Record 48-team FIFA World Cup final squads confirmed as tournament nears kick-off

The final squad lists for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been confirmed, with more than 1,000 players set to compete in the largest tournament in football history.

Hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico, the expanded competition will feature 48 nations for the first time, marking a significant increase from the previous 32-team format. Teams have been permitted to name squads of between 23 and 26 players, including three goalkeepers.

Defending champions Argentina will once again be led by veteran captain Lionel Messi, who was included in the squad as the South Americans prepare to defend the title they won in Qatar four years ago.

Several football powerhouses have unveiled star-studded line-ups.

Brazil will rely on the experience of Neymar, Vinícius Júnior, Marquinhos and Alisson, while England’s squad includes Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford.

France will look to Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé and Aurélien Tchouaméni as they pursue a third World Cup crown.

Host nations the United States, Canada and Mexico have also named their final squads.

Mexico will be spearheaded by veteran striker Raúl Jiménez and AC Milan forward Santiago Gimenez, while Canada will count on Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies and Juventus striker Jonathan David. The United States squad features Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams.

South Africa will make its return to football’s biggest stage with a squad captained by goalkeeper Ronwen Williams. The team includes a strong core from domestic giants Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates, alongside overseas-based talents such as Burnley’s Lyle Foster and Hannover 96 defender Ime Okon.

Elsewhere, football fans can look forward to seeing some of the world’s biggest names in action, including Spain’s Lamine Yamal, Norway’s Erling Haaland, Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, Belgium’s Kevin De Bruyne and Uruguay’s Federico Valverde.

The 2026 tournament is scheduled to run from 11 June to 19 July, with matches taking place across venues in North America.

The expanded format is expected to deliver more games, more players and more nations than any previous World Cup, ushering in a new era for the global showpiece.

With final squads now confirmed, attention turns to the opening fixtures as teams begin their quest to lift football’s most coveted trophy.