead of it.

Ferdi Kadioglu has been quietly one of the players of the season for Brighton this season. A player who can play almost anywhere, inverting and bombing forward, as well as being very capable defensively. He is the sort of utility player every team needs, with fewer limitations than most.

A younger, longer-haired Pascal Groß, perhaps! While he can be subject to being exposed to high balls and space in behind, usually for his ability to drive forward, Kadioglu is one of the Turkish fan favourites.

He scored a vital goal to help secure their qualification for the competition, making him a serious player to watch this summer.

Appearances for Maxim De Cuyper and Groß are nice to see, and we will certainly be keeping an eye out for the Welbeck call-up, right, Thomas?