FIFA approves 26-man squads for World Cup

FIFA has approved 26-man squads for this year’s World Cup in Qatar.

The move is in line with recent national competitions and is an expansion on the 23-man squads that had been used before the coronavirus pandemic.

FIFA also said up to 15 substitutes can be named for a game, meaning no player misses out – something England head coach Gareth Southgate had called for.

“I think everybody has to be available for all the games,” he said in April.

Southgate added: “If the squads are going to be bigger, then it needs to be a situation where everybody is able to change on a matchday.”

The deadline for all 32 countries competing to submit their final squads is 20 October – 30 days before the first game between Senegal and the Netherlands at the Al Thumama Stadium.

FIFA also said that no more than 26 people – up to 15 substitutes and 11 team officials, of which one must be the team doctor – will be allowed to sit on the bench. (BBC)