2026 World Cup: FIFA releases full squads, confirms 1,248 players, 891 debutants

The 2026 World Cup is set to feature an unprecedented 1,248 players from 48 nations, with FIFA confirming the final squad lists just nine days before the tournament's kickoff on June 11, 2026. This expanded format, spanning across Canada, Mexico, and the United States, represents a significant milestone in the competition's history, promising greater global representation than ever before.

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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.

Among the 1,248 players, a remarkable 891 will be making their World Cup debuts, highlighting a significant renewal within the sport. Simultaneously, 357 players are returning to the global stage, underscoring the enduring appeal and continuity of the tournament. FIFA noted that these figures reflect both the evolving landscape of world football and the sustained legacy of established stars.

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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 watershed moment for the global game, opening the door to more nations, players and their fans than ever before.

The tournament's generational breadth is also striking. FIFA anticipates 22 players under the age of 20 and seven players aged 40 and above. Global icons like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Guillermo Ochoa are reportedly set for their sixth World Cup appearances. The oldest player expected is Scotland's Craig Gordon at 43 years and 162 days, while Mexico's Gilberto Mora, at 17 years and 240 days, is the youngest.

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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.

Four nations, Cabo Verde, Curaçao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan, will make their debut appearances, a testament to the expanded tournament format. Uzbekistan's inclusion is particularly noted, with emerging talents like Abdukodir Khusanov expected to feature. FIFA also disclosed that 449 clubs from 71 countries are represented in the squads, further emphasizing the tournament's global reach.

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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).