England star Kobbie Mainoo forced to follow strict FIFA pre-match rule which impacted another player

Kobbie Mainoo is yet to make an appearance in the World Cup but the England midfielder has been forced to follow a strict rule imposed by FIFA.

Mainoo was included in Thomas Tuchel's 26-man squad for the tournament in North America after an impressive end to the season with Manchester United.

But Mainoo is still waiting for his World Cup debut, having failed to take to the pitch in all three group games.

Mainoo remained an unused substitute in the 2-0 win over Panama, where Declan Rice missed out through injury.

Instead, Morgan Rogers was given a start and Jude Bellingham dropped back alongside Elliot Anderson.

READ MORE: Thomas Tuchel admits he needs ‘solutions’ to fresh concern after England’s victory over Panama

Jordan Henderson came on for a late run-out instead of Mainoo.

FIFA force Kobbie Mainoo to cover up logo of brand he is an ambassador for

Mainoo has of course been seen with the squad for the pre-match ceremonies, as well as post-match celebrations.

He has been pictured walking on the pitch ahead of games, with his Beats headphones on.

However, eagle-eyed fans may have noticed that Mainoo has had to make a significant change to his headphones.

As was the case with Germany star Jamal Musiala, Mainoo has had to tape over the Beats logo. The strip has been visible on the headphones before every game, in line with FIFA's strict branding rules.

Kobbie Mainoo's headphones have been covered up. Image: Getty

These rules for a "clean site" on matchday set by the world football governing body mean that stadiums with branding have had to change their names and cover up logos.

Brands such as Heinz and Beats have used it to their advantage, generating more publicity through witty social media activity like changing their profile pictures to a covered up logos.

In 2014, Sony had an official licensing partner of FIFA's - meaning Beats headphones were effectively banned.

Many players have been seen sporting different types of headphones - though the Apple version do not have a large visible logo.

Some have still walked into stadiums with their Beats uncovered but Mainoo and Musiala are two high-profile stars who have been made an example of.

The Mainoo move is particularly interesting as he became a Beats brand ambassador back in May 2025.

The 21-year-old has sported a whole host of different Beats products and a month ago he shared a snap of him wearing his go-to headphones, with the caption, '#BeatsPartner'.

Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi have also been featured in Beats' campaigns but neither have been spotting wearing the headphones prior to matches.

England are back in action on Wednesday when they take on DR Congo in the round of 32 in Atlanta.

They could then face Mexico in Mexico City in an exciting last 16 fixture.