FIFA Provisional Squad Deadline Arrives — All 48 Nations Must Submit 35–55 Player Lists Today; One Month to Kickoff

May 11, 2026 marks the official FIFA deadline for all 48 qualified nations to submit preliminary release lists of 35–55 players (including a minimum of four goalkeepers) to FIFA — the first formal competition milestone in the tournament structure. The lists are shared internally with clubs to trigger release obligations starting May 25, but FIFA does not publish them publicly. CNN published a '5 things to know with one month to go' feature today noting the tournament's defining storylines: Iran's participation is described as 'very likely' following the May 9 Mehdi Taj ultimatum; one World Cup Final seat listed on secondary markets above $11 million; the US travel ban affecting 39 nations (including four qualified teams: Haiti, Iran, Senegal, Ivory Coast); and Mexico host city Guadalajara's ongoing security concerns. Confirmed public squad announcement schedule following today's provisional deadline: Sweden (May 12), New Zealand (May 14), France (May 14 — Deschamps in Paris), Japan (May 15), Brazil (May 18 — Ancelotti in Rio), Germany (May 21), England (May 22 — Tuchel at Wembley press conference), USMNT (May 26 — live event at The Rooftop at Pier 17 NYC on FOX Sports). Final 26-man squads are due at FIFA between May 25 and June 1; all 48 squads published simultaneously on June 2. From today, the tournament opener at Estadio Azteca (Mexico vs. South Africa, Group A) is 31 days away.