Why Nigerian-born Liverpool player Rio Ngumoha is ineligible to play for England in the 2026 World Cup

Liverpool winger Rio Ngumoha will be unable to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, even if England were to need a last‑minute replacement.

The 17‑year‑old was omitted from Thomas Tuchel’s 55‑man provisional squad, a decision made almost a month before the tournament.

Although not named in the provisional list, Tuchel did include Ngumoha among the training players in his 26‑man World Cup roster bound for the United States.

The squad also contains other promising talents such as Alex Scott, Josh King and Ethan Nwaneri, who were included solely for training purposes.

Ngumoha earned his senior debut for the Three Lions when he came on as a substitute at half‑time during England’s 1‑0 friendly win over New Zealand on June 6.

He became the fifth‑youngest player to debut for England and was named Player of the Match.

Despite the strong performance, Ngumoha will not be eligible to replace a player who is injured or ill before England’s opening match against Croatia on June 17, because FIFA rules require any replacement to be on the provisional squad list, according to SPORTbible.

Ngumoha will still have the opportunity to play in England’s final friendly against Costa Rica on June 10.