England suffered a bitter blow on the eve of their World Cup 2026 opener against Croatia tomorrow, with defender Tino Livramento ruled out of the entire tournament through injury, and boss Thomas Tuchel calling up Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah as a surprise replacement, with Trent Alexander-Arnold snubbed. Elswehere, Iran opened their politically-charged World Cup campaign by playing out an entertaining 2-2 draw with New Zealand in a controversial match that saw anti-regime protests ahead of kick-off, the national anthem booed and an Iranian player forced to defend himself over a ‘gun’ celebration. Mohammad Mohebbi snatched a point for Iran in the 64th minute and appeared to do a ‘finger gun’ gesture during his celebration, sparking outrage. Mohebbi defended his actions, saying after the game: “The celebration came to mind, and I do this [gestures] for all of the fans, just a celebration, you know.” Meanwhile, Donald Trump has reportedly been given permission by Fifa to lift the World Cup trophy alongside the winners next month, as he memorably and awkwardly did at last summer’s Club World Cup, while Miguel Delaney has written about Tuchel becoming the perfect man for the impossible job. Follow all the latest from World Cup 2026 with our live blog below:Donald Trump reportedly given permission to join winners in World Cup trophy liftFifa has reportedly given permission to Donald Trump to join in with the World Cup trophy lift next month, setting up a scene similar to last summer’s awkward World Club Cup trophy presentation.It is being reported by talkSPORT that Fifa has no objection to the US president no objection to Trump breaking presentation protocol and handing the World Cup trophy directly to the winning captain, before remaining in the thick of the celebrations.Normally, the trophy remains on a plinth and is carried by a member of the winning team onto the celebration podium.In the Club World Cup last summer, Trump awkwardly and memorably stayed next to Chelsea captain Reece James as he lifted the trophy, causing bafflement, with Cole Palmer looking particularly confused.Trump inserted himself into Chelsea’s Club World Cup celebration (Getty)Luke Baker16 June 2026 15:58Meet the Swedish baron starring at the 2026 World CupWhile the World Cup in North America is set to feature footballing titans like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, representing the sport's typical rags-to-riches narrative, Sweden's squad boasts a player from a decidedly different background.Gustaf Lagerbielke, a 26-year-old defender who played a full match in Sweden’s 5-1 victory over Tunisia on Sunday, is a baron from one of Sweden's noble families. His father and grandfather both hold the title of count, a stark contrast to the modest beginnings often associated with professional footballers.“I mean, it’s rare,” Lagerbielke admitted in an interview before the tournament, acknowledging his unique heritage.Luke Baker16 June 2026 15:51Why England boss Thomas Tuchel is wrong not to call up Trent Alexander-Arnold for World CupLook far enough down the list and eventually you will find him. Below Phil Neal and Viv Anderson, David Bardsley and Earl Barrett, Warren Barton and Danny Mills. Scroll down far enough down the English right-backs in Thomas Tuchel’s pecking order and finally Trent Alexander-Arnold’s name will appear.Maybe, anyway. Because if two things were entirely unsurprising – that Tino Livramento was ruled out of the World Cup and that Alexander-Arnold was not summoned to replace him – they were extraordinary nonetheless. Alexander-Arnold plays for Real Madrid. He is a triple Champions League finalist, a double Premier League winner, a player who has been in both the FIFPro World XI and the Champions League’s team of the season. He is the defender who has made the most goals in Premier League history. And he now seems, at most, England’s seventh-choice right-back.Richard Jolly tackles Tuchel’s decision to snub Trent Alexander-Arnold once more:Luke Baker16 June 2026 15:32How will England line up against Croatia in their 2026 World Cup opener?The wait is almost over. Eighteen months after he was unveiled as England manager, Thomas Tuchel will lead the Three Lions into the 2026 World Cup on Wednesday, with the express goal of “putting a second star on the shirt”. For fans, the extreme psychological sport that is watching England in a major tournament begins.Qualification was perfect – no draws, no defeats, no goals conceded – but some of England’s friendly performances have been uninspiring and even at this late stage, there remain some questions over exactly who makes up England’s best XI as they prepare to face Croatia in Dallas.Lawrence Ostlere has a crack at working out the starting XI:Luke Baker16 June 2026 15:18HAVE YOUR SAY: How does Thomas Tuchel rate among every England managerMaybe it’s a shade early to judge Thomas Tuchel, seeing as he hasn’t managed a tournament game yet for England, but let us know your rating for every England manager in historyLuke Baker16 June 2026 15:04FA chief explains decision to hand Thomas Tuchel new England contract before World CupThe Football Association’s chief executive, Mark Bullingham, has claimed that Thomas Tuchel’s contract extension provides crucial stability and control for the national team, particularly should England’s World Cup campaign encounter difficulties.Tuchel, who took over from Sir Gareth Southgate 20 months ago, is on the cusp of leading England into his inaugural international tournament.His initial deal was set to expire this summer, but a flawless World Cup qualification campaign prompted the FA to secure his services until the conclusion of the home European Championships in 2028.Luke Baker16 June 2026 14:43England confirm Livramento replacement“Trevoh Chalobah has been called into England’s 26-player squad at FIFA World Cup 2026 after injury sadly forced the withdrawal of Tino Livramento,” an FA statement reads.“Arrangements are now being made for the Chelsea defender to make the journey to the team’s basecamp in Kansas City, while the rest of the squad will head to Dallas, Texas for the Three Lions’ opening group fixture against Croatia on Wednesday.“FIFA regulations allow participating teams to replace an outfield player up to 24 hours before their opening fixture.“Newcastle United defender Livramento picked up a calf injury in training on Sunday afternoon. A subsequent scan and medical assessment on Monday unfortunately confirmed he could play no further part in England’s tournament.”Will Castle16 June 2026 14:29Today's World Cup fixturesSpain and France have mostly been bundled together as co-favourites and, well, La Roja were blunted by Cape Verde, so can Les Bleus prove themselves to be the real favourites to win it all? The defending champions are also in action with Lionel Messi gracing the turf in the country he's called home with Inter Miami. Plus, a rather large viking, Erling Haaland, spearheads Norway's hopes.Here’s what you’ve got to look forward to at the World Cup today:8pm BST – France v Senegal , BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website 11pm BST – Iraq v Norway , BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website 2am BST – Argentina v Algeria , ITV 1, ITV X, STV, STV Player 5am BST – Austria v Jordan , BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website Luke Baker16 June 2026 14:24HAVE YOUR SAY: Who should have replaced Tino Livramento?Trevoh Chalobah got the call but did Thomas Tuchel make the right decision? Let us knowLuke Baker16 June 2026 14:05Trevoh Chalobah called up to replace LivramentoTrevoh Chalobah has been called up to replace the injured Tino Livramento in England’s World Cup squad.Livramento’s injury is a blow for Thomas Tuchel but he was able to replace the Newcastle full-back in the squad before 9pm (BST) on Tuesday – 24 hours before England’s first game of the tournament against Croatia. Chelsea defender Chalobah is on his way to the United States and while he’s not expected to be involved against Croatia, he will be available for subsequent group matches against Ghana and Panama.Trevoh Chalobah has been called up by England (Getty)Luke Baker16 June 2026 13:45