FIFA plans squad expansion for 2026 World Cup, offering major boost to African Nations
FIFA plans to expand World Cup squads from 26 to 30 players for the 2026 tournament, a move that could strongly benefit African nations.
According to reports from Spanish outlet AS, the world football governing body is discussing this proposal, which has already sparked wide interest across the football community.
If approved, the change would apply to all 48 participating teams in the upcoming competition hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
FIFA aims to support coaches and players during what will be the most extensive World Cup in history, with 104 matches scheduled across multiple cities and varied climates.
The organization intends to safeguard player welfare amid demanding travel schedules and intense match sequences while maintaining the highest competitive standards.
The potential change forms part of several reforms discussed in New York in July between FIFA representatives and players’ unions.
These include introducing a minimum 72-hour recovery period between matches and ensuring players receive 21 days of rest before returning to club duties after the tournament.
FIFA’s goal remains clear: to prevent excessive fatigue, minimize injury risks, and preserve player freshness throughout the month-long competition.
The expanded squad size would give coaches greater tactical flexibility and the chance to rotate players more effectively.
Such a measure would allow managers to handle the physical challenges of the World Cup more efficiently.
It would help them adjust to varying weather conditions and the long distances between host cities while maintaining high performance levels on the pitch.
For African nations, this decision could have significant advantages. Many African teams possess deep pools of emerging talent, and larger squads would allow national coaches to include more options across key positions.
Senegal, in particular, stands to gain from the proposal. Head coach Pape Thiaw could call up a broader range of players from his competitive roster, especially in attack and midfield.
With stars such as Habib Diallo, Boulaye Dia, Nicolas Jackson, Chérif Ndiaye, Ismaïla Sarr, Iliman Ndiaye, and Assane Diao all pushing for selection, an expanded list would create more opportunities to blend experience with youth.
This change would also give Thiaw the ability to integrate promising dual nationals or recall important players recovering from injury ahead of the 2025 AFCON and the 2026 World Cup. The move would provide flexibility in adapting to different opponents and tactical situations.
While FIFA has yet to finalize the proposal, anticipation is growing across the global football community. Coaches, players, and supporters are closely following developments as the organization continues its discussions.
If approved, this reform will reshape team selection and strategy at the world’s biggest sporting event, offering new possibilities for African nations eager to make a mark on football’s grandest stage.
