Thomas Tuchel is set to officially announce England’s final 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Friday morning as preparations intensify for this summer’s tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico. England head into the expanded 48-team competition among the favourites to challenge for the trophy, with Tuchel attempting to guide the men’s national team to its first major international title since the 1966 World Cup. The squad announcement comes after England comfortably secured qualification by dominating UEFA Group K, winning all eight qualifying matches without conceding a single goal. However, disappointing performances in March friendlies against Uruguay and Japan created fresh questions around several players heading into the final selection. A number of high-profile omissions have already emerged ahead of the official reveal, with Harry Maguire confirming late on Thursday that he has not been included in Tuchel’s final squad.
England manager Thomas Tuchel during a training session in London, Monday March 30, 2026. (Bradley Collyer/PA via AP)
The Manchester United F.C. defender described himself as “shocked and gutted” after learning of the decision, particularly after returning to the England setup earlier this year following a strong club run of form. Reports have also indicated that Phil Foden and Cole Palmer are expected to miss out after difficult domestic campaigns with Manchester City F.C. and Chelsea F.C. respectively, alongside underwhelming March international performances.
What time will England’s World Cup squad be announced?
England’s official 2026 FIFA World Cup squad announcement will take place on Friday 22 May from Wembley Stadium. The live announcement programme is scheduled to begin at 9.45am BST (2.15pm IST), with the full 26-player squad expected to be confirmed shortly afterwards. The event forms part of England’s final build-up before the squad travels to North America next month.
How can fans watch the England squad announcement live?
The announcement will be broadcast live through the official England app, which will provide exclusive coverage directly from Wembley Stadium. The programme will be hosted by presenter Kyle Walker and will feature former England internationals Daniel Sturridge and Theo Walcott, both of whom previously represented England at FIFA World Cups. England’s official digital platforms will also run a live blog throughout the morning leading into the announcement. Tuchel himself is expected to appear during the programme and speak publicly for the first time about his final squad selections once the names are officially confirmed.
When will Thomas Tuchel speak to the media?
According to reports from The Independent, Tuchel is expected to address the media from around 11am BST (3.30pm IST) following the squad reveal. The England manager is likely to face immediate questions surrounding several notable exclusions, squad balance decisions and England’s expectations heading into the tournament. Tuchel took charge of England with the specific aim of ending the nation’s long wait for major silverware and has repeatedly emphasised the importance of tactical flexibility, physical intensity and tournament mentality during his early months in charge.
England’s World Cup group and opening fixtures confirmed
England have been drawn into Group L for the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Croatia, Ghana and Panama. Their tournament campaign will begin against Croatia on 17 June in Arlington, Texas, where England are expected to face veteran midfielder Luka Modrić.
England head coach Thomas Tuchel, centre, speaks to the players during a training session of England’s national soccer team in London, England, Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025, ahead of the world cup qualifying soccer match against Serbia. (John Walton/PA via AP)
England will then face Ghana on 23 June in Boston before concluding the group stage against Panama in New York on 27 June. The expanded 2026 World Cup format will feature 104 matches across the United States, Canada and Mexico, making it the largest tournament in FIFA history.
What happens next after the squad announcement?
Once the final squad is confirmed, England will travel to Florida in early June for a pre-World Cup training camp designed to finalise tactical preparations and improve match sharpness before the tournament begins. The Three Lions will also play two warm-up internationals during the camp:
- New Zealand on Saturday 6 June at 9pm BST (1.30am IST, June 7)
- Costa Rica on Wednesday 10 June at 9pm BST (1.30am IST, June 11)
International friendlies before major tournaments are typically used by national team coaches to test tactical systems, evaluate squad combinations and build chemistry among players who spend limited time together during the club season. With Tuchel now preparing to reduce months of planning into a final 26-man selection, Friday’s announcement represents one of the final major moments before England’s latest attempt to end nearly six decades without a men’s World Cup triumph officially begins.
