The 2026 World Cup will be held across the United States, Canada and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July, featuring 48 teams. To prepare for the tournament, FIFA has set a clear roadmap for squad submission deadlines, replacements and team gatherings.
First key date: 11 May – Teams must submit a provisional list of between 35 and 55 players, including four goalkeepers. This list is kept confidential by FIFA and is not published. Any pre-tournament injury replacements must come from this list. Some stars such as Rodrygo and Eder Militao (Brazil) have already been ruled out due to injuries, while Mohamed Salah (Egypt) and Lamine Yamal (Spain) are recovering but expected to be fit.
Second key date: 25 May – Clubs must release players to their national teams. Exceptions are granted for players involved in the Champions League final (30 May), the Conference League final (28 May) and the CONCACAF Champions Cup final (30 May), subject to FIFA approval.
Final deadline: 1 June – Teams must submit their final squad of 23 to 26 players (including three goalkeepers). This is the second consecutive World Cup allowing a maximum of 26 players instead of the previous 23, providing greater flexibility to cope with injuries and fitness concerns.
On 2 June, FIFA will officially announce the rosters of all 48 teams. Teams may announce their squads earlier, but they are only considered official once confirmed by FIFA.
Player replacements: In case of serious injury or illness, a player on the official list can be replaced by someone from the provisional list, no later than 24 hours before the team's first match. Goalkeepers can be replaced at any time during the tournament for medical reasons, with approval from FIFA's medical team.
Travel schedule: Teams must arrive in the host country at least five days before their first group-stage match.
Total players: With 48 teams of 26 players each, the 2026 World Cup will feature a record 1,248 players.
Key tournament dates:
- Group stage: 11-27 June
- Round of 32: 28 June - 3 July
- Round of 16: 4-7 July
- Quarter-finals: 9-11 July
- Semi-finals: 14-15 July
- Third-place match: 18 July
- Final: 19 July
