Brighton & Hove Albion head into the 2026‑27 season with a clear left‑back dilemma: Maxim De Cuyper returns from a standout World Cup quarter‑final, while Ferdi Kadioglu comes back bruised by Turkey’s early exit.

What did the World Cup reveal about De Cuyper?

De Cuyper started every Belgian match after a bench appearance in the 1‑1 draw with Egypt. He helped Belgium overturn a 2‑0 deficit against Senegal, earning praise from former Germany star Bastian Schweinsteiger, who called him “the standout player on the pitch”. The Belgian left‑back also featured in the 4‑1 win over Spain in Los Angeles on 8 July 2026. Those performances contrast with his club season, where he started only 17 of 38 Premier League games as Kadioglu held the position.

Why Kadioglu’s World Cup was a setback for Brighton?

Turkey entered the tournament as a dark‑horse but fell at the group stage. Kadioglu started defeats to Australia (2‑0) and Paraguay (1‑0) and never featured in the 3‑2 consolation win over the United States. The Turkish left‑back left the World Cup without a win, a stark difference to De Cuyper’s progress. Back at Brighton, manager Fabian Hurzeler now has two full internationals to choose from, expanding his rotation options.

How will the left‑back rotation affect Brighton’s campaign?

Hurzeler’s side will contest four competitions, including the Europa Conference League, meaning squad depth matters. With De Cuyper’s confidence boosted and Kadioglu eager to prove himself, Brighton can alternate the role depending on fixture congestion. The club’s record signing Luka Vuskovic (19) and centre‑back Michael Svoboda also add defensive flexibility, allowing full‑backs to push higher when needed.

What does this mean for Brighton’s 2026‑27 outlook?

The club’s transfer ledger shows a £46 million down‑payment for Vuskovic and a £4.3 million fee for Svoboda, underscoring a commitment to a stronger back line. If De Cuyper translates his World Cup form into the Premier League, Brighton could enjoy more attacking width from the left. Conversely, Kadioglu’s experience may prove valuable in tighter matches. Either way, the left‑back spot will be a focal point as Brighton navigates a busy schedule.

The season’s early fixtures will test the manager’s rotation policy. A strong start could cement De Cuyper’s place, while a dip might see Kadioglu reclaim the role. Brighton fans should watch the first few league games closely – the left‑back battle could set the tone for the entire campaign.