Teams Choose Players for 2026 World Cup

Introduction

Countries are choosing 26 players for the 2026 World Cup. Some players cannot play because they are hurt.

Main Body

The USA coach is looking at 61 players. He wants to find the best team. Two players, Johnny Cardoso and Patrick Agyemang, have leg injuries and cannot play. Sweden does not have Dejan Kulusevski because his knee is hurt. Belgium has a new player named Matias Fernandez-Pardo. He helps the team score goals. Spain and Brazil also have problems. Some old players are not on the list. Other players have muscle injuries. England is waiting to see if their players are healthy.

Conclusion

Teams want new players, but many players are sick or hurt right now.

Learning

🚨 The "Cannot" Power-Word

In this story, we see a very useful word: cannot.

It is used when something is impossible.

Pattern: Person + cannot + Action

  • Some players cannot play → It is impossible for them to play.
  • They cannot play → They are not able to play.

🦵 Describing Problems

To talk about health at an A2 level, use these simple pairs:

  • Hurt (General) → "His knee is hurt."
  • Injuries (The noun) → "They have leg injuries."
  • Sick (General illness) → "Players are sick."

🌏 Countries vs. Teams

Notice how the text uses the country name to mean the team:

  • Sweden does not have... (The Sweden Team)
  • Belgium has a new player... (The Belgium Team)

Quick Tip: When talking about sports, you can just say the name of the country! → Brazil is winning!

Vocabulary Learning

countries
a nation with its own government and borders
Example:Countries are choosing players for the World Cup.
choosing
selecting something from a group
Example:The coach is choosing the best players.
players
people who play a game or sport
Example:Players cannot play if they are hurt.
hurt
injured or in pain
Example:The knee is hurt.
coach
a person who trains a sports team
Example:The USA coach is looking at players.
looking
searching or observing
Example:The coach is looking at 61 players.
team
a group of people working together
Example:He wants to find the best team.
injuries
damages to the body
Example:They have leg injuries.
knee
the joint between the thigh and lower leg
Example:Sweden does not have Dejan because his knee is hurt.
new
recently made or introduced
Example:Belgium has a new player.
help
to assist
Example:He helps the team score goals.
score
to win or get points
Example:He helps the team score goals.
goals
points in a game
Example:They want to score more goals.
problems
issues or difficulties
Example:Spain and Brazil also have problems.
list
a series of items
Example:Some old players are not on the list.
healthy
in good health
Example:England is waiting to see if their players are healthy.
sick
ill or unwell
Example:Many players are sick.
right
at the present time
Example:Players are hurt right now.
now
at the present time
Example:Players are hurt right now.