Summary of this article
FIFA World Cup 2026 to be held in United States, Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19
Argentina are the defending champions, having beaten France in 2022 final
Most top teams to reveal squad in mid-May, with FIFA expected to announce official lists on June 2
The 2026 edition of the FIFA World Cup is drawing near and it’s almost time for coaches of the record 48 competing countries to finalize their squads as they weigh up injury concerns and form.
Here are the dates when the top teams are scheduled to name their 26-member rosters for the tournament being held in the United States, Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19.
France
May 14
Belgium
May 15
Brazil
May 18
Portugal
May 19
Morocco
May 21
Germany
May 21
England
May 22
Spain
May 25
Netherlands
May 25
United States
May 26
Argentina
May 30
Mexico
June 1
Global governing body FIFA expects to announce the official squad lists on June 2.
Argentina are the defending FIFA World Cup champions, having beaten France 4-2 on penalties after a 3-3 draw in the 2022 final in Qatar. Four-time champions Italy failed to qualify for a third straight World Cup after losing in a penalty shootout with 10 men at 66th-ranked Bosnia and Herzegovina in the European playoffs.
The upcoming edition of the tournament features 104 matches, a big jump from the 64 games played in 2022. The 48-team format comprises 12 groups of four teams, which will be followed by a round of 32, round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, third-place match and then the final on July 19.
Over 175 territories have secured broadcast deals for the World Cup, though the world's two most populous countries — India and China — still face uncertainty regarding whether and where their fans can watch the quadrennial event.
Factors like late-night kick-off times and an advertising crisis have led to a lack of interest from Indian broadcasters. Like India, Chinese broadcasters are worried about the timing issue. Most matches will take place during dawn in the East Asian nation, reducing the number of potential eyeballs.
When will FIFA World Cup 2026 be played?
FIFA World Cup 2026 will be played from June 12 to July 19.
Where will FIFA World Cup 2026 be played?
FIFA World Cup 2026 will be played at 11 venues in the United States, three in Mexico and two in Canada.
Where will FIFA World Cup 2026 be broadcast in India?
There is uncertainty currently regarding whether and where FIFA World Cup 2026 will be broadcast in India. “Discussions in China and India regarding the sale of media rights for the FIFA World Cup 2026 are ongoing and must remain confidential at this stage,” FIFA told Reuters earlier.
