National teams around the world began announcing their final 26-man rosters for the upcoming FIFA World Cup for the past month. Following the May 11 deadline for the initial 35-to-55-player provisional lists, managers faced the ultimate task of scaling down their selections. The final FIFA submission deadline is June 1, ahead of the much-anticipated June 11 kickoff. The 2026 World Cup also marks the first tournament featuring an expanded 48-team format, an increase of 16 teams, across Canada, the United States, and Mexico.
“Seeing which players make it to the final squad is always exciting,” Tony Sohn (10), decade-long World Cup fan, said. “It is also interesting to see how the new 48-team format will unfold, since it was highly controversial among football supporters around the world. At the same time, I think it will provide smaller nations with an opportunity to participate in the tournament for the first time.”
Several top-tier nations had already locked in their decisions ahead of the deadline. Footballing powerhouse Brazil announced its final squad on May 18, with head coach Carlo Ancelotti including forward Neymar, who is still recovering from a right calf injury. The Brazilian squad blends veteran leadership with emerging talents, and the nation hopes to capture its sixth World Cup trophy, given its current 24-year title drought.
In Europe, German head coach Julian Nagelsmann delivered a monumental update by naming goalkeeping legend Manuel Neuer to the squad. The 40-year-old goalkeeper reversed his post-UEFA EURO 2024 international retirement to travel to North America to appear as Germany’s first-choice keeper one last time in what will be his fifth World Cup appearance. France, who are considered the favorites for this tournament, prioritized their strong attacking options by integrating reigning Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele and Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe. Other European nations, such as Portugal and England, finalized their squads with Harry Kane and Cristiano Ronaldo representing their respective nations again.
“I am going to be looking forward to many of the older players,” Chris Ahn (11), World Cup fan, said. “Knowing that players such as Ronaldo and Modric are set to play in their [last] World Cup tournament, it is devastating but also bittersweet.”
Moving across the Atlantic, the North American host countries are attempting to use their home-field to their advantage. The United States, led by captain Christian Pulisic, finalized a roster built on youth and European club experience. The team features stars such as Weston McKennie, Folarin Balogun, and Tyler Adams. Meanwhile, Mexico’s squad showcases a blend of Liga MX stars and seasoned continental veterans, including Santiago Gimenez, Edson Alvarez, and Hirving Lozano.
In Asia, Japan and South Korea finalized their elections with an emphasis on high-pressure systems and international experience. Son Heung-min is set to lead the South Korean team once again, providing crucial big-game experience to a squad featuring several debutants. On the other hand, Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo will lead the Japanese team in his third consecutive World Cup appearance. The expanded format will also open the door for Oceania, where New Zealand finalized a strong roster showcasing their talent in their third appearance as a nation.
“The newly expanded format is a great opportunity for smaller nations to make a voice for themselves on the world’s biggest stage,” Paul Park (10), South Korea FC supporter, said. “But it also means that teams like South Korea, who had been consistently decent in the past tournaments, will find it more difficult to make it past the earlier rounds.”
In Africa, the expansion to nine guaranteed slots has fueled the continent to bring out its best players. Senegal, led by the veteran leadership of Sadio Mane, finalized a physical, highly disciplined squad that had come from a recent AFCON championship. Morocco, the historic semifinalists from 2022, are locking in a star-studded lineup featuring PSG defender Achraf Hakimi and Al Hilal goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
