World Cup 2026 Squad Announcements
Every nation names their 26-man World Cup 2026 squad. Who made the cut? Who missed out? From England and Brazil to the USA host nation — the biggest event in football starts with every manager picking their best 26 players. Follow every squad reveal here.
World Cup 2026: Bigger Than Ever
The 2026 World Cup is the first to feature 48 nations — up from 32 in 2022. Each nation names a 26-man squad (expanded from 23 in 2022). That means more players, more stories, more shock omissions and late calls to glory. A total of 1,248 players will be named across all 48 squads.
Key Nations — Squad Watch
England
Manager: Gareth Southgate era successors
England head to a home continent World Cup carrying huge expectations. Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden make up an exciting attacking core. The question is always: can England finally win it?
England WC2026 Hub →Brazil
5x World Champions
Brazil haven't won the World Cup since 2002 but they arrive in North America with arguably their most talented generation. Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo, Endrick — the Seleção are carrying South American hopes.
Brazil WC2026 Hub →Argentina
Reigning World Champions
The reigning champions. Messi's twilight, Lautaro Martinez's prime, Julian Alvarez's hunger — Argentina carry the mystique of the 2022 triumph into 2026. Will Messi end his career with back-to-back World Cup wins?
Argentina WC2026 Hub →France
2x World Champions
Kylian Mbappe leads France into 2026 motivated by revenge after losing the 2022 final. Dembele, Camavinga, Tchouameni — Les Bleus have the squad depth to go all the way again.
France WC2026 Hub →Spain
Euro 2024 Champions
Euro 2024 champions under De La Fuente. Yamal, Nico Williams, Pedri and Rodri make Spain arguably the most technically gifted squad in the tournament. Could 2026 be Spain's year again?
Spain WC2026 Hub →USA
Host Nation
The host nation has a genuine chance at a deep run. Pulisic, Reyna, Musah, Balogun — this is the best US Men's National Team generation in history. Playing at home in front of 80,000+ fans adds a massive advantage.
USMNT WC2026 Hub →World Cup 2026 Squad Videos
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Crystal Dunn on Her USWNT Journey, 2019 World Cup & Life After Soccer
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Four For Four In Fall Camp 🇺🇸 USMNT-Canada Highlights | International Match
Oct 7, 2026
"Beyond my wildest dreams" 🤍 | Harry Kane on equaling England's appearance record
Oct 7, 2026
THAT ORLANDO CITY CONNECTION! 💥 @volkswagen_usa #usmnt
Oct 7, 2026
Best Brazil header? Vini Jr or Casemiro | 2026 World Cup
Oct 6, 2026
LIVE NOW | England v USA | Semi-Finals | FIFA Women's World Cup France 2019™
Oct 6, 2026
Argentina's Winning Start Against Bosnia And Herzegovina | 2014 World Cup EXTENDED HIGHLIGHTS
Oct 5, 2026
Emma's got jokes 😂
Oct 5, 2026
Cavan Sullivan celebrates USMNT 3-0 win over Mexico with the fans 🎉🇺🇸
Oct 5, 2026
Do England have the best front four in football? 🤔
Oct 5, 2026
Spain Without Tiki Taka! 2002 World Cup Headers
Oct 5, 2026
The Steal. The Shot. The Scenes.
Oct 4, 2026
JULIAN HALL MAKES THE CROWD COME ALIVE VS. MEXICO! @v@volkswagen_usausmnt #mexico
Oct 4, 2026
CAVAN SULLIVAN PICKS HIS POCKET AND SENDS IT IN FROM WAYYYYYY DOWNTOWN! @volkswagen_usa #usmnt
Oct 4, 2026
Malik Tillman makes it 3-0 🇺🇸 @volkswagen_usa #usmnt #ussoccer
Oct 4, 2026
Squad Announcement News
Wales leave captain Ramsey out of World Cup play-off squad
The key takeaways from Scotland's March squad
Who is 'leader' Morrison - the uncapped winger in NI squad?
Podcast: Focus on Scotland squad & who next for St Mirren?
USMNT squad: Mauricio Pochettino calls in 27 for friendlies against Portugal and Belgium
How USMNT players designed the boldest kits in generations for World Cup 2026
Sunderland latest: Injury doubt Ballard named in Northern Ireland squad
Uncapped Curtis in Scotland squad for World Cup warm-up matches
GdS: ‘Allegri the realist’ – strong message sent to Milan squad after Lazio setback
FIFA confirms historic World Cup 2026 broadcast rule change allowing fans to watch matches for FREE on YouTube
World Cup 2026: FIFA strike 'game-changing' deal as politician addresses boycott talks
FIFA strikes landmark deal to force huge change to BBC and ITV World Cup 2026 matches
Man United boss Michael Carrick backs England trio for recalls, insisting recent form should earn them places in pre-World Cup squad
Michael Carrick backs THREE Man Utd stars to return to England squad ahead of World Cup
Emotional moment Premier League star’s mum breaks down in tears as he’s handed first ever call-up for Brazil squad
England squad announcement: The 13 stars nailed on for call up with 13 places up for grabs
Tuchel's dilemmas as he picks last squad before World Cup selection
When is the England squad announcement? Date, time and World Cup deadline
Maguire, Mainoo, Garner? Who made Sky Sports writers' England squads
Former England U19 captain Vale in Republic of Ireland squad
WC2026 Squad Analysis
France Have All the Talent in the World and Zero Clue How to Use It
Oct 8, 2026
Forget the 48-Team Hype: Only Two Nations Can Actually Win the 2026 World Cup
Oct 8, 2026
Why Mbappe and Haaland Just Destroyed the 48-Team Golden Boot Myth
Oct 8, 2026
Jesse Marsch turned Canada into North America's scariest football team
Oct 8, 2026
Five World Cup 2026 dark horses ready to ruin your bracket
Oct 8, 2026
Liverpool pay price for thin squad depth after Vivien Endemann injury
Oct 5, 2026
Top 10 Real Madrid Transfer Sagas and Squad Dilemmas
Sep 28, 2026
Arsenal defender Marli Salmon pulls out of England U18 squad with injury
Sep 23, 2026
Pocognoli's first Scotland squad signals a massive European shift
Sep 22, 2026
Sebastien Pocognoli just sent a clear message with his latest Scotland squad
Sep 21, 2026
How Squad Selection Works at the World Cup
The 26-Man Rule
FIFA expanded squads from 23 to 26 at the 2022 World Cup, with the extra players typically reserved as emergency cover for goalkeepers and outfield positions. The 26th man spot is often the most debated selection decision a manager makes.
When Are Squads Announced?
FIFA requires squads to be submitted roughly 10 days before the tournament begins. Managers typically announce preliminary lists of 30-35 players before cutting to the final 26. Injuries between announcement and submission can lead to late changes.
Shock Omissions Every Year
Every World Cup produces shock omissions — players who form suggests should be on the plane but miss out. In 2022 we saw several surprise calls. In 2026 with 26 men available, there are fewer excuses — but the heartbreak of missing out remains intense.
48-Team Format
The expanded 48-team format means 16 more nations qualify compared to 2022. CONCACAF gets more spots with USA, Canada and Mexico as hosts. Africa, Asia and CONMEBOL all gain automatic qualification places, producing more competitive debut squads.