Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo is still waiting for his moment to shine for England during the Three Lions’ World Cup campaign this summer.
Kobbie Mainoo made the Three Lions squad for the prestigious FIFA competition after he had climbed back into the England fold under Thomas Tuchel in March.
However, the 21-year-old Stockport-born talent has not made a single appearance at this summer’s World Cup amid England’s sensational run to the semi-finals.
Manchester United fans have been left wondering whether Mainoo would still be eligible for a World Cup winner’s medal if he did not play a single minute at the tournament.
What is your message to Kobbie Mainoo after Thomas Tuchel overlooked him for England again?
Mainoo has played 0 minutes in England's opening four games…
Man Utd ace Kobbie Mainoo does not have to kick a football at the World Cup for England to win a medal
Kobbie Mainoo was an unused substitute for England’s Group L matches against Croatia, Ghana and Panama ahead of the Three Lions reaching the knockout stages.
The Manchester United midfielder watched on from the bench again for the Three Lions’ wins over DR Congo, Mexico and Norway ahead of the World Cup semi-finals.
According to FIFA’s official regulations, Mainoo would be eligible to receive a World Cup winner’s medal this summer, even if Thomas Tuchel did not play him at all.
Gold medals are presented to the eventual World Cup winners, with all players in a 26-man squad getting one handed to them during the post-match ceremony.
The 2026 World Cup, which is held in Canada, Mexico and the United States, will have its final played on 19th July at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
READ MORE: How Man Utd’s ‘club officials’ are now reacting to Marcus Rashford’s post-Barcelona transfer dilemma
Which Man Utd talents have the best chance of making it to World Cup 2030?
Who do you think will play a part in the next World Cup?
Kobbie Mainoo still has a chance to play for England ahead of Thomas Tuchel’s big England test against Argentina
Unlike club competitions, such as the Premier League, FIFA tournaments like the World Cup do not have a minimum threshold to meet for winners’ medals.
Just being part of the England squad is enough for Mainoo, who is at his first World Cup, to walk away with a valuable prize if the Three Lions win it all in North America.
However, Tuchel’s path to the final with England will now face a huge obstacle, with the Three Lions coming up against the defending World Cup champions.
England will meet 2022 World Cup champions Argentina in the semi-finals on Wednesday at the Atlanta Stadium in Georgia, with kick-off slated for 8pm UK time.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
