World Cup 2026 Squad Deadline: What Teams Must Know

All 48 nations competing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup must submit their final 26-man squads by Monday, 1 June. FIFA will officially confirm these rosters one day later, on Tuesday, 2 June. This marks the hard deadline for team selection, leaving no room for late changes unless special circumstances arise.

Once squads are confirmed, replacements are only permitted for serious injury or illness. A player can be replaced up to 24 hours before the team's first match. After that, no further outfield changes are allowed. This rule ensures squads remain stable once the tournament begins, but still offers flexibility for medical emergencies.

Goalkeepers are the sole exception to this strict rule. If a goalkeeper suffers a serious injury or illness, they can be replaced at any point during the tournament. This special provision recognizes the unique physical demands and limited squad depth at the position. Teams must name at least three goalkeepers in their 23-to-26-player squad.

England and Scotland, like many rivals, have already announced 26-player squads featuring three goalkeepers. The United States unveiled their official squad at a New York presentation earlier this week. With the deadline approaching, all eyes are on final selections and potential surprise inclusions or omissions.