The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off on 11 June and runs through to 19 July, with 48 teams competing across the United States, Canada and Mexico for the first time.
Each nation has registered a 26-man squad ahead of FIFA’s 2 June submission deadline. The 12 groups of four progress to a knockout phase featuring the top two from each group plus the eight best third-placed finishers. Here is every confirmed squad, group by group, with a brief profile of each side.
Group A
Mexico
Joint hosts Mexico arrive at their 17th World Cup looking to break a quarter-final ceiling they have never bettered. Javier Aguirre returns for a third spell as head coach, having previously led El Tri at the 2002 and 2010 tournaments. Veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa reaches a record-equalling fifth finals at 40, with Fulham’s Raúl Jiménez and Fenerbahçe captain Edson Álvarez among the most experienced figures.
Goalkeepers: Carlos Acevedo (Santos Laguna), Guillermo Ochoa (AEL Limassol), Raúl Rangel (Chivas)
Defenders: Edson Álvarez (Fenerbahçe), Israel Reyes (América), Jesús Gallardo (Toluca), Johan Vásquez (Genoa), Jorge Sánchez (PAOK), Mateo Chávez (AZ Alkmaar)
Midfielders: Álvaro Fidalgo (Real Betis), Brian Gutiérrez (Chivas), Erik Lira (Cruz Azul), Gilberto Mora (Tijuana), Luis Romo (Chivas), Obed Vargas (Atlético Madrid), Orbelín Pineda (AEK)
Forwards: Alexis Vega (Toluca), Armando González (Chivas), César Huerta (Anderlecht), Guillermo Martínez (Pumas), Julián Quiñones (Al-Qadisiyah), Raúl Jiménez (Fulham), Santiago Giménez (AC Milan)
Manager: Javier Aguirre
South Africa
Bafana Bafana return to the World Cup for the first time since hosting the tournament in 2010, ending a 16-year absence from the global stage. Belgian veteran Hugo Broos, who guided Cameroon to AFCON glory in 2017, masterminded qualification. Burnley striker Lyle Foster provides the only top-five-European-league representation in a squad built around the dominant domestic Mamelodi Sundowns side.
Goalkeepers: Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates), Ricardo Goss (Siwele), Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Defenders: Aubrey Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns), Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns), Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire), Ime Okon (Hannover), Samukele Kabini (Molde), Khulumani Ndamane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City), Kamogelo Sebelebele (Orlando Pirates), Bradley Cross (Kaizer Chiefs), Olwethy Makhanya (Philadelphia Union)
Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Sphephelo Sithole (Tondela), Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates), Jayden Adams (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Forwards: Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Lyle Foster (Burnley), Evidence Makgopa (Orlando Pirates), Oswin Appollis (Orlando Pirates), Iqraam Rayners (Mamelodi Sundowns), Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates), Thapelo Maseko (AEL Limassol), Tshepang Moremi (Orlando Pirates)
Manager: Hugo Broos
South Korea
The Taeguk Warriors reach an 11th World Cup, their tenth in succession. Hong Myung-bo returned to the head coach role in 2024 having previously led the side at Brazil 2014. Captain Son Heung-min, now at LAFC after departing Tottenham, headlines a squad blending European-based talent with K League-experienced figures. Bayern Munich centre-back Kim Min-jae anchors the defence at his second finals.
Goalkeepers: Hyeon-woo Jo (Ulsan), Seung-gyu Kim (FC Tokyo), Bum-keun Song (Jeonbuk)
Defenders: Moon-hwan Kim (Daejeon), Min-jae Kim (Bayern Munich), Tae-hyon Kim (Kashima Antlers), Jin-seob Park (Zhejiang), Young-woo Sool (Red Star Belgrade), Jens Castrop (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Ki-hyuk Lee (Gangwon), Tae-seok Lee (Austria Wien), Han-beom Lee (Midtjylland), Yu-min Cho (Sharjah)
Midfielders: Jin-gyu Kim (Jeonbuk), Jun-ho Bae (Stoke City), Seung-ho Paik (Birmingham), Hyun-jun Yang (Celtic), Ji-sung Eom (Swansea), Kang-in Lee (Paris Saint-Germain), Dong-gyeong Lee (Ulsan), Jae-sung Lee (Mainz), In-beom Hwang (Feyenoord), Hee-chan Hwang (Wolves)
Forwards: Heung-min Son (LAFC), Hyeon-gyu Oh (Beşiktaş), Gue-sung Cho (Midtjylland)
Manager: Hong Myung-bo
Czech Republic
Czechia return to the World Cup for the first time since 2006, ending a 20-year absence from the global stage. Manager Miroslav Koubek leans heavily on a Slavia Prague spine. West Ham’s Tomáš Souček remains the most familiar figure to British readers, while Bayer Leverkusen forward Patrik Schick offers proven Bundesliga goalscoring quality.
Goalkeepers: Lukáš Horníček (Braga), Matěj Kovář (PSV Eindhoven), Jindřich Staněk (Slavia Prague)
Defenders: Vladimír Coufal (Hoffenheim), David Doudera (Slavia Prague), Tomáš Holeš (Slavia Prague), Robin Hranáč (Hoffenheim), Štěpán Chaloupek (Slavia Prague), David Jurásek (Slavia Prague), Ladislav Krejčí (Wolverhampton), Jaroslav Zelený (Sparta Prague), David Zima (Slavia Prague)
Midfielders: Lukáš Červ (Viktoria Plzeň), Vladimír Darida (Hradec Králové), Lukáš Provod (Slavia Prague), Michal Sadílek (Slavia Prague), Hugo Sochůrek (Sparta Prague), Alexandr Sojka (Viktoria Plzeň), Tomáš Souček (West Ham), Pavel Šulc (Lyon), Denis Višinský (Viktoria Plzeň)
Forwards: Adam Hložek (Hoffenheim), Tomáš Chorý (Slavia Prague), Mojmír Chytil (Slavia Prague), Jan Kuchta (Sparta Prague), Patrik Schick (Bayer Leverkusen)
Manager: Miroslav Koubek
Group B
Canada
Joint hosts Canada appear at only their third World Cup, after debuts at 1986 and Qatar 2022. American Jesse Marsch took charge in May 2024 and has revitalised the side. Bayern Munich left-back Alphonso Davies and Juventus striker Jonathan David headline a squad packed with European-based talent.
Goalkeepers: Maxime Crépeau (Orlando City), Owen Goodman (Barnsley), Dayne St. Clair (Inter Miami)
Defenders: Moïse Bombito (Nice), Derek Cornelius (Rangers), Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich), Luc de Fougerolles (Dender EH), Alistair Johnston (Celtic), Alfie Jones (Middlesbrough), Richie Laryea (Toronto), Niko Sigur (Hajduk Split), Joel Waterman (Chicago Fire)
Midfielders: Ali Ahmed (Norwich City), Tajon Buchanan (Villarreal), Mathieu Choinière (LAFC), Stephen Eustáquio (LAFC), Marcelo Flores (Tigres UANL), Ismaël Koné (Sassuolo), Liam Millar (Hull City), Jonathan Osorio (Toronto), Nathan-Dylan Saliba (Anderlecht), Jacob Shaffelburg (LAFC)
Forwards: Jonathan David (Juventus), Promise David (Royale Union Saint-Gilloise), Cyle Larin (Southampton), Tani Oluwaseyi (Villarreal)
Manager: Jesse Marsch
Bosnia and Herzegovina
The Dragons reach a second World Cup after their 2014 debut. Manager Sergej Barbarez, the former Hamburg striker, leads a squad still anchored by 40-year-old captain Edin Džeko. Veteran defender Sead Kolašinac at Atalanta brings further experience to the European-based core.
Goalkeepers: Nikola Vasilj (St Pauli), Martin Zlomislić (Rijeka), Osman Hadžikić (Slaven Belupo)
Defenders: Sead Kolašinac (Atalanta), Amar Dedić (Benfica), Nihad Mujakić (Gaziantep), Nikola Katić (Schalke 04), Tarik Muharemović (Sassuolo), Stjepan Radeljić (Rijeka), Dennis Hadžikadunić (Sampdoria), Nidal Celik (Lens)
Midfielders: Amir Hadžiahmetović (Hull City), Ivan Šunjić (Pafos), Ivan Bašić (Astana), Dženis Burnić (Karlsruher SC), Ermin Mahmić (Slovan Liberec), Benjamin Tahirović (Brøndby), Amar Memić (Viktoria Plzeň), Armin Gigović (Young Boys), Kerim Alajbegović (RB Salzburg), Esmir Bajraktarević (PSV Eindhoven)
Forwards: Ermedin Demirović (VfB Stuttgart), Jovo Lukić (Universitatea Cluj), Samed Baždar (Jagiellonia Białystok), Haris Tabaković (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Edin Džeko (Schalke 04)
Manager: Sergej Barbarez
Qatar
Qatar return to the World Cup for the first time since hosting in 2022. Spanish manager Julen Lopetegui, who led Spain to the brink of the 2018 finals before his pre-tournament dismissal, took charge in 2025. The squad leans almost entirely on the domestic Qatar Stars League, headlined by Al-Sadd playmaker Akram Afif.
Goalkeepers: Salah Zakaria (Al-Duhail), Mahmoud Abunada (Al Rayyan), Meshaal Barsham (Al-Sadd)
Defenders: Hashmi Hussein (Al Arabi), Ayoub Alawi (Al Gharafa), Boualem Khoukhi (Al-Sadd), Pedro Miguel (Al-Sadd), Issa Laaye (Al Arabi), Lucas Mendes (Al-Wakrah), Sultan Al-Brake (Al-Duhail), Homam Al-Amin (Cultural Leonesa)
Midfielders: Mohammed Al-Manai (Al Shamal), Jassem Jaber (Al Arabi), Karim Boudiaf (Al-Duhail), Ahmed Fathi (Al Arabi), Abdulaziz Hatem (Al Rayyan), Assim Madibo (Al-Wakrah)
Forwards: Tahseen Mohammed (Al-Duhail), Edmilson Junior (Al-Duhail), Almoez Ali (Al-Duhail), Akram Afif (Al-Sadd), Mohammed Muntari (Al Gharafa), Youssef Abdulrazzaq (Al-Wakrah), Ahmed Alaa (Al Rayyan), Hassan Al-Haydos (Al-Sadd), Ahmed Al-Janahi (Al Gharafa)
Manager: Julen Lopetegui
Switzerland
The Swiss reach a 12th World Cup, their third in succession. Murat Yakin manages a settled side led by Inter Milan defender Manuel Akanji and captain Granit Xhaka, recently relegated with Sunderland. Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel and Sevilla forward Rubén Vargas form the spine of a balanced squad.
Goalkeepers: Marvin Keller (Young Boys), Gregor Kobel (Borussia Dortmund), Yvon Mvogo (Lorient)
Defenders: Manuel Akanji (Inter Milan), Aurèle Amenda (Eintracht Frankfurt), Eray Cömert (Valencia), Nico Elvedi (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Luca Jaquez (VfB Stuttgart), Miro Muheim (Hamburg), Ricardo Rodríguez (Real Betis), Silvan Widmer (Mainz)
Midfielders: Michel Aebischer (Pisa), Christian Fassnacht (Young Boys), Remo Freuler (Bologna), Ardon Jashari (AC Milan), Johan Manzambi (Freiburg), Fabian Rieder (Augsburg), Djibril Sow (Sevilla), Rubén Vargas (Sevilla), Granit Xhaka (Sunderland), Denis Zakaria (Monaco)
Forwards: Zeki Amdouni (Burnley), Breel Embolo (Stade Rennais), Cédric Itten (Fortuna Düsseldorf), Dan Ndoye (Nottingham Forest), Noah Okafor (Leeds United)
Manager: Murat Yakin
Group C
Brazil
Five-time champions Brazil chase a record-extending sixth title under Carlo Ancelotti, the Italian manager appointed in 2025 after leaving Real Madrid. Vinicius Júnior, Raphinha and Matheus Cunha headline a fearsome attack also featuring veteran returnee Neymar. Liverpool’s Alisson and Arsenal centre-back Gabriel Magalhães anchor the defence.
Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Fenerbahçe), Weverton (Grêmio)
Defenders: Marquinhos (PSG), Gabriel (Arsenal), Bremer (Juventus), Ibañez (Al Ahli), Léo Pereira (Flamengo), Wesley (Roma), Danilo (Flamengo), Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Douglas Santos (Zenit)
Midfielders: Casemiro (Manchester United), Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle), Fabinho (Al Ittihad), Danilo (Botafogo), Lucas Paquetá (Flamengo)
Forwards: Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid), Raphinha (Barcelona), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Luiz Henrique (Zenit), Igor Thiago (Brentford), Endrick (Lyon, on loan from Real Madrid), Martinelli (Arsenal), Rayan (Bournemouth), Neymar (Santos)
Manager: Carlo Ancelotti
Morocco
The Atlas Lions return after their stunning fourth-placed finish at Qatar 2022, the deepest run by any African nation in World Cup history. Mohamed Ouahbi leads a squad still anchored by PSG full-back Achraf Hakimi. Real Madrid’s Brahim Díaz, who switched allegiance from Spain to Morocco, adds further creative quality.
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 Saint-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 Díaz (Real Madrid), Yassine Gessime (Strasbourg), Ayoub Amaimouni-Echghouyabe (Eintracht Frankfurt)
Manager: Mohamed Ouahbi
Haiti
Haiti make a stunning return to the World Cup for the first time since 1974, ending a 52-year absence. French manager Sébastien Migné guides a diaspora-rich squad scattered across France, the Netherlands, MLS and beyond. Wolves midfielder Jean-Ricner Bellegarde is among the most familiar names.
Goalkeepers: Johnny Placide (Bastia), Alexandre Pierre (Sochaux), Josué Duverger (FC Cosmos Koblenz)
Defenders: Carlens Arcus (Angers), Wilguens Pauguain (Zulte Waregem), Duke Lacroix (Colorado Springs), Martin Expérience (Nancy), Jean-Kévin Duverne (KAA Gent), Ricardo Adé (LDU Quito), Hannes Delcroix (Lugano), Keeto Thermoncy (Young Boys Berne)
Midfielders: Leverton Pierre (Vizela), Carl-Fred Sainthe (El Paso Locomotive), Jean-Jacques Danley (Philadelphia Union), Jean-Ricner Bellegarde (Wolves), Pierre Woodenski (Violette), Dominique Simon (Tatran Prešov)
Forwards: Louicius Deedson (Dallas), Ruben Providence (Almere City), Josué Casimir (Auxerre), Derrick Etienne (Toronto), Wilson Isidor (Sunderland), Duckens Nazon (Esteghlal), Frantzdy Pierrot (Çaykur Rizespor), Yassin Fortuné (Vizela), Lenny Joseph (Ferencváros)
Manager: Sébastien Migné
Scotland
Scotland end a 28-year World Cup absence, returning for the first time since France 1998. Steve Clarke remains in charge after guiding the Tartan Army through qualifying. Liverpool captain Andy Robertson and Napoli midfielder Scott McTominay headline a squad packed with British-based experience.
Goalkeepers: Craig Gordon (Hearts), Angus Gunn (Nottingham Forest), Liam Kelly (Rangers)
Defenders: Grant Hanley (Hibernian), Jack Hendry (Al Etiffaq), 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)
Midfielders: Ryan Christie (Bournemouth), Findlay 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)
Manager: Steve Clarke
Group D
USA
Joint hosts USA reach their 12th World Cup. Mauricio Pochettino, the Argentine former Spurs and PSG manager, took charge in late 2024. AC Milan winger Christian Pulisic captains a squad rich in Bundesliga and Eredivisie experience. Folarin Balogun, Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams headline the European-based core.
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 (Monaco), Ricardo Pepi (PSV Eindhoven), Christian Pulisic (AC Milan), Tim Weah (Marseille), Haji Wright (Coventry City), Alejandro Zendejas (Club América)
Manager: Mauricio Pochettino
Paraguay
La Albirroja return to the World Cup after a 16-year absence, their first appearance since South Africa 2010. Argentine coach Gustavo Alfaro masterminded qualification. Brighton midfielder Diego Gómez and Sunderland defender Omar Alderete provide the squad’s Premier League and Championship pedigree.
Goalkeepers: Roberto Junior Fernández (Cerro Porteño), Orlando Gill (San Lorenzo), Gastón Olveira (Olimpia)
Defenders: Omar Alderete (Sunderland), Junior Alonso (Atlético Mineiro), Fabián Balbuena (Grêmio), Juan José Cáceres (Dinamo Moscow), José Canale (Lanús), Gustavo Gómez (Palmeiras), Alexandro Maidana (Talleres), Gustavo Velázquez (Cerro Porteño)
Midfielders: Damián Bobadilla (São Paulo), Gustavo Caballero (Portsmouth), Andrés Cubas (Vancouver Whitecaps), Matías Galarza (Atlanta United), Diego Gómez (Brighton), Maurício Magalhães (Palmeiras), Briaian Ojeda (Orlando City), Alejandro Romero (Al Ain)
Forwards: Miguel Almirón (Atlanta United), Gabriel Ávalos (Independiente), Álex Arce (Independiente Rivadavia), Julio Enciso (Strasbourg), Isidro Pitta (Bragantino), Antonio Sanabria (Cremonese), Ramón Sosa (Palmeiras)
Manager: Gustavo Alfaro
Australia
The Socceroos reach a sixth World Cup, their fifth in succession. Tony Popovic took charge in September 2024 after Graham Arnold’s departure. The squad blends Premier League names like Leicester’s Harry Souttar with A-League and lower-European-league talent.
Goalkeepers: Mathew Ryan (Levante), Joe Gauci (Randers), Patrick Beach (Melbourne City)
Defenders: Aziz Behich (Melbourne City), Jordan Bos (Feyenoord), Cameron Burgess (Swansea City), Alessandro Circati (Parma), Miloš Degenek (APOEL), Jason Geria (Albirex Niigata), Ryan Herrington (Colorado Rapids), Anthony Italiano (Grazer), Harry Souttar (Leicester City), Lewis Trewin (New York City)
Midfielders: Aiden Devlin (Heart of Midlothian), Aleksandar Hrustic (Heracles Almelo), Jackson Irvine (St Pauli), Calem Metcalfe (St Pauli), Patrick Okon-Engstler (Sydney), Joseph O’Neill (New York City)
Forwards: Nestory Irankunda (Watford), Mathew Leckie (Melbourne City), Awer Mabil (Castellón), Mohamed Touré (Norwich City), Antonio Velupillai (Melbourne City), Cristian Volpato (Sassuolo), Kusini Yengi (Livingston, on loan from Machida Zelvia)
Manager: Tony Popovic
Turkey
Turkey return to the World Cup for the first time since their 2002 third-place finish, a 24-year absence. Italian manager Vincenzo Montella took charge in 2023. Real Madrid prodigy Arda Güler and Inter Milan playmaker Hakan Çalhanoğlu drive a creative attacking side.
Goalkeepers: Altay Bayındır (Manchester United), Mert Günok (Fenerbahçe), Uğurcan Çakır (Galatasaray)
Defenders: Abdülkerim Bardakcı (Galatasaray), Çağlar Söyüncü (Fenerbahçe), Eren Elmalı (Galatasaray), Ferdi Kadıoğlu (Brighton), Merih Demiral (Al-Ahli Saudi), Mert Müldür (Fenerbahçe), Ozan Kabak (Hoffenheim), Samet Akaydın (Çaykur Rizespor), Zeki Çelik (AS Roma)
Midfielders: Hakan Çalhanoğlu (Inter Milan), İsmail Yüksek (Fenerbahçe), Kaan Ayhan (Galatasaray), Orkun Kökçü (Beşiktaş), Salih Özcan (Borussia Dortmund)
Forwards: Arda Güler (Real Madrid), Barış Alper Yılmaz (Galatasaray), Can Uzun (Eintracht Frankfurt), Deniz Gül (Porto), İrfan Can Kahveci (Kasımpaşa), Kenan Yıldız (Juventus), Kerem Aktürkoğlu (Fenerbahçe), Oğuz Aydın (Fenerbahçe), Yunus Akgün (Galatasaray)
Manager: Vincenzo Montella
Group E
Germany
Four-time champions Germany seek redemption under Julian Nagelsmann after consecutive group-stage exits in 2018 and 2022. Liverpool playmaker Florian Wirtz is the creative heartbeat. Captain Joshua Kimmich and Real Madrid defender Antonio Rüdiger anchor the spine, while teenage Bayern Munich forward Lennart Karl headlines the next generation.
Goalkeepers: Oliver Baumann (Hoffenheim), Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), Alexander Nübel (Stuttgart)
Defenders: Waldemar Anton (Borussia Dortmund), Nathaniel Brown (Eintracht Frankfurt), David Raum (RB Leipzig), Antonio Rüdiger (Real Madrid), Nico Schlotterbeck (Borussia Dortmund), Jonathan Tah (Bayern Munich), Malick Thiaw (Newcastle)
Midfielders: Pascal Groß (Brighton), Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich), Felix Nmecha (Borussia Dortmund), Aleksandar Pavlović (Bayern Munich), Angelo Stiller (Stuttgart), Leon Goretzka (Bayern Munich), Florian Wirtz (Liverpool), Jamie Leweling (Stuttgart)
Forwards: Maximilian Beier (Borussia Dortmund), Kai Havertz (Arsenal), Lennart Karl (Bayern Munich), Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich), Leroy Sané (Galatasaray), Deniz Undav (Stuttgart), Nick Woltemade (Newcastle)
Manager: Julian Nagelsmann
Curaçao
Curaçao become the smallest nation by population ever to reach a World Cup, qualifying for the first time in their history. Dutch veteran Dick Advocaat, 78, took charge of the project in 2024. Sheffield United winger Tahith Chong is among the most familiar names to UK readers in a squad rich in Dutch-based diaspora talent.
Goalkeepers: Tyrick Bodak (SC Telstar), Trevor Doornbusch (VVV-Venlo), Eloy Room (Miami FC)
Defenders: Riechedly Bazoer (Konyaspor), Joshua Brenet (Kayserispor), Roshon Van Eijma (RKC Waalwijk), Sherel Floranus (PEC Zwolle), Deveron Fonville (NEC Nijmegen), Jurien Gaari (Abha Club), Armando Obispo (PSV Eindhoven), Shurandy Sambo (Sparta Rotterdam)
Midfielders: Juninho Bacuna (FC Volendam), Leandro Bacuna (Iğdır), Livano Comenencia (FC Zürich), Kevin Felida (FC Den Bosch), Ar’Jany Martha (Rotherham), Tyrese Noslin (SC Telstar), Godfried Roemeratoe (RKC Waalwijk)
Forwards: Jeremy Antonisse (AE Kifisia), Tahith Chong (Sheffield United), Kenji Gorré (Maccabi Haifa), Sontje Hansen (Middlesbrough), Gervane Kastaneer (Terengganu FC), Brandley Kuwas (FC Volendam), Jürgen Locadia (Miami FC), Jearl Margaritha (SK Beveren)
Manager: Dick Advocaat
Ivory Coast
The reigning African champions return to the World Cup. Manager Emerse Faé, the former France youth international who guided Ivory Coast to AFCON 2023 glory on home soil, remains in charge. Manchester United winger Amad Diallo and Roma defender Evan Ndicka headline the European-based core.
Goalkeepers: Yahia Fofana (Çaykur Rizespor), Mohamed Koné (Charleroi), Alban Lafont (Panathinaikos)
Defenders: Emmanuel Agbadou (Beşiktaş), Christopher Operi (Başakşehir), Ousmane Diomande (Sporting), Guéla Doué (Strasbourg), Ghislain Konan (Gil Vicente), Odilon Kossounou (Atalanta), Evan Ndicka (Roma), Wilfried Singo (Galatasaray)
Midfielders: Seko Fofana (Porto), Parfait Guiagon (Charleroi), Christ Inao Oulai (Trabzonspor), Franck Kessié (Al Ahli), Ibrahim Sangaré (Nottingham Forest), Jean-Michaël Seri (Maribor)
Forwards: Simon Adingra (Monaco), Ange-Yoan Bonny (Inter Milan), Amad Diallo (Manchester United), Oumar Diakité (Cercle Brugge), Yan Diomande (RB Leipzig), Evann Guessand (Crystal Palace), Nicolas Pépé (Villarreal), Bazoumana Touré (Hoffenheim), Elye Wahi (Nice)
Manager: Emerse Faé
Ecuador
La Tri reach a fifth World Cup, their second in succession after Qatar 2022. Sebastián Beccacece took charge in 2024. Chelsea midfielder Moisés Caicedo, Arsenal defender Piero Hincapié and PSG defender Willian Pacho headline a squad packed with rising South American talent. Chelsea-owned teenage prospect Kendry Páez is among the most exciting names.
Goalkeepers: Hernán Galíndez (Huracán), Moisés Ramírez (Kifisia), Gonzalo Valle (LDU Quito)
Defenders: Piero Hincapié (Arsenal), Willian Pacho (Paris Saint-Germain), Pervis Estupiñán (AC Milan), Félix Torres (Internacional), Joel Ordóñez (Club Brugge), Jackson Porozo (Tijuana), Ángelo Preciado (Atlético Mineiro)
Midfielders: Moisés Caicedo (Chelsea), Alan Franco (Atlético Mineiro), Kendry Páez (River Plate, on loan from Chelsea), Pedro Vite (UNAM), Jordy Alcívar (Independiente del Valle), Denil Castillo (Midtjylland), Yaimar Medina (Genk)
Forwards: Enner Valencia (Pachuca), Kevin Rodríguez (Union Saint-Gilloise), Jordy Caicedo (Huracán), Nilson Angulo (Sunderland), Anthony Valencia (Antwerp), Jeremy Arévalo (Stuttgart)
Manager: Sebastián Beccacece
Group F
Netherlands
Three-time runners-up Netherlands chase a first World Cup title under Ronald Koeman, in his second spell as manager. Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk leads a settled squad. Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo and Ryan Gravenberch, plus Inter Milan defender Denzel Dumfries, headline the European-based core.
Goalkeepers: Mark Flekken (Bayer Leverkusen), Robin Roefs (Sunderland), Bart Verbruggen (Brighton)
Defenders: Nathan Aké (Manchester City), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool), Denzel Dumfries (Inter Milan), Jorrel Hato (Chelsea), Jan Paul van Hecke (Brighton), Micky van de Ven (Tottenham), Jurriën Timber (Arsenal)
Midfielders: Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool), Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona), Teun Koopmeiners (Juventus), Tijjani Reijnders (Manchester City), Marten de Roon (Atalanta), Guus Til (PSV Eindhoven), Quinten Timber (Marseille), Mats Wieffer (Brighton)
Forwards: Brian Brobbey (Sunderland), Memphis Depay (Corinthians), Cody Gakpo (Liverpool), Justin Kluivert (Bournemouth), Noa Lang (Galatasaray), Donyell Malen (Roma), Crysencio Summerville (West Ham), Wout Weghorst (Ajax)
Manager: Ronald Koeman
Japan
Japan reach an eighth consecutive World Cup, returning after their stunning round-of-16 defeat by Croatia on penalties at Qatar 2022. Manager Hajime Moriyasu remains in charge. Liverpool’s Wataru Endo, Real Sociedad winger Takefusa Kubo and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Ritsu Doan headline a Europe-based core.
Goalkeepers: Tomoki Hayakawa (Kashima Antlers), Keisuke Osako (Sanfrecce Hiroshima), Aya Suzuka (Parma Calcio)
Defenders: Yuto Nagatomo (FC Tokyo), Shogo Taniguchi (Sint-Truiden), Ko Itakura (Ajax), Tsuyoshi Watanabe (Feyenoord), Takehiro Tomiyasu (Ajax), Hiroki Ito (Bayern Munich), Ayumu Seko (Le Havre AC), Yukinari Sugawara (Werder Bremen), Junosuke Suzuki (FC Copenhagen)
Midfielders: Wataru Endo (Liverpool), Junya Ito (Genk), Daichi Kamada (Crystal Palace), Koki Ogawa (NEC Nijmegen), Daizen Maeda (Celtic), Ritsu Doan (Eintracht Frankfurt), Ao Tanaka (Leeds United), Kaishu Sano (Mainz 05), Takefusa Kubo (Real Sociedad)
Forwards: Ayase Ueda (Feyenoord), Keito Nakamura (Stade de Reims), Ito Suzuki (SC Freiburg), Kento Shiode (Wolfsburg), Keisuke Goto (Sint-Truiden)
Manager: Hajime Moriyasu
Sweden
Sweden return to the World Cup after missing the Qatar 2022 finals. Englishman Graham Potter, the former Brighton and Chelsea coach, took charge in 2025. Arsenal striker Viktor Gyökeres and Liverpool’s Alexander Isak headline one of the tournament’s most lethal-on-paper attacks.
Goalkeepers: Viktor Johansson (Stoke City), Kristoffer Nordfeldt (AIK), Jacob Widell Zetterström (Derby County)
Defenders: Hjalmar Ekdal (Burnley), Gabriel Gudmundsson (Leeds United), Isak Hien (Atalanta), Emil Holm (Juventus), Gustaf Lagerbielke (Braga), Victor Lindelöf (Aston Villa), Erik Smith (St. Pauli), Carl Starfelt (Celta Vigo), Elliot Stroud (Mjällby), Daniel Svensson (Borussia Dortmund)
Midfielders: Taha Ali (Malmö), Yasin Ayari (Brighton), Lucas Bergvall (Tottenham), Jesper Karlström (Udinese), Ken Sema (Pafos), Mattias Svanberg (Wolfsburg), Besfort Zeneli (Union Saint-Gilloise)
Forwards: Alexander Bernhardsson (Holstein Kiel), Anthony Elanga (Newcastle United), Viktor Gyökeres (Arsenal), Alexander Isak (Liverpool), Gustaf Nilsson (Club Brugge), Benjamin Nygren (Celtic)
Manager: Graham Potter
Tunisia
The Carthage Eagles reach a seventh World Cup, returning after their group-stage exit at Qatar 2022. Sabri Lamouchi, the former France international and Cardiff City manager, leads the squad. Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Ellyes Skhiri are among the most familiar names to British readers.
Goalkeepers: Sabri Ben Hessen (Étoile Sahel), Abdelmouhib Chamakh (Club Africain), Aymen Dahman (CS Sfaxien)
Defenders: Ali Abdi (Nice), Adem Arous (Kasımpaşa), Mohamed Amine Ben Hamida (Espérance), Dylan Bronn (Servette Geneva), Raed Chikhaoui (US Monastir), Moutaz Neffati (Norrköping), Omar Rekik (NK Maribor), Montassar Talbi (Lorient), Yan Valery (Young Boys Berne)
Midfielders: Mortadha Ben Ouanes (Kasımpaşa), Anis Ben Slimane (Norwich City), Ismael Gharbi (Augsburg), Rani Khedira (Union Berlin), Mohamed Hadj Mahmoud (Lugano), Hannibal Mejbri (Burnley), Ellyes Skhiri (Eintracht Frankfurt)
Forwards: Elias Achouri (Copenhagen), Khalil Ayari (PSG), Firas Chaouat (Club Africain), Rayan Elloumi (Vancouver Whitecaps), Hazem Mastouri (Dynamo Makhachkala), Elias Saad (Hannover 96), Sebastian Tounekti (Celtic)
Manager: Sabri Lamouchi
Group G
Belgium
Belgium reach a fourth successive World Cup. Rudi Garcia, the French manager appointed in early 2025, leads a side still anchored by veterans Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, Thibaut Courtois and Axel Witsel. Manchester City forward Jérémy Doku and Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard headline the attack.
Goalkeepers: Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid), Senne Lammens (Manchester United), Mike Penders (Racing Strasbourg)
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), Joaquín 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), Jérémy Doku (Manchester City), Matias Fernandez-Pardo (Lille), Romelu Lukaku (Napoli), Dodi Lukebakio (Benfica), Diego Moreira (Racing Strasbourg), Alexis Saelemaekers (AC Milan), Leandro Trossard (Arsenal)
Manager: Rudi Garcia
Egypt
The Pharaohs return to the World Cup for the first time since 2018. Hossam Hassan, one of Egypt’s most celebrated former strikers, took charge of the national side. Captain Mohamed Salah of Liverpool leads the line, with Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush providing further Premier League quality.
Goalkeepers: Mohamed El Shenawy (Al Ahly), Mostafa Shobeir (Al Ahly), El Mahdi Soliman (Zamalek), Mohamed Alaa (El Gouna)
Defenders: Mohamed Hany (Al Ahly), Tarek Alaa (Zed), Hamdy Fathy (Al Wakrah), Rami Rabia (Al Ain), Yasser Ibrahim (Al Ahly), Hossam Abdelmaguid (Zamalek), Mohamed Abdelmonem (Nice), Ahmed Fatouh (Zamalek), Karim Hafez (Pyramids)
Midfielders: Marwan Ateya (Al Ahly), Mohanad Lasheen (Pyramids), Nabil Emad (Al Najma), Mahmoud Saber (Zed), Ahmed Zizo (Al Ahly), Emam Ashour (Al Ahly), Mostafa Ziko (Pyramids), Mahmoud Trezeguet (Al Ahly), Ibrahim Adel (Nordsjælland), Haissem Hassan (Real Oviedo)
Forwards: Omar Marmoush (Manchester City), Mohamed Salah (Liverpool), Hamza Abdelkarim (Barcelona)
Manager: Hossam Hassan
Iran
Team Melli reach a seventh World Cup, their fourth in succession. Amir Ghalenoei leads a squad shorn of Sardar Azmoun, controversially omitted earlier this year. Olympiacos striker Mehdi Taremi captains the attack, with the squad leaning heavily on home-based and UAE-based players.
Goalkeepers: Alireza Beiranvand, Payam Niazmand, Hossein Hosseini
Defenders: Ehsan Hajsafi, Milad Mohammadi, Ali Nemati, Shojae Khalilzadeh, Hossein Kanaanizadegan, Danial Eiri, Ramin Rezaeian, Saleh Hardani
Midfielders: Saman Ghoddos (Kalba, UAE), Saeid Ezatolahi (Shabab Al-Ahli, UAE), Mohammad Ghorbani (Al-Wahda, UAE), Rouzbeh Cheshmi, Amirmohammad Razzaghinia, Mohammad Mohebi (Rostov, Russia), Mehdi Torabi, Mehdi Ghayedi (Al-Nasr, UAE), Alireza Jahanbakhsh, Aria Yousefi
Forwards: Mehdi Taremi (Olympiacos), Amirhossein Hosseinzadeh, Ali Alipour, Shahriyar Moghanlou (Kalba, UAE), Dennis Eckert (Standard Liège)
Players based in Iran unless stated otherwise.
Manager: Amir Ghalenoei
New Zealand
The All Whites end a 16-year World Cup wait, returning for the first time since their famous unbeaten group-stage campaign at South Africa 2010. Darren Bazeley leads a squad headlined by 34-year-old Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood, the country’s all-time top scorer.
Goalkeepers: Max Crocombe (Millwall), Alex Paulsen (Lechia Gdańsk), Michael Woud (Auckland)
Defenders: Tim Payne (Wellington Phoenix), Francis De Vries (Auckland), Tyler Bindon (Nottingham Forest), Michael Boxall (Minnesota United), Liberato Cacace (Wrexham), Nando Pijnaker (Auckland FC), Finn Surman (Portland Timbers), Callan Elliot (Auckland), Tommy Smith (Braintree Town)
Midfielders: Joe Bell (Viking FK), Matt Garbett (Peterborough United), Marko Stamenić (Swansea City), Sarpreet Singh (Wellington Phoenix), Alex Rufer (Wellington Phoenix), Ryan Thomas (PEC Zwolle)
Forwards: Chris Wood (Nottingham Forest), Eli Just (Motherwell), Kosta Barbarouses (Western Sydney Wanderers), Ben Waine (Port Vale), Ben Old (Saint-Étienne), Callum McCowatt (Silkeborg IF), Jesse Randall (Auckland FC), Lachlan Bayliss (Newcastle Jets)
Manager: Darren Bazeley
Group H
Spain
The reigning European champions arrive among the favourites for a second world title under Luis de la Fuente. 18-year-old Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal headlines a squad without a single Real Madrid player. Manchester City’s Rodri, the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, anchors the midfield. Captain duties are shared between Rodri, Unai Simón, Ferran Torres and Mikel Oyarzabal.
Goalkeepers: Unai Simón (Athletic Club), David Raya (Arsenal), Joan García (Barcelona)
Defenders: Aymeric Laporte (Athletic Club), Marc Cucurella (Chelsea), Marcos Llorente (Atlético Madrid), Eric García (Barcelona), Pedro Porro (Tottenham), Álex Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen), Pau Cubarsí (Barcelona), Marc Pubill (Atlético Madrid)
Midfielders: Rodri (Manchester City), Fabián Ruiz (Paris Saint-Germain), Mikel Merino (Arsenal), Pedri (Barcelona), Gavi (Barcelona), Martín Zubimendi (Arsenal), Álex Baena (Atlético Madrid)
Forwards: Ferran Torres (Barcelona), Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad), Dani Olmo (Barcelona), Nico Williams (Athletic Club), Lamine Yamal (Barcelona), Yéremy Pino (Crystal Palace), Borja Iglesias (Celta Vigo), Víctor Muñoz (Osasuna)
Manager: Luis de la Fuente
Cape Verde
Cape Verde make a historic World Cup debut, becoming one of the smallest nations ever to reach the tournament. Pedro Leitão Brito, universally known as Bubista, masterminded the rise. Villarreal centre-back Logan Costa and Casa Pia forward Dailon Livramento headline a diaspora-heavy squad.
Goalkeepers: Vozinha (Chaves), Márcio Rosa (Montana), CJ dos Santos (San Diego)
Defenders: Stopira (Torreense), Roberto Lopes (Shamrock Rovers), João Paulo (FCSB), Diney (Al Bataeh), Logan Costa (Villarreal), Steven Moreira (Columbus Crew), Wagner Pina (Trabzonspor), Sidny Lopes Cabral (Benfica), Kelvin Pires (SJK)
Midfielders: Jamiro Monteiro (PEC Zwolle), Kevin Pina (Krasnodar), Deroy Duarte (Ludogorets), Telmo Arcanjo (Vitória Guimarães), Laros Duarte (Puskás Akadémia), Yannick Semedo (Farense)
Forwards: Ryan Mendes (Iğdır), Garry Rodrigues (Apollon Limassol), Willy Semedo (Omonia), Jovane Cabral (Estrela Amadora), Gilson Tavares (Akron Tolyatti), Dailon Livramento (Casa Pia), Hélio Varela (Maccabi Tel Aviv), Nuno da Costa (Istanbul Başakşehir)
Manager: Bubista
Saudi Arabia
The Green Falcons reach a third successive World Cup. Greek coach Georgios Donis took charge in April 2026 after Hervé Renard’s dismissal. Captain Salem Al-Dawsari leads from Al Hilal. RC Lens defender Saud Abdulhamid is the only squad member based outside the Roshn Saudi League.
Goalkeepers: Mohammed Al Owais (Al Ula), Nawaf Al Aqidi (Al Nassr), Ahmed Al Kassar (Al Qadsiah)
Defenders: Abdulelah Al Amri (Al Nassr), Hassan Tambakti (Al Hilal), Jehad Thikri (Al Qadsiah), Ali Lajami (Al Hilal), Hassan Kadesh (Al Ittihad), Saud Abdulhamid (Lens, on loan from Roma), Mohammed Abu Al Shamat (Al Qadsiah), Ali Majrashi (Al Ahli), Moteb Al Harbi (Al Hilal), Nawaf Boushal (Al Nassr), Sultan Al-Ghannam (Al Nassr)
Midfielders: Mohammed Kanno (Al Hilal), Abdullah Al Khaibari (Al Nassr), Ziyad Al Johani (Al Ahli), Nasser Al Dawsari (Al Hilal), Musab Al Juwayr (Al Qadsiah), Alaa Al Hajji (Neom), Salem Al-Dawsari (Al Hilal), Khalid Al Ghannam (Al Ettifaq), Ayman Yahya (Al Nassr)
Forwards: Firas Al Buraikan (Al Ahli), Saleh Al Shehri (Al Ittihad), Abdullah Al Hamdan (Al Nassr)
Manager: Georgios Donis
Uruguay
Marcelo Bielsa leads Uruguay into his first World Cup as La Celeste boss, having taken charge in 2023. The squad announcement made headlines with the omission of all-time top scorer Luis Suárez. Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde captains a side built around Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte and Al Hilal striker Darwin Núñez.
Goalkeepers: Sergio Rochet (Internacional), Fernando Muslera (Estudiantes), Santiago Mele (Monterrey)
Defenders: Guillermo Varela (Flamengo), Ronald Araújo (Barcelona), José María Giménez (Atlético Madrid), Santiago Bueno (Wolves), Sebastián Cáceres (Club América), Mathías Olivera (Napoli), Joaquín Piquerez (Palmeiras), Matías Viña (Flamengo), Juan Manuel Sanabria (Real Salt Lake)
Midfielders: Manuel Ugarte (Manchester United), Emiliano Martínez (Palmeiras), Rodrigo Bentancur (Tottenham), Federico Valverde (Real Madrid), Agustín Canobbio (Fluminense), Giorgian de Arrascaeta (Flamengo), Nicolás de la Cruz (Flamengo), Facundo Pellistri (Panathinaikos), Rodrigo Zalazar (Braga), Maxi Araújo (Sporting CP), Brian Rodríguez (Club América)
Forwards: Rodrigo Aguirre (Club América), Federico Viñas (Real Oviedo), Darwin Núñez (Al Hilal)
Manager: Marcelo Bielsa
Group I
France
Didier Deschamps signs off on his 14-year reign at his final tournament in charge. Kylian Mbappé captains the side at his third finals. Ballon d’Or holder Ousmane Dembélé arrives on a back-to-back Champions League high with PSG, joined in the squad by Désiré Doué and Bradley Barcola. Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konaté and Arsenal’s William Saliba anchor the defence.
Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan (AC Milan), Robin Risser (Lens), Brice Samba (Rennes)
Defenders: Lucas Digne (Aston Villa), Malo Gusto (Chelsea), Lucas Hernández (Paris Saint-Germain), Theo Hernández (Al Hilal), Ibrahima Konaté (Liverpool), Jules Koundé (Barcelona), Maxence Lacroix (Crystal Palace), William Saliba (Arsenal), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich)
Midfielders: N’Golo Kanté (Fenerbahçe), Manu Koné (AS Roma), Adrien Rabiot (AC Milan), Aurélien Tchouaméni (Real Madrid), Warren Zaïre-Emery (Paris Saint-Germain)
Forwards: Maghnes Akliouche (AS Monaco), Bradley Barcola (Paris Saint-Germain), Rayan Cherki (Manchester City), Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain), Désiré Doué (Paris Saint-Germain), Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace), Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich), Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan)
Manager: Didier Deschamps
Senegal
The Lions of Teranga arrive at a fourth World Cup, still under the long shadow of January’s chaotic AFCON 2025 final and the controversial CAF Appeal Board ruling that stripped them of the title in March. Pape Thiaw manages, with Sadio Mané leading the line at 34. Captain Kalidou Koulibaly and Idrissa Gana Gueye anchor the spine.
Goalkeepers: Édouard Mendy (Al-Ahli), Mory Diaw (Le Havre AC), Yehvann Diouf (OGC Nice)
Defenders: Krépin Diatta (AS Monaco), Antoine Mendy (OGC Nice), Kalidou Koulibaly (Al-Hilal), El Hadji Malick Diouf (West Ham United), Mamadou Sarr (Chelsea), Moussa Niakhaté (Lyon), Moustapha Mbow (Paris FC), Abdoulaye Seck (Maccabi Haifa), Ismaïl Jakobs (Galatasaray), Ilay Camara (Anderlecht)
Midfielders: Idrissa Gana Gueye (Everton), Pape Gueye (Villarreal), Lamine Camara (AS Monaco), Habib Diarra (Sunderland), Pathé Ciss (Rayo Vallecano), Pape Matar Sarr (Tottenham), Bara Sapoko Ndiaye (Bayern Munich)
Forwards: Sadio Mané (Al-Nassr), Ismaïla Sarr (Crystal Palace), Iliman Ndiaye (Everton), Assane Diao (Como), Ibrahim Mbaye (PSG), Nicolas Jackson (Chelsea), Bamba Dieng (Lorient), Chérif Ndiaye (Samsunspor)
Manager: Pape Thiaw
Iraq
The Lions of Mesopotamia return to the World Cup for the first time since Mexico 1986. Graham Arnold, the former Australia coach, took charge in May 2025 and guided Iraq through the intercontinental playoff. Aymen Hussein’s 100th-minute winner against Jamaica in Monterrey sealed qualification.
Goalkeepers: Fahad Talib (Al-Talaba), Jalal Hassan (Al-Zawraa), Ahmed Basil (Al-Shorta)
Defenders: Hussein Ali (Pogoń Szczecin), Manaf Younis, Ahmed Yahya, Mustafa Saadoon (Al-Shorta), Zaid Tahseen (Pakhtakor), Rebin Sulaka (Port FC), Akam Hashim (Al-Zawraa), Merchas Doski (Viktoria Plzeň), Zaid Ismail (Al-Talaba), Frans Putros (Persib)
Midfielders: Amir Al-Ammari (Cracovia), Kevin Yakob (Aarhus GF), Zidane Iqbal (FC Utrecht), Aimar Sher (Sarpsborg), Ibrahim Bayesh (Al-Dhafra), Ahmed Qasem (Nashville SC), Youssef Amyn (AEK Larnaca), Marko Farji (Venezia)
Forwards: Ali Jassim (Al-Najma), Ali Al-Hamadi (Ipswich), Ali Yousef (Al-Talaba), Aymen Hussein (Al-Karma), Mohanad Ali (Dibba)
Manager: Graham Arnold
Norway
The Vikings end a 28-year World Cup absence, qualifying with eight wins from eight matches and twice beating Italy along the way. Ståle Solbakken signs off on his reign at what is widely expected to be his final tournament. Erling Haaland leads the line in his debut World Cup, with Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard pulling the strings.
Goalkeepers: Ørjan Haskjold Nyland (Sevilla), Egil Selvik (Watford), Sander Tangvik (Hamburger SV)
Defenders: Julian Ryerson (Borussia Dortmund), Marcus Holmgren Pedersen (Torino), David Møller Wolfe (Wolverhampton), Fredrik Bjørkan (Bodø/Glimt), Kristoffer Ajer (Brentford), Torbjørn Heggem (Bologna), Leo Skiri Østigård (Genoa), Sondre Langås (Derby County), Henrik Falchener (Viking)
Midfielders: Martin Ødegaard (Arsenal), Sander Berge (Fulham), Fredrik Aursnes (Benfica), Patrick Berg (Bodø/Glimt), Kristian Thorstvedt (Sassuolo), Morten Thorsby (Cremonese), Thelo Aasgaard (Rangers)
Forwards: Erling Haaland (Manchester City), Alexander Sørloth (Atlético Madrid), Jørgen Strand Larsen (Crystal Palace), Antonio Nusa (RB Leipzig), Oscar Bobb (Fulham), Andreas Schjelderup (Benfica), Jens Petter Hauge (Bodø/Glimt)
Manager: Ståle Solbakken
Group J
Argentina
Reigning champions Argentina arrive determined to defend the crown they lifted in Qatar. Lionel Messi captains at his sixth World Cup, joining Cristiano Ronaldo as the only male player to reach the milestone. Lionel Scaloni’s squad blends Qatar’s heroes with the next generation, including Como playmaker Nico Paz on his finals debut.
Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa), Juan Musso (Atlético Madrid), Gerónimo Rulli (Marseille)
Defenders: Leonardo Balerdi (Marseille), Lisandro Martínez (Manchester United), Facundo Medina (Marseille), Nahuel Molina (Atlético Madrid), Gonzalo Montiel (River Plate), Nicolás Otamendi (Benfica), Cristian Romero (Tottenham), Nicolás Tagliafico (Lyon)
Midfielders: Valentín Barco (Strasbourg), Rodrigo De Paul (Inter Miami), Enzo Fernández (Chelsea), Giovani Lo Celso (Real Betis), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen), Leandro Paredes (Boca Juniors)
Forwards: Thiago Almada (Atlético Madrid), Julián Álvarez (Atlético Madrid), Nicolás González (Atlético Madrid), José Manuel López (Palmeiras), Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan), Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), Nicolás Paz (Como), Giuliano Simeone (Atlético Madrid)
Manager: Lionel Scaloni
Algeria
The Desert Foxes return to the World Cup for the first time since 2014. Vladimir Petković, undertaking his second international management role, leads the squad. Captain Riyad Mahrez of Al-Ahli pairs with Wolfsburg striker Mohamed Amoura, the qualifying top scorer. Luca Zidane, son of Zinedine, surprised many by earning a goalkeeping place.
Goalkeepers: Luca Zidane (Granada), Oussama Benbot (USM Alger), Melvin Mastil (Stade Nyonnais)
Defenders: Aïssa Mandi (Lille), Ramy Bensebaïni (Borussia Dortmund), Mohamed Amine Tougai (Espérance de Tunis), Rayan Aït-Nouri (Manchester City), Jaouen Hadjam (Young Boys), Rafik Belghali (Hellas Verona), Zineddine Belaïd (JS Kabylie), Achref Abada (USM Alger), Samir Chergui (Paris FC)
Midfielders: Nabil Bentaleb (Lille), Ramiz Zerrouki (Twente), Hicham Boudaoui (Nice), Farès Chaïbi (Eintracht Frankfurt), Houssem Aouar (Al-Ittihad), Ibrahim Maza (Bayer Leverkusen), Yacine Titraoui (Charleroi)
Forwards: Riyad Mahrez (Al-Ahli), Mohamed Amoura (VfL Wolfsburg), Amine Gouiri (Marseille), Anis Hadj Moussa (Feyenoord), Adil Boulbina (Al-Duhail), Nadhir Benbouali (Győr), Fares Ghedjemis (Frosinone)
Manager: Vladimir Petković
Austria
Das Team end a 28-year World Cup absence, returning for the first time since France 1998. Ralf Rangnick guides the side. Captain David Alaba returns from a knee injury that ruled him out of Euro 2024, while veteran striker Marko Arnautović finally gets a first World Cup at 37. RB Leipzig’s Christoph Baumgartner arrives in the form of his career.
Goalkeepers: Alexander Schlager (Red Bull Salzburg), Florian Wiegele (Viktoria Plzeň), Patrick Pentz (Brøndby)
Defenders: David Affengruber (Elche), Kevin Danso (Tottenham), Stefan Posch (Como), David Alaba (Real Madrid), Philipp Lienhart (Freiburg), Phillipp Mwene (Mainz), Alexander Prass (Hoffenheim), Marco Friedl (Werder Bremen), Michael Svoboda (Venezia)
Midfielders: Xaver Schlager (RB Leipzig), Nicolas Seiwald (RB Leipzig), Marcel Sabitzer (Borussia Dortmund), Florian Grillitsch (Braga), Carney Chukwuemeka (Borussia Dortmund), Romano Schmid (Werder Bremen), Christoph Baumgartner (RB Leipzig), Konrad Laimer (Bayern Munich), Patrick Wimmer (VfL Wolfsburg), Paul Wanner (PSV), Alessandro Schopf (Wolfsberger AC)
Forwards: Marko Arnautović (Red Star Belgrade), Michael Gregoritsch (Brøndby), Saša Kalajdžić (Wolves)
Manager: Ralf Rangnick
Jordan
Jordan make their FIFA World Cup debut, joining Cape Verde, Curaçao and Uzbekistan as the four tournament newcomers. Moroccan coach Jamal Sellami leads a squad still reeling from their AFC Asian Cup final defeat to Qatar in early 2024. Rennes winger Mousa Al-Tamari, nicknamed the “Jordanian Messi”, leads the attack.
Goalkeepers: Yazeed Abulaila (Al-Hussein), Abdullah Al-Fakhouri (Al-Wehdat), Noor Bani Attiah (Al-Faisaly)
Defenders: Abdallah Nasib (Al-Zawraa), Ehsan Haddad (Al-Hussein), Saed Al-Rosan (Al-Hussein), Saleem Obaid (Al-Hussein), Yazan Al-Arab (FC Seoul), Mohammad Abualnadi (Selangor), Husam Abu Dahab (Al-Faisaly), Anas Banawi (Al-Faisaly), Mohannad Abu Taha (Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya), Mohammad Abu Hasheesh (Al-Karma)
Midfielders: Noor Al-Rawabdeh (Selangor), Nizar Al-Rashdan (Qatar SC), Ibrahim Saadeh (Al-Karma), Rajaei Ayed (Al-Hussein), Mahmoud Al-Mardi (Al-Hussein), Amer Jamous (Al-Zawraa), Mohammad Al-Dawoud (Al-Wehdat)
Forwards: Mousa Al-Tamari (Rennes), Odeh Al-Fakhouri (Pyramids), Mohammad Abu Zrayq (Raja Casablanca), Ali Azaizeh (Al-Shabab), Ibrahim Sabra (Lokomotiva Zagreb), Ali Olwan (Al-Sailiya)
Manager: Jamal Sellami
Group K
Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo captains Portugal at a record sixth World Cup, the milestone he shares with longtime rival Lionel Messi. Reigning Nations League champions, the squad named the late Diogo Jota as “the plus one forever” in tribute. Roberto Martínez’s PSG core of Vitinha, João Neves and Nuno Mendes arrive on a back-to-back Champions League high.
Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (FC Porto), José Sá (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Rui Silva (Sporting CP), Ricardo Velho (Gençlerbirliği)
Defenders: Diogo Dalot (Manchester United), Matheus Nunes (Manchester City), Nélson Semedo (Fenerbahçe), João Cancelo (Barcelona), Nuno Mendes (PSG), Gonçalo Inácio (Sporting CP), Renato Veiga (Villarreal), Rúben Dias (Manchester City), Tomás Araújo (Benfica)
Midfielders: Rúben Neves (Al Hilal), Samuel Costa (Mallorca), João Neves (PSG), Vitinha (PSG), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City)
Forwards: João Félix (Al Nassr), Francisco Trincão (Sporting CP), Francisco Conceição (Juventus), Pedro Neto (Chelsea), Rafael Leão (AC Milan), Gonçalo Guedes (Real Sociedad), Gonçalo Ramos (PSG), Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr)
Manager: Roberto Martínez
DR Congo
The Leopards return to the World Cup for the first time since 1974, when they competed as Zaire. Axel Tuanzebe’s 100th-minute winner against Jamaica in Monterrey sealed qualification on 31 March. Frenchman Sébastien Desabre manages, with captain Chancel Mbemba leading from defence and Newcastle’s Yoane Wissa heading the attack.
Goalkeepers: Matthieu Epolo (Standard Liège), Timothy Fayulu (Noah), Lionel Mpasi (Le Havre)
Defenders: Dylan Batubinsika (Larissa), Rocky Bushiri (Hibernian), Gédéon Kalulu (Aris Limassol), Steve Kapuadi (Widzew Łódź), Joris Kayembe (Racing Genk), Arthur Masuaku (Racing Lens), Chancel Mbemba (Lille), Axel Tuanzebe (Burnley), Aaron Wan-Bissaka (West Ham)
Midfielders: Théo Bongonda (Spartak Moscow), Brian Cipenga (Castellón), Meschack Elia (Alanyaspor), Gaël Kakuta (Larissa), Edo Kayembe (Watford), Nathanaël Mbuku (Montpellier), Samuel Moutoussamy (Atromitos), Ngal’ayel Mukau (Lille), Charles Pickel (Espanyol), Noah Sadiki (Sunderland)
Forwards: Cédric Bakambu (Real Betis), Simon Banza (Al Jazira), Fiston Mayele (Pyramids), Yoane Wissa (Newcastle)
Manager: Sébastien Desabre
Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan make a historic World Cup debut, becoming the first Central Asian nation to reach the tournament. Italian World Cup winner Fabio Cannavaro took charge in October 2025. Captain Eldor Shomurodov leads the line, while Manchester City defender Abdukodir Khusanov is the squad’s standout name.
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 Başakşehir), Akmal Mozgovoy (Pakhtakor), Azizjon Ganiev (Al Bataeh), Sherzod Esanov (Bukhara)
Forwards: Eldor Shomurodov (Istanbul Başakşehir, on loan from Roma), Igor Sergeev (Persepolis), Azizbek Amonov (Bukhara)
Manager: Fabio Cannavaro
Colombia
Los Cafeteros return to the World Cup after missing the Qatar 2022 finals. Argentine coach Néstor Lorenzo manages, with captain James Rodríguez chasing the magic of his Brazil 2014 Golden Boot at 34. Bayern Munich winger Luis Díaz arrives in form, lifting the Bundesliga in his first season after his summer move from Liverpool.
Goalkeepers: Camilo Vargas (Atlas), Álvaro Montero (Vélez Sarsfield), David Ospina (Atlético Nacional)
Defenders: Davinson Sánchez (Galatasaray), Jhon Lucumí (Bologna), Yerry Mina (Cagliari), Willer Ditta (Cruz Azul), Daniel Muñoz (Crystal Palace), Santiago Arias (Independiente), Johan Mojica (Mallorca), Deiver Machado (Nantes)
Midfielders: Richard Ríos (Benfica), Jefferson Lerma (Crystal Palace), Kevin Castaño (River Plate), Juan Camilo Portilla (Athletico Paranaense), Gustavo Puerta (Racing Santander), Jhon Arias (Palmeiras), Jorge Carrascal (Flamengo), Juan Fernando Quintero (River Plate), James Rodríguez (Minnesota United), Jaminton Campaz (Rosario Central)
Forwards: Juan Camilo Hernández (Real Betis), Luis Díaz (Bayern Munich), Luis Suárez (Sporting CP), Carlos Andrés Gómez (Vasco da Gama), Jhon Córdoba (FC Krasnodar)
Manager: Néstor Lorenzo
Group L
England
England’s 1966 World Cup-winning legacy still casts a long shadow. Thomas Tuchel leads the Three Lions at his first major tournament in charge, having taken the helm in January 2025. Captain Harry Kane spearheads the attack from Bayern Munich. Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham and Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka headline a deep talent pool.
Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), James Trafford (Manchester City)
Defenders: Reece James (Chelsea), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen), John Stones (Manchester City), Marc Guéhi (Manchester City), Dan Burn (Newcastle), Nico O’Reilly (Manchester City), Djed Spence (Tottenham), Tino Livramento (Newcastle)
Midfielders: Declan Rice (Arsenal), Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), 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)
Manager: Thomas Tuchel
Croatia
The Vatreni reach a seventh World Cup, having made the semi-finals in three of those tournaments. Captain Luka Modrić leads the side at 40, the 2018 Ballon d’Or winner now playing his fifth and likely final World Cup. Zlatko Dalić remains in charge, with Joško Gvardiol and Mateo Kovačić returning from injury.
Goalkeepers: Dominik Livaković (Dinamo Zagreb), Dominik Kotarski (Copenhagen), Ivor Pandur (Hull)
Defenders: Joško Gvardiol (Manchester City), Duje Ćaleta-Car (Real Sociedad), Josip Šutalo (Ajax), Josip Stanišić (Bayern Munich), Marin Pongračić (Fiorentina), Martin Erlić (Midtjylland), Luka Vušković (Hamburg)
Midfielders: Luka Modrić (AC Milan), Mateo Kovačić (Manchester City), Mario Pašalić (Atalanta), Nikola Vlašić (Torino), Luka Sučić (Real Sociedad), Martin Baturina (Como), Kristijan Jakić (Augsburg), Petar Sučić (Inter Milan), Nikola Moro (Bologna), Toni Fruk (Rijeka)
Forwards: Ivan Perišić (PSV Eindhoven), Andrej Kramarić (Hoffenheim), Ante Budimir (Osasuna), Marco Pašalić (Orlando City), Petar Musa (Dallas), Igor Matanović (Freiburg)
Manager: Zlatko Dalić
Ghana
The Black Stars reach a fifth World Cup, their second in succession after Qatar 2022. Carlos Queiroz, the 73-year-old Portuguese coach at his fifth successive finals as a manager, took charge after Otto Addo’s dismissal. Captain Jordan Ayew leads the side, with Mohammed Kudus ruled out through injury.
Goalkeepers: Benjamin Asare (Accra Hearts of Oak), Lawrence Ati-Zigi (St Gallen), Joseph Anang (St Patrick’s Athletic)
Defenders: Baba Abdul Rahman (PAOK), Gideon Mensah (Auxerre), Marvin Senaya (Auxerre), Alidu Seidu (Rennes), Abdul Mumin (Rayo Vallecano), Jerome Opoku (Istanbul Başakşehir), Jonas Adjetey (Wolfsburg), Kojo Oppong Peprah (Nice), Derrick Luckassen (Pafos)
Midfielders: Elisha Owusu (Auxerre), Thomas Partey (Villarreal), Kwasi Sibo (Real Oviedo), Augustine Boakye (Saint-Étienne), Caleb Yirenkyi (FC Nordsjælland), Abdul Fatawu Issahaku (Leicester City), Kamaldeen Sulemana (Atalanta)
Forwards: Jordan Ayew (Leicester City), Antoine Semenyo (Manchester City), Iñaki Williams (Athletic Bilbao), Ernest Nuamah (Lyon), Christopher Bonsu Baah (Al Qadsiah), Brandon Thomas-Asante (Coventry City), Prince Kwabena Adu (Viktoria Plzeň)
Manager: Carlos Queiroz
Panama
Panama arrive at their second FIFA World Cup, eight years after a chastening debut at Russia 2018. Thomas Christiansen continues to lead a squad blending seven 2018 veterans with the next generation. Captain Aníbal Godoy is the country’s record cap-holder at 36. Pumas UNAM playmaker Adalberto Carrasquilla provides the creative spark.
Goalkeepers: Luis Mejía (Club Nacional), Orlando Mosquera (Al-Fayha), César Samudio (CD Marathón)
Defenders: Eric Davis (CD Plaza Amador), Fidel Escobar (Saprissa), Michael Amir Murillo (Beşiktaş), Roderick Miller (Turan Tovuz), Andrés Andrade (LASK Linz), César Blackman (Slovan Bratislava), José Córdoba (Norwich City), Jiovany Ramos (Academia Puerto Cabello), Jorge Gutiérrez (Deportivo La Guaira), Edgardo Fariña (Pari Nizhny Novgorod)
Midfielders: Aníbal Godoy (San Diego FC), Alberto Quintero (CD Plaza Amador), Yoel Bárcenas (Mazatlán FC), Adalberto Carrasquilla (Pumas UNAM), José Luis Rodríguez (Juárez), Cristian Martínez (Hapoel Ironi Kiryat Shmona), César Yanis (Cobresal), Carlos Harvey (Minnesota United), Azarías Londoño (Universidad Católica de Chile)
Forwards: José Fajardo (Universidad Católica), Ismael Díaz (Club León), Cecilio Waterman (Universidad de Concepción), Tomás Rodríguez (Saprissa)
Manager: Thomas Christiansen
Read more – The 48-Team World Cup Explained: How 2026 Actually Works
Also see – Cristiano Ronaldo Set for Historic Sixth World Cup as Portugal Reveal 2026 Squad
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