With the 2026 FIFA World Cup just under two weeks away, the clock is ticking on one of the most important administrative deadlines of the entire tournament: the final squad submission date of Monday, June 1, 2026.

The June 1 Deadline

All 48 competing nations must submit their final player lists to FIFA by June 1, with squads officially announced on June 2. Each nation must name between 23 and 26 players, including three goalkeepers. Only players named in these squads will be eligible to participate in the tournament — making the next 48 hours one of the most consequential periods in each nation's World Cup preparation.

Injury Replacements

FIFA rules allow for player replacements in the event of serious injury or illness — but only up to 24 hours before a team's first match at the tournament. Replacement players must come from the provisional squad of 35 to 55 players that each nation submitted to FIFA by May 11. This means the injury replacement window, while available, is narrow and strictly controlled.

Who Is Still to Announce?

Several nations had not yet finalised their squad announcements as of May 30. With the deadline hours away, expect a flurry of official squad reveals across social media and national football association websites over the coming 24 hours. Among the most anticipated still-pending announcements are teams from Africa and Asia, where final selection battles have been particularly fierce.

The Biggest Selection Dilemmas

As coaches make their final cuts, several high-profile selection dilemmas remain unresolved. Brazil's decision to leave Rodrygo out has already been confirmed and debated extensively. England's exclusion of Foden and Palmer has shocked the football world. With the June 1 deadline now imminent, the last round of surprise inclusions and heartbreaking omissions will complete the picture ahead of the greatest show on earth.

The Road Ahead

Once squads are locked in on June 1, attention turns fully to the pitch. The 2026 FIFA World Cup opens on June 11 and runs through to the Grand Final at MetLife Stadium on July 19. Stay tuned to the Roseson Studios blog for daily squad news, match previews, and all the coverage you need as football's biggest event kicks into gear.