Liverpool winger Rio Ngumoha will not be eligible to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup this summer, even if England need to make a late replacement. This is because the 17-year-old wasn't included in Thomas Tuchel's 55-man provisional squad list - a decision that was made nearly a month ago.
Despite being omitted from England's provisional squad, Tuchel decided to call up Ngumoha along with his 26-man World Cup squad to the United States. The latter was also joined by other bright talents, including Alex Scott, Josh King, and Ethan Nwaneri.
Rio Ngumoha made his senior debut for the Three Lions after coming off the bench at half-time during his nation's 1-0 win over New Zealand in an international friendly (June 6). As a result, the Liverpool star became the fifth-youngest player to make his England debut. Moreover, he impressed many, bagging the Player of the Match award.
Despite his performance, Ngumoha will not be able to represent Thomas Tuchel and Co. at the World Cup in case of an injury or illness before their opener against Croatia (June 17). This is because FIFA rules state that the replacement player must be included in the provisional squad list, as per SPORTbible.
Fortunately for Ngumoha, he will still be eligible to feature for the Three Lions in their final friendly against Costa Rica on June 10.
"Thomas Tuchel looks a little bit foolish" - Pundit slams England boss for Rio Ngumoha World Cup decision
talkSPORT 's Adrian Durham has called out England manager Thomas Tuchel for not including Liverpool star Rio Ngumoha in his final World Cup squad. Durham reckons Ngumoha is currently their best right winger following his impressive debut against New Zealand.
After giving Ngumoha a nine out of 10 rating for his performance, Durham said:
"We've learned here that Thomas Tuchel has had a bit of a nightmare with Rio Ngumoha. He was the best player on the pitch. He was fantastic... Ngumoha has taken his chance, but he can't be picked for the World Cup. So Thomas Tuchel looks a little bit foolish."
He added:
"He played in 29 games for Liverpool this season. It's not like Thomas Tuchel hasn't seen him. We know what a live wire he could be. From Michael Owen in 1998, we know that if you're raw and teenage, you can actually do something special on the world stage."
"Thomas Tuchel has missed a trick. Rio Ngumoha is the best right winger England have got and he's not even going to be at the World Cup. That's something we learned today."
Ngumoha had a standout season for Liverpool during the 2025-26 campaign. He established himself as an effective, direct winger, capable of playing on either side, and garnered two goals and one assist in 19 Premier League appearances.