FIFA Unveils Final Squad Lists for 48 Nations Competing in 2026 World Cup

FIFA has released the final list of 1,248 players representing 48 nations participating in the 2026 World Cup. This edition will see Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan make their historic debuts in the tournament. Lionel Messi of Argentina and Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal are set to make a record sixth World Cup appearance.
June 2, Kathmandu – As the FIFA World Cup 2026 approaches, much anticipation centered on which players would represent their countries. FIFA has now ended that curiosity by publishing the final team rosters for all 48 competing nations. The 23rd edition of the FIFA World Cup begins on June 11 across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. With only nine days remaining, FIFA confirmed the final squad lists for all participating teams, highlighting this milestone as one of the tournament’s most fascinating aspects.

The World Cup will be hosted for the first time across three countries, showcasing a record 104 matches. For the first time, 48 teams will compete, and a total of 1,248 players have been officially selected for the final squads. FIFA emphasized that this edition represents a historic turning point for global football, opening new opportunities for more nations, players, and fans than ever before. The expansive final rosters underscore the competition’s magnitude and enduring appeal. According to FIFA, 357 players have previously appeared in at least one World Cup, while 891 players will experience the tournament for the first time.

The ages of players this year also vary significantly. The oldest player in the tournament is Craig Gordon of Scotland at 43 years and 162 days, while the youngest is Mexico’s Gilberto Mora at 17 years and 240 days, marking an age gap of more than 25 years between them. At kickoff, 22 players will be under 20 years old, and 7 players will be aged 40 or older. The squads for this World Cup vividly reflect the global nature of modern football. Players hail from 449 different clubs representing 71 countries worldwide. These include 14 clubs from Asia, 6 from Africa, 7 from CONCACAF, 8 from CONMEBOL, 1 from Oceania, and 35 from Europe.

The tournament’s prestige is heightened by the return of established stars alongside the debut of four new nations. Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan are competing in the FIFA World Cup for the first time. Uzbekistan’s historic World Cup debut is particularly noteworthy, featuring promising young talent like Abdulkadir Khusanov from Manchester City, who is fulfilling his country’s dream on the world stage. Meanwhile, icons such as Argentina’s Lionel Messi, Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo, and Mexico’s goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa are preparing for their sixth World Cup appearances, aiming to set a new world record.

In the coaching realm, Ghanaian coach Carlos Queiroz will participate as a head coach for the fifth consecutive FIFA World Cup. Queiroz previously managed Portugal in 2010 and led Iran in 2014, 2018, and 2022. FIFA published the complete list of all 48 national teams’ final squads on Tuesday, after each nation submitted their rosters by the June 1 deadline ahead of the World Cup.