FIFA Sets Squad Deadlines For 2026 World Cup

FIFA has confirmed key squad submission deadlines for nations preparing for the 2026 World Cup, while senior officials insist geopolitical tensions will not overshadow the tournament.

Teams must submit provisional lists of up to 55 players by May 11, giving the coaches room to manage injuries, dips in form and late decisions. Countries will then trim their squads to the final 26 players by May 30 before travelling to North America.

The tournament opens on June 11 with hosts Mexico facing South Africa.

The expanded provisional list mirrors recent FIFA competitions and is designed to provide flexibility ahead of the finals, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Despite mounting concerns over global politics and security, FIFA vice-president Victor Montagliani believes attention will shift back to football once the tournament begins.

Speaking at the Business of Soccer conference, the CONCACAF chief said: “The reality of the World Cups, every World Cup FIFA has put on, there’s always been geopolitical issues. Always.”

The build-up has been shaped by tensions in the Middle East, visa worries among travelling fans and immigration policies under Donald Trump. Iran has already indicated they will not play fixtures in the US following security warnings to their players.

Montagliani pointed to history, referencing the 1978 finals in Argentina during the country’s military dictatorship.

“Right now it’s just magnified because everything else in the world is magnified, whether it’s social media, or whether it’s how the media reports things,” he said.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has also faced scrutiny over his ties to Trump, including presenting the US leader with a FIFA Peace Prize during the World Cup draw.

Montagliani added: “At the end of the day, our main goal is to ensure that the security is top-notch. That the fans are safe. That they’re going to enjoy themselves. And then once the ball starts rolling, it’s all about football.”