2026 World Cup: FIFA names 1,248 players, 891 set for debut

The Federation of International Football Associations announced on Tuesday that 1,248 players from 48 countries will take part in the 2026 World Cup.

Out of these players, 891 will be making their World Cup debut while 357 have played in previous tournaments.

FIFA released the final squad lists for the tournament, which starts on June 11, 2026, in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

FIFA stated that the expanded format with 48 teams is a significant step in the tournament’s history, bringing in more countries and fans than ever before for 104 matches.

“The final squad lists for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ have been published by FIFA, representing one of the tournament’s most exciting milestones with just nine days to go until kick-off.

“With 48 teams and 1,248 players made available to take to the pitch across 104 matches in Canada, Mexico and the United States, this edition represents a major moment for the global game, opening the door to more nations, players and their fans than ever before,” the statement said.

FIFA pointed out that these numbers show both continuity and new faces in world football, with 357 players returning after being in previous World Cups.

“The confirmed squad lists underline the scale and lasting appeal of the tournament with 357 players returning after at least one previous FIFA World Cup squad inclusion. Some 891 players are set to experience the competition for the first time, highlighting both continuity and renewal across the global game,” it added.

The governing body of world football mentioned that the tournament will include players from various age groups. This includes 22 players under 20 and seven players who are 40 and above.

FIFA also confirmed that 22 former World Cup winners are in the squads. Big names like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Guillermo Ochoa are set to make their sixth World Cup appearances.

“The generational range is equally striking, with over 25 years separating the oldest player (Craig Gordon from Scotland, who is 43 years and 162 days old) from the youngest (Gilberto Mora from Mexico, who is 17 years and 240 days old),” FIFA said.

FIFA also pointed out that four nations, Cabo Verde, Curaçao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan, are making their World Cup debut, seeing this as a sign of the expanded tournament format.

Uzbekistan’s first appearance stands out, with emerging stars like Abdukodir Khusanov expected to play.

FIFA also shared that 449 clubs from 71 countries are represented in the tournament squads. This shows the wide reach of professional football talent across the globe.

“The squad lists also highlight different national profiles, ranging from Qatar and Saudi Arabia, whose teams are mostly made up of locally based players (25 out of 26 in each case) to others like Cabo Verde, Congo DR, Côte d’Ivoire, Curaçao, Senegal, and Uruguay, which have their entire squads drawn from overseas leagues,” the statement explained.

The global body mentioned that coaches like Ghana’s Otto Addo are among those guiding their teams into the tournament, which it called a celebration of “excellence, diversity and global unity through football.”

According to FIFA, any squad changes will follow tournament rules. Replacements for injuries or illnesses can only happen up to 24 hours before a team’s first match, and these must be approved by FIFA.