The 2026 World Cup will be the biggest in history – 48 teams, 1,248 players, and two of the greatest footballers ever making their sixth appearance. Lionel Messi will represent Argentina for a sixth time, while Cristiano Ronaldo is set to do the same for Portugal, equalling a record few thought possible.
The tournament, which runs from 11 June to 19 July across the US, Canada and Mexico, has now seen all 48 nations confirm their 26-man squads. Among the most remarkable selections is Mexico’s Guillermo Ochoa, who will play at his sixth World Cup at the age of 40 – the same age as Germany’s Manuel Neuer, who came out of retirement to be named first-choice goalkeeper. Both join an elite list of players to feature in six tournaments.
“Messi and Ronaldo set for record sixth World Cup as 48 squads are confirmed for the 2026 tournament.”
England, however, will travel without three of its most creative talents. Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold have all been left out of Gareth Southgate’s squad, a decision that will raise eyebrows given their performances for their clubs. The absence of Lamine Yamal from Spain’s squad is overshadowed only by the fact that no Real Madrid players were picked – a startling break from tradition for the national side. The 17-year-old is injured but still included in the squad, while Barcelona’s presence is minimal.
Alphonso Davies will captain Canada in what the federation called its “best ever” squad, while Curacao – the smallest nation in the tournament – will make their World Cup debut. Jordan are also debutants, with Mousa Al-Tamari leading the line. At the other end of the spectrum, Edin Džeko of Bosnia-Herzegovina joins the list of 40-year-olds at the tournament, and Luka Modrić, 40, will play for Croatia once more.
Neymar is included in Brazil’s 26 after a difficult season, and France will rely on Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé. The Netherlands’ squad is dominated by Premier League players, while Sweden will be spearheaded by Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres. Norway’s Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard will lead their country’s charge, and Robert Lewandowski’s Poland are among the 48.
England’s first World Cup game since 1998 will be broadcast by the BBC, who also revealed that Scotland’s opening match will be shown live – a momentous occasion for a nation that last appeared in 1998. The Premier League’s absence of Foden, Palmer and Alexander-Arnold will be felt, but Southgate’s squad still boasts strength in depth.
The World Cup begins in 50 days. All 48 kits have been unveiled, and fans can already pick their favourites. The only certainty is that Messi and Ronaldo, both 39 by the time the tournament starts, will carry the weight of history on their shoulders once more.