World Cup 2026 squad deadlines: Key dates, team lists, final announcements | World Cup 2026 News
Countdown to FIFA World Cup 2026: Key Dates for Team Announcements
With just under five weeks remaining until the FIFA World Cup kicks off in North America, football fans are eagerly anticipating the squad announcements for the 48 teams participating in the tournament. The excitement surrounds which players—ranging from international stars to potential surprises—will be included in the final rosters.
The expanded tournament is set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with the opening match scheduled for June 11 at Estadio Azteca, featuring the United States against South Africa.
Key Dates for Squad Announcements
May 11: Preliminary Squad List
National teams must submit a preliminary list by May 11, which must include 35 to 55 players, with at least four designated as goalkeepers. A maximum of 75 team officials, including the head coach and medical staff, can also be named in this provisional release list. This longlist serves as the official pool for eligible players, and FIFA mandates that replacements for injured players must come from this list. Injury concerns have already sidelined several players, including Brazil’s Rodrygo and Eder Militao, while others like Egyptian forward Mo Salah and Spanish talent Lamine Yamal are expected to recover in time for the tournament.
May 25: Club Release of Players
Clubs are required to release players for national duty by May 25. Following the last official club match on May 24, a mandatory rest and preparation period will commence. Some clubs may receive exceptions for players participating in finals of competitions such as the UEFA Champions League, subject to FIFA approval.
June 1: Deadline for Final Team Submission
From May 25 to June 1, national teams can finalize their lists, which must comprise 23 to 26 players, including at least three goalkeepers. FIFA stipulates that a player may only be replaced if a serious injury or illness occurs, and this must be confirmed 24 hours before a team’s first match.
June 2: Official Squad Announcement
FIFA plans to officially announce the final team lists on June 2. While national teams can disclose their squads earlier, these announcements will not be considered official until validated by FIFA.
Conditions for Player Replacement
Players listed in the final squad can only be replaced by those from the provisional list due to serious injury or illness, up to 24 hours before their team’s first match. This includes goalkeepers, who can be substituted at any time during the tournament if necessary.
Arrival of Teams
As per FIFA regulations, all teams must arrive in their host countries no later than five days before their initial group match.
Tournament Roster Size
Each nation is permitted to name 26 players, bringing the total number of participants to 1,248.
Key Tournament Dates
The tournament will consist of one group stage followed by four knockout rounds. Notably, this edition will feature a round of 32 in the knockout phase. The breakdown of key dates includes:
- Group Stage: June 11 – June 27
- Round of 32: June 28 – July 3
- Round of 16: July 4 – July 7
- Quarterfinals: July 9 – July 11
- Semifinals: July 14 – July 15
- Bronze Medal Match: July 18
- Final: July 19
