FIFA Confirms 2026 World Cup Squad Deadlines and Rules

FIFA has confirmed the regulatory timeline for the 48 participating nations ahead of the 2026 World Cup. All competing teams are required to submit their final squads, ranging between 23 and 26 players, by Monday, June 1.

While national associations may announce their selections earlier, those rosters remain subject to FIFA verification. The governing body will publish the official, confirmed squad lists for all nations on Tuesday, June 2. Every team must include at least three goalkeepers within their selected group.

Before the final submission, nations must provide a confidential provisional list containing 35 to 55 players, including at least four goalkeepers. Only players featured on this list are eligible to replace teammates in the final squad due to injury. Once the June 1 deadline passes, replacements are strictly limited to cases of serious injury or illness, permitted up to 24 hours before a team's opening fixture.

The decision to maintain an expanded 26-man squad limit accounts for the increased physical demands of the tournament. Most nations are expected to utilize the full capacity to ensure depth across their rosters. Notably, goalkeepers remain a special case: they can be replaced due to injury or illness at any point during the competition to ensure teams are never left without a recognized option in goal.