2026 World Cup England preview: When will Thomas Tuchel name 26-man World Cup squad? Who is set to miss out? What are the pre-tournament plans?
Published 12/05/2026 at 14:42 GMT+1
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As a dramatic Premier League season draws to a conclusion, attention will soon shift to this summer’s World Cup, played across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
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England boss Thomas Tuchel has a lot to ponder before naming a squad capable of adding a second star to the one marking the 1966 World Cup crown.
Last time out, the German named a split 35-man squad for March friendlies against Uruguay and Japan, with England drawing the former 1-1 and losing the latter 1-0.
Tuchel will need to whittle that number down to 26 long before England’s opening game against Croatia in Arlington, Texas on June 17.
Here’s everything you need to know about when Tuchel will name his England squad for the World Cup.
When will Tuchel name his England World Cup squad?
Tuchel will name his 26-man World Cup squad on Friday, May 22.
As per FIFA rules, England must have a provisional squad of between 35 and 55 players submitted to FIFA by Monday, May 11.
The provisional list is solely used for internal purposes and will not be published.
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Can Tuchel make changes to his squad after the announcement?
FIFA rules state that a player in the final 26-man squad can only be replaced by someone in the provisional squad after May 22 in the event of a serious injury or illness.
This can happen up to 24 hours before England’s World Cup opener against Croatia.
What are England’s pre-World Cup plans?
England will fly to Florida for a pre-World Cup training camp in early June, where they will play against New Zealand on Saturday, June 6, and Costa Rica on Wednesday, June 10.
They will then begin their World Cup campaign a week later against Croatia in Dallas, before taking on Ghana in Boston on Tuesday, June 23 and rounding off the group stage against Panama in New Jersey on Saturday, June 27.
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Why Tuchel has to select three goalkeepers
The minimum squad size is 23 and the maximum is 26, with the rules stating at least three players need to be goalkeepers.
Everton’s Jordan Pickford, who has won 82 caps for The Three Lions, is likely to continue his role as No. 1, while Crystal Palace’s Dean Henderson is set to act as understudy.
Meanwhile, James Trafford (Manchester City), Aaron Ramsdale (Newcastle United) and Jason Steele (Brighton & Hove Albion) all featured in the squad for the March internationals and are in contention for a World Cup place.
Which England players could miss out?
Morgan Gibbs-White has been in scintillating form, registering 16 goals and seven assists across all competitions this season, and looks well-placed to capitalise on the struggles of Phil Foden and Cole Palmer.
Foden, one of England’s most decorated players, has struggled since being substituted at half-time of the Manchester derby on January 17.
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Indeed, Tuchel highlighted Foden’s subdued displays during the most recent international break, when the Manchester City star was the only player to start both matches against Uruguay and Japan.
”He came to camp with the brightest smile and was so good in training,” Tuchel said.
”And I thought he would surprise us and play with the same verve and excitement but, yeah, he struggles to have the full impact.”
Chelsea’s Palmer is another whose form has dipped since a sensational 2024, though his scoring record in big games - including the Euro 2024 final, UEFA Conference League final and Club World Cup final - could still earn him a place.
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Having received his first senior call-up in November, Alex Scott can count himself unfortunate to have missed out on the March squad despite continuing to impress for AFC Bournemouth.
However, the 22-year-old is competing for a midfield spot alongside the likes of Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice, Kobbie Mainoo, Jordan Henderson, Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton.
Trent Alexander-Arnold is another high-profile player who could miss out, having been omitted from Tuchel’s March squad. He has remarkably gone almost a year without an England cap.
Myles Lewis-Skelly was also called up early in Tuchel’s reign, but a lack of club minutes has seen him slip out of contention.
However, the 19-year-old has returned to the fold at Arsenal in recent weeks and could yet force his way back into Tuchel’s thinking ahead of selection day.
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World Cup groups
Group A - Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, Czechia
Group B - Canada, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Qatar, Switzerland
Group C - Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland
Group D - United States, Paraguay, Australia, Turkey
Group E - Germany, Curacao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador
Group F - Netherlands, Japan, Tunisia, Sweden
Group G - Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand
Group H - Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay
Group I - France, Senegal, Iraq, Norway
Group J - Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan
Group K - Portugal, DR Congo, Uzbekistan, Colombia
Group L - England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama
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