World Cup 2026 LIVE: England defender set to miss tournament and Iran striker sparks ‘gun’ celebration outrage

Trevoh Chalobah has been called up to replace the injured Tino Livramento in England’s World Cup squad.

Livramento’s injury is a blow for Thomas Tuchel but he was able to replace the Newcastle full-back in the squad before 9pm (BST) on Tuesday – 24 hours before England’s first game of the tournament against Croatia.

Chelsea defender Chalobah is on his way to the United States and while he’s not expected to be involved against Croatia, he will be available for subsequent group matches against Ghana and Panama.

England defender Tino Livramento is expected to be ruled out of the World Cup with a suspected calf injury.

It is an early blow for Thomas Tuchel’s preparations for the tournament, coming just one day before the Three Lions’ opener against Croatia in Dallas.

Tuchel can replace Newcastle full-back Livramento in the squad with a deadline of 9pm (BST) on Tuesday – 24 hours before England’s first game of the tournament.

Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah is a contender to travel to the US as a last-minute replacement.

“awkward” call with England manager Thomas Tuchel.

The Manchester United defender has previously described feeling “shocked and gutted” after he was left out of the 26-man squad for the tournament in North America, in what was widely considered one of the surprise selection decisions.

The 33-year-old, who featured at both the 2018 and 2022 editions, told Gary Lineker’s The Rest is Football World Cup podcast on Netflix that he felt he should have been picked after impressing this season for United and in England’s international friendlies in March.

Iran’s Mohammad Mohebbi has sparked outrage across social media after and apparent ‘gun’ celebration during last night’s 2-2 draw with New Zealand.

Many social media users spotted the nature of his celebration after pulling Iran level against the All Whites in Los Angeles but Mohebbi has defended his actions as “just a celebration”.

“I wanted to say thank you to all Iranians who live in Los Angeles, they make a great atmosphere,” he said. “The celebration came to mind, and I do this [gestures] for all of the fans, just a celebration, you know.”

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha has gained over six million followers on social media since his heroics kept out Spain.

The 40-year-old produced an incredible performance in Monday’s 0-0 draw in Atlanta, which has seen his following on Instagram sky-rocket from 50,000 to over six million.

Only five England players in Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad have more followers on the platform – Jude Bellingham, Marcus Rashford, Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice.

“That is insane, I didn’t expect that,” Vozinha told the Men in Blazers podcast of his increased social media following.

“Things run fast on Instagram, but I didn’t believe it. I still don’t believe, but it is what it is. Thank you to everyone.”

The Football Association will decide their position on another term for Fifa president Gianni Infantino during a “board review… in due course”, according to chief executive Mark Bullingham.

A number of federations have already endorsed the controversial Swiss official, despite numerous issues around this World Cup and growing dissent within Fifa as a consequence.

The issues also come amid some misgivings about term limits, given that the Fifa president again being re-elected in 2027 without challenge would ensure he eventually completes 15 years in the role – precisely the kind of longevity that predecessors Sepp Blatter and Joao Havelange had been criticised for.

There is a growing feeling that Infantino has pushed the constants of his position too far, most notably in the proximity to the Donald Trump administration and the awarding of the Fifa Peace Prize. Bullingham nevertheless stated that the FA have not yet set out their position.

“That’s a board review that we will do in due course,” the chief executive told media at England’s Kansas City base.

For a full summary of all the issues Iran have faced, and why theirs is the most perilous World Cup campaign in history, check out Kieran Jackson’s superb piece:

Iran have claimed they were forced out of the United States just minutes after their match against New Zealand concluded, with coach Amir Ghalenoei saying his team are the “most oppressed” at the World Cup.

The team’s build-up to the finals has been profoundly impacted by the conflict between Iran and the United States. The squad was forced to move their training camp to Mexico, with the Trump administration only allowing them into the country on matchdays.

They opened their World Cup with a 2-2 draw against New Zealand, roared on by a passionate Iranian-American crowd.

Coach Amir Ghalenoei welcomed the fans’ support, but said it had not been matched by those responsible for managing the team’s movements in what is believed to be a strong criticism of the US authorities.

Brazil’s World Cup campaign continues to be overshadowed by uncertainty surrounding the fitness of star forward Neymar, who underwent further tests on his injured right leg on Monday.

Hopes that the 34-year-old would rejoin training were dashed as he instead attended a clinic for examinations on his right calf. The Brazilian football confederation has not yet released the results of these tests.

Neymar has been sidelined since sustaining an injury with Santos on 17 May and has not taken part in any full training sessions since Brazil commenced their World Cup preparations in New Jersey, ahead of their match against Haiti on Friday in Philadelphia.

Brazilian media reports suggest the medical team is aiming for his full recovery by the knockout stages.

England could face a “generational player” in Croatia centre-back Luka Vuskovic in tomorrow’s World Cup opener in Dallas.

Highly-rated Vuskovic could start the Group L fixture after a breakthrough season in the Bundesliga with Hamburg and amid speculation over his long-term future at Tottenham.

Vuskovic is yet to make a competitive appearance for Spurs, but the north London club spent £12m in 2023 to secure the services of the teenage defender and he has emerged as one of the hottest prospects in Europe across recent loans.

A £30m bid by Brighton for the goalscoring centre-back was rejected by Tottenham last weekend but it could be the start of numerous advances for the 19-year-old.