The FIFA World Cup is set to return after nearly four years, with the 2026 edition scheduled to be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. A total of 48 teams have already been finalised, marking the largest tournament in the competition’s history. Ahead of the event, FIFA has established a structured timeline for the submission of team squads.
According to FIFA regulations, the squad submission process will take place in three distinct phases. In the first phase, all participating teams must submit a preliminary list of between 35 and 55 players by 11 May. This extended list must include at least five goalkeepers, ensuring adequate coverage for that position.
The second phase concerns player release obligations. By 25 May, clubs are required to release players selected for international duty. Following this, between 25 May and 1 June, national teams must reduce their squads to a final list of 23 to 26 players. Within this final squad, a minimum of three goalkeepers is mandatory.
Even after the final squad submission, limited changes are permitted under specific circumstances. Teams may replace players in cases of serious injury or illness. However, such replacements must be made no later than 24 hours before the team’s first match in the tournament.
The opening match of the 2026 World Cup is scheduled for Thursday, 11 June, at Estadio Azteca. The match will begin at 3:00 pm local time, featuring Mexico against South Africa.
The group-stage composition for the tournament is outlined below:
| Group | Teams |
|---|---|
| A | Mexico, South Korea, South Africa, Czech Republic |
| B | Canada, Switzerland, Qatar, Bosnia and Herzegovina |
| C | Brazil, Morocco, Scotland, Haiti |
| D | United States, Australia, Paraguay, Turkey |
| E | Germany, Ecuador, Ivory Coast, Curaçao |
| F | Netherlands, Japan, Tunisia, Sweden |
| G | Belgium, Iran, Egypt, New Zealand |
| H | Spain, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, Cape Verde |
| I | France, Senegal, Norway, Iraq |
| J | Argentina, Austria, Algeria, Jordan |
| K | Portugal, Colombia, Uzbekistan, Congo |
| L | England, Croatia, Panama, Ghana |
This edition represents a significant expansion from previous tournaments, increasing participation from 32 to 48 teams. The revised structure introduces more groups and fixtures, while maintaining a group-stage format in which each group contains four teams.
With the deadlines clearly defined, national associations are expected to complete their squad selection processes within the stipulated timeframe, ensuring compliance with FIFA’s regulations ahead of the tournament’s commencement.
