The 2026 World Cup is almost here. After years of build-up, dramatic qualifiers and numerous good - and bad - news stories surrounding FIFA's flagship finals, players and coaches from around the world are completing their last preparations after descending on the United States, Mexico and Canada for the biggest international football tournament to ever have been staged.
Former England defender Kyle Walker has admitted his shock after Thomas Tuchel omitted Phil Foden, Harry Maguire and Trent Alexander-Arnold from his World Cup squad. The trio were the headline casualties of Friday's 26-man selection for the tournament in North America, with Walker left questioning several of the manager's major tactical decisions.
England head coach Thomas Tuchel has admitted that tactical uncertainty regarding Phil Foden’s best position drove the decision to drop the Manchester City star from his World Cup squad. The German asserted that bringing the versatile attacker to North America and potentially being played out of position would have resulted in possible camp discontent.
So there we have it: England's 2026 World Cup squad is confirmed and it will go down as one of the most contentious of all time. Manager Thomas Tuchel has made it abundantly clear from the outset that he isn't afraid to ruffle some feathers with his decisions, and he has stayed true to his word with his divisive selections for the Three Lions' latest bid to end an agonising wait for a first major trophy since 1966.
Thomas Tuchel has defended his decision to leave Harry Maguire, Phil Foden and Cole Palmer out of England’s World Cup squad. The England boss admitted the calls were “painfully difficult” but insisted he wanted a balanced group built on “hunger and excitement”.
England manager Thomas Tuchel has named his 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, with Jude Bellingham and Noni Madueke among those to get the nod as Phil Foden and Cole Palmer miss out. Harry Kane captains the Three Lions in their bid to bring 60 years of international trophy heartache to a close, with Ivan Toney, Ollie Watkins and Marcus Rashford providing support and competition in the attacking department.
Cole Palmer and Phil Foden are reportedly set to miss out on England's 2026 World Cup squad, with Thomas Tuchel's final 26-man list being leaked ahead of Friday's official announcement. Luke Shaw is also expected to join Manchester United team-mate Harry Maguire in being omitted from the squad for the tournament in North America.
It's finally decision time for Thomas Tuchel, who is set to name his final England squad for the 2026 World Cup. Tuchel's brief for the role was quite simple when he began work in March 2025: ensure the Three Lions lift the trophy for the first time in 60 long years. Now, the German tactician must pick the 26 players who he believes can get the job done in North America as the tournament looms large.
Coventry have been told that “Phil Foden’s not happening”, as some bold transfer shouts are made on the back of securing promotion into the Premier League, but Clinton Morrison has told GOAL why Frank Lampard can land big names. The Sky Blues are already in the process of identifying targets that can help them to compete in the big time, with their Chelsea legend boss set to act as a recruitment trump card.
Phil Foden has insisted he is prepared to remain patient at Manchester City as he nears a lucrative new contract extension despite a challenging second half of the season. The academy graduate, who has attracted interest from across Europe, reaffirmed his status as a dedicated team player focused on helping the club secure further silverware.
Pep Guardiola was full of praise for Phil Foden after he inspired Manchester City to a 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace, moving within two points of Premier League leaders Arsenal. The England international was the architect of the win, providing two sublime assists on his first league start since March to ensure the title race goes to the wire.
Phil Foden helped keep Manchester City's Premier League title hopes alive by creating two goals in Wednesday's night's vital 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace at the Etihad, while simultaneously providing Thomas Tuchel a timely reminder of his qualities. Foden's place in England's World Cup is very much in doubt at the moment but he unquestionably made the most of a rare opportunity to start for City, as Pep Guardiola made six changes with Saturday's FA Cup final against Chelsea in mind.
Phil Foden has reportedly reached a definitive decision regarding his Manchester City future after attracting significant interest from rival clubs across Europe. Despite a recent dip in form, the England international is set to commit his long-term peak years to the Etihad Stadium with a lucrative new contract agreement.
Pep Guardiola has confirmed Manchester City are close to agreeing a new deal with Phil Foden while also expressing hope that Josko Gvardiol will extend his stay. Speaking ahead of the Premier League meeting with Brentford, the Catalan coach confirmed that while agreements are nearing completion, the final paperwork has yet to be signed.
Phil Foden is set to commit his long-term future to Manchester City after reaching an agreement in principle over a new contract at the Etihad Stadium. The England international utilised the services of Erling Haaland's agent, Rafaela Pimenta, to navigate these crucial negotiations and secure his status within the squad for years to come.
Phil Foden and Morgan Gibbs-White have been warned to brace for World Cup heartache, with Chris Waddle telling GOAL which playmakers he would pick if stepping into Thomas Tuchel’s shoes as England boss. The Three Lions are blessed with an abundance of creative options, such as Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers, meaning that some big names are going to be left disappointed.
.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
