Kobbie Mainoo became the subject of memes on social media after continuing to not be given an opportunity by coach Thomas Tuchel in England’s 2-0 victory over Panama.
Kobbie Mainoo is experiencing a disappointing 2026 World Cup as he has yet to play a single minute after England’s three matches in Group L. Coach Thomas Tuchel’s personnel decisions quickly generated a wave of debate, especially within the Manchester United fan community.
In the 2-0 victory over Panama on the early morning of June 28, Tuchel continued to overlook Mainoo and brought Jordan Henderson onto the pitch for the final 12 minutes. Thanks to this, the 36-year-old midfielder became the first English player to feature in 4 World Cups and 7 major tournaments.
Right after the match, social media was flooded with memes about Mainoo. Many Manchester United fans sarcastically joked that Tuchel would rather lace up his own boots and take the pitch himself than give the 21-year-old midfielder an opportunity. Others drew inspiration from the trend of Brazilian fans who once mocked Carlo Ancelotti for not using Endrick to create a series of humorous memes.
Quite a few people also recalled the period when Mainoo was crossed out of the plans at Manchester United by coach Ruben Amorim before refinding his position under Michael Carrick. The image of Mainoo’s older brother wearing a “Free Kobbie Mainoo” shirt in the stands of Old Trafford was also reshared as a way to satirize his current situation in the national team.
Up to this point, Mainoo is one of 6 England players who have yet to play at the 2026 World Cup. Nevertheless, the opportunity remains as the “Three Lions” prepare to enter the knockout round.
England will face the DR Congo in the round of 32 on July 1, and the dense match schedule could cause Tuchel to continue rotating the squad. Mainoo, therefore, is still waiting for his chance to get his first minutes at the planet’s biggest football festival.
