World Cup 2026 LIVE: England snub Alexander-Arnold for emergency call-up after late injury blow | OneFootball

England suffered a bitter blow on the eve of their World Cup 2026 opener against Croatia tomorrow, with defender Tino Livramento ruled out of the entire tournament through injury, and boss Thomas Tuchel calling up Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah as a surprise replacement, with Trent Alexander-Arnold snubbed.

Elswehere, Iran opened their politically-charged World Cup campaign by playing out an entertaining 2-2 draw with New Zealand in a controversial match that saw anti-regime protests ahead of kick-off, the national anthem booed and an Iranian player forced to defend himself over a ‘gun’ celebration.

Mohammad Mohebbi snatched a point for Iran in the 64th minute and appeared to do a ‘finger gun’ gesture during his celebration, sparking outrage. Mohebbi defended his actions, saying after the game: “The celebration came to mind, and I do this [gestures] for all of the fans, just a celebration, you know.”

Meanwhile, Donald Trump has reportedly been given permission by Fifa to lift the World Cup trophy alongside the winners next month, as he memorably and awkwardly did at last summer’s Club World Cup, while Miguel Delaney has written about Tuchel becoming the perfect man for the impossible job.

US Customs and Border Protection seize counterfeit World Cup merchandise

The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in Indianapolis ahve siezed more than 1,500 pieces of counterfeit World Cup merchandise.

According to a statement from the CBP, they seized 18 shipments of fake goods, including 1,578 items that, if real, would have generated a retail price of around $134,594.

Officials said that the seized shipments included:

The release stated that most shipments originated from Hong Kong and were “destined for locations both within and outside the United States.”

The CBP seized more than 1500 pieces of counterfeit merchandise (U.S. CBP / provided)

Luke Baker16 June 2026 16:40

Fifa issue verdict on World Cup referee’s white supremacy accusations as VAR official explains viral moment

Fifa World Cup 2026 official Shaun Evans has denied “intentionally” making a gesture that some perceived to be connected to an expression of white supremacy.

The Australian referee, working as part of the VAR team in Dallas at the World Cup broadcast centre, was seen making an “OK” symbol with his right hand in front of his right leg when the official broadcast of Germany against Curacao on Sunday cut away from pre-game footage to show the team of video review analysts.

The match, played in Houston, led to many complaints over the gesture, which sees a thumb and forefinger touched in a circle and other fingers outstretched and was interpreted as a hate symbol by the New York-based Anti-Defamation League in 2019.

Fifa issue verdict on World Cup referee’s white supremacy accusations

Shaun Evans maintains it was an ‘involuntary, subconscious twitch’ that led to an ‘OK’ symbol during the official broadcast of Germany's opening game against Curaçao on Sunday

Luke Baker16 June 2026 16:25

Donald Trump reportedly given permission to join winners in World Cup trophy lift

Fifa has reportedly given permission to Donald Trump to join in with the World Cup trophy lift next month, setting up a scene similar to last summer’s awkward World Club Cup trophy presentation.

It is being reported by talkSPORT that Fifa has no objection to the US president no objection to Trump breaking presentation protocol and handing the World Cup trophy directly to the winning captain, before remaining in the thick of the celebrations.

Normally, the trophy remains on a plinth and is carried by a member of the winning team onto the celebration podium.

In the Club World Cup last summer, Trump awkwardly and memorably stayed next to Chelsea captain Reece James as he lifted the trophy, causing bafflement, with Cole Palmer looking particularly confused.

Trump inserted himself into Chelsea’s Club World Cup celebration (Getty)

Luke Baker16 June 2026 15:58

Meet the Swedish baron starring at the 2026 World Cup

While the World Cup in North America is set to feature footballing titans like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, representing the sport's typical rags-to-riches narrative, Sweden's squad boasts a player from a decidedly different background.

Gustaf Lagerbielke, a 26-year-old defender who played a full match in Sweden’s 5-1 victory over Tunisia on Sunday, is a baron from one of Sweden's noble families.

His father and grandfather both hold the title of count, a stark contrast to the modest beginnings often associated with professional footballers.

“I mean, it’s rare,” Lagerbielke admitted in an interview before the tournament, acknowledging his unique heritage.

Meet the Swedish baron starring at the 2026 World Cup

Gustaf Lagerbielke featured in Sweden’s 5-1 win over Tunisia on Sunday

Luke Baker16 June 2026 15:51

Why England boss Thomas Tuchel is wrong not to call up Trent Alexander-Arnold for World Cup

Look far enough down the list and eventually you will find him. Below Phil Neal and Viv Anderson, David Bardsley and Earl Barrett, Warren Barton and Danny Mills. Scroll down far enough down the English right-backs in Thomas Tuchel’s pecking order and finally Trent Alexander-Arnold’s name will appear.

Maybe, anyway. Because if two things were entirely unsurprising – that Tino Livramento was ruled out of the World Cup and that Alexander-Arnold was not summoned to replace him – they were extraordinary nonetheless.

Alexander-Arnold plays for Real Madrid. He is a triple Champions League finalist, a double Premier League winner, a player who has been in both the FIFPro World XI and the Champions League’s team of the season. He is the defender who has made the most goals in Premier League history. And he now seems, at most, England’s seventh-choice right-back.

Richard Jolly tackles Tuchel’s decision to snub Trent Alexander-Arnold once more:

Why England boss Tuchel is wrong not to call up Alexander-Arnold for World Cup

Comment: Trevoh Chalobah will replace the luckless Tino Livramento in the 26-man squad yet Tuchel again ignoring Alexander-Arnold – now seemingly his country’s seventh-choice right back – may cost England

Luke Baker16 June 2026 15:32

How will England line up against Croatia in their 2026 World Cup opener?

The wait is almost over. Eighteen months after he was unveiled as England manager, Thomas Tuchel will lead the Three Lions into the 2026 World Cup on Wednesday, with the express goal of “putting a second star on the shirt”. For fans, the extreme psychological sport that is watching England in a major tournament begins.

Qualification was perfect – no draws, no defeats, no goals conceded – but some of England’s friendly performances have been uninspiring and even at this late stage, there remain some questions over exactly who makes up England’s best XI as they prepare to face Croatia in Dallas.

Lawrence Ostlere has a crack at working out the starting XI:

How will England line up against Croatia in their 2026 World Cup opener?

Thomas Tuchel’s side face Croatia in Dallas on Wednesday as their World Cup campaign finally begins

Luke Baker16 June 2026 15:18

HAVE YOUR SAY: How does Thomas Tuchel rate among every England manager

Maybe it’s a shade early to judge Thomas Tuchel, seeing as he hasn’t managed a tournament game yet for England, but let us know your rating for every England manager in history

Luke Baker16 June 2026 15:04

FA chief explains decision to hand Thomas Tuchel new England contract before World Cup

The Football Association’s chief executive, Mark Bullingham, has claimed that Thomas Tuchel’s contract extension provides crucial stability and control for the national team, particularly should England’s World Cup campaign encounter difficulties.

Tuchel, who took over from Sir Gareth Southgate 20 months ago, is on the cusp of leading England into his inaugural international tournament.

His initial deal was set to expire this summer, but a flawless World Cup qualification campaign prompted the FA to secure his services until the conclusion of the home European Championships in 2028.

FA chief explains decision to hand Tuchel new England contract before World Cup

Thomas Tuchel was handed a new contract ahead of the World Cup

Luke Baker16 June 2026 14:43

England confirm Livramento replacement

“Trevoh Chalobah has been called into England’s 26-player squad at FIFA World Cup 2026 after injury sadly forced the withdrawal of Tino Livramento,” an FA statement reads.

“Arrangements are now being made for the Chelsea defender to make the journey to the team’s basecamp in Kansas City, while the rest of the squad will head to Dallas, Texas for the Three Lions’ opening group fixture against Croatia on Wednesday.

“FIFA regulations allow participating teams to replace an outfield player up to 24 hours before their opening fixture.

“Newcastle United defender Livramento picked up a calf injury in training on Sunday afternoon. A subsequent scan and medical assessment on Monday unfortunately confirmed he could play no further part in England’s tournament.”