Why Djed Spence Wears a Face Mask at the World Cup
England defender Djed Spence has been wearing a custom-fitted carbon-fibre mask throughout the 2026 World Cup in North America, except during extra time in the quarter-final victory over Norway. The 25-year-old Tottenham Hotspur full-back is recovering from a severe jaw fracture sustained at the end of last season.
Injury Details and Recovery
Spence broke his jaw in May after receiving a stray elbow from Chelsea striker Liam Delap. Medical professionals initially predicted the fracture would take around three months to fully heal. Because of this extended timeline, Spence relies on the specialised mask to play safely.
Playing Through Pain
Despite significant discomfort, Spence showed remarkable toughness by playing for Spurs just five days after the injury, helping them avoid Premier League relegation against Everton. He has since adapted to the heavy gear in intense summer heat, working hard during training and matches under England boss Thomas Tuchel.
Upcoming Semi-Final
The masked defender is expected to feature in some capacity against Argentina in Wednesday's World Cup semi-final at the Atlanta Stadium. He aims to help England secure a famous victory and reach the final for the first time since 1966.
