Kobbie Mainoo ruled out of England's World Cup bronze match against France

Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo missed England's 2026 FIFA World Cup third‑place playoff against France after a sharp back injury in the final training session, according to coach Thomas Tuchel and the Football Association. The 21‑year‑old had not featured in any tournament minutes, with Tuchel preferring other midfield options throughout the competition. Former England midfielder Nicky Butt publicly urged Mainoo to boycott the "nonsense" bronze‑final, adding to the controversy surrounding his exclusion. The match took place in Miami, Florida, after England's 2‑1 semi‑final loss to Argentina. Mainoo's injury prevented him from even being named as a substitute, ending his World Cup campaign without playing a single minute.