The 2026 World Cup kicks off on Thursday in Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium, with 48 teams chasing the trophy across 104 matches in three countries over 39 days. While holders Argentina and co-hosts Canada, Mexico and the United States are among the contenders, England’s hopes may hinge on a defender playing through a broken jaw.
Tottenham full-back Djed Spence will wear a protective mask throughout the tournament after fracturing his jaw in the penultimate Premier League game of the season. Chelsea striker Liam Delap caught him with a direct elbow – a “crazy challenge” that surprisingly did not result in a red card, Spence said. Despite the injury, the 25-year-old finished the match and played through the pain in a crucial 1-0 win over Everton five days later, a result that secured Spurs’ Premier League survival.
“England’s Djed Spence will wear a face mask throughout the World Cup after a fractured jaw, while pundits back the Three Lions to go all the way.”
“It’s a little bit uncomfortable but it is what it is,” Spence said of the mask. “It was painful but luckily I play football with my feet and not my jaw, so I was all good.” The fracture will take three months to heal, forcing him to wear the custom facial brace for the entire World Cup. He has been breaking it in during warm-ups in Florida and successfully navigated 45 minutes in the gear during Saturday’s 1-0 win over New Zealand, where he provided a perfect cross for Harry Kane’s winner.
England face Costa Rica in their final warm-up friendly on Wednesday in Orlando, and Spence is expected to wear the mask for the full duration of his minutes on the pitch. Under FIFA regulations, such protective gear is permitted as long as it poses no danger to players.
BBC Sport pundits are divided on England’s prospects. Wayne Rooney predicted England will face Spain in the final – and win. Thomas Frank also tipped England, saying: “For me it is between Brazil and England… and I am saying England!” Alan Shearer pointed to France, “only if there is no in-house fighting”, while Danny Murphy and Olivier Giroud also favour France. Micah Richards noted the humidity could favour South American teams but believes Spain will prevail.
As the nation dares to dream, the question of a public holiday hangs in the air. Scotland will have a one-off Bank Holiday during the group stages – but whether England would get one if they lift the trophy on 19 July at the MetLife Stadium near New York City remains unanswered.