What FIFA rules say about England replacing Jordan Henderson ahead of Norway game

Jordan Henderson is set to miss the rest of the World Cup after he suffered a freak injury in the aftermath of England's 3-2 win over Mexico. So, can Thomas Tuchel call up a replacement?

On Sunday evening, just moments after celebrating with England supporters inside the Estadio Azteca, Henderson landed awkwardly on his wrist after he slipped while climbing over the advertising hoarding.

The 36-year-old left the pitch on a stretcher and required oxygen as he was surrounded by medical staff, as well as some of his teammates.

Henderson, who was taken to hospital in Mexico City, did not travel back to England's base in Kansas. According to talkSPORT, the midfielder is awaiting a transfer for an operation to fix a broken radius.

On the injury to Henderson, Tuchel said: “He injured his wrist. He is in hospital, so it is quite a serious injury. It just doesn’t fit to the evening that Jordan is now not with us. I don’t know the procedure what is going on."

Jordan Henderson slowed down video. he snapped his arm. pic.twitter.com/jIeC8RIJcU

— 🇬🇧 (@ceidwadol) July 6, 2026

So, will England be able to call up a replacement for Henderson?

FIFA rules state that the final deadline to name a replacement is up to 24 hours before a nation's opening group match, which in England's case, was the game against Croatia on June 17.

Of course, Tino Livramento was replaced by Trevoh Chalobah after the Newcastle full-back suffered a calf injury, but that was in the build-up to that 4-2 win over Croatia.

In short, England will have to carry on with a 25-man squad. Henderson's presence in camp will certainly be missed in the coming days, although his time on the pitch has been scarce this summer.

He earned his 90th cap for the Three Lions when he came off the bench against Panama in the group stage.

FIFA rules state England will not be able to replace Jordan Henderson

FIFA’s official 2026 World Cup regulations state: "A player listed on the final release list may be replaced by a player from the provisional release list only in the event of a serious injury or illness, up until 24 hours before the kick-off of their team’s first match in the FIFA World Cup 26.

"Any exceptions must be approved by FIFA. The replacement shall be nominated by the Participating Member Association, which shall inform FIFA accordingly.

"Upon receipt and acceptance of a detailed written medical assessment in one of FIFA’s official languages, the FIFA Medical Committee, represented by the FIFA Tournament Medical Lead, will determine whether the injury or illness is sufficiently serious to prevent the player from taking part in the FIFA World Cup 26.

"Injured players who are replaced shall return their accreditation to FIFA. Accordingly, players who have returned their accreditation shall no longer be considered members of the Participating Member Association’s final release list. The replacement player must be assigned the shirt number of the injured player being replaced."

On goalkeepers, the regulations add: "A goalkeeper listed on the final release list may be replaced by another goalkeeper from the provisional release list only in the event of serious injury or illness, at any time during the final competition. Any exceptions must be approved by FIFA."