When does England's World Cup squad get announced?

The domestic season is in its final innings, and thoughts are beginning to turn to this summer's World Cup finals in North America. 

The biggest-ever finals begin next month, with England ready to kick off their bid to end sixty years of hurt when they take on Croatia in their opening game on June 17. 

Who will be part of that squad in the US remains to be seen, but we do know when manager Thomas Tuchel will announce his party for the tournament. 

 

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Harry Kane will lead England at the 2026 World Cup

A Golden Boot winner in 2018 

 

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When do England announce their squad for the 2026 World Cup?

Thomas Tuchel will have 26 places to hand out for his World Cup squad, and there is still some debate on a number of positions in the final line-up. 

The FA have now confirmed that the England boss will announce his squad on Friday 22 May, 2026, two days before the final day of the Premier League season. 

 

It is not clear at this stage if the German will name a party of 26 or a bigger squad of players that will then be whittled down before the tournament deadline on 1 June. 

Several names will be sweating on their places on the plane, with so few games left of the domestic season to stake a claim for a World Cup spot.

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Will England be in action before the World Cup?

Before the Three Lions begin their bid for glory, they play in two warm-up friendlies in the States. 

On Saturday, 6 June, they will play against New Zealand at the Raymond James Stadium in Florida, the first meeting between the two nations since 1991. 

Four days later, they complete their preparations by playing Costa Rica at the home of Orlando City, the Inter&Co Stadium. 

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