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Behold The 1,248 Players of 48 Countries Jostling for World Cup 2026 Glory

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  • A record 1,248 players representing 48 nations have been confirmed following the submission of final squad lists to FIFA
  • From global icons to debutants, the squads reflect unprecedented diversity and worldwide representation
  • Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Guillermo Ochoa set for historic sixth FIFA World Cup™ campaigns

Full list of players called up for the June 11-July 19 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States:

GROUP A

Mexico:

Goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa is set to become the first Mexican player to feature at six World Cups after the 40-year-old was named in Javier Aguirre’s squad.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Raul Rangel, Guillermo Ochoa, Carlos Acevedo

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Defenders: Jorge Sánchez, Israel Reyes, César Montes, Johan Vásquez, Jesús Gallardo, Mateo Chávez

Midfielders: Erik Lira, Orbelin Pineda, Alvaro Fidalgo, Brian Gutierrez, Luis Romo, Edson Alvarez, Obed Vargas, Gilberto Mora, Luis Chavez.

Forwards: Roberto Alvarado, Cesar Huerta, Alexis Vega, Julian Quinones, Guillermo Martinez, Armando Gonzalez, Santiago Gimenez, Raul Jimenez

South Africa:

There were few surprises from coach Hugo Broos as he largely stuck with the players who earned a first appearance at the global finals for Bafana Bafana in 16 years.

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Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ricardo Goss (Siwelele), Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates)

Defenders: Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba, Khulumani Ndamane (all Mamelodi Sundowns), Olwethu Makhanya (Philadelphia Union, USA), Bradley Cross (Kaizer Chiefs), Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City), Nkosinathi Sibisi, Kamogelo Sebelebele (both Orlando Pirates), Ime Okon (Hannover 96, Germany), Samukele Kabini (Molde FK, Norway), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire, USA).

Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Jayden Adams (both Mamelodi Sundowns), Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates), Sphephelo Sithole (Tondela, Portugal)

Forwards: Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, Evidence Makgopa, Relebohile Mofokeng (all Orlando Pirates), Lyle Foster (Burnley, England), Iqraam Rayners, Themba Zwane (both Mamelodi Sundowns), Thapelo Maseko (AEL Limassol, Cyprus)

South Korea:

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German-born Jens Castrop became the first player with dual heritage to make a South Korea World Cup squad.

Goalkeepers: Kim Seung-gyu, Song Bum-keun, Jo Hyeon-woo.

Defenders: Kim Moon-hwan, Kim Min-jae, Kim Tae-hyeon, Park Jin-seop, Seol Young-woo, Jens Castrop, Lee Ki-hyeok, Lee Tae-seok, Lee Han-beom, Cho Yu-min.

Midfielders: Kim Jin-gyu, Bae Jun-ho, Paik Seung-ho, Yang Hyun-jun, Eom Ji-sung, Lee Kang-in, Lee Dong-gyeong, Lee Jae-sung, Hwang In-beom, Hwang Hee-chan.

Forwards: Son Heung-min, Oh Hyeon-gyu, Cho Gue-sung.

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Czech Republic:

Coach Miroslav Koubek’s squad includes West Ham United midfielder Tomas Soucek and Bayer Leverkusen striker Patrik Schick.

Goalkeepers: Lukas Hornicek (Braga), Matej Kovar (PSV Eindhoven), Jindrich Stanek (Slavia Prague)

Defenders: Vladimir Coufal (Hoffenheim), David Doudera (Slavia Prague), Tomas Holes (Slavia Prague), Robin Hranac (Hoffenheim), Stepan Chaloupek (Slavia Prague), David Jurasek (Slavia Prague), Ladislav Krejci (Wolverhampton) ​, Jaroslav Zeleny (Sparta Prague), David Zima (Slavia Prague)

Midfielders: Lukas Cerv (Viktoria Plzen), Vladimir Darida (Hradec Kralove), Lukas Provod (Slavia Prague), Michal Sadilek (Slavia Prague), Hugo Sochurek (Sparta Prague), Alexandr Sojka (Viktoria Plzen), Tomas Soucek (West Ham), Pavel Sulc (Olympique Lyonnais), Denis Visinsky (Viktoria Plzen)

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Forwards: Son Heung-min, Oh Hyeon-gyu, Cho Gue-sung.

Czech Republic:

Coach Miroslav Koubek’s squad includes West Ham United midfielder Tomas Soucek and Bayer Leverkusen striker Patrik Schick.

Goalkeepers: Lukas Hornicek (Braga), Matej Kovar (PSV Eindhoven), Jindrich Stanek (Slavia Prague)

Defenders: Vladimir Coufal (Hoffenheim), David Doudera (Slavia Prague), Tomas Holes (Slavia Prague), Robin Hranac (Hoffenheim), Stepan Chaloupek (Slavia Prague), David Jurasek (Slavia Prague), Ladislav Krejci (Wolverhampton) ​, Jaroslav Zeleny (Sparta Prague), David Zima (Slavia Prague)

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Midfielders: Lukas Cerv (Viktoria Plzen), Vladimir Darida (Hradec Kralove), Lukas Provod (Slavia Prague), Michal Sadilek (Slavia Prague), Hugo Sochurek (Sparta Prague), Alexandr Sojka (Viktoria Plzen), Tomas Soucek (West Ham), Pavel Sulc (Olympique Lyonnais), Denis Visinsky (Viktoria Plzen)

Forwards: Adam Hlozek (Hoffenheim), Tomas Chory (Slavia Prague), Mojmir Chytil (Slavia Prague), Jan Kuchta (Sparta Prague), Patrik Schick (Bayer Leverkusen)

GROUP B

Canada :

Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David headline Canada’s squad.

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Goalkeepers: Maxime Crepeau (Orlando City), Owen Goodman (Crystal Palace), Dayne St Clair (Inter Miami)

Defenders: Moise Bombito (OGC Nice), Derek Cornelius (Olympique de Marseille), Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich), Luc de Fougerolles (Fulham), Alistair Johnston (Celtic), Alfie Jones (Middlesbrough), Richie Laryea (Toronto FC), Niko Sigur (Hajduk Split), Joel Waterman (Chicago Fire)

Midfielders: Ali Ahmed (Norwich City), Tajon Buchanan (Villarreal ), Mathieu Choiniere (LAFC), Stephen Eustaquio (Porto), Marcelo Flores (Tigres UANL), Ismael Kone (U.S. Sassuolo Calcio), Liam Millar (Hull City), Jonathan Osorio (Toronto FC), Nathan Saliba (Anderlecht), Jacob Shaffelburg (LAFC)

Forwards: Jonathan David (Juventus), Promise David (Union Saint-Gilloise), Cyle Larin (Mallorca), Tani Oluwaseyi (Villarreal)

Bosnia & Herzegovina:

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Veteran striker Edin Dzeko will lead the line for ‌the team.

Goalkeepers: Nikola Vasilj (St Pauli), Martin Zlomislic (Rijeka), Osman Hadzikic (Slaven Belupo)

Defenders: Sead Kolasinac (Atalanta), Amar Dedic (Benfica), Nihad Mujakic (Gaziantep), Nikola Katic (Schalke 04), Tarik Muharemovic (Sassuolo), Stjepan Radeljic (Rijeka), Dennis Hadzikadunic (Sampdoria), Nidal Celik (Lens)

Midfielders: Amir Hadziahmetovic (Hull City), Ivan Sunjic (Pafos), Ivan Basic (Astana), Dzenis Burnic (Karlsruher SC), Ermin Mahmic (Slovan Liberec), Benjamin Tahirovic (Brondby), Amar Memic (Viktoria Plzen), Armin Gigovic (Young Boys), Kerim Alajbegovic (RB Salzburg), Esmir Bajraktarevic (PSV Eindhoven)

Forwards: Ermedin Demirovic (VfB Stuttgart), Jovo Lukic (Universitatea Cluj), Samed Bazdar (Jagiellonia Bialystok), Haris Tabakovic (Borussia Moenchengladbach), Edin Dzeko (Schalke 04)

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Qatar :

Coach Julen Lopetegui named nine forwards, including two-time Asian Player of the Year Akram Afif and the country’s all-time top scorer Almoez Ali, in his squad.

Goalkeepers: Salah Zakaria, Mahmoud Abunada, Meshaal Barsham

Defenders: Hashmi Hussein, Ayoub Alawi, Boualem Khoukhi, Pedro Miguel, Issa Laaye, Lucas Mendes, Sultan Al-Brake, Homam Al-Amin

Midfielders: Mohammed Al-Manai, Jassem Jaber, Karim Boudiaf, Ahmed Fathi, Abdulaziz Hatem, Assim Madibo

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Forwards: Tahseen Mohammed, Edmilson Junior, Almoez Ali, Akram Afif, Mohammed Muntari, Youssef Abdulrazzaq, Ahmed Alaa, Hassan Al-Haydos, Ahmed Al-Janahi

Switzerland:

Captain Granit Xhaka, who is Switzerland’s most-capped player, and fullback Ricardo Rodriguez will be competing at their fourth successive World Cup.

Goalkeepers: Marvin Keller (Young Boys Bern), Gregor Kobel (Borussia Dortmund), Yvon Mvogo (Lorient)

Defenders: Manuel Akanji (Inter Milan), Aurele Amenda (Eintracht Frankfurt), Eray Comert (Valencia), Nico Elvedi (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Luca Jaquez (VfB Stuttgart), Miro Muheim (Hamburg), Ricardo Rodriguez (Real Betis), Silvan Widmer (Mainz)

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Midfielders: Michel Aebischer (Pisa), Christian Fassnacht (Young Boys Bern), Remo Freuler (Bologna), Ardon Jashari (AC Milan), Johan Manzambi (Freiburg), Fabian Rieder (Augsburg), Djibril Sow, Ruben Vargas (both Sevilla), Granit Xhaka (Sunderland), Denis Zakaria (Monaco)

Forwards: Zeki Amdouni (Burnley), Breel Embolo (Stade Rennais), Cedric Itten (Fortuna Düsseldorf), Dan Ndoye (Nottingham Forest), Noah Okafor (Leeds United).

GROUP C

Brazil:

Neymar was included in Brazil’s World Cup squad following a long absence.

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Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Fenerbahçe), Weverton (Gremio)

Defenders: Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Bremer (Juventus), Danilo (Flamengo), Douglas Santos (Zenit), Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal), Ibáñez (Al Ahli), Leo Pereira (Flamengo), Marquinhos (PSG), Wesley (Roma)

Midfielders: Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), Danilo Santos (Botafogo), Fabinho (Al Ittihad), Lucas Paqueta (Flamengo)

Forwards: Endrick (Lyon), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Igor Thiago (Brentford), Luiz Henrique (Zenit), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Neymar (Santos), Raphinha (Barcelona), Rayan (Bournemouth), Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid)

Morocco:

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New Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi has selected Nayef Aguerd in his squad despite the defender having not played since early March, but left out forward Youssef En-Nesyri.

Goalkeepers: Yassine Bounou (Al Hilal), Munir Mohamedi (RS Berkane), Ahmed Tagnaouti (Royal Armed Forces)

Defenders: Noussair Mazraoui (Manchester United), Anass Salah-Eddine (PSV Eindhoven), Youssef Belammari (Al Ahly), Nayef Aguerd (Marseille), Chadi Riad (Crystal Palace), Issa Diop (West Ham United), Redouane Halhal (KV Mechelen), Achraf Hakimi (Paris St-Germain), Zakaria El Ouahdi (Genk)

Midfielders: Samir El Mourabet (Strasbourg), Ayyoub Bouaddi (Lille), Neil El Aynaoui (Roma), Sofyan Amrabat (Real Betis), Azzedine Ounahi (Girona), Bilal El Khannouss (Stuttgart), Ismael Saibari (PSV Eindhoven)

Forwards: Abdessamad Ezzalzouli (Real Betis), Chemsdine Talbi (Sunderland), Soufiane Rahimi (Al Ain), Ayoub El Kaabi (Olympiacos), Brahim Diaz (Real Madrid), Yassine Gessime (Strasbourg), Ayoub Amaimouni-Echghouyabe (Eintracht Frankfurt)

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Haiti:

Captain Johny Placide leads the ​Haiti team for their first finals in 52 years.

Goalkeepers: Johny Placide, Alexandre Pierre, Josue Duverger

Defenders: Carlens Arcus, Wilguens Paugain, Duke Lacroix, Martin Experience, JK Duverne, Ricardo Ade, Hannes Delcroix, Keeto Thermoncy

Midfielders: Leverton Pierre, Carl-Fred Sainte, Danley Jean-Jacques, Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, Woodensky Pierre, Simon Dominique

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Forwards: Louicius Deedson, Ruben Providence, Josue Casimir, Derrick Etienne, Wilson Isidor, Duckens Nazon, Frantzdy Pierrot, Yassin Fortune, Lenny Joseph

Scotland:

Coach Steve Clarke included Southampton striker Ross Stewart in the squad after a four-year absence, while Billy Gilmour will not be playing due to an injury in a friendly.

Goalkeepers: Craig Gordon (Hearts), Angus Gunn (Nottingham Forest), Liam Kelly (Rangers)

Defenders: Grant Hanley (Hibernian), Jack Hendry (Al Ettifaq), Aaron Hickey (Brentford), Dom Hyam (Wrexham), Scott McKenna (Dinamo Zagreb), Nathan Patterson (Everton), Anthony Ralston (Celtic), Andy Robertson (Liverpool), John Souttar (Rangers), Kieran Tierney (Celtic)

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Midfielders: Ryan Christie (Bournemouth), Finlay Curtis (Kilmarnock), Lewis Ferguson (Bologna), Ben Gannon-Doak (Bournemouth), Tyler Fletcher (Manchester United), John McGinn (Aston Villa), Kenny McLean (Norwich), Scott McTominay (Napoli)

Forwards: Che Adams (Torino), Lyndon Dykes (Charlton Athletic), George Hirst (Ipswich), Lawrence Shankland (Hearts), Ross Stewart (Southampton)

GROUP D

United States:

Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams ​and Weston McKennie will lead the United States at the World Cup on their home turf.

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Goalkeepers: Chris Brady (Chicago Fire), Matt Freese (New York City FC), Matt Turner (New England Revolution)

Defenders: Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew), Sergiño Dest (PSV Eindhoven), Alex Freeman (Villarreal), Mark McKenzie (Toulouse), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace), Antonee Robinson (Fulham), Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati), Joe Scally (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Auston Trusty (Celtic)

Midfielders: Tyler Adams (AFC Bournemouth), Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps), Weston McKennie (Juventus), Gio Reyna (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders), Malik Tillman (Bayer Leverkusen)

Forwards: Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United), Folarin Balogun (Mónaco), Ricardo Pepi (PSV Eindhoven), Christian Pulisic (AC Milan), Tim Weah (Olympique Marsella), Haji Wright (Coventry City), Alejandro Zendejas (Club America)

Paraguay :

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Coach Gustavo Alfaro’s squad leans heavily on overseas-based players, with only three players drawn from Paraguay’s domestic league.

Goalkeepers: Orlando Gill (San Lorenzo), Roberto Junior Fernandez (Cerro Porteno), Gaston Olveira (Olimpia)

Defenders: Juan Cáceres (Dynamo Moscow), Gustavo Velázquez (Cerro Porteño), Gustavo Gómez (Palmeiras), Junior Alonso (Atlético Mineiro), José Canale (Lanús), Omar Alderete (Sunderland), Alexandro Maidana (Talleres), Fabián Balbuena (Grêmio)

Midfielders: Diego Gomez (Brighton), Mauricio Magalhaes (Palmeiras), Damian Bobadilla (Sao Paulo), Braian Ojeda (Vancouver Whitecaps), Andres Cubas (Vancouver Whitecaps), Matias Galarza (Atlanta United), Alejandro Romero Gamarra (Al Ain)

Forwards: Gustavo Caballero (Portsmouth), Ramon Sosa (Palmeiras), Alex Arce (Independiente Rivadavia), Gabriel Avalos (Independiente), Isidro Pitta (RB Bragantino), Miguel Almiron (Atlanta United), Julio Enciso (Strasbourg), Antonio Sanabria (Cremonese)

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Australia:

Former Italy under-20 international Cristian Volpato’s last-minute decision to switch allegiance to Australia paid off with a place in the squad.

Goalkeepers: Mathew Ryan, Paul Izzo, Patrick Beach

Defenders: Aziz Behich, Jordan Bos, Cameron Burgess, Alessandro Circati, Milos Degenek, Jason Geria, Lucas Herrington, Jacob Italiano, Harry Souttar, Kai Trewin

Midfielders: Cameron Devlin, Ajdin Hrustic, Jackson Irvine, Connor Metcalfe, Aiden O’Neill, Paul Okon-Engstler

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Forwards: Nestory Irankunda, Mathew Leckie, Awer Mabil, Mohamed Toure, Nishan Velupillary, Cristian Volpato, Tete Yengi

Turkey :

Manager Vincenzo Montella named an experienced squad, including Hakan Calhanoglu, to lead the side.

Goalkeepers: Altay Bayindir (Manchester United), Mert Gunok (Fenerbahce), Ugurcan Cakir (Galatasaray)

Defenders: Abdulkerim Bardakci (Galatasaray), Caglar Soyuncu (Fenerbahce), Eren Elmali (Galatasaray), Ferdi Kadioglu (Brighton & Hove Albion), Merih Demiral (Al-Ahli Saudi), Mert Muldur (Fenerbahce), Ozan Kabak (TSG 1899 Hoffenheim), Samet Akaydin (Caykur Rizespor), Zeki Celik (AS ​Roma)

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Midfielders: Hakan Calhanoglu (Inter Milan), Ismail Yuksek (Fenerbahce), Kaan Ayhan (Galatasaray), Orkun Kokcu (Besiktas), Salih Ozcan (Borussia Dortmund)

Strikers: Arda Guler (Real Madrid), Baris Alper Yilmaz (Galatasaray), Can Uzun (Eintracht Frankfurt), Deniz Gul (Porto), Irfan Can Kahveci (Kasimpasa), Kenan Yildiz (Juventus), Kerem Akturkoglu (Fenerbahce), Oguz Aydin (Fenerbahce), Yunus Akgun (Galatasaray)

GROUP E

Germany:

Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has come out of international retirement to compete at the World Cup.

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Squad:

Goalkeepers: Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), Oliver Baumann (TSG Hoffenheim), Alexander Nubel (VfB Stuttgart);

Defenders: Antonio Rüdiger (Real Madrid), Jonathan Tah (Bayern Munich), David Raum (RB Leipzig), Nico Schlotterbeck (Borussia Dortmund), Waldemar Anton (Borussia Dortmund), Malick Thiaw (Newcastle United), Nathaniel Brown (Eintracht Frankfurt), Felix Nmecha (Borussia Dortmund);

Midfielders: Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich), Leroy Sane (Galatasaray), Leon Goretzka (Bayern Munich), Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich), Florian Wirtz (Liverpool), Pascal Gross (Brighton & Hove Albion), Nadiem Amiri (Mainz 05), Aleksandar Pavlovic (Bayern Munich), Angelo Stiller (VfB Stuttgart), Lennart Karl (Bayern Munich);

Forwards: Kai Havertz (Arsenal), Jamie Leweling (VfB Stuttgart), Nick Woltemade (Newcastle United), Deniz Undav (VfB Stuttgart), Maximilian Beier (Borussia Dortmund).

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Curacao :

Veteran coach Dick Advocaat’s side will be led by 34-year-old Leandro Bacuna.

Goalkeepers: Tyrick Bodak (Telstar), Trevor Doornbusch (VVV Venlo), Eloy Room (Miami FC)

Defenders: Riechedly Bazoer (Konyaspor), Joshua Brenet (Kayserispor), Sherel Floranus (PEC Zwolle), Deveron Fonville (NEC Nijmegen), Juriën Gaari (Abha), Armando Obispo (PSV Eindhoven), Shurandy Sambo (Sparta Rotterdam), Roshon van Eijma (RKC Waalwijk),

Midfielders: ​Juninho Bacuna (FC Volendam), Leandro Bacuna (Igdir), Livano Comenencia (FC Zurich), Kevin Felida (Den Bosch), Arjany Martha (Rotherham United), Tyrese Noslin (Telstar), Godfried Roemeratoe (RKC Waalwijk)

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Forwards: Jeremy Antonisse (Kifisia), Tahith Chong (Sheffield United), Kenji Gorre (Maccabi Haifa), Sontje Hansen (Middlesbrough), Gervane Kastaneer (Terengganu), Brandley Kuwas (FC Volendam), Jürgen Locadia (Miami FC), Jearl Margaritha (Beveren).

Cote d’Ivoire

Coach Emerse Fae included uncapped striker Ange-Yoan Bonny in the squad.

Goalkeepers: Yahia Fofana (Rizespor), Mohamed Kone (Charleroi), Alban Lafont (Panathinaikos)

Defenders: Emmanuel Agbadou (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Clement Akpa (AJ Auxerre), Ousmane Diomande (Sporting), Guela Doue (Racing Strasbourg), Ghislain Konan (Gil Vicente), Odilon Kossonou (Atalanta), Evan Ndicka (AS Roma), Wilfried Singo (Galatasaray)

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Midfielders: Seko Fofana (Stade Rennais), Parfait Guiagon (Charleroi), Franck Kessie (Al Ahli), Christ Oulai (Trabzonspor), Ibrahim Sangare (Nottingham Forest), Jean-Michael Seri (NK Maribor)

Forwards: Simon Adingra (AS Monaco), Ange-Yoan Bonny (Inter Milan), Amad Diallo (Manchester United), Oumar Diakite (Cercle Brugge), Yan Diomande (RB Leipzig), Evann Guessand (Aston Villa), Nicolas Pepe (Villarreal), Bazoumana Toure (Hoffenheim), Elye Wahi (Nice)

Ecuador:

Defenders Willian Pacho and Piero Hincapie headline Ecuador’s squad.

Goalkeepers: Hernan Galindez, Moises Ramirez, Gonzalo Valle

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Defenders: Piero Hincapié, Willian Pacho, Pervis Estupiñán, Félix Torres, Joel Ordóñez, Jackson Porozo, Angelo Preciado

Midfielders: Moises Caicedo, Alan Franco, Kendry Paez, Pedro Vite, Jordy Alcivar, Denil Castillo, Yaimar Medina

Forwards: Enner Valencia, Gonzalo Plata, Alan Minda, John Yeboah, Kevin Rodríguez, Jordy Caicedo, Nilson Angulo, Anthony Valencia, Jeremy Arevalo

GROUP F

The Netherlands:

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The Netherlands’ top scorer, Memphis Depay and Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber were included in Ronald Koeman’s squad.

Goalkeepers: Mark Flekken (Bayer Leverkusen), Robin Roefs (Sunderland), Bart Verbruggen (Brighton & Hove Albion)

Defenders: Nathan Ake (Manchester City), Denzel Dumfries (Inter Milan), Jorrel Hato (Chelsea), Jurrien Timber (Arsenal), Micky van de Ven (Tottenham Hotspur), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool), Jan Paul van Hecke (Brighton & Hove Albion)

Midfielders: Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona), Marten de Roon (Atalanta), Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool), Justin Kluivert (Bournemouth), Teun Koopmeiners (Juventus), Tijjani Reijnders (Manchester City), Guus Til (PSV Eindhoven), Quinten Timber (Olympique de Marseille), Mats Wieffer (Brighton & Hove Albion)

Forwards: Brian Brobbey (Sunderland), Memphis Depay (Corinthians), Cody Gakpo (Liverpool), Noa Lang (Galatasaray), Donyell Malen (AS Roma), Crysencio Summerville (West Ham United), Wout Weghorst (Ajax Amsterdam).

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Japan:

Former Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu has been included in Japan’s squad by head coach Hajime Moriyasu.

Goalkeepers – Zion Suzuki (Parma), Tomoki Hayakawa (Kashima Antlers), Keisuke Osako (Sanfrecce Hiroshima)

Defenders – Yuto Nagatomo (FC Tokyo), Shogo Taniguchi (Sint-Truidense VV), Ko Itakura (Ajax Amsterdam), Tsuyoshi Watanabe (Feyenoord Rotterdam), Takehiro Tomiyasu (Ajax Amsterdam), Hiroki Ito (Bayern Munich), Ayumu Seko (Le Havre AC), Yukinari Sugawara (Werder Bremen), Junnosuke Suzuki (FC Copenhagen)

Midfielders/Forwards – Wataru Endo (Liverpool FC), Junya Ito (KRC Genk), Daichi Kamada (Crystal Palace), Koki Ogawa (NEC Nijmegen), Daizen Maeda (Celtic Football Club), Ritsu Doan (Eintracht Frankfurt), Ayase Ueda (Feyenoord Rotterdam), Ao Tanaka (Leeds United), Keito Nakamura (Stade de Reims), Kaishu Sano (1. FSV Mainz 05), Takefusa Kubo (Real Sociedad), Yuito Suzuki (SC Freiburg), Kento Shoigai (VfL Wolfsburg), Keisuke Goto (Sint-Truidense VV)

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Sweden:

Graham Potter has omitted Dejan Kulusevski due to a long-term knee injury in a decision the ​coach called very difficult, while Emil Holm suffered a muscle injury and misses the tournament.

Goalkeepers: Kristoffer Nordfeldt (AIK), Viktor Johansson (Stoke City), Jacob Widell Zetterström (Derby County)

Defenders: Daniel Svensson (Borussia Dortmund), Victor Lindelof (Aston Villa), Isak Hien (Atalanta), Carl Starfelt (Celta Vigo), Elliot Stroud (Mjallby AIF), Gustaf Lagerbielke (Braga), Gabriel Gudmundsson (Leeds United), Herman Johansson (FC Dallas), Hjalmar Ekdal (Burnley), Erik Smith (St. Pauli)

Midfielders & forwards: Taha Ali (Malmo FF), Yasin Ayari (Brighton & Hove Albion), Lucas Bergvall (Tottenham Hotspur), Anthony Elanga (Newcastle United), Viktor Gyokeres (Arsenal), Jesper Karlstrom (Udinese), Gustaf Nilsson (Club Brugge), Benjamin Nygren (Celtic), Mattias Svanberg (VfL Wolfsburg), Besfort Zeneli (Royale Union Saint-Gilloise), Alexander Isak (Liverpool), Alexander Bernhardsson (Holstein Kiel), Ken Sema (Pafos)

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Tunisia:

Coach Sabri Lamouchi left out captain Ferjani Sassi and key defender Yassine Meriah.

Goalkeepers: Sabri Ben Hessen (Etoile Sahel), Abdelmouhib Chamakh (Club Africain), Aymen Dahman (CS Sfaxien)

Defenders: Ali Abdi (Nice), Adem Arous (Kasimpasa), Mohamed Amine Ben Hamida (Esperance), Dylan Bronn (Servette Geneva), Raed Chikhaoui (US Monastir), Moutaz Neffati (Norrkoping), Omar Rekik (NK Maribor), Montassar Talbi (Lorient), Yan Valery (Young Boys Berne)

Midfielders: Mortadha Ben Ouanes (Kasimpasa), Anis Ben Slimane (Norwich City), Ismael Gharbi (FC Augsburg), Rani Khedira (Union Berlin), Mohamed Hadj Mahmoud (Lugano), Hannibal Mejbri (Burnley), Ellyes Skhiri (Eintracht Frankfurt)

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Forwards: Elias Achouri (FC Copenhagen), Khalil Ayari (Paris St Germain), Firas Chaouat (Club Africain), Rayan Elloumi (Vancouver ​Whitecaps), Hazem Mastouri (Dynamo Makhachkala), Elias Saad (Hannover 96), Sebastian Tounekti (Celtic).

GROUP G

Belgium:

Coach Rudi Garcia included striker Romelu Lukaku in the squad, even though he has played only an hour of competitive football this season.

Goalkeepers: Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid), Senne Lammens (Manchester United), Mike Penders (Racing Strasbourg)

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Defenders: Timothy Castagne (Fulham), Zeno Debast (Sporting Lisbon), Maxim De Cuyper (Brighton & Hove Albion), Koni De Winter (AC Milan), Brandon Mechele (Club Brugge), Thomas Meunier (Lille), Nathan Ngoy (Lille), Joaquin Seys (Club Brugge), Arthur Theate (Eintracht Frankfurt)

Midfielders: Kevin De Bruyne (Napoli), Amadou Onana (Aston Villa), Nicolas Raskin (Rangers), Youri Tielemans (Aston Villa), Hans Vanaken (Club Brugge), Axel Witsel (Girona)

Forwards: Charles De Ketelaere (Atalanta), Jeremy Doku (Manchester City), Matias Fernandez-Pardo (Lille), Romelu Lukaku (Napoli), Dodi Lukebakio (Benfica), Diego Moreira (Racing Strasbourg), Alexis Saelemaekers (AC Milan), Leandro Trossard (Arsenal).

Egypt:

Mohamed Salah, Liverpool’s talismanic winger, headlines Egypt’s squad.

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Goalkeepers: Mohamed El-Shenawy, Mostafa Shobeir (Al Ahly), El-Mahdi Soliman (Zamalek), Mohamed Alaa (El Gouna).

Defenders: Mohamed Abdelmonem (Nice), Mohamed Hany, Yasser Ibrahim (Al Ahly), Hossam Abdelmaguid, Ahmed Fattouh (Zamalek), Tarek Alaa (ZED), Rami Rabia (Al Ain), Hamdi Fathi (Al Wakrah), Karim Hafez (Pyramids).

Midfielders: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool), Marwan Attia, Ahmed Mostafa “Zizo”, Mahmoud Hassan “Trezeguet”, Emam Ashour (Al Ahly), Mostafa Abdel Raouf, Mohannad Lasheen (Pyramids), Haitham Hassan (Real Oviedo), Mahmoud Sabre (ZED), Ibrahim Adel (Nordsjælland), Nabil Emad (Al-Najma).

Forwards: Omar Marmoush (Manchester City), Hamza Abdel Karim (Barcelona Atletic).

Iran:

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Coach Amir Ghalenoei will ‌rely on veterans Mehdi Taremi and Alireza Jahanbakhsh, while leaving out Sardar ⁠Azmoun.

Goalkeepers: Alireza Beiranvand, Seyed Hossein Hosseini, Payam Niazmand

Defenders: Danial Eiri, Ehsan Hajsafi, Saleh Hardani, Hossein Kanaani, Shoja Khalilzadeh, Milad Mohammadi, Ali Nemati, Ramin Rezaeian

Midfielders: Rouzbeh Cheshmi, Saeid Ezatolahi, Mehdi Ghaedi, Saman Ghoddos, Mohammad Ghorbani, Alireza Jahanbakhsh, Mohammad Mohebi, Amir Mohammad Razzaghinia, Mehdi Torabi, Aria Yousefi

Forwards: Ali Alipour, Dennis Dargahi, Amirhossein Hosseinzadeh, Mehdi Taremi, Shahriar Moghanlou

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New Zealand:

New Zealand coach Darren Bazeley included veteran defender Tommy Smith in his squad.

Goalkeepers: Max Crocombe (Millwall FC), Alex Paulsen (Lechia Gdansk), Michael Woud (Auckland FC)

Defenders: Tim Payne (Wellington Phoenix), Francis De Vries (Auckland FC), Tyler Bindon (Nottingham Forest), Michael Boxall (Minnesota United), Liberato Cacace (Wrexham AFC), Nando Pijnaker (Auckland FC), Finn Surman (Portland Timbers), Callan Elliot (Auckland FC), Tommy Smith (Braintree Town)

Midfielders: Lachlan Bayliss (Newcastle Jets), Joe Bell (Viking FK), Matt Garbett (Peterborough United), Eli Just (Motherwell FC), Ben Old (Saint-Etienne), Alex Rufer (Wellington Phoenix), Sarpreet Singh (Wellington Phoenix), Marko Stamenic (Swansea City), Ryan Thomas (PEC Zwolle).

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Forwards: Kosta Barbarouses (Western Sydney Wanderers), Callum McCowatt (Silkeborg), Jesse Randall (Auckland FC), Ben Waine (Port Vale), Chris Wood (Nottingham Forest)

GROUP H

Spain:

European champions Spain will travel to the World Cup without a Real Madrid player for the first time ever.

Goalkeepers: Unai Simon (Athletic Bilbao), David Raya (Arsenal), Joan Garcia (Barcelona)

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Defenders: Pedro Porro (Tottenham Hotspur), Marcos Llorente (Atlético Madrid), Pau Cubarsí (Barcelona), Marc Pubill (Atlético Madrid), Aymeric Laporte (Athletic Bilbao), Eric García (Barcelona), Alex Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen), Marc Cucurella (Chelsea)

Midfielders: Rodri (Manchester City), Martin Zubimendi (Arsenal), Gavi (Barcelona), Pedri (Barcelona), Fabian Ruiz (Paris St Germain), Mikel Merino (Arsenal), Alex Baena (Atletico Madrid)

Forwards: Dani Olmo (Barcelona), Lamine Yamal (Barcelona), Ferran Torres (Barcelona), Yeremy Pino (Crystal Palace), Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao), Víctor Muñoz (Osasuna), Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad), Borja Iglesias (Celta)

Cape Verde:

Coach Bubista included centre back Logan Costa in his squad.

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Goalkeepers: Carlos dos Santos (San Diego), Marcio Rosa (Montana 1921), Vozinha (Chaves)

Defenders: Sidney Cabral (Benfica), Diney Borges (Al Bataeh), Logan Costa (Villarreal), Roberto Lopes (Shamrock Rovers), Steven Moreira (Columbus Crew), Wagner Pina (Trabzonspor), Kelvin Pires (SJK Seinäjoki, Finland), Stopira (Torreense)

Midfielders: Telmo Arcanjo (Vitória Guimarães), Deroy Duarte (Ludogorets), Laros Duarte (Puskás Akadémia), João Paulo Fernandes (Oțelul Galați), Jamiro Monteiro (PEC Zwolle), Kevin Pina (FK Krasnodar), Yannick Semedo (Farense)

Forwards: Gilson Benchimol (Russia), Jovane Cabral (Portugal), Dailon Livramento (Casa Pia), Ryan Mendes (Igdir), Nuno da Costa (Istanbul Basaksehir), Garry Rodrigues (Apollon Limassol), Willy Semedo (Omonia Nicosia), Helio Varela (Maccabi Tel Aviv).

Saudi Arabia:

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Lens defender Saud Abdulhamid will spearhead Saudi Arabia’s World Cup team, with forward Salem Al Dawsari set for a third appearance at the finals.

Goalkeepers: Nawaf Al Aqidi, Mohamed Al Owais, Ahmed Alkassar

Defenders: Saud Abdulhamid, Jehad Thakri, Abdulelah Al Amri, Hassan Tambakti, Ali Lajami, Hassan Kadesh, Moteb Al Harbi, Nawaf Boushal, Ali Majrashi, Mohammed Abu Alshamat

Midfielders: Ziyad Al Johani, Nasser Al Dawsari, Mohamed Kanno, Abdullah Al Khaibari, Alaa Al Hejji, Musab Al Juwayr, Sultan Mandash, Ayman Yahya, Khalid Al Ghannam

Forwards: Salem Al Dawsari, Abdullah Al Hamdan, Feras Al Brikan, Saleh Al Shehri

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Uruguay:

Luis Suarez and Nahitan Nandez were the big names who missed out on selection for Uruguay.

Goalkeepers: Sergio Rochet, Fernando Muslera, Santiago Mele

Defenders: Guillermo Varela, Ronald Araújo, José María Giménez, Santiago Bueno, Sebastián Cáceres, Matías Olivera, Joaquín Piquerez, Matías Viña

Midfielders: Manuel Ugarte, Emiliano Martínez, Rodrigo Bentancur, Federico Valverde, Agustín Canobbio, Juan Manuel Sanabria, Giorgian De Arrascaeta, Nicolás De La Cruz, Rodrigo Zalazar, Facundo Pellistri, Maximiliano Araujo, Brian Rodríguez

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Forwards: Rodrigo Aguirre, Federico Vinas, Darwin Nunez

GROUP I

France:

Didier Deschamps retained the core of his 2022 squad as Randal Kolo Muani and Eduardo Camavinga were left out.

Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan (AC Milan), Robin Risser (Racing Lens), Brice Samba (Stade Rennais)

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Defenders: Lucas Digne (Aston Villa), Malo Gusto (Chelsea), Lucas Hernandez (Paris St Germain), Theo Hernandez (Al Hilal), Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool), Jules Kounde (Barcelona), Maxence Lacroix (Crystal Palace), ​William Saliba (Arsenal), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich)

Midfielders: N’Golo Kante (Fenerbahce), Manu Kone (Roma), Adrien Rabiot (AC Milan), Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid), Warren Zaire-Emery (Paris St Germain)

Forwards: Maghnes Akliouche (Monaco), Bradley Barcola (Paris St Germain), Rayan Cherki (Manchester City), Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue (both Paris St Germain), Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace), ​Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich), Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan).

Senegal:

Coach Pape Thiaw dropped defenders Moustapha Mbow and Ilay Camara from his preliminary squad to finalise his 26-man lineup.

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Goalkeepers: Edouard Mendy, Mory Diaw, Yehvann Diouf

Defenders: Krepin Diatta, Antoine Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly, El Hadji Malick Diouf, Mamadou Sarr, Moussa Niakhate, Abdoulaye Seck, Ismail Jakobs

Midfielders: Idrissa Gana Gueye, Pape Gueye, Lamine Camara, Habib Diarra, Pathe Ciss, Pape Matar Sarr, Bara Sapoko Ndiaye

Forwards: Sadio Mane, Ismaila Sarr, Iliman Ndiaye, Assane Diao, Ibrahim Mbaye, Nicolas Jackson, Bamba Dieng, Cherif Ndiaye

Iraq:

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Experienced forward Aymen Hussein is set to spearhead the Iraq attack at the World Cup.

Goalkeepers: Fahad Talib, Jalal Hassan, Ahmed Basil

Defenders: Hussein Ali, Manaf Younis, Zaid Tahseen, Rebin Sulaka, Akam Hashem, Merchas Doski, Ahmed Yahya, Zaid Ismail, Frans Putros, Mustafa Saadoon

Midfielders: Amir Al Ammari, Kevin Yakob, Zidane Iqbal, Aimar Sher, Ibrahim Bayesh, Ahmed Qasim, Youssef Amyn, Marko Farji

Forwards: Ali Jassim, Ali Al Hamadi, Ali Yousef, Aymen Hussein, Mohanad Ali

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Norway:

Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard will lead Norway’s squad, while Hamburg goalkeeper Sander Tangvik won the race for the final spot in the squad.

Goalkeepers: Orjan Haskjold Nyland (Sevilla), Egil Selvik (Watford), Sander Tangvik (Hamburger SV)

Defenders: Julian Ryerson (Borussia Dortmund), Marcus Holmgren Pedersen (Torino), David Moller Wolfe (Wolverhampton), Fredrik Bjorkan (Bodo/Glimt), Kristoffer Ajer (Brentford), Torbjorn Heggem (Bologna), Leo Skiri Ostigard (Genoa), Sondre Langas (Derby County), Henrik Falchener (Viking)

Midfielders: Martin Odegaard (Arsenal), Sander Berge (Fulham), Fredrik Aursnes (Benfica), Patrick Berg (Bodo/Glimt), Kristian Thorstvedt (Sassuolo), Morten Thorsby (Cremonese), Thelo Aasgaard (Rangers)

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Forwards: Erling Haaland (Manchester City), Alexander Sorloth (Atletico Madrid), Jorgen Strand Larsen (Crystal Palace), Antonio Nusa (RB Leipzig), Oscar Bobb (Fulham), Andreas Schjelderup (Benfica), Jens Petter Hauge (Bodo/Glimt).

GROUP J

Argentina:

Lionel Messi is set to lead the defending champions at the tournament for his sixth World Cup.

Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa), Geronimo Rulli (Marseille), Juan Musso (Atletico Madrid).

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Defenders: Leonardo Balerdi (Marseille), Gonzalo Montiel (River Plate), Nicolas Tagliafico (Lyon), Lisandro Martinez (Manchester United), Cristian Romero (Tottenham Hotspur), Nicolas Otamendi (Benfica), Facundo Medina (Marseille), Nahuel Molina (Atletico Madrid).

Midfielders: Leandro Paredes (Boca Juniors), Rodrigo De ​Paul (Inter Miami), Valentin Barco (Strasbourg), Giovani Lo Celso (Betis), Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea).

Forwards: Julian Alvarez (Atletico Madrid), Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), Nicolas Gonzalez (Atletico Madrid), Thiago Almada (Atletico Madrid), Giuliano Simeone (Atletico Madrid), Nicolas Paz (Como), Jose Manuel Lopez (Palmeiras), Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan).

Algeria :

Coach Vladimir Petkovic handed a recall to midfielder Nabil Bentaleb in their squad.

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Goalkeepers: Oussama Benbot (USM Alger), Melvin Masstil (Stade Nyonnaise), Luca Zidane (Granada)

Defenders: Achraf Abada (USM Alger), Rayan Ait Nouri (Manchester City), Zinedine Belaid (JS Kabylie), Rafik Belghali (Verona), Ramy Bensebaini (Borussia Dortmund), Samir Chergui (Paris FC), Jaouen Hadjam (Young Boys Bern), Aissa Mandi (Lille), Mohamed Amine Tougai (Esperance)

Midfielders: Houssem Aouar (Al Ittihad), Nabil Bentaleb (Lille), Hicham Boudaoui (Nice), Fares Chaibi (Eintracht Frankfurt), Ibrahim Maza (Bayer Leverkusen), Yassine Titraoui (Charleroi), Ramiz Zerrouki (FC Twente)

Forwards: Mohamed Amine Amoura (VfL Wolfsburg), Nadir Benbouali (Győri ETO), Adil Boulbina (Al-Duhail), Fares Ghedjemis (Frosinone), Amine Gouiri (Olympique de Marseille), Riyad Mahrez (Al-Ahli), Anis Hadj Moussa (Feyenoord Rotterdam).

Standby goalkeeper: Abdellatif Ramdane (Mouloudia Alger).

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Austria:

Veteran Arnautovic will lead Austria’s attack as coach Ralf Rangnick also included talents ⁠Paul Wanner and Carney Chukwuemeka, while midfielder Christoph Baumgartner will miss the tournament due to a muscle injury.

Goalkeepers: Patrick Pentz (Brondby IF), Alexander Schlager (FC Red Bull Salzburg), Florian Wiegele (Viktoria Pilsen)

Defenders: David Affengruber (Elche CF), David Alaba (Real Madrid), Kevin Danso (Tottenham Hotspur), Marco Friedl (SV Werder Bremen), Philipp Lienhart (SC Freiburg), Phillipp Mwene (FSV Mainz 05), Stefan Posch (FSV Mainz 05), Alexander Prass (TSG 1899 Hoffenheim), Michael Svoboda (Venezia FC)

Midfielders: Carney Chukwuemeka (Borussia Dortmund), Florian Grillitsch (SC Braga), Konrad Laimer (FC Bayern Munich), Marcel Sabitzer (Borussia Dortmund), Xaver Schlager (RB Leipzig), Romano Schmid (SV Werder Bremen), Alessandro Schopf (RZ Pellets WAC), Nicolas Seiwald (RB Leipzig), Paul Wanner (PSV Eindhoven), Patrick Wimmer (VfL Wolfsburg)

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Forwards: Marko Arnautovic (FK Crvena Zvezda), Michael Gregoritsch (FC Augsburg), Sasa Kalajdzic (LASK)

Jordan:

Coach Jamal Al‑Salami will rely on Stade Rennais forward Mousa Al‑Tamari to lead the team in their first World Cup.

Goalkeepers: Yazeed Abu Laila, Abdullah Al‑Fakhouri, Noor Bani Attieh.

Defenders: Abdullah Nasib, Saad Al‑Rosan, Yazan Al‑Arab, Saleem Obeid, Mohammad Abu Al‑Nadi, Hossam Abu Al‑Dahab, Ehsan Haddad, Anas Bani, Muhannad Abu Taha, Mohammad Abu Hasheesh.

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Midfielders: Noor Al‑Rawabdeh, Nizar Al‑Rashdan, Ibrahim Saadeh, Rajaei Ayed, Amer Jamous, Mohammad Al‑Daoud, Mahmoud Al‑Mardi.

Forwards: Mousa Al‑Tamari, Ouda Al‑Fakhouri, Mohammad Abu Zraiq, Ali Azaizeh, Ibrahim Sabra, Ali Olwan.

GROUP K

Portugal:

Cristiano Ronaldo will embark on a sixth World Cup aged 41 after Portugal coach Roberto Martinez named a 27-man squad for the tournament, with a symbolic ‘plus one’ in memory of the late Diogo Jota.

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Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (Porto), Jose Sa (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Rui Silva (Sporting CP)

Defenders: Diogo Dalot (Manchester United), Matheus Nunes (Manchester City), Nelson Semedo (Fenerbahçe SK), João Cancelo (FC Barcelona), Nuno Mendes (PSG), Gonçalo Inácio (Sporting), Renato Veiga (Villarreal), Rúben Dias (Manchester City), Tomás Araújo (SL Benfica)

Midfielders: Ruben Neves (Al Hilal), Samuel Costa (Mallorca), Joao Neves (PSG), Vitinha (PSG), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City)

Forwards: Joao Felix (Al Nassr), Francisco Trincao (Sporting CP), Francisco Conceicao (Juventus), Pedro Neto (Chelsea), Rafael Leao (AC Milan), Goncalo Guedes (Real Sociedad), Goncalo Ramos (PSG); Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr)

DR Congo:

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Veteran midfielder Gael Kakuta is part of Sebastien Desabre’s squad.

Goalkeepers: Matthieu Epolo (Standard Liège), Timothy Fayulu (Noah), Lionel Mpasi (Le Havre)

Defenders: Dylan Batubinsika (Larisa), Rocky Bushiri (Hibernian), Gedoon Kalulu (Aris Limassol), Steve Kapuadi (Widzew Lodz), Joris Kayembe (Racing Genk), Arthur Masuaku (Racing Lens), Chancel Mbemba (Lille), Axel Tuanzebe (Burnley), Aaron Wan-Bissaka (West Ham United)

Midfielders: Theo Bongonda (Spartak Moscow), Brian Cipenga (Castellon), Meshack Elia (Alanyaspor), Gael Kakuta (Larisa), Edo Kayembe (Watford), Nathanael Mbuku (Montpellier), Samuel Moutoussamy (Atromitos), Ngal’ayel Mukau (Lille), Charles Pickel (Espanyol), Noah Sadiki (Sunderland)

Forwards: Cedric Bakambu (Real Betis), Simon Banza (Al Jazira), Fiston Mayele (Pyramids), Yoane Wissa (Newcastle United).

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Uzbekistan:

Fabio Cannavaro named an experienced squad for the country’s ⁠first World Cup, led by forward Eldor Shomurodov and defender Abdukodir ​Khusanov.

Goalkeepers: Utkir Yusupov (Navbahor), Abduvohid Nematov (Nasaf), Botirali Ergashev (Neftchi)

Defenders: Rustam Ashurmatov (Esteghlal), Farrukh Sayfiev (Neftchi), Khojiakbar Alijonov (Pakhtakor), Sherzod Nasrullaev (Nasaf), Umar Eshmurodov (Nasaf), Abdukodir Khusanov (Manchester City), Abdulla Abdullaev (Dibba), Bekhruz Karimov (Surkhon), Jakhongir Urozov (Dinamo Samarqand), Avazbek Ulmasaliev (AGMK)

Midfielders: Otabek Shukurov (Baniyas), Jaloliddin Masharipov (Esteghlal), Odiljon Hamrobekov (Tractor), Oston Urunov (Persepolis), Jamshid Iskanderov (Neftchi), Dostonbek Khamdamov (Pakhtakor), Abbosbek Fayzullaev (Istanbul Basaksehir), Akmal Mozgovoy (Pakhtakor), Azizjon Ganiev (Al Bataeh), Sherzod Esanov (Bukhara)

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Forwards: Eldor Shomurodov (Istanbul Basaksehir), Igor Sergeev (Persepolis), Azizbek Amonov (Bukhara)

Colombia:

Captain James Rodriguez and Bayern Munich winger Luis Diaz headline Nestor Lorenzo’s Colombia squad.

Goalkeepers: Camilo Vargas (Atlas), Alvaro Montero (Velez Sarsfield), David Ospina (Atletico Nacional).

Defenders: Davinson Sanchez (Galatasaray), Jhon Lucumi (Bologna), Yerry Mina (Cagliari), Willer Ditta (Cruz Azul), Daniel Munoz (Crystal Palace), Santiago Arias (Independiente), Johan Mojica (Mallorca), Deiver Machado (Nantes).

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Midfielders: ​Richard Rios (Benfica), Jefferson Lerma (Crystal Palace), Kevin Castano (River Plate), Juan Camilo Portilla (Athletico Paranaense), Gustavo Puerta (Racing de Santander), Jhon Arias (Palmeiras), Jorge Carrascal (Flamengo), Juan Fernando Quintero (River Plate), James Rodriguez (Minnesota United), Jaminton Campaz (Rosario Central).

Forwards: Juan Camilo Hernandez (Real Betis), Luis Diaz (Bayern Munich), Luis Suarez (Sporting CP), Carlos Andres Gomez (Vasco da Gama), Jhon Cordoba (FC Krasnodar).

GROUP L

England:

England head to the World Cup without several familiar faces after midfielders Phil Foden and Cole Palmer and defender Trent Alexander-Arnold were left out.

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Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), James Trafford (Man City).

Defenders: Reece James (Chelsea), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen), John Stones (Man City), Marc Guehi (Man City), Dan Burn (Newcastle), Nico O’Reilly (Man City), Djed Spence (Tottenham), Tino Livramento (Newcastle).

Midfielders: Declan Rice (Arsenal), Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Kobbie Mainoo (Man Utd), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal).

Forwards: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Ivan Toney (Al-Ahli), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle), Noni Madueke (Arsenal).

Croatia:

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Captain Luka Modric is set to lead his country at what is expected to be the 2018 Ballon d’Or winner’s final World Cup.

Goalkeepers: Dominik Livakovic (Dinamo Zagreb), Dominik Kotarski (Copenhagen), Ivor Pandur (Hull City)

Defenders: Josko Gvardiol (Manchester City), Duje Caleta-Car (Real Sociedad), Josip Sutalo (Ajax), Josip Stanisic (Bayern Munich), Marin Pongracic (Fiorentina), Kristijan Jakic (Augsburg), Martin Erlic (Midtjylland), Luka Vuskovic (Hamburg SV)

Midfielders: Luka Modric (Milan), Mateo Kovacic (Manchester City), Mario Pasalic (Atalanta), Nikola Vlasic (Torino), Luka Sucic (Real Sociedad), Martin Baturina (Como), Petar Sucic (Inter Milan), Nikola Moro (Bologna), Toni Fruk (Rijeka)

Forwards: Ivan Perisic (PSV Eindhoven), Andrej Kramaric (Hoffenheim), Ante Budimir (Osasuna), Marco Pasalic (Orlando City), Petar Musa (Dallas), Igor Matanovic (Freiburg)

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Ghana:

Coach Carlos Queiroz finalised his squad just before the FIFA deadline after last-minute injuries ruled out defender Alexander Djiku and key midfielder Mohammed Kudus.

Goalkeepers: Joseph Anang, Benjamin Asare, Lawrence Ati-Zigi

Defenders: Jonas Adjetey, Derrick Luckassen, Gideon Mensah, Abdul Mumin, Jerome Opoku, Kojo Oppong Preprah, Baba Abdul Rahman, Alidu Seidu, Marvin Senaya

Midfielders: Augustine Boakye, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Elisha Owusu, Thomas Partey, Kwasi Sibo, Kamal Deen Sulemana, Caleb Yirenkyi

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Forwards: Prince Kwabena Adu, Jordan Ayew, Christopher Bonsu Baah, Ernest Nuamah, Antoine Semenyo, Brandon Thomas-Asante, Inaki Williams.

Panama:

Panama named an experienced squad including captain Anibal Godoy and midfielder Adalberto Carrasquilla.

Squad;

Goalkeepers: Orlando Mosquera, Luis Mejia, Cesar Samudio.

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Defenders: Cesar Blackman, Jorge Gutierrez, Amir Murillo, Fidel Escobar, Andres Andrade, Edgardo Farina, Jose Cordoba, Eric Davis, Jiovany Ramos, Roderick Miller.

Midfielders: Anibal Godoy, Adalberto Carrasquilla, Carlos Harvey, Cristian Martinez, Jose Luis Rodriguez, Cesar Yanis, Yoel Barcenas, Alberto Quintero, Azarias Londono.

Forwards: Ismael Diaz, Cecilio Waterman, Jose Fajardo, Tomas Rodriguez

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Kunle Solaja is the author of landmark books on sports and journalism as well as being a multiple award-winning journalist and editor of long standing. He is easily Nigeria’s foremost soccer diarist and Africa's most capped FIFA World Cup journalist, having attended all FIFA World Cup finals from Italia ’90 to Qatar 2022. He was honoured at the Qatar 2022 World Cup by FIFA and AIPS.

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World Cup

Gratitude Beyond the Touchline: The People Behind My World Cup ‘La Décima’

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By Kunle Solaja, JFK, New York

When the final whistle eventually sounded on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the curtain fell on another remarkable chapter in football history, my personal reflections will extend far beyond the goals, the drama and the unforgettable moments witnessed across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

For me, this World Cup represents something deeply personal; a milestone that once seemed distant but has now become reality.

Like the celebrated “La Décima” that Real Madrid proudly pursued and achieved in European football, the 2026 FIFA World Cup marks my own “La Décima”, similar to the Mission X of the magnificent Nigeria’s Super Falcons; attendance at a tenth consecutive FIFA World Cup finals as a journalist.

From Italia ’90 through USA ’94, France ’98, Korea/Japan 2002, Germany 2006, South Africa 2010, Brazil 2014, Russia 2018, Qatar 2022 and now the 2026 tournament in North America, the journey has spanned 36 years of reporting, travelling, learning and documenting football history as it unfolded before my eyes.

Such a milestone is never achieved alone.

It is therefore fitting that I pause amid the excitement of the World Cup to express profound appreciation to one individual whose support made this latest journey possible — Hon. Adekunle Soname, Chairman of Bet9ja and, easily, Nigeria’s most influential yet understated sports visionary.

At a time when independent journalism faces increasing financial pressures and international coverage has become more expensive than ever, Bet9ja’s decision to support my World Cup project was not merely a sponsorship arrangement. It was an investment in sports journalism, historical documentation and the preservation of a tradition that has lasted for nearly four decades.

Hon. Soname’s contribution ensured that Sports Village Square could maintain its presence at the world’s biggest sporting event and continue delivering firsthand reports, features, interviews and analyses directly from the tournament venues.

Those who know Hon. Soname understand that his commitment to football extends far beyond business. Over the years, he has consistently demonstrated a passion for the growth of the game in Nigeria and Africa, supporting initiatives that contribute to football development both on and off the field.

His support for this World Cup coverage is another reflection of that enduring commitment.

I also owe a debt of gratitude to the dedicated members of the Bet9ja marketing team whose professionalism, cooperation and confidence in the project helped transform an idea into reality. Their belief in the value of quality sports journalism and credible tournament coverage played an important role in ensuring the success of this venture.

Behind every sponsorship agreement are individuals who work quietly but diligently to make things happen. They deserve recognition for their efficiency, encouragement and unwavering support throughout the process.

My appreciation also goes to a long-standing friend of sports journalism and one of Nigeria’s most respected media professionals, Femi Adesina.

Long before this World Cup journey reached its tenth chapter, Femi Adesina had become one of its steadfast supporters. Since the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, he has consistently offered encouragement, support and goodwill towards my international coverage efforts.

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Femi Adesina, a passionate sports enthusiast and former Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President of Nigeria, has been a steadfast pillar of support for my FIFA World Cup coverage since Brazil 2014. His unwavering encouragement has helped make successive World Cup reporting missions possible.

Whether as a colleague in journalism or later as Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to former President Muhammadu Buhari, he never lost his appreciation for the value of professional sports reporting and the role it plays in projecting Nigeria to the world.

His support over the years has been a source of motivation, particularly during moments when the challenges of international coverage appeared overwhelming.

As I look back on ten consecutive World Cups, I am reminded that journalism, despite often appearing to be an individual pursuit, is in reality a collective endeavour. Every byline carries the fingerprints of numerous supporters, friends, family members, colleagues and institutions whose contributions make the work possible.

This tenth World Cup attendance therefore belongs not only to me but also to everyone who has supported the journey from its humble beginnings in Italy in 1990 to this historic milestone in North America in 2026.

For Hon. Kunle Soname and Bet9ja, for the dedicated members of the company’s marketing team, and for Femi Adesina, I offer my heartfelt gratitude.

Their support has helped make possible a dream that began more than three decades ago and has now culminated in a personal “La Décima” — ten consecutive FIFA World Cups.

For that, I remain profoundly thankful.

Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H

 

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World Cup

Saying Goodbye to a Family That Made New York Feel Like Home

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BY KUNLE SOLAJA, BROOKLYN.

How does one say goodbye to a family that opened not just the doors of their home, but also their hearts during an unforgettable World Cup journey? After weeks of enjoying their extraordinary hospitality, leaving feels far more difficult than I had imagined. It is almost as though I should stay a little longer.

As I pen these few words, it is the birthday of one of them—Daniel Ogunleye, easily my closest companion in this wonderful family of four. It is fitting that I pay this tribute today.

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Daniel Ogunleye beams with pride as he poses with an impressive collection of academic, basketball and sporting trophies at his family home in New York. A gifted student-athlete and entrepreneur, Daniel has excelled both on the court and in the classroom, embodying discipline, determination and excellence.  Happy Birthday to a remarkable young man whose achievements continue to inspire.

Daniel and I spent countless hours sharing jokes, exchanging ideas and discussing sports. A first-year Criminology student at Fisher College, he is every good quality rolled into one.

Though he began as a football player, he later switched to America’s favourite sport—basketball—where he has earned considerable honours. He has successfully combined academic excellence, sporting achievement and an impressive entrepreneurial spirit, making him a young man with a very bright future.

My friendship with his father, Olukayode Ogunleye, goes back more than five decades. We grew up together in Ibadan and later worked as sports journalists at the then Concord Press of Nigeria before life took him to the United States.

When I arrived in New York to cover the FIFA World Cup, Olukayode did far more than provide accommodation. He transformed his family home into my own Nigerian sanctuary. Throughout my stay, I never felt I had left home. Every familiar comfort was there, especially the food.

From eba to amala, pounded yam and other cherished Nigerian delicacies, every meal reminded me of home. For that unforgettable culinary experience, special appreciation goes to his lovely wife, Launette.

Although African-American by birth, Launette cooks Nigerian cuisine with such authenticity that one would easily believe she spent her formative years in Lagos or Ibadan. Yet, remarkably, she has never even crossed the Atlantic to visit Africa.

If she were to compete with some of Nigeria’s finest cooks, I have little doubt she would give them a serious contest. Her nickname may be “China,” but after my experience, “Naija” would be a far more fitting name. Her warmth, humility, kindness and generous spirit embody the very best of Nigerian hospitality.

Indeed, food was never in short supply. In fact, I was so well fed that I eventually had to plead with her to slow down. I joked that I had gained so much weight my own family might struggle to recognise me when I returned home.

As though determined to make the weight gain permanent, she often insisted on driving me to the train station, denying me the opportunity to walk off a few calories. It became a running joke between us.

Kayode often speaks proudly of his wife, noting how effortlessly she blends into Nigerian gatherings. At every “Naija party,” she dresses the part, mingles naturally and embraces the culture with remarkable ease. Watching her interact, one would hardly believe she did not grow up in Nigeria.

Their daughter, Yuhniece, reflects the same admirable values of industry, courtesy and ambition. Armed with an Associate Degree in Business Administration and Accounting, she has successfully translated her education into enterprise, building ventures in both real estate and the automobile business. She carries herself with maturity, confidence and the strong work ethic that clearly runs through the family.

As my World Cup assignment comes to an end, saying goodbye has become one of the most difficult parts of the journey. Families like the Ogunleyes remind one that true hospitality goes beyond providing a place to sleep. It is about making a guest feel loved, valued and completely at home. They did exactly that for me.

For every delicious meal, every ride to the station, every conversation, every laugh and every act of kindness, I owe the entire Ogunleye family a debt of gratitude that words can scarcely express.

Yet, every journey must eventually come to an end.

The consolation is that I now look forward to reuniting with my own family, who have always borne the sacrifices that come with my profession. Every World Cup has meant weeks away from home, missed family moments and long periods of absence.

My wife, Oby, our children and our grandchildren have, through the years, shown unwavering love, patience and understanding. They have accepted the demands of sports journalism with remarkable grace, even when it meant celebrating important family occasions without me. They have remained my greatest source of encouragement, reminding me that every sacrifice made in pursuit of excellence has meaning.

As I board my flight home, my heart is filled with gratitude—gratitude to the Ogunleyes for making New York feel like home, and gratitude to my own family for always making home worth returning to.

Some goodbyes are difficult because they remind us of the goodness of people. This is certainly one of them.

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World Cup

How a 64-team World Cup could transform soccer’s economics

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FIFA World Cup 2026 - Final - Spain v Argentina - New York/New Jersey Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey, U.S. - July 19, 2026 FIFA President Gianni Infantino arrives at the stadium before the match REUTERS/Agustin Marcarian

 

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  • Summary
  • A 64-team format would comprise 128 matches if FIFA kept the 2026 structure
  • That format could add roughly another week to a tournament already lasting more than five weeks
  • Saudi Arabia’s 2034 hosting faces Ramadan timing complications and heavy infrastructure demands
  • Player welfare, competitive balance and World Cup exclusivity would face renewed scrutiny

 

The first 48-team World Cup has barely finished, but Gianni Infantino has already acknowledged the ​possibility that soccer’s biggest tournament could one day grow larger still, a move that could fundamentally alter the economics of the sport.

Speaking to Swiss television during the tournament, the FIFA ‌president said a 64-team World Cup was among the ideas that could be examined once the finals were over, reopening debate over how large the game’s showpiece event can realistically become.

The logistical implications of another expansion are obvious. A bigger tournament would require more stadiums, more hotels, more transport and, most likely, more time.

But the financial implications could prove even more significant. By making qualification easier for many of the game’s biggest nations, a 64-team tournament could reduce the commercial value of qualifying competitions while ​increasing the importance of FIFA’s own flagship event.

If broadcasters place less value on qualifying campaigns, soccer’s six regional confederations could become increasingly dependent on FIFA’s own distributions, potentially shifting more financial influence — and ​power — towards the global governing body.

“I don’t think it’s a good idea for the World Cup itself, and it’s not a good idea for our qualifiers either. ⁠So I’m not supporting that idea,” UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin said last year. The European governing body’s position has not changed since then.

Asian Football Confederation President Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa has also voiced opposition, ​questioning last year where further expansion might end.

FIFA did not reply to requests for comment.

“I think it is important that when you want to organise a World Cup, you do it for the whole world — not just ​Europe and South America,” Infantino said when discussing the idea of an expanded tournament. “If you don’t give smaller countries a chance to participate in the World Cup, they’ll lack the incentive to keep improving.”

CHALLENGES ON AN ENTIRELY DIFFERENT SCALE

The 2026 tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States was the first since 1998 to move away from the 32-team format, expanding to 48 nations and 104 matches over more than five weeks.

If the competition retained the same basic structure, with four-team groups followed ​by a 32-team knockout stage, a 64-team World Cup would comprise 128 matches — 24 more than in 2026 and double the total staged under the old 32-team format.

Unless FIFA compressed the schedule or staged more games ​simultaneously, that could add roughly another week to a tournament already lasting more than five weeks.

Plans are in place for Spain, Portugal and Morocco to stage most of the 2030 finals, with Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay each hosting a single ‌opening-round match to ⁠mark the tournament’s centenary.

Accommodating 64 teams across six host nations presents a formidable organisational challenge. Doing so in a single country could prove even more demanding.

Saudi Arabia, due to host the tournament alone in 2034, already faces significant scheduling questions. Ramadan is expected to begin in mid-November that year, making the November-December window used for the 2022 World Cup in neighbouring Qatar difficult to replicate and potentially forcing another unprecedented reshaping of the global football calendar.

A 64-team tournament would magnify those challenges, requiring more stadiums, training facilities, hotels, transport capacity and volunteers while placing additional pressure on infrastructure in a country still developing its tourism industry.

The Saudis have proposed 15 venues ​for the existing 48-team format, with eight stadiums in ​Riyadh, four in Jeddah and others in Khobar, ⁠Neom, and Abha. Construction and renovation work is already underway ahead of the 2027 Asian Cup.

DOMESTIC PRESSURE

An expanded World Cup would also place greater strain on an already congested international calendar and increase pressure on domestic leagues, many of which have aligned themselves with Europe’s traditional August-to-May season.

Japan’s J-League is about to begin its first ​August-to-May campaign, while U.S. Major League Soccer plans a similar switch from next year. Any future winter World Cup would therefore disrupt an ever-growing number of ​competitions rather than primarily Europe’s ⁠major leagues, as was the case in 2022.

World Cups can be costly for national federations, even rich ones like France. The French Football Federation had been expecting to spend 24.5 million euros ($28 million) at this year’s World Cup, with federation president Philippe Diallo saying Les Bleus would probably need to at least reach the semi-finals not to lose money.

At the April FIFA Congress in Vancouver, Diallo said FIFA needed to provide greater financial support to participating nations.

If a ⁠48-team tournament ​is already stretching the finances of participating federations, a longer 64-team event could increase those costs further.

Player welfare concerns would also intensify, ​with more matches adding to the workload of elite players. A 64-team tournament would give more nations access to football’s biggest stage but could also reignite debate over competitive balance, tournament length, fan costs and whether the World Cup risks losing some of the exclusivity ​that has long underpinned its appeal.

Whether the idea progresses beyond discussion may depend in part on how the first 48-team World Cup is ultimately judged.

-Reuters

 

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