Record‑breaking milestones and historic firsts
FIFA has officially published the final squad lists for the upcoming World Cup, confirming that all 48 participating nations have submitted their 23‑player rosters, bringing the total number of eligible players to 1,248.
The tournament is scheduled to run from 11 June to 19 July, spanning a month of competition that will showcase a wide age spectrum, with Scotland’s veteran goalkeeper Craig Gordon listed at 43 years and 162 days, while Mexico’s forward Gilberto Mora will be just 17 years and 240 days old on tournament start.
A striking feature of the rosters is the presence of 22 players under the age of 20, and seven athletes who will be 40 or older when the competition begins, underscoring the blend of youthful talent and seasoned experience.
Coaching longevity
Among the established stars, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Guillermo Ochoa are set to appear in their sixth World Cup, a record that highlights their longevity on the world stage.
Portugal’s coach Carlos Queiroz will be making his fifth consecutive appearance at the finals, a feat matched only by Bora Milutinovic, who coached five different nations across six tournaments.
Replacements for injured or ill players are permitted up to 24 hours before a team’s first match, subject to FIFA approval, and the complete lists are available on FIFA.com.