When are World Cup squads announced? Deadline for naming rosters for 2026 FIFA finals

The excitement for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has continued to build as the 2026 calendar rolls towards the coming summer tournament.

As the expanded 48-team tournament draws nearer, fans have begun to speculate who will be selected to represent their favorite country at the competition hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

As players draw towards the conclusion of the 2025/26 European league season, preparations for the World Cup have begun, and individuals hoping to be included on their country's rosters are hoping to make their case for selection.

The Sporting News brings you a closer look at when to expect rosters to be announced for the upcoming competition.

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When are World Cup squads announced?

Traditionally, World Cup squads will be announced by each federation in the week leading up to the FIFA deadline.

Players need time to make arrangements for the tournament, while they finish up their club seasons and then convene for camp ahead of their country's pre-tournament friendlies.

For example, the United States announced their 2022 World Cup roster on November 9, which was five days prior to the FIFA deadline. The tournament then began on November 20.

Deadlines for provisional and final World Cup 2026 rosters

Per FIFA regulations for the 2026 World Cup, provisional rosters of 35-55 players must be submitted by May 11. Those rosters will be for internal use only, and will not be released by FIFA, although occasionally some federations release them publicly.

Official 26-man rosters are due by Saturday, May 30, and they will then be announced by FIFA by Monday, June 1. Federations will usually all announce their official rosters on their own once they're submitted.

Clubs must release players for international duty by May 25, although those participating in continental finals, such as the Champions League final, may be retained by their clubs until May 30.

When does the World Cup start?

The first match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place on June 11, with co-hosts Mexico taking on South Africa in the opener from Mexico City.

The 48 teams will do battle across the competition, leading up to the final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ.