FIFA Names 1,248 Players for 2026 World Cup, 891 Set to Debut

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

Out of these, 891 players will be making their first appearance in the tournament, while 357 players have played in previous World Cups.

This information was shared in FIFA’s final squad lists ahead of the tournament, which will start on June 11, 2026, in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

FIFA stated that the new 48-team format is a significant change for the competition, allowing for more global participation across 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 noted that these numbers show both continuity and change in world football, with 357 players returning after being part of previous World Cup squads.

"The confirmed squad lists underline the scale and enduring 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 organization also pointed out that players will come from a wide range of ages, including 22 players under 20 years old and seven players over 40 years.

It confirmed that 22 former FIFA World Cup winners are in the squads, while stars like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Guillermo Ochoa will make their sixth World Cup appearances.

"The generational breadth is equally striking, with over 25 years separating the oldest player (Scotland’s Craig Gordon at 43 years and 162 days old) from the youngest (Mexico’s Gilberto Mora at 17 years and 240 days old)," FIFA said.

The tournament will also see the debut of four nations, Cabo Verde, Curaçao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan, showing the impact of the expanded format.

Uzbekistan’s first appearance was particularly highlighted, with young talents like Abdukodir Khusanov expected to play.

FIFA revealed that 449 clubs from 71 countries are represented in the squad lists, showing the global nature of professional football.

"The squad lists also highlight contrasting national profiles, ranging from Qatar and Saudi Arabia, whose teams are built almost entirely from domestically based players (25 out of 26 in both cases) to others, such as Cabo Verde, Congo DR, Côte d’Ivoire, Curaçao, Senegal and Uruguay, that draw their entire squads from overseas leagues," the statement said.

The global body mentioned that coaches like Ghana’s Otto Addo will lead their countries in the tournament, which they described as a celebration of "excellence, diversity and global unity through football."

FIFA also mentioned that squad changes will only be allowed according to tournament rules. Replacements can only happen due to serious injury or illness, and must be approved by FIFA up to 24 hours before a team’s first match.