Kobbie Mainoo has spoken of his delight after being selected in England national football team manager Thomas Tuchel’s squad for the 2026 World Cup in North America.
The Manchester United midfielder earned a return to the England set-up following an impressive second half of the season under newly confirmed United manager Michael Carrick.
After struggling for regular opportunities earlier in the campaign, Mainoo forced his way back into contention with a series of influential displays as United secured qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League.
The English-Ghanaian midfielder had spent much of the opening months of the season on the sidelines, with former United boss Ruben Amorim unable to establish a consistent role for him in the team before his departure.
However, Mainoo’s form improved significantly during the latter stages of the season, and his performances proved enough to convince Tuchel to include him in England’s squad for the tournament, which will be hosted across the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Reacting to the announcement, Mainoo shared his excitement about being involved in his first World Cup.
“First World Cup, feeling Blessed and Grateful. Big summer ahead,” reacted the United player.
Mainoo is expected to play a key role in England’s midfield options as the team prepares for the competition in North America. England’s squad will base itself in Florida during the tournament.
He will also be joined in the squad by fellow English-Ghanaian defender Jarell Quansah, who has also been included in Tuchel’s plans for the competition.
England begin their Group L campaign against Croatia national football team before taking on Ghana national football team in what will be a particularly significant encounter for Mainoo, whose parents are Ghanaian.
The group stage will conclude with a meeting against Panama national football team, a side England defeated 6-1 during the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Mainoo’s inclusion marks another important step in the young midfielder’s rapid rise in English football. After enduring a difficult opening to the season, the midfielder finished the campaign as one of Manchester United’s standout performers and played a major role in helping the club reclaim a place in Europe’s elite competition.
His resurgence has now been rewarded with the opportunity to represent England on football’s biggest stage, as Tuchel prepares his squad for a tournament that England hope can end their long wait for World Cup success.
