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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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Morocco’s Saibari Joins World Cup Fast-Goal Elite with Scotland Winner

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BY KUNLE SOLAJA, NEW YORK.

Morocco’s Ismael Saibari may not have broken the FIFA World Cup record for the fastest goal, but his lightning strike against Scotland has earned a place among the standout moments of the 2026 tournament and helped propel the Atlas Lions to the top of Group C.

Saibari stunned Scotland by finding the net just 69 seconds after kick-off in Morocco’s 1-0 victory on Friday, giving Walid Regragui’s side a priceless three points and strengthening their prospects of reaching the knockout stages.

The midfielder’s early breakthrough immediately sparked debate among fans and pundits, with many wondering whether it was the fastest goal of the tournament and where it ranked among the quickest strikes in World Cup history.

A look through the tournament’s record books reveals that the all-time mark remains safely in the hands of former Turkish striker Hakan Şükür, who scored after just 11 seconds in Turkey’s 3-2 victory over South Korea in the third-place match at the 2002 World Cup in Korea and Japan.

Şükür’s goal, officially timed at 10.8 seconds, came after Turkey forced an error straight from kick-off before the prolific striker calmly beat goalkeeper Lee Woon-jae.

Saibari’s goal, created by an incisive pass from Brahim Díaz before the midfielder powered home from inside the penalty area, does not threaten that long-standing record. However, it ranks among the fastest goals seen at the current tournament and underlines Morocco’s growing reputation as one of the most dynamic teams in the competition.

Only Paraguay’s Matías Galarza scored quicker during the second round of group matches, finding the net after 64 seconds in his country’s dramatic 1-0 victory over Turkey. Paraguay ended a 16-year wait for a World Cup win despite playing the entire second half with ten men after Miguel Almirón was sent off under FIFA’s new regulations for covering his mouth.

For Morocco, however, the significance of Saibari’s strike extends beyond statistics.

The goal proved decisive against a Scottish side that struggled to recover from the early setback as the Atlas Lions controlled proceedings and secured a victory that lifted them to the summit of Group C.

While Saibari remains some distance from the elite list of the fastest goals in World Cup history—headed by Şükür, followed by Czechoslovakia’s Václav Mašek (15 seconds), Germany’s Ernst Lehner (24 seconds), England’s Bryan Robson (28 seconds) and American Clint Dempsey (30 seconds)—his effort has already become one of the defining moments of Morocco’s campaign.

With four points from two matches and momentum building, Morocco will be less concerned with record books than with extending their stay in North America. Yet Saibari’s explosive start against Scotland has ensured that his name will be remembered among the quickest marksmen of World Cup 2026.

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Koeman Gets Revenge as Netherlands Thrash Sweden 5-1 at World Cup

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BY KUNLE SOLAJA.

Ronald Koeman endured defeat against Sweden on his international debut for the Netherlands more than four decades ago, and for years that remained his only encounter with the Scandinavians as a player. On Saturday, however, the Dutch coach enjoyed sweet revenge from the touchline as his side produced a scintillating 5-1 victory over Sweden at the FIFA World Cup.

The emphatic win at the World Cup strengthened the Netherlands’ grip on the top of Group F and marked a memorable chapter in Koeman’s long association with Dutch football.

Koeman lost 3-0 to Sweden when he made his Oranje debut in 1983, and despite going on to earn 78 caps and establish himself as one of the most celebrated defenders of his generation, he never faced the Swedes again during his playing career.

Now as national team coach, he watched his side dismantle Sweden with an attacking display led by striker Brian Brobbey, who justified his selection ahead of record scorer Memphis Depay with two early goals.

Brobbey put the Dutch ahead in the opening minutes and doubled the advantage in the 17th minute, giving the Netherlands firm control of the contest.

The Swedes, who had opened their campaign with a convincing 5-1 victory over Tunisia, struggled to contain the Dutch attack. Any hopes of a comeback were effectively extinguished shortly after halftime when Cody Gakpo struck twice in a seven-minute spell to stretch the lead to 4-0.

Substitute Anthony Elanga briefly gave Sweden something to cheer about when he pulled a goal back in the 59th minute, but the effort proved little more than a consolation.

The Netherlands completed the rout in the closing stages when Crysencio Summerville weaved his way to the edge of the penalty area before finishing expertly in the final minute to make it 5-1.

The result lifted the Dutch to four points from two matches and to the summit of Group F, while Sweden remained on three points.

Attention in the group now turns to Monterrey, where Tunisia and Japan were scheduled to meet later on Saturday in a match carrying added historical significance as the 1,000th fixture in FIFA World Cup history.

For Koeman, however, the day belonged to the Netherlands and a long-awaited measure of satisfaction against the nation that spoiled his international debut 43 years ago.

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Tunisia and Japan to Script World Cup History in Landmark 1,000th Match

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By Kunle Solaja, New York

When Nigeria and Argentina met in Porto Alegre during the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, the encounter quietly entered football folklore as the 800th match in World Cup history.

Twelve years later, another African nation is poised to be part of an even greater milestone.

Tunisia’s Group F clash with Japan on Saturday at Monterrey Stadium will be recorded as the 1,000th match in FIFA World Cup history, adding a unique layer of significance to an already groundbreaking 2026 tournament.

The historic fixture, scheduled in Monterrey, Mexico, is more than just a group-stage contest between two ambitious nations.

It is a celebration of football’s remarkable global journey from a competition once dominated by Europe and South America to a truly worldwide event embracing every continent.

For Tunisia, the occasion represents another chapter in a distinguished World Cup story.

The North Africans already occupy a special place in football history. In Argentina 1978, Tunisia became the first African nation to win a World Cup match, coming from behind to defeat Mexico 3-1 and shatter long-held perceptions about African football’s place on the global stage.

Nearly half a century later, the Eagles of Carthage find themselves at another historic crossroads.

“Being able to take part in the 1,000th FIFA World Cup match is truly symbolic,” Tunisia captain Ellyes Skhiri said ahead of the encounter.

“Playing a World Cup match is always an honour and a dream come true, but taking part in the 1,000th one is very special. It makes you appreciate all the history of this competition – the greatest matches and the greatest players who wrote the most incredible chapters in World Cup history.”

The significance of the milestone extends beyond the two teams involved.

If the first World Cup in Uruguay in 1930 featured only 13 participants, the FIFA World Cup 2026 has expanded to an unprecedented 48 teams competing across Canada, Mexico and the United States. The growth mirrors football’s transformation into the world’s most universal sport, with FIFA now boasting more member associations than the United Nations.

The road to this landmark fixture began decades ago.

When the 100th World Cup match was played during the 1954 tournament in Switzerland, only a handful of nations outside Europe and South America had ever qualified for the finals. Africa’s representation was minimal, Asia’s opportunities were limited, and much of the world remained on football’s periphery.

Even by 1994, when the United States hosted the tournament and Nigeria made its memorable debut, access remained restricted. Africa had just two guaranteed qualification places, while Asia was allocated only three. Yet that tournament offered early evidence that football’s centre of gravity was shifting.

Significantly, Nigeria was also involved in another World Cup milestone. Due to simultaneous kick-offs on the final day of the group stage at USA ’94, Nigeria’s match against Greece shared the distinction of being among the 500th matches in tournament history.

Today, the landscape has changed dramatically.

A record 209 nations embarked on the qualification journey for the 2026 finals. Africa and Asia together received 17 direct qualification slots, while Oceania secured a guaranteed place for the first time. Football’s expansion has created opportunities for countries that previously viewed World Cup participation as an almost impossible dream.

The benefits have already been evident during the opening stages of the tournament.

Cape Verde’s heroic draw against Spain, Haiti’s spirited showing against Scotland, DR Congo’s impressive result against Portugal and Curaçao’s memorable goal against Germany have all demonstrated the value of a more inclusive World Cup. Such moments resonate far beyond the final whistle, inspiring future generations and strengthening football cultures across the globe.

Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu believes the milestone reflects football’s unique ability to unite people across borders.

“It is a great honour for us to take part, as Japan’s national team and as Asia’s representative, in the historic 1,000th match of the FIFA World Cup,” Moriyasu said.

“I believe football is one of the most powerful means of connecting people across the globe. We are already witnessing supporters from different countries interacting regardless of nationality. Football connects people, nations and cultures.”

The timing of the milestone could hardly be more symbolic.

The 1,000th match will feature an Asian powerhouse seeking to surpass its previous best performances and an African nation making its third consecutive World Cup appearance. The setting is North America, host of the first 48-team World Cup, reflecting the tournament’s increasingly global character.

The match itself carries immediate sporting significance. Japan entered the contest buoyed by an entertaining 2-2 draw with the Netherlands, while Tunisia sought redemption following a difficult opening defeat to Sweden.

Yet regardless of the result, both teams will forever occupy a special place in football’s record books.

When the players emerge at Monterrey Stadium, they will not simply be contesting three points in Group F. They will be participating in a moment that encapsulates nearly a century of World Cup history and illustrates how far the game has travelled since 13 teams gathered in Uruguay in 1930.

From Tunisia’s groundbreaking victory in Argentina 48 years ago to Saturday’s landmark encounter in Mexico, the story remains one of football breaking barriers and expanding horizons.

The 1,000th World Cup match is not merely a numerical milestone. It is a testament to the enduring appeal of the world’s most popular sporting event and a powerful symbol of football’s ability to unite nations, cultures and generations.

As Skhiri aptly put it: “Hopefully we’ll put in a performance worthy of the occasion.”

For Tunisia, Japan and football itself, the stage is set for history.

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