Mainoo gifts World Cup semi-final ticket to dementia fundraiser ahead of England vs Argentina

Kobbie Mainoo arranged a ticket for a fan facing a terminal dementia diagnosis so he could watch England’s World Cup semi-final against Argentina in Atlanta, Georgia, on Wednesday — an act of generosity that left the recipient describing himself as “speechless”.

Jordan Adams, 31, and his brother Cian, 26, were told they are almost certain to develop frontotemporal dementia (FTD) when they reach their 40s. The diagnosis came after the death of their mother, Geraldine, who passed away at 52 in 2016 having lived with the same genetic condition. Rather than retreat from public life, the brothers — known widely as the ‘FTD Brothers’ — channelled their situation into fundraising, completing 33 marathons in 33 days and raising more than £2 million for dementia research.

With England having reached the last four of the 2026 World Cup, Jordan flew from his home in Redditch, Worcestershire, to Atlanta in the hope of finding a ticket for the match. Mainoo, who is part of Thomas Tuchel’s 26-man England squad despite not yet featuring in the tournament, learned of Jordan’s story and contacted him directly with the offer of a seat.

Jordan shared the news on Instagram, writing: “Eight years ago, I was told that I will start to die in my 40s from the same dementia I watched and helped care for my mum live with. That’s why since then I have chosen to live life in the fast lane, making sure I leave this world with no regrets. So when Jude Bellingham secured our place in the World Cup semi-final against the Argies, a quick conversation followed with my amazing wife Agnes and I spent my last few pennies on two flights to get to Atlanta.”

The 21-year-old Manchester United midfielder has had a frustrating tournament on the pitch, with his prospects of playing against Argentina considered slim. Off it, however, the gesture has drawn widespread praise and underlined a reputation that extends well beyond his performances at club level.

England face Argentina in the semi-final on Wednesday night.