Thomas Tuchel has announced a 26-player England squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026, led by captain Harry Kane and featuring a mix of experienced campaigners and tournament newcomers.
Published 28 May 2026 — England head coach Thomas Tuchel has confirmed the 26 players who will travel to the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The squad announcement was broadcast live from Wembley Stadium and accompanied by a stylised video celebrating the team’s link to global culture.
The selection balances veterans with fresh faces and sets out a clear timetable for the team’s pre-tournament work. Supporters were directed to the official England app as the hub for behind-the-scenes content and further coverage of the Three Lions’ build-up.
How the squad was unveiled
The reveal took place in a live presentation at Wembley and featured a short film staged in New York that underscored England’s transatlantic connection. The footage, directed by Keane Shaw and Pete Martin, placed each player’s name across iconic city locations and used music to build atmosphere.
The production was intended to connect the squad with wider cultural touchpoints in the United States.
Broadcast and fan access
Fans were encouraged to follow the announcement via the official England app, which will remain the primary channel for team updates during the tournament. The decision to host the reveal at Wembley highlighted the national significance of the squad and the event’s live-audience focus.
Leadership and tournament experience
Harry Kane will captain England at his third World Cup, equalling a long-standing record previously held by Billy Wright. Several players — including Jordan Pickford, John Stones and Marcus Rashford — also head to North America for their third finals, while Jordan Henderson will make a record-equalling fourth finals appearance for England.
Tuchel highlighted the significance of a blend of experience and youth: veterans provide leadership and stability, while newcomers inject energy and fresh dynamics into matchday selections. The coach emphasised confidence in the group’s ability to represent the country with pride.
Notable milestones
Henderson’s selection marks his seventh major tournament inclusion, matching Lucy Bronze’s England record for appearances at major finals. These statistics underline the continuity within the national setup as it heads into another major summer event.
Preparation schedule and warm-up matches
The squad will assemble in phases due to club commitments. Most players will report to the team’s preparatory camp in Palm Beach, Florida from Monday 1 June. Teams involved in European club finals, notably Arsenal and Crystal Palace representatives, will join later.
England will play two warm-up fixtures in the United States: against New Zealand in Tampa and Costa Rica in Orlando on 6 and 10 June respectively. After these matches the full squad will relocate to their tournament base in Kansas City on Saturday 13 June to finalise preparations ahead of the group stage.
World Cup group and fixtures
Placed in Group L, England open their finals campaign against Croatia in Dallas on Wednesday 17 June. Subsequent group fixtures include matches versus Ghana in Boston on Tuesday 23 June and Panama in the New York/New Jersey area on Saturday 27 June. Kick-off times are provided in British Summer Time for following audiences in the UK.
The 26-player squad
The squad mix features established internationals alongside players making their first senior tournament appearances. The list below includes the nominated goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders and forwards selected by Tuchel.
Goalkeepers
Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), James Trafford (Manchester City) — Trafford is among the newcomers to a senior finals roster.
Defenders
Dan Burn (Newcastle United), Marc Guéhi (Manchester City), Reece James (Chelsea), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Tino Livramento (Newcastle United), Nico O’Reilly (Manchester City), Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen), Djed Spence (Tottenham Hotspur), John Stones (Manchester City).
Midfielders
Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa).
Forwards
Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Noni Madueke (Arsenal), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona, loan from Manchester United), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Ivan Toney (Al-Ahli), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa).
Tuchel noted a handful of omissions and injury concerns during his selection process. He stressed that the final roster reflects current form, fitness and the tactical balance required for a demanding World Cup schedule. The squad will now focus on building cohesion and match sharpness in the United States before the tournament begins.
