FIFA confirms 2026 World Cup squad rules, deadlines and replacement conditions

FIFA has officially announced key regulations and deadlines for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including squad sizes, submission timelines, and strict rules governing player replacements.

According to FIFA, each participating nation will be allowed to register a squad of 23 to 26 players, including three goalkeepers, for the tournament. This maintains the structure used at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Before final selection, national teams must first submit a provisional list of 35 to 55 players, which must include at least four goalkeepers. However, FIFA clarified that this preliminary squad will remain confidential and will not be made public.

The final 26-man squad must be confirmed by June 2, although teams may submit their lists earlier. However, the squads will only become official once FIFA gives final approval on that date.

FIFA also outlined strict rules regarding player replacements. Only players named on the preliminary list will be eligible to replace members of the final squad, and this will only be permitted in cases of serious injury or severe illness. Such changes must be made no later than 24 hours before a team’s first match.

An exception applies to goalkeepers, who may be replaced during the tournament if a serious injury or illness occurs, provided the replacement comes from the preliminary list.

To ensure proper preparation time, FIFA has set May 25 as the official date for players to report to their national teams, immediately after club commitments conclude. However, players involved in continental club finals may be granted permission to join later, up until May 30, subject to approval.

With these regulations now confirmed, national teams around the world will begin final preparations as the countdown to the 2026 World Cup intensifies.