World Cup 2026 squads have been finalised, featuring a record 1,248 players across 48 nations in football’s biggest tournament.
ZURICH: World Cup 2026 squads have been officially confirmed by FIFA, with a record 1,248 players selected by the 48 participating nations for the tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States. The expanded competition marks a historic milestone for international football and will feature 104 matches, the largest World Cup ever staged.
The announcement highlights the growing global reach of the sport, with players representing 449 clubs across 71 countries. FIFA said the expanded format allows more nations and players to take part, creating new opportunities for emerging football markets while maintaining the tournament’s worldwide appeal.
Among the selected players, 357 have previously been named in at least one FIFA World Cup squad, while 891 will be making their tournament debut. The figures underline the blend of experience and fresh talent that will shape the competition over the coming weeks.
World Cup 2026 squads also showcase remarkable individual achievements. Argentina captain Lionel Messi, Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo and Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa are all set to appear in a record sixth FIFA World Cup. Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon enters the tournament as the oldest selected player at 43 years and 162 days, while Mexico midfielder Gilberto Mora is the youngest at 17 years and 240 days.
The tournament will also welcome four debutant nations. Cabo Verde, Curaçao, Jordan and Uzbekistan have qualified for the World Cup for the first time, adding fresh storylines to the global spectacle. FIFA noted that 22 players aged under 20 and seven players aged 40 or above are included in the final lists, alongside 22 previous World Cup winners.
World Cup 2026 squads further reflect differing approaches to national team selection. Qatar and Saudi Arabia have largely relied on domestic leagues, while several countries including Uruguay, Senegal and Curaçao have selected squads made entirely of players competing abroad. The final lists underline football’s increasingly international character ahead of the tournament’s opening matches.
