Three Lions have finalized their 26-man squad for the lively summer World Cup race.
England coach Thomas Tuchel made the announcement of the final squad on Friday, May 22, 2026.
First let’s clarify a little the surprises that have come to the squad.
Among them are Djed Spence and Ivan Toney, who surprised the British. While Maguire, Cole Palmer and Phil Foden are the ones who failed to make the World Cup team.
Among the main omissions was Morgan Gibbs-White, despite his good performance with Nottingham Forest.
Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke were essential to the 26-man squad, which helped Arsenal clinch the Premier League championship.
Defensively, Harry Maguire goes unnoticed despite hoping to compete in a third World Cup, with Djed Spence a fascinating call-up to cover both full-back positions.
For the central defensive positions, Jarell Quansah offers depth, while both John Stones and Reece James look set to play key roles despite doubts over their fitness.
English coach Touchel explained his selection for the World Cup in a press conference on May 22, 2026.
Tuchel said: “I think we were clear from day one that we tried to select the best team possible.
“Which doesn’t necessarily mean putting together the top 26 individual players. Teams win championships.”
Here is the official 26-player squad for the FIFA World Cup:
Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Dean Henderson, James Traffford
Defenders: Reece James, Jarell Quansah, Ezri Konsa, John Stones, Marc Guehi, Nico O’Reilly, Dan Burn, Tino Livramento, Djed Spence.
Midfielders: Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson, Kobbie Mainoo, Jordan Henderson, Morgan Rogers, Eberechi Ezi, Jude Bellingham
Forwards: Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke, Marcus Rashford, Anthonmy Gordon, Harry Kane (c), Ollie Watkins, Ivan Toney
The Three Lions will begin the first match of their campaign against Croatia in Group L on June 17, 20526.
After Ghana (June 23) and the last group match against Panama (June 27).
The world’s largest sporting event, the 2026 FIFA World Cup, will take place in the United States, Canada and Mexico starting June 11, 2026.
For the past six decades, England have failed to win any major tournament in North America, but this World Cup offers a golden opportunity to break the drought.
