The FIFA World Cup returns after a four-year cycle, with the 2026 edition set to be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada. All 48 participating teams have already secured their places in the tournament. The governing body, FIFA, has established a structured timetable for squad submission and finalisation ahead of the competition.
According to FIFA regulations, the squad selection process will take place in three distinct stages. In the first stage, each participating nation must submit a provisional squad list of between 35 and 55 players by 11 May. This preliminary list must include at least five goalkeepers, ensuring adequate coverage for the specialised position during subsequent selection phases.
In the second stage, from 25 May, clubs will be required to release selected players to their respective national teams, in line with international release obligations. Following this, between 25 May and 1 June, each national association must reduce its squad to a final list of between 23 and 26 players. Within this final selection, inclusion of three goalkeepers is mandatory under FIFA squad composition rules.
After the final squads are confirmed, limited changes remain permissible under specific conditions. In cases of serious injury or illness, a player may be replaced. However, such adjustments are only allowed up to 24 hours before a team’s first match in the tournament.
The opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled for Thursday, 11 June, at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The fixture will kick off at 3:00 pm local time, featuring Mexico against South Africa.
Group Stage Line-up
| Group | Teams |
|---|---|
| A | Mexico, South Korea, South Africa, Czech Republic |
| B | Canada, Switzerland, Qatar, Bosnia and Herzegovina |
| C | Brazil, Morocco, Scotland, Haiti |
| D | United States, Australia, Paraguay, Turkey |
| E | Germany, Ecuador, Ivory Coast, Curaçao |
| F | Netherlands, Japan, Tunisia, Sweden |
| G | Belgium, Iran, Egypt, New Zealand |
| H | Spain, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, Cape Verde |
| I | France, Senegal, Norway, Iraq |
| J | Argentina, Austria, Algeria, Jordan |
| K | Portugal, Colombia, Uzbekistan, Congo |
| L | England, Croatia, Panama, Ghana |
The structured scheduling of squad submission reflects FIFA’s regulatory framework designed to ensure uniform preparation across all participating nations. The phased approach allows clubs and national associations to coordinate player availability while maintaining compliance with international release requirements. The final squad confirmation window in early June serves as the last formal stage before teams enter the pre-tournament phase leading up to the opening match.