FIFA World Cup 2026 :Canada/Mexico/United States: Discussion Thread

[Btcdeybodi]

 I don't really know what tactics Thomas Tuchel is trying to use but it's surely going to be different from what we're used to seeing during Gareth Southgate's time. Imagine an England team without Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire or even Cole Palmer, now looks like no Liverpool England player received call up. Embarrassing, won't lie..

Every coach has players that prioritize over the others so the players you mentioned may have not meet up with the criteria that Thomas Tuchel used in selecting players that will represent England at the world cup. The England national team has many players but the maximum number expected to make it in the list is just 26 which is fair because if it's above that, some players will end up being benched all through the world cup matches. Before Tuchel announced the list of players that made it to the list, the three players you mentioned wasn't really in good form again especially Cole Palmer. Okay, do me and favor and remove 3 players from the squad who you think shouldn't have made it to the list and replace them with Maguire, Shaw and Cole in their respective positions, let me see the players you would pick out.

[MarryWithBTC]

Let's talk about the missing England Players

I know many are not comfortable with Tuchel's omissions, but the truth is that everyone will not go to the world cup.

Cole Palmer,
Phil Foden,
Harry Maguire,
Gibbs White,
Luke Shaw,
Adam Wharton,
Jack Grealish
and Trent are big names left out of England 2026 World cup squad. Most of these players have not been in good form recently, but i can only talk about dropping out Gibbs Whiten. This guy has been the best player in Nottingham Forest this season, he rescued them from relegation and led them to the Europa league semi final, unfortunately he got injured before the second leg and they were eliminated.

Also, Jude Bellingham is one of the best midfielders in the world right now but his form this season is very poor, I think Tuchel should have choose Gibbs White over Jude. Trent, Palmer, Phil foden stats and form is very poor this season so missing the world cup is not a great surprise.
However, the England team still looks decent...

[KTChampions]

England coach Thomas Tuchel has submitted his 55-man provisional World Cup list. Some of the surprising exclusions are Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden, AC Milan defender Fikayo Tomori, and Manchester United defender Harry Maguire. Maguire posted on his Instagram that he was sure that he would have made some good contributions to the squad. He expressed his shock by the decision. Tuchel defended his decision stating that Harry lacked mobility.

And Tuchel continues to ignore Trent. To be honest, I doubt his adequacy. It seems that the personal outweighs the professional for Tuchel. But there is a silver lining: if England don't do well at the World Cup, Tuchel will be booted out like a cork from a bottle. I wonder if Tuchel himself understands this or not. If he does, then this kind of gambling probably suits him. But he could still do things a little more gently; an authoritarian style is only forgiven if it produces results, and Tuchel's is far from certain to achieve them.

[hyudien]

I have seen England’s World Cup squad and I was very surprised that players of the calibre of Cole Palmer, Luke Shaw and Phil Foden were left out. Whilst I expected Trent Alexander Arnold to be left out because he’s been playing really badly for real Madrid, the others had seemed to be in good form; I would even have considered Mason Greenwood as well, as he’s been playing very well.

At first when Tuchel got rid of Foden and maguire, I didn't mind at all, but after checking all the England national team players he would bring to the WC, I found myself questioning that move, because there were too many good players he got rid of, I don't know what Palmer and Trent Alexander Arnold lacked, even though Trent Alexander Arnold and Palmer were in declining form he was still very useful. It's strange that Tuchel did such a silly thing.
Many questioned this also on social media and some even joked by saying Tuchel move was to help Germany and Francis.

[ASloveapg]

I truly think that putting Neymar in the national team is a mistake, especially when we know that Antony and João Pedro were better options. Maybe Ancelotti has some magic for him in the World Cup, or maybe his expertise will come in handy, or maybe Neymar gives so much to the national team that Ancelotti values that. These are just assumptions and points of view—nothing more, nothing less.

Neymar is a kind of player that shouldn’t and couldn’t be underestimated because of how great a player he is and he was. It’s true that he’s gotten older and doesn’t have the physicality factor now that a younger player has but he has something greater and that is experience. I would always back a more experienced player than any other one because experience is a very important thing. These other players might be physically capable and more active but that’s not always what a team needs, sometimes it needs some experience.

I also completely agree with this, experience is a very important thing, which is more in the case of Neymar in the Brazilian team, so the Brazilian team seems very incomplete to me without Neymar. And that is why when Neymar's name comes during the announcement of the Brazilian team, all the spectators are excited and happy, and from that it is understood how reliable and experienced Neymar is in the Brazilian team. Although injury is a big problem for Neymar, but I hope that this time Neymar will overcome it and do something good with all his strength.

[Obim34]

Many have criticized the inclusion of Neymar rather than Joao Pedro or Anthony, but I'm sure Ancelotti has plans for Neymar. Although I also think that maybe Neymar will only play as a substitute because his quality has decreased. Let's just wait and see if the 26 players Ancelotti has brought will be able to do their best in this World Cup.

Leave aside Antony, my concern is mainly on Joao Pedro not making the squad list. Joao Pedro is much better than half of the attackers that made the squad list, if it were the season Jackson was the actual striker for Chelsea, and it was Joao Pedro then as the striker, Joao Pedro would have converted majority of the chances missed by Jackson.

I hope it is not a decision Ancelotti regrets later on, Chelsea didn't play well, but Joao Pedro was outstanding among others.

[Oluwa-btc]

What the fuck is thinking in his head Tuchel and some other coaches for example the coach of the Portugal national team putting 4 yes 4!!!! goalkeepers in their list for the world cup, in the case of Tuchel im hearing  he is gonna leave out of the list some really good players and put into the list players that are not in the level of the leaving behind.

Ivan Toney over Palmer??? I know Palmer is not in his best, but come on, Madueke over Phil Foden? no way.

Maybe you should see Ivan Toneys numbers since he left for the Saudi Arabia league competition. He has quality numbers and in a good form, he should be a back up striker for Harry Kane mind you, Cole Palmer and Toney do not play same role, and Palmer didn't have a complete good season for Chelsea.
I don't even know why people are crashing over Harry Maguire being axed. His lack of pace is his biggest flaw and all these British fans overlooking that are sick in the head.

[ndutndut]

Among the many countries that have qualified for the World Cup my attention has been drawn to Switzerland. They have consistently qualified for major European and World Cup tournaments and I admire their coaching. But what most surprising is that Shaqiri is missing from the Swiss squad this time. He previously played in the 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022 World Cups. Switzerland will now play in this year World Cup without him.

Shaqiri absence from the tournament wasn't due to a technical decision but rather because he retired from international football in 2024. What's most surprising is that since his retirement Shaqiri has scored 58 goals/assists in 64 appearances for Basel. Given his contributions in Basel, the coach should have recalled him to play for Switzerland in this year World Cup. I think he's a player who will definitely be missed at this World Cup. Even though Switzerland now has a new generation, Shaqiri aura will still be missed.

[Jaycoinz]

Many have criticized the inclusion of Neymar rather than Joao Pedro or Anthony, but I'm sure Ancelotti has plans for Neymar. Although I also think that maybe Neymar will only play as a substitute because his quality has decreased. Let's just wait and see if the 26 players Ancelotti has brought will be able to do their best in this World Cup.

Leave aside Antony, my concern is mainly on Joao Pedro not making the squad list. Joao Pedro is much better than half of the attackers that made the squad list, if it were the season Jackson was the actual striker for Chelsea, and it was Joao Pedro then as the striker, Joao Pedro would have converted majority of the chances missed by Jackson.

I hope it is not a decision Ancelotti regrets later on, Chelsea didn't play well, but Joao Pedro was outstanding among others.

Well he is the coach and he knows exactly why he called up the players in his list and beside not every gets the favor of the guy regardless of the performance, I don't know but there might be something different that actually influenced his decision. If the results don't go as planned you can still not know of jao pedro would have done better if he were to be fixtures, personally I just believe the manager knows the players that would best suit his playing style and make the call up on that preference.

[Forsyth Jones]

Even you and me don't like France to win World Cup this year, it's only our personal emotional thinking as France actually have a best player resource in World Cup 2026. They have also gone too far in latest World Cup and Euro tournaments so their national team actually are one of best candidates for the title this summer.

Between Portugal and Netherlands, I'd like to see Netherlands winning their first World Cup as in history, they are the only national team that have yet won any World Cup title after playing three final matches, that's crazy. However in this World Cup 2026, Netherlands don't have too good squad that is even weaker than Portugal squad. Without emotional bias, I think Portugal national team have better chance to win this title than Netherlands national team and it can be a last big achievement for Cristiano Ronaldo in his player career.

I'm not that into this World Cup, my team isn't doing so well and could have one of its worst world cups ever, it hasn't been doing well for decades. But I share your thoughts about Portugal, since I really like CR7 Ronaldo's football. I hope it's an exciting World Cup, full of surprises, twists, and memorable goals.

Besides that, which teams do you think are favorites for this World Cup besides France and Portugal?

[ndutndut]

I have seen England’s World Cup squad and I was very surprised that players of the calibre of Cole Palmer, Luke Shaw and Phil Foden were left out. Whilst I expected Trent Alexander Arnold to be left out because he’s been playing really badly for real Madrid, the others had seemed to be in good form; I would even have considered Mason Greenwood as well, as he’s been playing very well.

At first when Tuchel got rid of Foden and maguire, I didn't mind at all, but after checking all the England national team players he would bring to the WC, I found myself questioning that move, because there were too many good players he got rid of, I don't know what Palmer and Trent Alexander Arnold lacked, even though Trent Alexander Arnold and Palmer were in declining form he was still very useful. It's strange that Tuchel did such a silly thing.
Many questioned this also on social media and some even joked by saying Tuchel move was to help Germany and Francis.

In the past when England was coached by local coaches they always brought star players to the national team in every major competition and that's not the case now under Tuchel. England fans shouldn't complain about A and B not being included in the squad. Previously when coached by local coaches they brought all the stars but to no avail only reaching the semifinals or finals. Now we just have to wait and see what Tuchel's experiments at the World Cup will yield.

After all Tuchel player selections are tailored to his tactics and those who weren't called up might not fit his preferred scheme or tactics. Since every coach has their own unique formula or strategy, perhaps Tuchel wants to play directly vertically directly in front of the opponent's goal, judging by the squad he's brought to this World Cup. It could be said that this is truly a gamble for Tuchel. We'll just have to see how England performs in the group stage. I'm also curious.

[yixichloro2xx]

Let's talk about the missing England Players

I know many are not comfortable with Tuchel's omissions, but the truth is that everyone will not go to the world cup.

Cole Palmer,
Phil Foden,
Harry Maguire,
Gibbs White,
Luke Shaw,
Adam Wharton,
Jack Grealish
and Trent are big names left out of England 2026 World cup squad. Most of these players have not been in good form recently, but i can only talk about dropping out Gibbs Whiten. This guy has been the best player in Nottingham Forest this season, he rescued them from relegation and led them to the Europa league semi final, unfortunately he got injured before the second leg and they were eliminated.

Also, Jude Bellingham is one of the best midfielders in the world right now but his form this season is very poor, I think Tuchel should have choose Gibbs White over Jude. Trent, Palmer, Phil foden stats and form is very poor this season so missing the world cup is not a great surprise.
However, the England team still looks decent...

I hope Tomas Tuchel knows what he is doing. The English media has buzzling because of the squad announcement he made which has been causing alot of controversy. I feel before Tuchel pick his players he would have watched them play and see their abilities. At times I often see him watching games as a spectator so he would have used that opportunity to  assess some of the players he needs. To be honest players like Cole Palmer, foden , grealish haven't been in their top form this season and I am sure everyone can agree to that. You are right Gibbs white could have made the squad so that they can add more extra depth to the midfield. If England was to be eliminated, Alot of blame will fall upon and we know how toxic the English media and legends are.

[BIT-BENDER]

For me the biggest topic in the conversation in Tuchel's England squad selection is the Inclusion of Henderson, I consider it an important not just because based on performance on the pitch Henderson doesn't deserve to be there but also his inclusion mean that he is taking up a space that someone else would have been included.
The defense for tuchel is the leadership skill of Henderson but right now Harry Kane is of the age and experience to bring in the strong leadership the team needs and is also very important on the pitch.

[Franctoshi]

Among the many countries that have qualified for the World Cup my attention has been drawn to Switzerland. They have consistently qualified for major European and World Cup tournaments and I admire their coaching. But what most surprising is that Shaqiri is missing from the Swiss squad this time. He previously played in the 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022 World Cups. Switzerland will now play in this year World Cup without him.

Shaqiri absence from the tournament wasn't due to a technical decision but rather because he retired from international football in 2024. What's most surprising is that since his retirement Shaqiri has scored 58 goals/assists in 64 appearances for Basel. Given his contributions in Basel, the coach should have recalled him to play for Switzerland in this year World Cup. I think he's a player who will definitely be missed at this World Cup. Even though Switzerland now has a new generation, Shaqiri aura will still be missed.

You never know if their national team coach invited him to come and play in the world, and he refused because he had made up his mind to quit or retire completely from anything concerning national football activities, and he's only now focused on club football, and due to some personal reason, so no one can actually tell since he's still fit to play, because some players sometimes may consider their age is above their fellow national teammate and no longer want to play with the younger players in their, Therefore, Reasons best known to Shaqiri.

[mikel_012]

At first when Tuchel got rid of Foden and maguire, I didn't mind at all, but after checking all the England national team players he would bring to the WC, I found myself questioning that move, because there were too many good players he got rid of, I don't know what Palmer and Trent Alexander Arnold lacked, even though Trent Alexander Arnold and Palmer were in declining form he was still very useful. It's strange that Tuchel did such a silly thing.
Many questioned this also on social media and some even joked by saying Tuchel move was to help Germany and Francis.

Chelsea has been making victims in the World Cup squad selections with their shameful performances at the end of the Premier League season. First it was João Pedro, and now Palmer. 

Tuchel was directly questioned about not selecting Cole Palmer, and he was very clear that he didn't call him up simply because of his poor form a month before the World Cup, while those competing for the spot with Cole have been more impactful at their clubs.

[Obim34]

Well he is the coach and he knows exactly why he called up the players in his list and beside not every gets the favor of the guy regardless of the performance, I don't know but there might be something different that actually influenced his decision. If the results don't go as planned you can still not know of jao pedro would have done better if he were to be fixtures, personally I just believe the manager knows the players that would best suit his playing style and make the call up on that preference.

How complex are his tactics that Joao Pedro can't fit in, Joao Pedro is a versatile player, in a dying Chelsea team, he was able to summon 20+ G/A  in a season, so playing in a team with Brazilian midfielders who will create goal opportunities, Joao Pedro would have contributed heavily to the team in the World Cup, It's a loss for Brazil not including him.

Has statements been made while he didn't include the player? Sometimes managers makes mistake and this could be one.

[EL MOHA]

At first when Tuchel got rid of Foden and maguire, I didn't mind at all, but after checking all the England national team players he would bring to the WC, I found myself questioning that move, because there were too many good players he got rid of, I don't know what Palmer and Trent Alexander Arnold lacked, even though Trent Alexander Arnold and Palmer were in declining form he was still very useful. It's strange that Tuchel did such a silly thing.
Many questioned this also on social media and some even joked by saying Tuchel move was to help Germany and Francis.

So you would have been comfortable if Maguire was not selected but Palmer and Arnold were selected? I think lots of you have disrespected Harry Maguire for far too much which I don’t understand why. I will say it that there is no center back in England currently better than Harry maguire, yes people can make a case for Marc Guehi but with how Maguire has been with England in previous outings. How much of a threat he is in the both boxes I would say Maguire omission was clearly a huge mistake in my opinion and it’s the biggest omission.

Yes bigger omission than Cole Palmer who has been the Palmer two seasons ago nor the Trent before his Real Madrid days. Another surprising omission is that of Luke Shaw because what should he do to actually get on the plane with England, he has been excellent throughout this season having played the entire games in the league this season is a clear indication that it is simply about him not actually about players form

[7788bitcoin]

~
Most of these players have not been in good form recently, but i can only talk about dropping out Gibbs Whiten. This guy has been the best player in Nottingham Forest this season, he rescued them from relegation and led them to the Europa league semi final, unfortunately he got injured before the second leg and they were eliminated.

If not for his injury Gibbs Whiten, would be in the team. England has a good team. Harry Kane is in exceptional form and the leading goal scorer in Europe, and combining him with Anthony Gordon, Noni Madueke and Bukayo Saka could produce incredible results.

[Agbamoni]

 I don't really know what tactics Thomas Tuchel is trying to use but it's surely going to be different from what we're used to seeing during Gareth Southgate's time. Imagine an England team without Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire or even Cole Palmer, now looks like no Liverpool England player received call up. Embarrassing, won't lie..

England needs a coach who can forget about the noise and do what must be done. Tuchel has proven to be that man.
It is always a problem choosing an England team to represent in an international game. In previous years, it has caused chaos and conflict between English clubs as fans would prefer their favorite player to be in the squad. This time around, Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City, and Liverpool fans are complaining. Meanwhile, most of the England players in the Arsenal team have been called up.

[Amphenomenon]

And Tuchel continues to ignore Trent. To be honest, I doubt his adequacy. It seems that the personal outweighs the professional for Tuchel. But there is a silver lining: if England don't do well at the World Cup, Tuchel will be booted out like a cork from a bottle. I wonder if Tuchel himself understands this or not. If he does, then this kind of gambling probably suits him. But he could still do things a little more gently; an authoritarian style is only forgiven if it produces results, and Tuchel's is far from certain to achieve them.

Can we agree that Trent wasn't exceptional this season as usual and this was majorly because of his current injury woes. To be honest, let's see how well his squad plays as a team which I think is something that is most necessary and what they often lack over all in their team. If everything works well who will criticize this decision?

It is now clear that no one is irreplaceable in the team and this will make everyone mindful of how they behave and perform, yes there are some questionable omission but still I don't necessarily consider Trent as one.