Kobbie Mainoo’s nightmare 2025/26 season has put his World Cup dream at risk.
In pre-season it was notable that Kobbie Mainoo was not among Ruben Amorim’s preferred starters. But even projecting forward, we could not foresee that in December, the midfielder would still be searching for his first Premier League start.
Mainoo’s lack of club football has had a knock-on impact. He has not featured in any of England’s three international squads this season.
England qualified for the World Cup with a perfect record, making it even tougher for Mainoo to work his way back into Thomas Tuchel’s plans.
And now after seeing England’s World Cup draw for 2026, Mainoo will be further agitated.
Kobbie Mainoo playing for Manchester United
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
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England to face Ghana at World Cup
England were drawn as the seeded team in Group L, and will face Croatia, Ghana, and Panama.
England’s scheduled match-up with Ghana is an especially poignant one for Kobbie Mainoo. The Manchester United midfielder’s parents hail from Ghana, and he has previously visited the country with his family.
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Before he made his senior England debut, there was registered interest from the Ghanaian FA, who wanted him to switch allegiances.
Speaking at a press conference in 2024, Mainoo admitted that while England was his first choice, he did not immediately dismiss the idea.
Mainoo told a press conference: “Obviously I’m proud of my Ghanaian heritage and there was speculation.
“But it has always been a dream to play for England so I’m happy to be here. I considered but I want to play for England.”
Now it is too late to switch, and Mainoo faces the possibility of missing out on his dream World Cup match.
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Mainoo wants opportunity
Kobbie Mainoo will be agitated at the idea of missing out on a place at USA 2026, and increasingly so after seeing the World Cup draw.
Mainoo has proven that he is good enough to star for England at a major tournament, but he has been cast aside for the Three Lions, due to his lack of action at club level.
This is why Mainoo is keen on a move away from Manchester United in the January transfer window, to try and resurrect his World Cup dream.
Ruben Amorim is currently denying Mainoo an opportunity to compete to get in the England squad, by denying him minutes at club level.
Mainoo is not thinking long-term in terms of a permanent Manchester United exit, but he does want to leave in January and try and salvage his season.
Unless something can change over the next month at Old Trafford, Mainoo’s determination to leave will grow stronger.
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