A total of 1,248 players from 48 different countries have been named in the final World Cup squads released by FIFA. Among the notable players are Lionel Messi from Argentina, Cristiano Ronaldo from Portugal, and Guillermo Ochoa from Mexico, all set to participate in their record sixth World Cup appearance.
Out of the 1,248 players selected for the tournament to be held across Canada, the United States, and Mexico, 357 have previous World Cup experience, while 891 players will be making their tournament debut this year. The squads showcase a diverse age range, with the oldest player being Scotland’s Craig Gordon at 43 years and 162 days, and the youngest being Mexico’s Gilberto Mora at 17 years and 240 days, one of the 22 players under the age of 20. Additionally, seven players are aged 40 or above.
This year’s World Cup will see four nations – Cabo Verde, Curacao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan – making their tournament debut. FIFA allows roster replacements only in cases of serious injury or illness up to 24 hours before a team’s first match, with any exceptions requiring FIFA approval.
