Fifa confirmed this Tuesday the final lists sent by the 48 teams classified for the Copa of the 2026 Mundo. The total reached 1,248 officially registered players. The announcement marks the closure of the call-up process ahead of the tournament that begins in Canadá, México and Estados Unidos.
The teams had until Monday night to deliver the final reports. The entity has already made the documents available on its official website. The expanded Mundial will have 104 matches and promises to balance experience with team renewal.
Listas brings together 357 veterans and 891 newcomers
Entre registered, 357 athletes have already competed in at least one previous edition of Copa of Mundo. Outros 891 will debut in the tournament. Fifa highlighted the balance between continuity and new blood in world football.
Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Guillermo Ochoa appear as candidates for a record. Cada one can reach the sixth participation in Mundiais. The 2026 edition will still have 22 world champions available to the teams.
The age difference between the players reaches more than 25 years. Craig Gordon, of Escócia, is the oldest at 43 years and 162 days. Gilberto Mora, from Panamá, is the youngest at 17 years and 240 days.
- 22 players are under 20 years old
- Sete athletes are 40 years old or older at the start of the tournament
- Regulamento allows changes only for serious injury or serious illness
- Mudanças can occur up to 24 hours before the debut of each selection
Países newcomers gain space in the expanded format
The Mundial with 48 teams allowed the debut of four teams that had never participated. Cabo Verde, Curaçao, Jordânia and Uzbequistão will be present for the first time.
Uzbequistão has young promises like Abdukodir Khusanov, from Manchester City. Fifa also mentioned Warren Zaïre-Emery, from França, Finn Surman, from Nova Zelândia, and Bilal El Khannouss, from Marrocos, as names of the new generation.
The call-ups reflect the globalization of football. In total, 449 clubs from 71 different countries have registered athletes. The distribution covers confederations on all continents.
Equipes show varied casting profiles
Algumas teams prioritized players who play in their own country. Qatar and Arábia Saudita took 25 of the 26 national club squads.
Outras teams opted exclusively for athletes who defend teams abroad. Cabo Verde, República Democrática of Congo, Costa of Marfim, Curaçao, Senegal and Uruguai are in this group.
Fifa interpreted the data as a sign of the internationalization of the sport. Jogadores move between leagues and continents more frequently.
Carlos Queiroz reaches the fifth consecutive Copa
Entre the technicians, Carlos Queiroz stood out. Gana’s coach participates in his fifth Mundo Copa in a row. Ele managed Portugal in 2010 and Irã in 2014, 2018 and 2022.
The brand equals the historical record of Bora Milutinovic, which was in five editions between 1986 and 2002. Queiroz has spent time with different teams over the last few decades.
The teams are already preparing for the tournament. The definitive lists define the final planning of training and friendlies before the start of the competition.
Distribuição by confederations and clubs
Uefa dominates club presence with 35 countries represented. Conmebol appears with eight, Concacaf with seven, AFC with 14, CAF with six and OFC with one.
Essa spread reinforces the importance of European leagues, but also shows the growth of markets in Ásia, África and Américas. Muitos athletes move between different national championships.
Selections now adjust the last details. The focus turns to physical and tactical preparation with closed groups.
The 2026 Copa promises to be the biggest in history. With more teams and games, the tournament should offer unprecedented opportunities for new talents and old stars.
