World Cup 2026: Why Nigerian-born Liverpool star, Rio Ngumoha is not eligible to play for England

Liverpool winger Rio Ngumoha, who is Nigerian-born, will not be able to play for England at the 2026 World Cup because he was not named in Thomas Tuchel's 55-man provisional squad. Despite making his senior debut and winning Player of the Match, FIFA rules allow only replacements from the provisional list. He will remain as a training player and feature in the final friendly against Costa Rica.