Julian Nagelsmann has named veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer in his 26-man Germany squad for the 2026 World Cup in North America as the nation targets a fifth world title.
The 2014 winners are looking to bounce back from a disastrous 2022 campaign in Qatar, where they suffered a shock group-stage exit.
Die Mannschaft begin their tournament against Curacao on 14 June, before facing Ivory Coast and Ecuador in their remaining group fixtures.
Neuer returns for final tournament
The most striking inclusion is the veteran Neuer, who has reversed his international retirement to compete in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The Bayern Munich stalwart is expected to reclaim the number one jersey he previously relinquished in August 2024.
Hoffenheim captain Oliver Baumann travels as the primary deputy, alongside Stuttgart stopper Alexander Nubel.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen misses out entirely after an injury-plagued season on loan at Girona from Barcelona.
Experience anchors the defence
Nagelsmann has opted for a blend of youth and vast experience across his defensive line.
Real Madrid centre-back Antonio Rudiger is included despite enduring an injury-hit campaign in the Spanish capital.
Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck and Bayern’s Jonathan Tah are anticipated to form the core of the central defence.
Meanwhile, highly-rated youngster Nathaniel Brown has received his first call-up for a major international tournament.
Kimmich leads star-studded midfield
Joshua Kimmich will captain the national side after securing his 10th Bundesliga title under club manager Vincent Kompany.
He is joined by club colleague Leon Goretzka, who earns a place despite struggling for consistent domestic minutes.
In the advanced areas, the squad boasts the immense creative talents of Jamal Musiala and Liverpool playmaker Florian Wirtz.
Both attacking midfielders are expected to shoulder the creative burden for their country this summer.
Fifa will prohibit supporters from bringing the pre-revolutionary Iran flag into stadiums during the 2026 World Cup in the United States.
The ruling mirrors the restrictions enforced by football’s global governing body during the previous tournament in Qatar.
Featuring a lion and sun emblem, the traditional banner has become a prominent symbol of protest among diaspora communities standing against the current regime.
Following the 1979 revolution, the official national flag was altered to include Islamic symbolism that reflects the shift to a theocratic government.
Political symbols restricted
Despite the official ban in 2022, several protesting fans successfully managed to sneak the older flag into Qatari venues.
The upcoming enforcement in North America falls under Article 3.1.243 of the official Stadium Code of Conduct.
Any materials, including but not limited to banners, flags, fliers, apparel and other paraphernalia, that are of a political, offensive and/or discriminatory nature, containing wording, symbols or any other attributes aimed at discrimination.
Conversely, the Palestine flag will reportedly be permitted inside American stadiums.
This allowance is granted because it represents an officially approved member association, unlike the historic Iranian design.
High demand for West Coast fixtures
The Asian nation is scheduled to play three group-stage matches across California and Washington state.
Over 50,000 tickets have already been sold for their opening clash against New Zealand at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on 15 June.
They will then face Group G favourites Belgium in the same city on 21 June before travelling to Seattle to play Egypt five days later.
The Seattle fixture coincides with the city’s Pride weekend and has been officially designated as a Pride Match.
Potential geopolitical clash
A highly charged knockout encounter remains a possibility if results align during the initial phase.
Iran could face the United States in a Dallas-based round-of-32 tie should both nations finish second in their respective groups.
The 2026 World Cup begins on 11 June.
Incoming Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has refused to rule out the departure of £107m midfielder Enzo Fernandez to Real Madrid ahead of the summer transfer window.
The Spanish coach is preparing to take charge at Stamford Bridge next season following the departure of Liam Rosenior.
However, the foundations of his upcoming tenure may involve a significant squad overhaul amid intense speculation surrounding several key players.
Fernandez has been heavily linked with a switch to the Spanish capital and recently admitted his interest in such a move.
Navigating early squad challenges
That public declaration resulted in the Argentine World Cup winner being dropped from the starting lineup during the final days of the previous managerial regime.
When questioned by Spanish broadcaster El Chiringuito about the potential exits of his South American midfielder, alongside Marc Cucurella and Joao Pedro, the former Bayer Leverkusen head coach remained pragmatic.
Well… this is football, and we’ll make a good team.
The 42-year-old tactician previously described his new role as a great project, despite the club’s well-documented struggles to mount a genuine Premier League title challenge under their current ownership.
Financial pressures could prompt high-profile sales
A failure to secure lucrative Champions League qualification for another season is likely to heavily influence the broader recruitment and retention strategy in west London.
The resulting lack of elite European revenue may force the club into authorising significant sales to balance the books.
Alongside the potential departure of their record signing, playmaker Cole Palmer has also reportedly attracted substantial interest from Manchester United.
Cashing in on the England international would represent a considerable profit for the hierarchy should they decide to sanction an exit.
Former Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has ruled out a return to Portuguese football, paving the way for Fulham boss Marco Silva to reportedly reach an agreement in principle with Benfica.
Amorim’s representatives, AS1 Sports, released a definitive statement confirming the 44-year-old intends to pursue his next managerial role abroad.
The Portuguese coach had been heavily linked with the impending vacancy at the Estadio da Luz.
Current Benfica manager Jose Mourinho is reportedly set to depart the club after agreeing a blockbuster return to Real Madrid.
Amorim’s agency dismisses speculation
Rumours regarding a return to his homeland intensified due to a close friendship with Benfica president Rui Costa, who served as sporting director during the manager’s playing days.
However, his agency categorically denied that any meetings regarding working conditions, squad structure or salaries have taken place.
“Ruben Amorim made the decision a long time ago to pursue his career abroad,” the statement read.
“Therefore, he has not had any meetings with Portuguese clubs to discuss working conditions… anything said beyond this is mere speculation and has no basis with reality.”
Silva poised for Lisbon switch
With the former Sporting boss officially withdrawing from consideration, attention in the Portuguese capital has shifted to Craven Cottage.
Marco Silva is believed to have prioritised a return to his native country over extending his current stay in London.
The Fulham head coach has guided the Whites since 2021, establishing them as a highly competitive force in the English top flight.
Despite previously expressing his affection for the Premier League, Silva recently admitted to DAZN Portugal that he has never closed the door on a fresh challenge.
Life after Old Trafford
Amorim arrived in England with a stellar reputation but endured a turbulent 14-month tenure before being dismissed by the Old Trafford hierarchy in January.
Following his departure, the Red Devils have experienced a marked improvement in form under the guidance of interim boss Michael Carrick.
The former England midfielder is now widely expected to be handed the reins on a permanent basis following a highly successful spell in temporary charge.
Tottenham Hotspur supporters will stage a major protest against the club’s hierarchy following Sunday’s crucial Premier League finale against Everton, regardless of whether the team avoids relegation.
The demonstration by the fan group Change for Tottenham underscores widespread dissatisfaction following a calamitous campaign that leaves the team fighting for top-flight survival.
Currently sitting 17th in the table and just two points above the drop zone, the world’s ninth-richest football club faces the genuine prospect of a first relegation in 49 years.
Fans demand accountability after final whistle
In a statement released ahead of the vital home fixture, organisers urged the fanbase to maintain strict unity while the game is being played.
“This Sunday, for 90 minutes, we need to get behind the team. Nothing else matters.”
The group made it clear that their focus will immediately shift to the ownership once the match concludes.
“When the final whistle blows, regardless of the result, we need to stand up to the board for putting us in this perilous position.”
Campaigners hold chief executive Vinai Venkatesham, director of football Johan Lange, and the Lewis family’s ENIC ownership group primarily responsible for the current turmoil.
Managerial carousel and leadership vacuum
Systemic issues off the pitch have deeply frustrated supporters since Daniel Levy departed his role as chairman last September after a 24-year tenure.
The North London outfit have subsequently endured three different head coaches, a 15-match winless streak, and a club-record six consecutive league defeats.
Thomas Frank was sacked in February after recording the worst win rate of any permanent manager, while interim successor Igor Tudor lost five of his seven matches in charge.
The recent appointment of Roberto De Zerbi has sparked a noticeable improvement within an injury-ravaged squad, but the Italian’s transformative impact may have come too late.
Defeat to the Toffees, coupled with a West Ham victory over Leeds United, would condemn the historic club to second-tier football next season.
Brazil forward Neymar has suffered a minor calf injury just days after being named in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad for the 2026 World Cup.
The 34-year-old sustained the issue while playing for boyhood club Santos.
It comes only three weeks before the tournament gets underway across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
However, the club’s medical department expects the veteran attacker to recover in time to join his national teammates next week.
“Neymar has a minor calf injury, an edema,” said Santos head of medical Rodrigo Zogaib.
“But, according to our planning, his progress will allow him to be fit next week when he will join up with the national team.”
Return from long-term absence
The former Paris St-Germain star has not featured for his country since suffering a severe anterior cruciate ligament injury in October 2023.
This upcoming tournament represents what is likely his final opportunity to secure a major international honour with the five-time world champions.
Chelsea striker waits on standby
Should the Santos talisman fail to recover, Chelsea forward Joao Pedro is expected to be first in line as a replacement.
The 24-year-old was controversially omitted from the final 26-man selection despite a stellar debut season in London.
Pedro netted 20 goals for the Blues this term, prompting Ancelotti to publicly acknowledge the difficulty of leaving him behind.
“For the season he had in Europe, he probably deserved to be on this list, but unfortunately we chose another player,” Ancelotti explained.
“I feel very sorry for Joao Pedro and all the others.”
Mohamed Salah has been named captain of Egypt’s preliminary 27-man squad for this summer’s World Cup in North America.
The 33-year-old attacker will lead his nation after a remarkable nine-year tenure at Liverpool concludes at the end of the current season.
He approaches the prestigious tournament boasting an exceptional international record, having netted 67 goals in 115 appearances for the Pharaohs.
Youth and experience combined
Head coach Hossam Hassan has elected to include uncapped 18-year-old prodigy Hamza Abdelkarim, who currently features for Barcelona Under-19s.
Manchester City winger Omar Marmoush is also selected to bolster the attacking options for the African side.
However, Nantes forward Mostafa Mohamed has been surprisingly omitted from the initial selection.
Hassan must trim his roster by one player to meet the strict Fifa-mandated 26-man limit.
Crucial preparation fixtures
The final squad cut will occur following a warm-up friendly against Russia in Cairo on 28 May.
The North African nation will then travel to the United States to face Brazil in a high-profile Cleveland exhibition on 6 June.
Egypt are drawn into Group G for the expanded 48-team competition hosted across the US, Canada, and Mexico.
Their group stage campaign begins against Belgium on 15 June, followed by pivotal clashes with New Zealand and Iran.
Full preliminary squad
- Goalkeepers: Mohamed El Shenawy, Mostafa Shobeir, El Mahdi Soliman, Mohamed Alaa.
- Defenders: Mohamed Hany, Tarek Alaa, Hamdy Fathy, Rami Rabia, Yasser Ibrahim, Hossam Abdelmaguid, Mohamed Abdelmonemn, Ahmed Fatouh, Karim Hafez.
- Midfielders: Marwan Ateya, Mohanad Lasheen, Nabil Emad, Mahmoud Saber, Ahmed Zizo, Emam Ashour, Mostafa Ziko, Mahmoud Trezeguet, Ibrahim Adel, Haissem Hassan.
- Forwards: Omar Marmoush, Mohamed Salah, Aqtay Abdallah, Hamza Abdelkarim.
Captain Harry Kane believes the current England squad is capable of ending a 60-year wait for World Cup glory when they travel to North America this summer.
The 32-year-old will lead his country into the tournament hoping to become the first Englishman to lift the famous trophy since Bobby Moore in 1966.
Following back-to-back European Championship final defeats under Sir Gareth Southgate, the Three Lions qualified comfortably for the global showpiece under new manager Thomas Tuchel.
With standout talents such as Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice thriving, the national team skipper feels they enter the competition as genuine contenders.
“I think our squad is as good as we’ve ever had,” Kane said.
“When you look at the starting XI and the players coming off the bench, we’re going into the tournament as one of the favourites.”
Evolving into a complete forward
The former Tottenham Hotspur marksman heads into his third World Cup on the back of a stellar season in Germany.
He has scored an astonishing 58 goals in 50 appearances across all competitions for Bayern Munich.
Despite winning his first Premier League Golden Boot a decade ago, the prolific forward insists his overall game has significantly evolved.
“I’m at a stage of my career where I’m definitely a different player from what I was 10 years ago,” he explained.
“I’ve developed my game by dropping into those deeper spaces and linking up play.”
“I feel like a much more complete footballer, and honestly, I think I am playing the best football of my career right now.”
Closing in on Lineker’s milestone
Beyond team success, another significant personal milestone remains firmly in the veteran striker’s sights.
He currently requires just three more goals to surpass Gary Lineker as England’s all-time record scorer at the World Cup.
Lineker holds the current benchmark with 10 goals on the sport’s biggest stage.
“Gary was an incredible striker for England, and to achieve 10 World Cup goals is impressive,” added Kane.
“Personal milestones are, of course, a motivator.”