FIFA Sets June 2 Deadline for Final 2026 World Cup Squads

By Kunle Solaja.

FIFA has officially confirmed that all 48 participating nations at the 2026 FIFA World Cup must submit their final squad lists by June 2, when the official player rosters will also be unveiled.

According to FIFA, national football associations may announce their squads earlier, but the lists will only become official after approval by the world governing body on the stipulated date.

The squad format for the expanded tournament will remain the same as at the Qatar 2022 World Cup, with each country allowed to register up to 26 players.

The registration process will begin with a provisional phase during which teams must submit an internal list containing between 35 and 55 players, including at least four goalkeepers. FIFA stated that these preliminary lists will remain confidential and unpublished until May 11.

After the provisional stage, participating nations will then be required to submit their final squad of between 23 and 26 players, with a minimum of three goalkeepers included.

FIFA also clarified the rules regarding player replacements after the June 2 deadline. Outfield players can only be replaced in cases of serious injury or illness and must be substituted no later than 24 hours before a team’s opening match. Goalkeepers, however, may be replaced at any stage during the competition under similar circumstances.

The governing body further stressed that every player selected must hold the nationality of the country they are representing and remain under the jurisdiction of the respective participating member association.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, will be the first edition to feature 48 teams.

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