Fifa implements new changes ahead of Qatar World Cup
Fifa has introduced a wide range of changes and will now accept a 26-man squad for this year’s World Cup in Qatar, an increase from the previous 23.
The move is in line with recent national competitions and is an expansion of the 23-man squads that had been used before the coronavirus pandemic.
Fifa also said up to 15 substitutes can be named for a game, meaning no player misses out – something England head coach Gareth Southgate had called for.
“I think everybody has to be available for all the games,” he said in April.
Southgate added: “If the squads are going to be bigger then it needs to be a situation where everybody is able to change on a matchday”.
The deadline for all 32 countries that will compete at the tournament to submit their final squads is 20th October – 30 days before the first game between Senegal and the Netherlands at the Al Thumama Stadium.
Fifa also said that no more than 26 people – up to 15 substitutes and 11 team officials, of which one must be the team doctor – will be allowed to sit on the bench.
