The road to the FIFA World Cup 2026 is officially set after all 48 participating nations submitted their final squad lists, confirming a total of 1,248 players for the biggest tournament in football history.
The confirmation was announced by FIFA after all member associations met the deadline to submit their final rosters for the global showpiece, which will be hosted across North America next month.
Among the headline names returning to football’s grandest stage are Lionel Messi of Argentina, Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal and Mexico’s veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa. The trio are set to make their sixth World Cup appearances, further cementing their legendary status in the sport.
The expanded tournament will also welcome several first-time qualifiers. Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan and Uzbekistan have all secured their places in the competition, marking historic debuts on the world stage and adding fresh excitement to the event.
FIFA revealed that the tournament will kick off on 11 June, with a total of 104 matches scheduled across host nations Canada, Mexico and the United States. The final is set to take place on 19 July.
According to FIFA, the confirmed squad lists highlight both the scale and enduring appeal of the World Cup. Of the 1,248 players selected, 357 have previous World Cup experience, while 891 players will be making their debut appearances in the prestigious competition.
The 2026 edition is expected to rewrite the record books as the first World Cup to feature 48 teams, bringing together more than 1,000 players from around the globe in a month-long battle for football’s most coveted prize.
With established superstars, emerging talents and several debutant nations all preparing for action, fans can expect one of the most competitive and diverse World Cups ever staged.
