FIFA sets strict submission windows for 48 national teams ahead of 2026 World Cup

The global governing body for football has established a rigorous submission schedule for the 2026 World Cup, requiring 48 national teams to adhere to strict deadlines for squad finalisation. Under FIFA regulations, preliminary lists comprising between 35 and 55 players, including four goalkeepers, must be submitted by 11 May. These provisional lists serve as the official pool of eligible players and are intended for internal use only, with no public publication planned by the organisation.

Following the submission of preliminary data, clubs are mandated to release their players for national duty by 25 May, marking the commencement of the mandatory rest and preparation period. This timeline allows for the final submission of rosters, which must consist of 23 to 26 players including three goalkeepers, between 25 May and 1 June. FIFA will officially confirm all 48 squads on 2 June, at which point the lists become binding and official.

The governing body has outlined specific protocols regarding player replacements to maintain roster integrity. While players in the final squad can only be substituted by those on the provisional list in cases of serious injury or illness up to 24 hours before a team's first match, goalkeepers retain greater flexibility. Goalkeepers may be replaced by another goalkeeper from the provisional squad at any time during the tournament if injured, provided the medical assessment is accepted by FIFA's medical team lead.

Injury updates have already begun to impact team preparations, with Brazilian players Rodrygo and Éder Militão ruled out of the tournament. Conversely, high-profile figures such as Egyptian forward Mo Salah and Spanish prodigy Lamine Yamal are currently undergoing rehabilitation for hamstring injuries but are expected to be fit in time. These developments underscore the necessity of the expanded squad size, which was introduced at the Qatar 2022 tournament to mitigate risks associated with player fatigue and injury.

The expanded format, which increases the total number of footballers entering the competition to an estimated 1,248, features a knockout stage beginning with a round of 32. The tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is scheduled to open on 11 June with a match between the United States and South Africa at Estadio Azteca. Teams are required to arrive in their respective host countries no later than five days before their first group match.

Exceptions to the standard club release dates apply for players involved in the finals of the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Conference League, and CONCACAF Champions Cup, with release dates extended to 30 May, 28 May, and 30 May respectively. All such exceptions remain subject to prior approval from FIFA, ensuring that the integrity of the tournament schedule is maintained despite overlapping club commitments.