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2026 World Cup to feature 1,248 players as expanded format opens up tournament

Croatia's defender Marin Pongracic #3 and Belgium forward Romelu Lukaku #9 fight for the ball during the international friendly football match between Croatia and Belgium ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup football tournament at the Rujevica Stadium in Rijeka, June 2, 2026. (AFP Photo)
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Croatia's defender Marin Pongracic #3 and Belgium forward Romelu Lukaku #9 fight for the ball during the international friendly football match between Croatia and Belgium ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup football tournament at the Rujevica Stadium in Rijeka, June 2, 2026. (AFP Photo)
June 03, 2026 04:37 PM GMT+03:00

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will bring together 1,248 players from 48 national teams, marking the largest player pool in the tournament's history as the competition expands across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

FIFA said the final squads for all 48 teams had been confirmed, underlining that the tournament would open the door to more countries, players and supporters than ever before.

The FIFA World Cup trophy is displayed during a stop of the FIFA World Cup Trouphy Tour at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, US, June 2, 2026. (AFP Photo)
The FIFA World Cup trophy is displayed during a stop of the FIFA World Cup Trouphy Tour at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, US, June 2, 2026. (AFP Photo)

Expanded World Cup brings in hundreds of first-time players

Of the players called up for the tournament, 891 will appear at a World Cup for the first time, while 357 have already been part of at least one previous World Cup squad.

The age range also points to the broad mix of experience and youth in the expanded competition. Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon is the oldest player called up, at 43 years and 162 days, while Mexico's Gilberto Mora is the youngest, at 17 years and 240 days.

In total, 22 players under the age of 20 and seven players aged 40 or over have been included in squads.

Ghana's defender #03 Caleb Yirenkyi (L) scores the opening goal during the international friendly football match between Wales and Ghana ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup football tournament, at Cardiff City Stadium, in Cardiff, June 2, 2026. (AFP Photo)
Ghana's defender #03 Caleb Yirenkyi (L) scores the opening goal during the international friendly football match between Wales and Ghana ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup football tournament, at Cardiff City Stadium, in Cardiff, June 2, 2026. (AFP Photo)

Former champions return as 4 nations make World Cup debuts

The tournament will also feature 22 players who have previously won the World Cup, adding another layer of experience to the expanded field.

Four countries will take part in the FIFA World Cup for the first time: Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan and Uzbekistan.

The 2026 edition will also bring another coaching milestone. Ghana's Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz, who previously led Portugal in 2010 and Iran in 2014, 2018 and 2022, is set to become the second manager after Bora Milutinovic to work at five consecutive World Cups.

Portugal’s forward Cristiano Ronaldo attends a training session ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 at Cidade do Futebol in Oeiras, June 1, 2026. (AFP Photo)
Portugal’s forward Cristiano Ronaldo attends a training session ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 at Cidade do Futebol in Oeiras, June 1, 2026. (AFP Photo)

Messi, Ronaldo and Ochoa set for 6th World Cup

Argentina's Lionel Messi, Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo and Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa are preparing for their sixth FIFA World Cup.

Under FIFA World Cup rules, teams may replace a player because of serious injury or illness up to 24 hours before their opening match kicks off.

June 03, 2026 04:37 PM GMT+03:00
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