48 teams, 104 matches, 357 veterans, debutants from Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan and Uzbekistan, and a sixth World Cup for the legends

As reported by CCTV+, the squads of all 1,248 players from 48 teams taking part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been confirmed after final lists were submitted to FIFA. The tournament kicks off on June 11, with 104 matches to be played in Canada, Mexico and the United States, and the final taking place on July 19.

FIFA said in a statement: “The confirmed team lists highlight the scale and enduring appeal of the tournament: 357 players are returning after at least one previous World Cup appearance. Some 891 players will take part in the competition for the first time, underlining both continuity and renewal in global football.”

Argentina’s Lionel Messi, Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo and Mexico’s Guillermo Ochoa will be playing in their sixth World Cups. Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan and Uzbekistan will take part in the World Cup for the first time.

The oldest player in the tournament is Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon, aged 43 years and 162 days. The youngest is Mexico’s Gilberto Mora, aged 17 years and 240 days. At the start of the tournament, 22 players will be under the age of 20 and seven players will be 40 years or older.

The 2026 World Cup will be the first to feature 48 teams. Matches will be played in 16 cities across three North American countries.

Messi and Ronaldo are already legends. But they are back on the pitch again. A sixth World Cup – a record few will ever match. Alongside them are 891 newcomers.

Some of them will become stars. Others will go home after their first match. But the main thing is that they are here. Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Curaçao and Jordan are playing for the first time. Football is expanding its borders. Age is no barrier: a 43-year-old goalkeeper and a 17-year-old youngster. The question is not who will win. Football will win. The question is how many new stories will be born at this tournament. In a month, we will know the answer.