FIFA Confirms Players for 2026 World Cup: 1,248 Players, 891 New Faces

FIFA announced on Tuesday that 1,248 players from 48 countries will compete in the 2026 World Cup.

Out of these, 891 players will be making their World Cup debuts, while 357 players have experience from past tournaments.

This information comes from FIFA's final squad lists released ahead of the tournament. The World Cup will start on June 11, 2026, and will take place in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

FIFA said that this new 48-team format is a historic change for the tournament. It will allow more nations to participate in 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 ready to play across 104 matches in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, this edition marks a big moment for global football, allowing more nations, players, and fans to take part than ever before," the statement said.

FIFA pointed out that this shows both the return of familiar faces and the emergence of new talent in world football. A total of 357 players will return after being part of previous World Cup squads.

"The confirmed squad lists underscore the scale and lasting appeal of the tournament. 357 players are back after being in at least one previous World Cup squad. At the same time, 891 players are set to experience the competition for the first time, showing both continuity and renewal in the game," FIFA mentioned.

The tournament will showcase players from different generations. There will be 22 players under 20 years old and seven players aged 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 will play in their sixth World Cup.

"The age difference among players is striking, with over 25 years between the oldest player, Scotland’s Craig Gordon at 43 years and 162 days, and the youngest, Mexico’s Gilberto Mora at 17 years and 240 days," FIFA added.

Four nations will make their World Cup debuts: Cabo Verde, Curaçao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan. Their qualification reflects the tournament's expanded format.

Uzbekistan's first appearance is notable. Rising star Abdukodir Khusanov is among the players expected to play.

FIFA also shared that 449 clubs from 71 countries are represented in the tournament squads, highlighting the wide reach of professional football talent.

"The squad lists showcase different national profiles, from Qatar and Saudi Arabia, where teams consist mostly of local players (25 out of 26 in both cases), to others like Cabo Verde, Congo DR, Côte d’Ivoire, Curaçao, Senegal, and Uruguay, whose squads are made up entirely of players from overseas leagues," the statement said.

FIFA mentioned that coaches like Ghana’s Otto Addo will lead their teams into the tournament, calling it a celebration of "excellence, diversity, and global unity through football."

FIFA stated that changes to the squads will only be allowed according to tournament rules. Teams can replace players only due to serious injury or illness up to 24 hours before their first match, and this needs FIFA's approval.