The 2026 World Cup expands to 48 teams, featuring debutants Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan. Argentina, France, Spain, and Brazil lead the favorites, while off-field politics and travel logistics add complexity.

All 48 nations have submitted their final 26-man squads for World Cup 2026, with Neymar’s shock inclusion for Brazil and a record 44 MLS players among key talking points.

David Alaba has been passed fit for the 2026 World Cup after a muscle scare, but Austria suffers a major blow as Christoph Baumgartner is ruled out with a thigh injury sustained in the pre-match warm-up.

Jordan unveils 26-man squad for first World Cup, led by Mousa Al-Tamari. Striker Yazan Al-Naimat misses out due to injury. Government postpones work start times so fans can watch.

Australia's 26-man World Cup squad blends veterans like Mathew Ryan and Harry Souttar with emerging talent. Drawn in Group D with USA, Turkey, and Paraguay, the Socceroos aim to build on their 2022 round of 16 run.

Luca Zidane, son of Zinedine, makes Algeria's 2026 World Cup squad alongside Riyad Mahrez. The goalkeeper recovers from a broken jaw as the Fennec Foxes prepare to face Argentina, Austria, and Jordan in Group J.

Lionel Messi, 38, is named to Argentina's 2026 World Cup squad, his record sixth appearance. He aims to lead his nation to consecutive titles, a feat last achieved in 1938.