Players await World Cup squad selection with hope and dread; Micah Richards and Martin Keown recall the pain of omission, while Theo Walcott experienced the shock of a call-up.

Crystal Palace defender Chris Richards is out of World Cup 2026 after tearing two ankle ligaments, compounding the USMNT's injury crisis ahead of the roster reveal.

Fikayo Tomori will miss England's 2026 World Cup squad. Thomas Tuchel names final 26 on Friday, with Maguire also absent. Defensive shake-up continues.

Norway's 2026 World Cup squad announced via video by King Harald V. Martin Odegaard named captain, Erling Haaland included. Uncaptured keeper Sander Tangvik adds late drama. Norway drawn in Group I with France, Senegal, Iraq.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup faces dual threats: an Ebola outbreak forcing DR Congo's team to Belgium, and extreme heat endangering a quarter of matches across North America.

Thomas Tuchel faces agonizing decisions ahead of England's 2026 World Cup squad announcement, with injuries, form, and tactical balance creating uncertainty, especially in defence.

At 40, Manuel Neuer has reversed his international retirement and been named Germany's undisputed number one for the 2026 World Cup by manager Julian Nagelsmann.

Mohamed Salah will captain Egypt at the 2026 World Cup. The 33-year-old Liverpool star leads a 27-man squad including uncapped 18-year-old Hamza Abdelkarim.

Sadio Mane is included in Senegal's 28-man squad for the 2025 World Cup after missing the 2022 tournament through injury. Senegal face France, Norway, and Iraq in Group A.

Iran's national football team traveled to Turkey to apply for U.S. and Canadian visas for the 2026 World Cup, as all group matches are in the U.S. amid political tensions.

DR Congo cancels US training camp for World Cup after Ebola outbreak prompts travel ban. Team moves to Belgium.

England manager Thomas Tuchel is expected to omit Phil Foden and Cole Palmer from his 26-man World Cup squad due to inconsistent form and tactical fit, with Jude Bellingham's presence a key factor.

Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, was named in Portugal's 2026 World Cup squad, becoming the first male player to appear at six tournaments. Portugal are in Group K with Colombia, DR Congo, and Uzbekistan.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are both poised to feature in a record sixth World Cup in 2026, with Ronaldo confirmed for Portugal and Messi expected to captain Argentina.