Thomas Tuchel has finalised his travel plans for England's upcoming North American venture by naming the fourth youth addition to his senior preparation camp. While some fans expected a sensational call-up for Max Dowman, the German tactician has instead put his faith in the Arsenal starlet's team-mate Ethan Nwaneri.
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.
Thomas Tuchel has been warned that failing to secure World Cup glory should result in his immediate dismissal following a series of controversial squad selections. Former Premier League striker Troy Deeney has heavily criticised the German tactician for leaving out established superstars in favour of a group he describes as a "B-team."
South Africa's head coach has admitted he is facing an agonizing week as he prepares to trim his selection down to a final 26-man squad for the upcoming tournament. He also travelled down memory lane to when he was first appointed and the nation's attitude to their team.
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.
Gio Reyna has reportedly been named to the U.S. men's national team's World Cup roster, while Real Salt Lake star Diego Luna has been left off. Reyna is reportedly joined by the likes of Matt Turner, Sebastian Berhalter, Brenden Aaronson, and Mark McKenzie among the early roster leaks, while Luna's RSL teammate, Zavier Gozo, has also missed out.
England have named their squad for the 2026 World Cup, but can they go on to achieve what the so-called ‘Golden Generation’ could not and deliver a long-awaited international title? Michael Owen formed part of several trophy bids in the 1990s and 2000s, with the ex-Liverpool and Real Madrid striker telling GOAL of the failures that were toughest to stomach.
Martin Odegaard has faced criticism at times over the last couple of seasons, but he is now a Premier League title winner at Arsenal and fellow countryman John Arne Riise has told GOAL why he is “shocked and surprised” that anybody has ever doubted an “amazing” talent. The Norway international remains a key cog in Mikel Arteta’s well-oiled machine at Emirates Stadium.
Erling Haaland has been informed of what he will require in order to become a Ballon d’Or winner, with John Arne Riise telling GOAL that the Manchester City superstar needs a “sh*tload of goals” before being recognised as the best player on the planet. The Norwegian striker has tended to deliver on that front, and has long been billed as a natural heir to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in the Golden Ball-winning department.
As the 2026 World Cup arrives on home soil, Christian Pulisic, Tim Weah, Tyler Adams and the USMNT’s 2022 squad reflect on the goals, memories, heartbreak and brotherhood that still shape them.
England manager Thomas Tuchel has admitted his surprise at Harry Maguire’s reaction after the veteran defender was omitted from the Three Lions' 26-man World Cup squad. The German coach heavily praised the centre-back’s exceptional seasonal form but defended his ultimate selection blueprint, which relies on a core group of established tournament leaders.
The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture is no stranger to controversy online, or in real life and his seemingly innocent message of support for Master Chef appears to have rubbed people the wrong way.
Marcus Rashford called his England recall a “full-circle moment” after overcoming recent setbacks to make Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad. The forward thanked Unai Emery and Hansi Flick for helping revive his career, but made no mention of Manchester United.
The Clarets boss has issued a rallying cry to his squad, including the South Africa international, as they prepare for the global showpiece. Despite a difficult domestic campaign for the EPL side, the coach is determined to ensure his international stars arrive at the tournament in peak condition.
A Buccaneers legend has launched a scathing attack on the Belgian tactician following the announcement of the preliminary squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The retired attacker believes the veteran coach has made several grave errors in his player assessments ahead of the global showpiece.
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”.
Barcelona prodigy Marc Bernal has expressed profound gratitude towards manager Hansi Flick for protecting his development following a lengthy spell on the sidelines. The 18-year-old midfielder also revealed he is intentionally refraining from making any summer holiday plans as he anxiously awaits a potential senior international call-up for Spain.
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.
The 32-man extended South African FIFA World Cup squad was released by SAFA and it is fair to say there were mixed reactions to the list. Both inclusions and omissions caused a stir amongst fans who took to social media to express their hopes, dreams and criticisms of the assembled players who will carry the nations expectations into the global tournament.
Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez has addressed a sensational squad selection storm after confirming defender Antonio Silva accidentally leaked a full starting line-up during a major tournament. The manager fiercely defended the Benfica centre-back’s integrity, clarifying that his omission from the upcoming 2026 World Cup was purely tactical.
Manuel Neuer's rollercoaster week has taken another dramatic turn as Bayern Munich confirmed the veteran goalkeeper will miss the German Cup final against Stuttgart through injury. The news comes less than 24 hours after the 40-year-old was sensationally named as Germany's first-choice shot-stopper for the upcoming 2026 World Cup.
The expanded squad will be whittled down to just 26 players when the South Africa coach announces his final list on May 27. Until then, the following players will attend a preparatory camp in Johannesburg, minus the Mamelodi Sundowns picks as they are playing in the CAF Champions League final second leg on Sunday.
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