Image source, Getty ImagesThe sight of Granit Xhaxa excelling is familiar to Sunderland fans and the midfielder was doing just that as his side beat Bosnia 4-1 in their second World Cup fixture.
Xhaka confidently swept home a late penalty and you can see it in the highlights below.
Former Sunderland midfielder Darren Williams says former team-mate Eric Roy "always had a smile on his face" during his short stint at the Stadium of Light.
Roy, who was managing Ligue 1 club Brest, died on Wednesday. He had been suffering with pancreatic cancer.
The pair played together in the 1999-00 season, helping the newly promoted Black Cats to an impressive seventh-place finish in the Premier League.
Roy, who played as a defensive midfielder, scored one goal and registered two assists across 31 appearances for the club.
"We were all a little bit unaware of him when he came into the side," Williams told BBC Radio Newcastle. "But what a fantastic player he turned out to be.
"He was a great guy. He gelled with the squad really quickly. He wasn't at the club for long, but during the time he was there his character came out.
"He was quite flamboyant. He always had a smile on his face. He was always polite, apart from when he was on the pitch. He was a fantastic team-mate and player.
"He was also good for the younger lads, and I was one of them. If you had any concerns or issues, you could always sit down and just have a chat with him. That just shows what a character he was in our dressing room.
"I could always see him going into the managerial side of things. What Eric wanted to do, you knew Eric would do."
Listen to the full conversation above or listen on BBC Sounds
Image source, Getty ImagesSunderland focus on signing players with the right personality, says sporting director Florent Ghisolfi.
On the back of a successful first season back in the Premier League for the Black Cats, Ghisolfi believes it's important to protect the relationship between fans and players.
"I'm very proud to feel this connection [with supporters] because I think the crowd, the people, they give the energy in the club, in the team, in the squad and also the team is giving energy to the people, giving promise," Ghisolfi told BBC Radio Newcastle.
"So, I think this is the most important thing to protect for the future."
He added: "The most important thing [about the players], is the personality, the mentality, values. So we don't mind if he is from Belgium, France, Paraguay, or [if he is] Swiss, the most important thing is his personality. Is he a fit for the Sunderland squad today?"
The 41-year-old also gave praise to manager Regis le Bris when asked about the Frenchman's connection with the supporters.
"He deserves this recognition from the people here because I can tell you, he's working very hard," Ghisolfi said. "He's thinking always about the quality of the squad, the club, and this is what we want.
"Speaking about him, the staff, the whole organisation, our philosophy is the right person in the right place, but also the interest is always Sunderland first and if someone has his own interest first, he can he can leave because Sunderland is at the centre of the project."
Listen to the full interview on BBC Sounds here
Image source, Getty ImagesSunderland sporting director Florent Ghisolfi says the summer transfer window will not be influenced by qualifying for the Europa League.
The Black Cats made 15 signings in a "strange summer" last year in order to facilitate their move back up to the Premier League, but Ghisolfi says this year is about focusing on "low volume and more precision".
"The most important [thing] will be to keep our foundations," Ghisolfi told BBC Radio Newcastle. "Our foundations are the mentality in the team, the cohesion we have in the team, the energy we have in the team and within our environment. So, the focus will be on that.
"Last summer was a strange summer. It was a rush. We needed to increase the quality in the team and the number of players.
"This summer we try to find the stability. Of course, we need to improve again in the quality, but I want to say low volume and more precision.
"I think the most important thing will be the quality and the mentality in the team because they will have to be ready to face these challenges. It's a challenge. I don't want to hear that it's difficult, it's tough. I don't want to feel fear. I want to feel that we take that as a challenge, as a challenge for the team to grow and for the club also to grow."
Listen to the full interview on BBC Sounds here
The World Cup may be less than a week old but the 2026-27 Premier League fixtures will be released on Friday.
And to get in the mood as Sunderland prepare for another season in the top flight, we want your stories of opening-day games that have stuck in your minds most - both the good and the bad.
Get in touch with your memories here
And make sure to come back to this page on Friday to see how the Black Cats' league fixture list has fallen.
Image source, Getty ImagesWe asked for your views on who you would like Sunderland to keep, loan and sell from the squad this summer.
Here are some of your comments:
Dave: Keep - Luke O'Nien. Midway through the season Luke looked like the step up was a step too far. He was slightly off the pace and I was dreading the thought of his career ending on a sour note if he made consistent mistakes. He has gone on to play a pivotal role in the end of the season and has clearly worked hard to get up to the level in 2026. Going into Europe is a sentimental bonus for Luke but he has earned it, not because of loyalty. Loan - Mayenda. He's scored some important goals and will get chances, especially with the increased amount of games. I still believe he would benefit from a prolonged period of first team football where he can continue his development. Sell - Anthony Patterson. He is too good for third choice and needs to be playing regularly. A great servant to the club with the right attitude. Deserves more and should be a regular starter in a Championship side pushing for automatic promotion.
Jack: We should keep Isidor. Second top goal scorer has blinding pace and is a good finisher. Loan out Mayenda as he needs regular game time to improve and sell Diarra. We'll need to sell some players to get by the PSR and Diarra can demand a big fee.
Jurra: Put Patterson out on loan again because we won't get the asking price. As for one player on the fringes, we need a rotating squad for next season so I can't name only one we'll need a few. Considering he was our most expensive signing, Diarra has been a massive disappointment for me, no tears from me if he was sold on.
Di: Keep O'Nien. Great and loyal player. He may not be for Europe but every team needs a bit of glue and he's your man. Everybody's friend and ever positive.
James: Luke O'Nien should stay on. He's never going to be first choice in the Premier League, but he has continuously proved his doubters wrong that he can cope with new challenges. In his appearances last season, he didn't look out of place and it would be another incredible chapter on his journey from non-league if he could make some European appearances. Mayenda could do with regular football. He has a lot of potential but saw himself fall down the pecking order last season. Sunderland need to add another striker in the summer and that's going to make it even harder for Mayenda. A loan to a Championship club would be great, although it seems like a permanent move away from the club may be on the cards. Simon Adingra hasn't worked at Sunderland. There's undoubtedly ability there but he just doesn't fit into Le Bris' way of playing. Hopefully his loan spell at Monaco has convinced a club to take a chance on him and we can recoup most of the sizeable outlay we spent on him.
Sunderland have joined the race to sign highly rated Bosnia forward Kerim Alajbegovic, 18, from Red Bull Salzburg. (Teamtalk), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column
Change is inevitable at football clubs during the summer months and we want to ask you something specific about Sunderland's squad.
Tell us:
One player who should be kept who may be on the fringes and why?
One player who should be loaned out
One player who should be sold
We would love names and reasons for all three - get in touch with your views using this form.
Image source, Getty ImagesSunderland have announced their retained list for the 2026-27 Premier League season, with first team players Dan Neil, Dennis Cirkin, Bertrand Traore and Niall Huggins all being released.
The Black Cats "remain in discussions" with Lutsharel Geertruida, who has spent the 2025-26 season on loan at the Stadium of Light from Bundesliga club RB Leipzig.
After helping Sunderland gain promotion from League One, Neil captained the club back to the Premier League before joining Ipswich Town on loan in January. He departs after making over 200 appearances in red and white.
Left-back Dennis Cirkin exits after a five-year stint on Wearside, having also helped the club on their journey from the third tier to the top flight.
Traore, who made 12 Premier League appearances across 2025-26, and Huggins, who joined the Black Cats in League One in August 2021, have also seen their contracts expire.
"There is no doubt Trai Hume can make that step up to European football," believes BBC Sport Northern Ireland journalist Andy Gray.
The full-back, who has played a crucial role in Sunderland's journey from League One to the Premier League since signing an initial deal in January 2022, will be competing in the Europa League next season.
Speaking about the Northern Ireland international on BBC Radio Newcastle, Gray said: "The fact that Trai Hume offers leadership in a young group which doesn't play together all that often, and considering all the chopping and changing they have to do in defence, is pretty impressive.
"He can play anywhere, to be honest. His biggest attribute is how he is able to adapt positionally. He marked Kylian Mbappe [in the international friendly] the other day without issue, which isn't an easy task.
"He reads the game so well. He obviously isn't the tallest or the strongest player, but he always seems to be that split-second ahead to nip in and make a tackle. He really is such a crucial and important player in the Northern Ireland squad."
When asked if Hume is ready to make the step up to Europa League football, Gray replied: "He joined Sunderland when they were down the divisions and he has been on that journey with the club.
"It's clear that any time Sunderland have had to step up, he has been able to make the step up as well. I have no doubt it will be the same case when it comes to European football.
"He has no problems playing week in week out with the engine he has got. He loves playing football. He will run himself into the ground for the club. He can raise his game any time he is asked to."
Listen to the conversation above or listen on BBC Sounds
The countdown to the World Cup is well and truly on, so here's a reminder of the Black Cats selected to represent their countries from 11 June to 19 July.
The expanded 48-team competition is set to be the biggest in history, with the United States, Canada and Mexico hosting.
Sunderland's World Cup contingent:
Simon Adingra (Ivory Coast)
Omar Alderete (Paraguay)
Nilson Angulo (Ecuador)
Brian Brobbey (Netherlands)
Habib Diarra (Senegal)
Wilson Isidor (Haiti)
Arthur Masuaku (DR Congo)
Robin Roefs (Netherlands)
Noah Sadiki (DR Congo)
Chemsdine Talbi (Morocco)
Granit Xhaka (Switzerland)
*Lutsharel Geertruida - on loan at Sunderland last season - has also been called up to replace Jurrien Timber for Netherlands
The above graphic is based on the 2025-26 Premier League clubs and squad lists
Take a dive into each of the 48 squads here
Read more about the World Cup squads in numbers
Find out more about how to follow the competition on the BBC
Image source, Getty ImagesArsenal defender Jurrien Timber will miss the World Cup with a groin injury, with Sunderland's Lutsharel Geertruida called up as his replacement.
Timber, 24, came on shortly after the hour mark in Arsenal's Champions League final defeat to Paris St-Germain.
But before the final, Timber had missed weeks of action, last featuring on 14 March in the win over Everton.
In a statement on X, the Dutch national side said: "Jurrien Timber misses the 2026 World Cup.
"The 24-year-old defender has not recovered sufficiently from a groin injury to take part in the World Cup in a medically responsible manner. In consultation with the medical staff, it has therefore been decided that Timber will leave the national team's pre-camp in New York after the game against Uzbekistan. We're with you, Jurrien."
Reports have linked Newcastle United with Spanish winger Victor Munoz as a replacement for Anthony Gordon this summer, but the club are set to face competition from local rivals Sunderland.
Football Espana editor Ruairidh Barlow, has told BBC Radio Newcastle what the clubs could expect from the 22-year-old if they come out on top.
"He has blistering pace, that's the first and foremost thing about Victor Munoz," Barlow said. "I think if you're an opposition manager that's the first thing you will think of - how do I deal with him? How do I legislate for trying to stop him getting into space and getting a run at my defenders?
"He made his senior debut for Real Madrid [in 2025] and the first thing that he did was break through the Barcelona defence. He did miss his big chance in El Clasico but it was a sign of things to come because last season he moved to Osasuna, he's had a very impressive campaign and he's an agile, fast winger who usually plays out wide but has been playing through the middle at times as well.
"He's been a problem for most defences that he's faced."
He added: "Ultimately he's been one of the revelations for the La Liga season overall. He's obviously made it into the Spain squad both in the March international break and now for the World Cup which shows you that he's a player that brings something different.
"He's a player that I think there's no easy way to stop him and his one-on-one ability is really what has made him stand out."
Click play above to hear the full clip or listen on BBC Sounds here
We asked for your views on what one thing needs to change at Sunderland before the new campaign and why.
Here are some of your comments:
Steven: A quality striker is a must. Another 10 goals last season and they could be playing in the Champions League.
Dave: I can't remember the last time I went into a close season being comfortable with what we have. Not just players, the owner, manager and board. We really need to keep the pedal down on progression and not ease up. Like anyone we want new additions to the team but holding on to the current players or getting good value on movement is all we can ask for. A significant investment in the academy is necessary but that's long-term.
Jura: We definitely need an out-and-out goalscorer for the new campaign. I was absolutely proud of what we achieved last season but we lost out on so much more because of our failure to consistently score goals.
Rob: It think four need to leave and a money signing to show we are ready and for European football. Bowen on loan deal. Rashford if he doesn't get move to Barcelona. Maybe even Stones to secure the defence. I know outside the box but European football as a last-chance trophy for some of the older players might be tempting.
Image source, Getty ImagesDutch football expert Michael Statham has given the lowdown on Sunderland's Netherlands internationals Robin Roefs, Brian Brobbey and Lutsharel Geertruida before they take part in this summer's World Cup.
On goalkeeper Roefs, he said: "When Robin Roefs broke through at NEC Nijmegen you could see he would be a big talent. He had big shoes to fill because Jasper Cillessen was there as well.
"Roefs usurped him and he was a fantastic shot-stopper from the get go. NEC would have loved to keep hold of him but the high fee they received from Sunderland was something the club were not used to.
"The Netherlands are excited about him and there was a lot of talk that he could be the number one goalkeeper going into the World Cup when Mark Verbruggen wasn't playing at this best. But, he's going to be an able deputy. People can be really confident that he will have a good future."
On forward Brobbey, who scored seven goals in his debut season in England: "I have been a big fan of Brian Brobbey since he broke through at Ajax and playing in the youth teams way above his age. His hold up play and strength is fantastic. I can see why Sunderland fans have been impressed with him.
"To move to the ultimate top level in Europe he needs more parts to his game. He has only had one season of being a regular goalscorer. He hasn't yet forced himself into being the Netherlands' number nine and there are not too many options. I just think he has to go to another gear. He's a confidence player but deep down he did feel that pressure with Ajax in his last season."
And on the versatile Geertruida, whose future is uncertain after his loan from RB Lepzig, Statham added: "He is not someone who speaks very often to the media but he is very personable on the pitch and is someone who can get fans onside and be likeable.
"He's played a multitude of positions with Sunderland this season, right-back, left-back and midfield, and he fills a lot of gaps. He's improved a lot from his time in Germany where he struggled and I think a permanent move would suit him. Sunderland are going to need lots of players next season for Europe and Geertruida would be a really good move. I think it would suit him as well and he would like that."
Listen to the full chat below or on BBC Sounds
Who last summer predicted Sunderland would end the season with more than 50 points, beat Newcastle United home and away, chase qualifictaion for Europe for the first time in over 50 years, win at Chelsea and almost win at Liverpool?
Take in my review of the season below or on BBC Sounds.
Explore Sunderland content on BBC Sounds
Chris Collinson
BBC Sport statistician
With all 48 World Cup squads now confirmed, we look at how they shape up and compare with each other leading into the tournament.
Which clubs have the most players?
Looking just at the 20 clubs that made up the 2025-26 Premier League, only this season's top three have more players at the World Cup than Conference League winners Crystal Palace (12).
Including players out on loan over the season, Sunderland remarkably have as many representatives on the global stage as Chelsea and Liverpool (11), showing just how globe-trotting their recruitment was following promotion last summer.
The majority of Brentford, Everton and Leeds' squads can put their feet up and recharge their batteries for next season, with those clubs sending just four players each.
The 2026-27 Premier League season will be here before we know it, with the first matches taking place on Saturday, 22 August.
We have a simple question for you - what one thing needs to change at your club before the new campaign and why?
It can be a player, manager, ticketing issue, owner, or wider change.
Sunderland hope to beat Marseille to the signing of Charleroi and Algeria midfielder Yassine Titraoui, 22. (FootSur7 - in French), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column
Image source, Getty ImagesFormer Sunderland midfielder Kieron Brady believes £8m would be "a lot of money" to pay for Black Cats goalkeeper Anthony Patterson.
Patterson spent last season on loan at Championship side Millwall and Sunderland would reportedly be looking for at least £8m if they were to sell him.
Scottish Premiership side Rangers, Millwall, Wolves and Wrexham are among the clubs said to be interested in the England Under-21 goalkeeper.
Brady told BBC Radio Newcastle: "Sunderland may well contend that they are selling their second-choice goalkeeper, albeit they allowed him to go on loan and get some game time.
"Is £8m a lot of money these days? The only thing that I think could potentially prove a stumbling block for any transfer would be that the clubs that are referred to, I would have some reservations that any of those clubs would be prepared to pay £8m for a goalkeeper.
"It's a lot of money for a Championship club to pay for a goalkeeper and given the revenue within the Scottish game, £8m would be a lot for Celtic or Rangers to pay for a keeper."
Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson is wanted by Wrexham, but the Welsh club need the Black Cats to reduce their asking price of £8m-10m for the 26-year-old Englishman. (Sky Sports), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column
