In less than four months, football will once again become the global focal point as the 2026 World Cup kicks off across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. There are concerns and storylines swirling around the tournament, as there always are, but nothing will dampen the spirit of the world’s most beloved international competition.
England will be chasing that elusive second star, and Thomas Tuchel’s men will be determined to finally bring it home. With places on the plane still up for grabs, today we assess which Manchester United stars could be heading stateside with the Three Lions.
THE NO’S
Let’s begin with the English players who, realistically, are unlikely to be on that flight.
Tyler Fredricson has enjoyed a handful of cameos for United’s first team, but even he would admit that a senior England call-up this summer would be a stretch. Similarly, Tom Heaton, as a third-choice goalkeeper, would bring a fundose of team morale to the squad, yet it feels improbable given the depth England possess in the goalkeeper department.
Ayden Heaven presents a slightly different case. Since arriving from Arsenal for a reported £1 million, a deal that already looks justified, the 19-year-old has delivered several standout performances for the Red Devils. However, his age and relative inexperience may count against him on the world’s biggest stage. A place at the 2030 World Cup? Certainly possible. This one? Extremely unlikely.
UNCERTAIN
Now we move into more contentious territory.
Kobbie Mainoo
Few players have experienced a turnaround quite like Kobbie Mainoo in recent months. Under Amorim’s regime, he found opportunities limited, with his only start coming in the infamous Carabao Cup defeat to Grimsby. Yet since Michael Carrick’s arrival, Mainoo has become indispensable, starting every game and helping to steady United’s midfield, which is currently unbeaten.
In the blink of an eye, he has gone from speculation about a January exit to re-establishing himself as a key figure at Old Trafford. But is that enough for England? The competition is fierce. With Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Adam Wharton, Elliot Anderson, and Nico O’Reilly all capable of operating in similar roles, Tuchel is hardly short of options. Yet it was Mainoo who started England’s biggest match at Euro 2024, the final against Spain. Could history repeat itself, this time with a different ending?
Mason Mount
Mason Mount is another player quietly building a case. His inclusion would likely be based less on his current form and more on his history with Tuchel. During their time together at Chelsea, Mount flourished, becoming one of the German’s most trusted players.
There have been flashes of that player this season, including a standout display in United’s derby victory, with Tuchel watching from the stands. However, injuries and inconsistency, long-standing obstacles in Mount’s career, could yet prove decisive in determining his 2026 World Cup fate.
Marcus Rashford
Perhaps the most intriguing case is Marcus Rashford. While his long-term future at United may remain uncertain, his England credentials are difficult to ignore.At the time of writing, Rashford has contributed 23 goal involvements in 34 appearances, nine of which have come in the Champions League, Europe’s most prestigious club competition. He has tournament pedigree, recent England call-ups, and the kind of explosiveness that can change matches in an instant. Barring injury or a significant dip in form, Rashford looks every bit like a player destined to be on that plane.
THE ABSOLUTES
Finally, we arrive at the players who feel almost certain to be part of Tuchel’s 26- man squad.
Harry Maguire
Few embody tournament experience quite like Harry Maguire. While England’s defence has evolved, with Marc Guehi and Ezri Konsa forming a promising partnership, Maguire remains firmly in the conversation.
He has started and finished United’s last five matches, contributing to four victories. His presence, aerial dominance, and knack for crucial moments have repeatedly proven valuable for both club and country. Does he start? That remains open for debate. Does he make the squad? Without question.
Luke Shaw
Then there is Luke Shaw, scorer in England’s first major final since 1966 and a familiar figure on the international stage. Fitness has so often been his greatest adversary, but this season he has managed to maintain consistency and rhythm in United’s back line.
Left-back remains one of England’s most uncertain positions. Youthful options such as Rico Lewis, Myles Lewis-Skelly, and Nico O’Reilly offer energy and potential, but Shaw’s experience in tournament football carries immense weight. Tuchel will surely value that when final decisions are made.
The Final Stretch
With roughly 100 days until the 2026 World Cup begins, much can still change. Injuries, late surges in form, tactical shifts all could alter the picture.
The domestic run-in is approaching rapidly, and with just one more international break before the season concludes, the message to England hopefuls is clear: perform now, or risk watching from home.Summer 2026 is coming.
The question is: which Manchester United players will be part of it?
