Thomas Tuchel has officially confirmed England’s 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with several major omissions immediately dominating discussion ahead of this summer’s tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico. England enter the competition among the favourites to challenge for the trophy as Tuchel prepares for his first major tournament since taking charge of the national team. The German manager now faces the task of guiding England towards a first men’s World Cup triumph since 1966. The squad announcement followed days of heavy speculation and social media leaks surrounding several high-profile players expected to miss out. Those reports proved accurate on Friday morning after Tuchel finalised his selection at Wembley Stadium.
England’s manager Thomas Tuchel during a press conference of England’s national soccer team in London, England, Monday, March 30, 2026. (Bradley Collyer/PA via AP, Pool)
England begin their World Cup campaign against Croatia on June 17 in Arlington, Texas, before facing Ghana on June 23 and Panama on June 27 in Group L.
Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold headline major omissions
The biggest talking point surrounding Tuchel’s squad immediately centred around the absence of Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold. Foden and Palmer both endured difficult domestic campaigns with Manchester City F.C. and Chelsea F.C. respectively, while neither player managed to impress consistently during England’s March internationals.
England’s Phil Foden holds the ball during the international friendly soccer match between England and Uruguay in London, Friday, March 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
Alexander-Arnold’s exclusion also attracted major attention given his stature and profile. The new Real Madrid C.F. defender has not featured regularly for England since last summer, with Tuchel ultimately deciding against selecting the attacking right-back for the tournament.
England’s Harry Maguire exercises during a training session in London, Monday March 30, 2026. (Bradley Collyer/PA via AP)
There was also no place in the squad for Harry Maguire, Morgan Gibbs-White, Luke Shaw, Adam Wharton or James Garner. Maguire reacted publicly before the official announcement, revealing he had already been informed of the decision. The Manchester United F.C. defender admitted he was “shocked and gutted” after learning he would miss the tournament despite returning to England’s setup earlier this year following improved club form.
Ivan Toney earns surprise recall after Saudi Pro League form
One of the biggest surprises in Tuchel’s squad was the inclusion of Ivan Toney. The Al-Ahli Saudi FC striker has barely featured under Tuchel and has played only two minutes for England since the German coach took charge. However, his prolific scoring form in Saudi Arabia appears to have convinced the manager to hand him a World Cup recall. Ollie Watkins also returned to the squad after a strong finish to the season with Aston Villa F.C.. Watkins scored consistently after missing England’s March squad and is now expected to compete with Toney for the backup striker role behind captain Harry Kane.
England’s Harry Kane, right, exercises during a training session in London, Monday March 30, 2026. (Bradley Collyer/PA via AP)
Kane will once again lead England into a major tournament after another productive season with FC Bayern Munich.
Tuchel places faith in younger defensive and midfield options
Tuchel’s squad also reflected a strong commitment towards younger and more flexible options across defence and midfield. Elliot Anderson, Kobbie Mainoo and Morgan Rogers all secured places after impressive club campaigns. The midfield group will be built around Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham, while Jordan Henderson retained his place despite continued debate surrounding his role in the squad. There were also concerns surrounding the fitness of some selected defenders. Tino Livramento was included despite reportedly missing the past month with a thigh injury, while Djed Spence earned selection despite reports suggesting he recently suffered a broken jaw. The squad also included Dan Burn, Jarell Quansah and Nico O’Reilly as Tuchel reshaped England’s defensive structure ahead of the tournament.
England’s full 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Goalkeepers
- Jordan Pickford (Everton F.C.)
- Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace F.C.)
- James Trafford (Manchester City F.C.)
Defenders
- Reece James (Chelsea F.C.)
- Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa F.C.)
- Jarell Quansah (Bayer 04 Leverkusen)
- John Stones (Manchester City F.C.)
- Marc Guéhi (Manchester City F.C.)
- Dan Burn (Newcastle United F.C.)
- Nico O’Reilly (Manchester City F.C.)
- Djed Spence (Tottenham Hotspur F.C.)
- Tino Livramento (Newcastle United F.C.)
Midfielders
- Declan Rice (Arsenal F.C.)
- Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest F.C.)
- Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United F.C.)
- Jordan Henderson (Brentford F.C.)
- Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa F.C.)
- Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid C.F.)
- Eberechi Eze (Arsenal F.C.)
Forwards
- Harry Kane (FC Bayern Munich)
- Ivan Toney (Al-Ahli Saudi FC)
- Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa F.C.)
- Bukayo Saka (Arsenal F.C.)
- Noni Madueke (Arsenal F.C.)
- Marcus Rashford (Manchester United F.C. / FC Barcelona)
- Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United F.C.)
With Tuchel’s first tournament squad now confirmed, attention immediately turns towards England’s preparations in North America as another generation attempts to finally bring the World Cup back to England.
