FIFA sets key deadlines for 2026 World Cup squad submissions

FIFA has confirmed the key administrative deadlines national teams must meet ahead of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, including a June 2, 2026 date for the official publication of final squads.

Under FIFA regulations, participating teams must submit a preliminary “release list” of between 35 and 55 players by May 11, 2026. Clubs are then required to release selected players for international duty by May 25, which also marks the start of the tournament’s mandatory rest and preparation period.

FIFA allows limited exceptions for players whose clubs are involved in late-season continental finals, including the UEFA Conference League final (May 28), the UEFA Champions League final (May 30) and the CONCACAF Champions Cup final (May 30), subject to FIFA approval.

Final World Cup squad lists must include 23 to 26 players and can be submitted between May 25 and June 1. While countries may announce their selections earlier, FIFA will confirm and publish the official squad lists on June 2.

Player replacements are permitted from the provisional list in cases of serious injury or illness up to 24 hours before a team’s first match.

The 2026 World Cup begins on June 11, 2026, with the final scheduled for July 19, 2026.