The countdown to the 2026 World Cup is entering its final stage. With nine days to go until the opening match, FIFA has published the final lists of the 48 participating teams and provided some interesting facts about an edition that will be historic in every sense.
The expansion of the tournament, which will feature 48 teams for the first time, has led to unprecedented growth in all aspects. The event, which will take place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, will have a total of 104 matches and will bring together more teams, including 4 debutants (Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan), players, and fans than any previous edition.
Among the selected players are both established stars and a new generation that will make their debut at the highest level of football. Of the 1248 registered players, 357 have already played in at least one World Cup, while 891 will experience it for the first time. Among the most experienced are three who will make history by participating in their sixth tournament: Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Guillermo Ochoa.
With such a large number of athletes, one of the most striking topics is their ages. In this edition, there will be a difference of more than 25 years between the oldest player (Scottish goalkeeper Craig Gordon will arrive at the tournament at 43 years and 162 days) and the youngest (Mexican Gilberto Mora at just 17 years and 240 days).
In relation to the same topic, this World Cup will feature 22 players under 20 years old and another 7 who will be over 40 when the tournament begins. Additionally, 22 world champion footballers will compete again in a World Cup, 17 of whom are from the current champion (Argentina).
