The Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) has confirmed that 1,248 players representing 48 nations will participate in the 2026 World Cup.
Of the total squad, 891 players will make their World Cup debut, while 357 will return to the global tournament, according to FIFA’s final squad lists released ahead of the competition.
The tournament, which begins on June 11, 2026, will be jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States and will feature an expanded 48-team format across 104 matches.
FIFA described the development as a historic milestone in the competition’s evolution, noting that the expanded format will increase global representation and participation.
The governing body said the squad lists reflect both continuity and renewal in world football, with 357 players returning after previous World Cup experience and 891 players set for their first appearance.
It also revealed that 22 players are under the age of 20, while seven players are aged 40 and above, highlighting the wide generational spread in the tournament.
Among the standout names expected to feature are Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Guillermo Ochoa, all of whom are set to make record sixth World Cup appearances.
FIFA added that 22 former World Cup winners are included in the squads, further underlining the tournament’s competitive depth and experience.
The organisation noted a significant age range among players, with Scotland’s Craig Gordon, aged 43 years and 162 days, listed as the oldest participant, while Mexico’s Gilberto Mora, aged 17 years and 240 days, is the youngest.
Four nations—Cabo Verde, Curaçao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan—will make their World Cup debuts, a milestone FIFA linked to the expanded tournament structure.
Uzbekistan’s first appearance was highlighted as particularly notable, with young talents such as Abdukodir Khusanov expected to feature.
FIFA also confirmed that 449 clubs from 71 countries are represented across the squads, reflecting the global distribution of professional football talent.
The organisation noted contrasting squad compositions, with Qatar and Saudi Arabia relying heavily on domestically based players, while several other nations, including Senegal, Uruguay, and Côte d’Ivoire, field squads made up entirely of overseas-based players.
FIFA said the tournament will showcase “excellence, diversity and global unity through football,” adding that squad changes will only be permitted under strict regulations involving serious injury or illness up to 24 hours before a team’s first match, subject to approval.