England’s Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold will miss this summer’s World Cup — the biggest in history — as all 48 competing nations confirmed their 26-man squads for the tournament that kicks off in the US, Canada and Mexico on 11 June.
The Three Lions’ absentees were among the headline omissions as the deadline passed, with the squad lists published on 11 May and updated on 2 June. The tournament runs until 19 July, with 48 teams for the first time. Among the marquee names travelling: Argentina’s Lionel Messi will represent his country at a sixth World Cup, while Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo is set for a record sixth appearance.
“All 48 squads confirmed for the 2026 World Cup, with England's Foden, Palmer and Alexander-Arnold missing out.”
Mexico, meanwhile, have selected veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa for his sixth World Cup. At 40, Germany’s Manuel Neuer has come out of retirement to be first-choice keeper. Bosnia-Herzegovina’s Edin Dzeko will join the list of 40-year-olds at the tournament. Croatia named Luka Modric, also 40, in their squad.
England’s energy off the pitch, however, has been focused on a retro shirt. Ahead of the tournament, the Three Lions and Nike launched the England Nike Energy Top — a blue ’90s-inspired lifestyle shirt that will not be worn during matches. Part of the Energy Pack range, it features bold Nike branding and an all-over graphic print. The top costs £69.99, but fans can reduce it to £53.77 via a TopCashback sign-up offer. One supporter called it “beautiful”; another wrote: “The state of that.”
On the field, the United States named Tyler Adams and Antonee Robinson in their squad. Canada’s Alphonso Davies leads what has been billed as the nation’s “best ever” squad. Brazil included Neymar, while France’s Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele head the French side. Norway will rely on Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard. Spain picked the injured Lamine Yamal but no Real Madrid players. Belgium’s Romelu Lukaku was selected despite being described as “out of shape”.
Small nations also feature: Curacao, the smallest nation, named their debut World Cup squad. Jordan will play in their first World Cup. Uzbekistan qualified for the first time.
With the opening match days away, the tournament’s new rules — from VAR changes to covering mouths — are set to be tested. But questions remain: can England overcome the absence of key creative talents? And will Messi and Ronaldo add another chapter to their storied careers?