World Cup 2026 Squads: Messi, Ronaldo Eye Record 6th
The wait is over. With just three days until the opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026, the final squad lists of all 48 participating nations have been officially released by FIFA, setting the stage for a historic tournament across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
- Tournament: FIFA World Cup 2026
- Hosts: USA, Mexico, Canada
- Start Date: June 11, 2026
- Teams: 48 (record)
- Matches: 104 (record)
- Players: 1,248 named
Historic Scale and Global Reach
This edition marks the first World Cup to feature 48 nations and the first jointly hosted by three countries. FIFA described the publication of the final squads as a milestone that underscores the tournament’s unprecedented scale. A total of 1,248 players have been named, with 891 making their World Cup debut and 357 returning for at least a second appearance. The blend of experience and youth is striking: 22 players are under 20, while seven are aged 40 or older.
Age Extremes: Gordon vs. Mora
The oldest player in the tournament is Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon, aged 43 years and 162 days. At the other end, Mexico’s Gilberto Mora, just 17 years and 240 days old, is the youngest. The age gap of over 25 years highlights the tournament’s unique generational mix.
Four Nations Make World Cup Debut
Cape Verde, Curaรงao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan will appear in a World Cup for the first time. Uzbekistan’s qualification is particularly notable, driven by rising star Abdukodir Khusanov of Manchester City. Other young talents to watch include France’s Warren Zaรฏre-Emery, New Zealand’s Finn Surman, and Morocco’s Bilal El Khannouss.
Messi and Ronaldo: Chasing History
Argentina captain Lionel Messi, Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo, and Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa have all been selected for what could be a record sixth World Cup appearance. Both Messi and Ronaldo, already legends, aim to set a new benchmark by playing in six editions.
Key Player Stats
| Player | World Cup Appearances | Goals in World Cups | Age at Start of 2026 WC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lionel Messi (ARG) | 5 (2006-2022) | 13 | 38 |
| Cristiano Ronaldo (POR) | 5 (2006-2022) | 8 | 41 |
| Guillermo Ochoa (MEX) | 5 (2006-2022) | 0 (GK) | 40 |
| Craig Gordon (SCO) | 1 (2022) | 0 (GK) | 43 |
| Gilberto Mora (MEX) | 0 (debut) | 0 | 17 |
Global Club Representation
The squad lists reflect football’s globalized nature: 449 clubs from 71 countries are represented. Europe leads with 35 nations having players in the tournament, followed by Asia (14), CONCACAF (7), CONMEBOL (8), Africa (6), and Oceania (1). Notably, Qatar and Saudi Arabia have squads almost entirely from domestic leagues, while Cape Verde, DR Congo, Cรดte d’Ivoire, Curaรงao, Senegal, and Uruguay have all players based abroad.
Coaching Milestone: Queiroz
Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz is set to coach in his fifth consecutive World Cup, having previously led Portugal (2010) and Iran (2014, 2018, 2022). He joins Bora Milutinoviฤ as only the second coach to achieve this feat.
What’s Next: Tournament Preview
With squads finalized, attention turns to the group stage draw and opening fixtures. The expanded format means more knockout rounds and potential Cinderella stories. Debutants like Uzbekistan and Cape Verde will look to make an impact, while traditional powerhouses like Argentina, Brazil, and France are among the favorites. The tournament runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
Where to Watch
Fans can catch all the action live on Fox Sports (USA), TSN/RDS (Canada), Televisa/TV Azteca (Mexico), BBC/ITV (UK), and Sony Sports Network (India). Streaming options include FuboTV, Sling TV, and FIFA+ (select markets).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ronaldo playing in the World Cup 2026?
Yes, Cristiano Ronaldo has been named in Portugal’s final 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup. This will be his sixth appearance, tying the record.
When are World Cup squads announced 2026?
FIFA officially published the final squad lists on June 8, 2026, after the June 1 deadline for submission. Teams could make injury replacements up to 24 hours before their first match.
How many teams are in the 2026 World Cup?
A record 48 teams are participating, expanded from 32 in previous editions. The tournament will feature 104 matches across three host nations.
Which countries are making their World Cup debut in 2026?
Four nations are debuting: Cape Verde, Curaรงao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan’s qualification is a historic first for Central Asian football.
Who is the oldest player at the 2026 World Cup?
Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon, aged 43 years and 162 days, is the oldest player in the tournament.
Who is the youngest player at the 2026 World Cup?
Mexico’s Gilberto Mora, aged 17 years and 240 days, is the youngest player.
For more on the tournament buildup, check out our coverage of India’s T20 series and India vs England ODI series.
