FIFA has confirmed a record-breaking 1,248 players from 48 nations will compete at the FIFA World Cup 2026, making it the largest edition in the tournament’s history as football prepares for a new era under the expanded format
Hosted jointly by Canada, Mexico and United States, the tournament will feature 48 teams and 104 matches, significantly expanding the scale of football’s biggest event.
Defending champions Argentina will arrive looking to retain the title they won at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Led by Lionel Messi, Argentina defeated France in a dramatic final that ended 3-3 before being decided 4-2 on penalties. The triumph secured Argentina’s third World Cup crown and ended a 36-year wait for global glory.
FIFA’s final squad lists reveal a blend of experience and emerging talent. A total of 357 players have previously been named in World Cup squads, while 891 players are preparing for their first appearance at the tournament.
The competition will also showcase one of the widest age ranges in World Cup history. Craig Gordon, Scotland’s veteran goalkeeper, is the oldest player in the tournament at 43 years and 162 days, while Mexico midfielder Gilberto Mora is the youngest at just 17 years and 240 days. Overall, 22 players are teenagers, while seven competitors are aged 40 or above.
The expanded format has opened the door for several nations to make their World Cup debuts. Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan and Uzbekistan will all feature in the tournament for the first time.
Among the newcomers attracting attention is Uzbekistan defender Abdukodir Khusanov, whose rise has become symbolic of the country’s historic qualification.
The tournament will also spotlight football’s next generation, including Warren Zaïre-Emery, Finn Surman and Bilal El Khannouss.
At the other end of the spectrum, several iconic names are set to make history. Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Guillermo Ochoa are all expected to appear in a record sixth FIFA World Cup.
Ronaldo enters the tournament as international football’s all-time leading scorer, having netted more than 140 goals for Portugal and over 970 senior career goals across club and international football.
The World Cup’s global reach is further reflected by the representation of 449 clubs from 71 countries across the final squads. While teams such as Qatar and Saudi Arabia rely heavily on domestic-based players, nations including Senegal, Uruguay, Cape Verde and Curaçao have selected squads made up entirely of players based abroad.
On the touchline, Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz is set to reach a remarkable milestone by participating in his fifth consecutive World Cup. The veteran manager becomes only the second coach after Bora Milutinović to achieve the feat.
