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

The FIFA World Cup Trophy is displayed during the Los Angeles stop of The FIFA World Cup 26 Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola at LA Live in Los Angeles on March 24, 2026. (Photo by Frederic J. Brown / AFP)

The Federation of International Football Associations on Tuesday confirmed that 1,248 players representing 48 nations will feature at the 2026 World Cup. Among them, 891 players will make their tournament debuts while 357 are returning to the global stage. The figures were contained in FIFA’s published final squad lists ahead of the tournament, which kicks off on June 11, 2026, across Canada, Mexico and the United States. According to FIFA, the expanded 48-team format marks a historic milestone in the competition’s evolution, with unprecedented global representation across 104 matches. “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. “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 statement read. FIFA said the figures highlight both continuity and renewal in world football, with 357 players returning after previous World Cup squad involvement. “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,” it added. The world football governing body noted that the tournament would feature players across a wide generational span, with 22 players under the age of 20 and seven players aged 40 and above expected to participate. Related News FULL LIST: FIFA new rules ahead of 2026 World Cup Japan defeat Iceland 1-0 in friendly after new FIFA substitution rule Norwegian football federation asks FIFA to probe Trump peace prize It also confirmed that 22 former FIFA World Cup winners are included in the squads, while global stars such as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Guillermo Ochoa are set for record sixth World Cup appearances. “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),” FIFA said. It a