The qualification campaign for the 2026 World Cup is reaching a conclusion, but several Newcastle United stars might not make it to North America.
It was an exciting October international break as several countries sealed their place in the 2026 World Cup, with an Anthony Gordon-inspired England becoming the first European side to do so.
Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton’s Brazil had already secured their spot, while Nick Woltemade’s Germany and Sandro Tonali’s Italy are closing in on North America as well.
However, some Newcastle United stars might not be at the World Cup, either because their country is at risk of missing out or they might not be selected.
Here’s who.
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Anthony Elanga & Emil Krafth – Sweden
Sweden are in serious jeopardy of missing a second World Cup in a row and haven’t been helped at all by Alexander Isak’s self-imposed lack of fitness.
Sweden lost at home twice over the break to Switzerland and Kosovo, leaving them with just one point after four games and leading to the sacking of manager Jon Dahl Tomasson, the first Sweden manager to ever be relieved of his post.
Sweden have to win their last two games and overturn a goal difference deficit against Kosovo (who they aren’t playing) to finish second and reach the playoffs.
If they fail to do so, they have a final safety net due to winning their Nations League group and could still make the play-offs, but they will have to rank among the top four teams in qualifying who are in the same position to earn one of the spots.
Even then, they will be a low seed and given a tough draw, so their chances are looking remote.
Anthony Elanga, who was criticised by the Swedish press for his display against Kosovo, is in danger of missing the tournament. As is Emil Krafth, but that’s because he might not make the squad even if they do scrape through.
Nick Pope, Tino Livramento & Lewis Hall – England
England are safely through to the World Cup with two games to spare and haven’t even conceded a goal.
The impressive Gordon and Dan Burn have become regulars under Thomas Tuchel, so they will surely be on the plane, injuries permitting.
However, the race is on for Newcastle’s other English stars to earn a seat.
Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall missed the recent squad with injury (though Hall was only called up to the Under-21s anyway) and, in their absence, Djed Spence and Myles Lewis-Skelly have laid claim to the full-back positions.
There’s still time for Livramento and Hall to recover and find their form, but there are only two international breaks to go before Tuchel picks his World Cup squad, and neither are likely to be fit for November’s.
The pair are running out of time to impress enough to make the cut.
Nick Pope, meanwhile, has never been called up by Tuchel and has gone a year without being so. Yet, if his brilliant form continues, he might have a chance of returning to the fold.
Sven Botman – Netherlands
Despite his quality, Sven Botman still hasn’t played for his country.
It’s understandable given the last 18 months of his career have been plagued by injury, but he is now starting to return to his best at Newcastle.
Howe believes Botman is sure to get called up before too long but, with a lot of competition in defence ahead of him in the Dutch squad, it seems unlikely he’ll be drafted in before the World Cup.
Malick Thiaw – Germany
Botman is forming a solid-looking partnership with Malick Thiaw, who is quickly becoming a favourite among the Newcastle fans after arriving in the summer.
Thiaw has earned three caps for Germany in the past but they all came in 2023 and he has been out of favour with Julian Nagelsmann for some time.
Yet, there aren’t a lot of quality options in the Germany squad and a strong Premier League season could put Thiaw in contention.
William Osula – Denmark
Denmark sit equal on points with Scotland in qualifying group C, so their place in North America is not guaranteed yet.
William Osula is in an even more perilous position. The striker earned his first call-up to the national squad in September but didn’t make his debut before dropping out this time.
Osula has shown improvements this season but he’ll have to go on and impress even more this season if he is to go to the World Cup.
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