FIFA approves 26-man squads for 2022 World Cup

FIFA have confirmed that teams will be able to bring 26 players to the World Cup in Qatar later this year.

With the tournament set to take place in the winter, in the midst of most club competitions, the decision has been made to increase the size of squads to allow for more rotation and hopefully limit player injuries.

As a result, international managers can now call up a maximum of 26 players for the tournament.

Release lists – the provisional squad submitted to FIFA in the build-up to the competition – have also been increased from 35 players to 55.

Any player included in the eventual 26-man squad must also play their final club game by November 13. All major European leagues have already included a winter break which begins on that date.