Harry Maguire: United ace sheds light on shock World Cup snub | OneFootball

Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has opened up about missing out on a place in England’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The veteran defender was overlooked by Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel, despite an impressive second half of the campaign with the Red Devils.

After missing almost two months of action from the end of November due to thigh problems, Maguire returned to full fitness to join the Michael Carrick revolution at Old Trafford. He was a pillar at the back under the English manager, starting 15 games and missing two due to a red card suspension.

Harry Maguire Stats: 2025/26 Season

Source: Transfermarkt.

The 33 year old was previously scheduled to become a free agent this summer, but his performances forced INEOS to hand him a one-year extension. It also generated hope that Maguire could be on the plane across the Atlantic, but that was not to be.

The Englishman was understandably disappointed by the decision and vented his frustration on social media, prompting a response from Tuchel. Maguire, though, will have a busy summer, as he has agreed to be a guest on Gary Lineker’s Rest is Football podcast. The English defender recently revisited his World Cup snub on the talk show and shared intricate details about the incident.

Maguire’s awkward call with Tuchel

Speaking on the Rest is Football podcast, Maguire revealed that he learned of his World Cup snub via a FaceTime call from Tuchel. He said: “He FaceTimes everyone. It was quite an awkward call. It makes it harder for himself to see our reactions and things like that.”

“I received a text saying can I speak to you about 4 p.m. It is quite a unique way of doing it and it must be quite hard because he can see our reactions and things like that. He said he’s going with the four lads who got him through qualifying. But he did say that he can’t really give me an excuse.”

Maguire went on to reveal that he immediately informed Tuchel that he was disappointed by the decision. He said: “I said straightaway I was really disappointed. I thought I did enough to be in the squad and thought I could have helped and had a part to play on and off the pitch.”

“He said he can’t give me an excuse but he had gone with the four lads who got him through the qualifiers. It was tough to take. I did think I would be in the squad after being selected for the March camp under him for the first time. I did really well in both games and then went back to Manchester United and finished the season really strongly.”

United defender was desperate to be at the World Cup

Maguire acknowledged that he was desperate to be at the World Cup with England, adding: “We had a few words. I’m quite a big personality. I’m experienced and I was really disappointed. I wanted to go to the World Cup and play. I’m 33 now, 37 at the next World Cup — it looks far away.”

“I wanted to go, not just play. I told the manager I wasn’t demanding to go and start the games. I would have been happy to play one minute as long as I’m there with the lads.”

Maguire was indispensable for England at the 2018 World Cup, starting all but one group stage game in their run to the semi-finals and even registering a goal and an assist. The Englishman also started every game for the Three Lions in the 2022 World Cup as they reached the quarter-finals.

Final Thoughts

Maguire’s World Cup snub means that the veteran defender will be well-rested over the summer and can join pre-season right on schedule. That could be a big boost for United, who are preparing for a busy season.

Featured image by Molly Darlington/Getty Images

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