The 2026 World Cup squads are in. Forty-eight teams, thousands of hours of qualification, and now the rosters are set for the June 11–July 19 tournament spread across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Here's what jumps out.
The veterans writing their final chapters
Lionel Messi leads defending champions Argentina into his sixth World Cup at 41. So does Cristiano Ronaldo, also at his sixth tournament and still going at 41. Portugal coach Roberto Martinez named a symbolic 27-man squad — a 'plus one' in memory of the late Diogo Jota. Guillermo Ochoa, also 40, becomes the first Mexican player to appear at six World Cups. Luka Modric captains Croatia at what's expected to be his last dance. These aren't feel-good storylines — they're genuine questions about whether ageing legends can still carry teams at the highest level. The markets will reflect that.
Neymar is back. Brazil included him following a long injury absence, reuniting him with Vinicius Jr, Raphinha, Endrick, and a squad that looks genuinely frightening in depth. Ederson starts in goal for Fenerbahce now, while Alisson remains the number one. The Brazil-to-win-it price should shorten further.
The notable absences
England travel without Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, and Trent Alexander-Arnold — three players who were central to the national team setup not long ago. Phil Foden's absence in particular changes England's creative profile significantly. Jude Bellingham carries more responsibility as a result, and the squad lacks genuine creative depth behind him.
Morocco left out Youssef En-Nesyri despite his prolific club form — a bold call from new coach Mohamed Ouahbi. Germany's Manuel Neuer came out of international retirement, which either steadies the ship or signals there's no adequate successor. Dejan Kulusevski misses Sweden through a long-term knee injury, a real blow to Graham Potter's side given how central he'd become. Luis Suarez — the original one — missed out for Uruguay, while Algeria handed a recall to Nabil Bentaleb.
Group-by-group highlights
- Group A: Mexico lean on experience with Ochoa and Raul Jimenez. South Korea have Jens Castrop — the first player of dual heritage in their World Cup history. The Czech Republic bring Tomas Soucek and Patrik Schick.
- Group B: Canada's Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich) and Jonathan David (Juventus) are the headliners. Edin Dzeko leads Bosnia at Schalke — an unlikely club, still a threat on the international stage.
- Group C: Brazil are the obvious favourites. Haiti make their first finals in 52 years. Scotland included Ross Stewart after a four-year absence, though Billy Gilmour misses out injured.
- Group D: The United States host on home soil with Pulisic, Tyler Adams, and McKennie leading the charge. Turkey have Arda Guler and Kenan Yildiz — the most exciting attacking pair they've had in years.
- Group E: Germany look deep and balanced. Ivory Coast included uncapped striker Ange-Yoan Bonny alongside Amad Diallo and Simon Adingra. Ecuador's Willian Pacho and Piero Hincapie give them one of the better defensive pairings in South America.
- Group F: Netherlands have Virgil van Dijk, Frenkie de Jong, and Memphis Depay — still a tournament-winning side on their day. Japan are quietly well-organised with a strong European-based core. Viktor Gyokeres headlines Sweden's attack despite Kulusevski's absence.
- Group G: Belgium include Romelu Lukaku despite barely playing this season — a gamble from Rudi Garcia. Mohamed Salah leads Egypt. Iran rely on Mehdi Taremi but controversially left out Sardar Azmoun.
- Group H: Spain travel without a single Real Madrid player for the first time. Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Rodri, and Nico Williams make them one of the most watchable sides in the tournament. Cape Verde are the wildcard.
- Group I: France kept the Deschamps core — Mbappe, Griezmann presumably fit, Kante back, and Rayan Cherki at Manchester City adds youth. Senegal bring Mane, Sadio still active, alongside Nicolas Jackson and Iliman Ndiaye. Norway's Erling Haaland is the most dangerous individual striker in the draw.
- Group J: Argentina are the team to beat. Colombia have James Rodriguez and Luis Diaz. Algeria's squad features Riyad Mahrez and an interesting blend of European-based talent. Jordan make their first-ever World Cup.
- Group K: Portugal's squad depth is remarkable — Ronaldo leads, Bruno Fernandes orchestrates, Rafael Leao and Pedro Neto provide width. DR Congo have Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Yoane Wissa, and Chancel Mbemba. Uzbekistan make their debut under Fabio Cannavaro with Eldor Shomurodov and Abdukodir Khusanov from Manchester City.
- Group L: England's squad has question marks in midfield creativity. Croatia's Modric leads a side with real tournament pedigree. Ghana lost Mohammed Kudus to injury at the worst time. Panama bring a compact, experienced setup.
The full squads are confirmed. The group stage begins June 11. Argentina remain the bookmakers' favourites to retain the title — and on paper, it's hard to argue.
