Thomas Tuchel will announce his 26-man England squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup later today. It is expected that several Manchester City players will be included in England’s squad. It is expected that John Stones, Nico O’Reilly, and Marc Guehi will be included in Tuchel’s squad. The biggest question mark for City was whether Phil Foden would make the trip to the World Cup. A new report from the BBC indicates that Foden will miss out on selection in England’s World Cup squad. That is disappointing news for Foden. Perhaps it is the best thing for him and Manchester City so Foden can enter the 2026-27 season fit, refreshed, and ready to go.
Phil Foden will miss out on selection in England’s World Cup squad.
The BBC has reported that Phil Foden is set to miss out on selection in England’s squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup. However, the BBC report indicates that it is expected that John Stones and Marc Guehi will travel to the World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Lastly, it would be a major surprise if Nico O’Reilly missed out on selection for the World Cup.
While Phil Foden will be disappointed to miss out on the World Cup, it may be the best thing for him and Manchester City for Foden to have an extended summer break.
There is little doubt that Phil Foden will be disappointed not to be included in England’s World Cup squad. Playing in the World Cup is the pinnacle for a player, and Foden would have wanted to make an impact for his country at the tournament. However, it seems that Foden will not get that opportunity. It may not feel like it now for Phil Foden, but perhaps an extended summer break may be the ideal scenario for Foden and, in turn, Manchester City.
Phil Foden started the 2025-26 season exceptionally well. However, his form tapered off in the second half of the season. That drop-off saw Foden’s spot in the England squad put in jeopardy. While Foden looked to have turned the corner late in the season, it wasn’t enough. Now Phil Foden gets an opportunity to have a summer break for arguably the first time in his career. That may be what Foden needs to hit 2026-27 full of steam.
From a Manchester City point of view, Phil Foden will get the opportunity to rest and have a full pre-season. That could prove invaluable to City, having one of their most important players primed to hit the ground running for next season. It isn’t ideal for Foden to miss out on England’s squad for the World Cup, far from it. But it may work in Manchester City’s favor.
Phil Foden looks to have missed out on selection in England’s World Cup squad. That is a massive disappointment for Foden. However, he can now have an extended break from football and hopefully come back to Manchester City refreshed and ready to remind everyone of how good he is next season.