Saka cannot be replaced in England's World Cup squad as FIFA deadline passes

Bukayo Saka cannot be replaced in England’s World Cup squad, with FIFA’s outfield player replacement deadline having already passed ahead of the tournament opener against Croatia. Thomas Tuchel must now work with the options currently available to him, regardless of the severity of any injury the Arsenal winger is carrying.

FIFA regulations allow national teams to name a final squad of between 23 and 26 players, including a minimum of three goalkeepers. Before the tournament, every participating nation was required to submit a provisional standby list of between 35 and 55 players — and any emergency replacements must be drawn exclusively from that pre-approved pool.

For outfield players, the rules are unambiguous: replacements are only permitted up to 24 hours before a team’s first match. That window has now closed for England, meaning Saka — or any other outfield player — cannot be swapped out even if a tournament-ending injury is confirmed during the competition.

Goalkeepers are treated differently under the regulations. A severely injured or ill goalkeeper may be replaced by another keeper from the provisional longlist at any point during the tournament, reflecting the specialised nature of the position.

England did make one late adjustment before the deadline, with Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah drafted in as a replacement for the injured Tino Livramento. That call was made in time to beat the cut-off ahead of the Croatia fixture.

With the replacement door now shut for outfield positions, Tuchel will need to find solutions within his existing squad should Saka’s fitness situation worsen as the tournament progresses.