Harry Maguire, the Manchester United defender, recently surprised fans by appearing in New York during the World Cup 2026. Despite not being part of the England squad for the tournament, he took on an unexpected role as a seller of Panini albums and stickers, creating a buzz on social media.

While the England team competes in the World Cup across the United States, Maguire was seen behind a sales counter in the heart of New York, directly engaging with fans and distributing albums and stickers. This unexpected appearance caught many tourists off guard, as they encountered a Premier League star in a completely different setting than the football pitch.

This event was part of a promotional campaign by Panini, where the 33-year-old not only signed autographs and took photos with fans but also participated in a meet-and-greet with Manchester United supporters at Times Square. After the event, Maguire expressed his joy on social media, stating, "It was great to meet fans from all over the world."

However, behind these joyful moments lies a significant disappointment for Maguire. He was notably absent from the list of 26 players selected for the England squad, a decision made by coach Thomas Tuchel that sparked controversy. Despite a positive season with Manchester United, Maguire’s exclusion from the World Cup roster left him feeling "shocked and sad." He shared on social media that representing his country has always been the greatest pride of his career, saying, "I have never loved anything more than representing my country."

Despite his disappointment, Maguire extended his best wishes to his teammates participating in the World Cup across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. His unexpected role at the World Cup has become one of the most talked-about stories, highlighting the personal challenges athletes face even amidst global sporting events.