qualification high confidence

4 Days to Provisional Squad Deadline — France May 14, USA May 26; Messi Among 21 Confirmed in Argentina Plans

| World Cup 2026

With May 11 four days away — the FIFA deadline for all 48 nations to submit preliminary squad lists of up to 55 players — teams across the world are in final selection mode. Key confirmed announcements: France head coach Didier Deschamps will name his 26-player squad on May 14 in Paris; Kylian Mbappé and William Saliba are expected while Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitike (Achilles) is confirmed absent. Brazil's Carlo Ancelotti will announce the Seleção on May 18 in Rio de Janeiro; Rodrygo is confirmed out with an ACL tear, and Estevao (hamstring rehabilitation at Palmeiras) remains in serious doubt. Argentina's Lionel Messi is among 21 players Scaloni has reportedly confirmed in his plans — the preliminary list is due May 11 and the final squad June 1. USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino will reveal his 26-player roster at The Rooftop at Pier 17 in New York City on May 26, airing on FOX Sports — the last significant pre-tournament roster event for the host nation before the June 12 Group D opener vs. Paraguay at SoFi Stadium.

USMNT roster to be unveiled May 26 in NYC — 4 days to May 11 provisional squad deadline; Messi among 21 confirmed in Argentina's plans
USMNT roster to be unveiled May 26 in NYC — 4 days to May 11 provisional squad deadline; Messi among 21 confirmed in Argentina's plans — FOX Sports