With the countdown underway for FIFA World Cup 2026, national teams are preparing for a tightly scheduled series of squad submissions and deadlines that will determine which players make it to football’s biggest tournament.
The expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup 2026, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, kicks off on 11 June 2026, with squads expected to be finalised just weeks before the opening match.
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May 11: Preliminary squad submissions
By Monday, 11 May, all participating nations must submit a provisional squad list containing between 35 and 55 players, including at least four goalkeepers.
This longlist forms the official pool from which final World Cup squads will be selected. FIFA regulations require that any injury-related replacements before the tournament must come from this list.
The provisional lists will not be publicly released, but they remain crucial for squad planning and preparation.
May 25: Player release from clubs
Clubs must release players for international duty by 25 May, marking the start of the official preparation period for the tournament.
Exceptions may apply for players involved in major club finals, including UEFA and CONCACAF competitions, subject to FIFA approval.
From this date, national teams will begin full tournament preparations ahead of the global showpiece.
June 1: Final squad deadline
Between 25 May and 1 June, national teams must submit their final World Cup squads, consisting of 23 to 26 players, including three goalkeepers.
FIFA allows last-minute changes only in cases of serious injury or illness, and only from players named in the provisional squad list. Any replacement must be approved by FIFA’s medical team.
June 2: Official squad confirmation
FIFA will officially confirm and announce all final squads on 2 June 2026.
While national associations may release their own squad announcements earlier, they only become official once validated by FIFA.
Tournament structure and squad size
Each nation will be permitted a 26-man squad, meaning a total of 1 248 players will take part in the tournament.
The 2026 edition will feature a revised format, starting with a group stage followed by a round of 32 – a new addition for the expanded competition.
Knockout rounds will proceed through the round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the final on 19 July 2026.
Key tournament dates
- Group stage: 11 to 27 June
- Round of 32: 28 June to 3 July
- Round of 16: 4 to 7 July
- Quarter-finals: 9 to 11 July
- Semi-finals: 14 to 15 July
- Third-place playoff: 18 July
- Final: 19 July
As squads begin to take shape, attention will soon shift from selection debates to final preparations – and ultimately, to which players will step onto the world stage next summer.